Bill/Cliffy: Great tone test - thanks for posting! I really enjoy the thoroughness of your videos, how you play multiple mics and multiple amp settings.
I was just jamming with a guitar player buddy with my 'Zoo Model 1 last night. Used a JT30 with vintage crystal with volume at 5, tone at 4, which are pretty much my favorite settings with this mic/amp combo. Also, I was using a Kinder AFB+ with transparent settings, which is not really necessary with volume at 5, but I didn't even want to think about the possibility of feedback and so used the Kinder box. I have a Squeal Killer too and use that sometimes.
Hi Harpoon, thanks so much. I started making these videos because I rarely get to use an amplifier when I'm not gigging. This was a way for me to start to learn how to set my amps' volume/tone controls really well and not have to do it under the pressures ure of a gig setting (where I can't fool around with it too much). Now that my wife has started going to the gym again, I have some time at home where I can blast away.
I also wanted to start filming my playing the amps because sometimes, I think the tone might sound wimpy and on the recording it sounds much better. Other times, I think it sounds just right and all the recording way too dirty and distorted.
Are you good at dialing in the Kinder AFB? I don't know what I am doing. To be honest, I prefer amps with only two knobs! Do you have a good method for getting the settings right on the Kinder? I always wanted to make a video on it, but I have to get good at it first.
I'm satisfied with the results I get dialing in the Kinder AFB. Here's what I do (per advice I got from Dennis Gruenling):
1. Set the middle (calibrate) nob. Do this step with the amp turned all the way down (you can do this with the amp turned up, and it won't hurt anything also if you prefer). You want this knob set such that the blue light turns on only when you hit a note hard with the mic cupped. Getting this setting right should help make the pedal more transparent.
2. Set the AFB knob to your preference. To my ears, this knob reduces high-frequency feedback and also includes somewhat of a noise gate. Clockwise increases the effect; counterclockwise decreases it.
3. Set the UB knob to your preference. This knob seems to reduce the mid-bass frequencies and gives you a more focused, articulate tone. Clockwise increases the effect; counterclockwise decreases it.
A good starting point for dialing it in is to set all the knobs at the 12 o'clock position and adjust from there. It's easy once you get used to it.
5 of us jamed in a basement recently, no drums. I took my Zoo Model 2. I rarely play this little amp. The thing sounded pretty awesome with a CR and Arion SAD-1 delay.
Last Edited by Barley Nectar on Mar 31, 2017 11:45 PM
