MOST harp amps do not have a post-pre-amp volume control (Master Volume). But the input volume control and the guitar's volume control are analogous to our amp's volume control and (if you have one) microphone volume control, respectively.
Most microphones have more output than a guitar pickup - so it is easier to overdrive the preamp. Turning your mic's volume control down can lower that signal - so there is no distortion UNLESS you overdrive the mic through cupping. This also allows us to turn up the amp's volume control, and ultimately overdrive the power amp section. Just be aware of the tradeoffs. In that configuration if you turn the mic up too far you will be in the feedback zone, and turning the mic's volume control too far down will begin to hurt its tone.
"MOST harp amps do not have a post-pre-amp volume control (Master Volume). But the input volume control and the guitar's volume control are analogous to our amp's volume control and (if you have one) microphone volume control, respectively."
My tube amp has a gain knob and a volume knob. If I get it right, in order to overdrive the power tubes I need to put the volume on 10, an the gain at minimun right?
That makes sense to me because that the setting that I like the most, but maybe I am wrong.
@roganzab- not certain which is labeled 'gain' on your amp, but it's usually the preamp - and the preamp gain is almost always on the left as you face the amp, closest to the input jacks.
For max pre amp overdrive you've got it backwards- you need the pre amp volume up and the master volume down. Your output volume will be the sum of both . The hotter you get the preamp signal the more It will distort - at lower volumes than distortion you can get with the power tubes.
If I get it right, your advice is for overdrive the preamp. I am doing the opposite because I want to overdrive the power tube, because that sound "better" (according to the video) (Or do I mess up?)
I really want to try this info in my amp for real. It has a power attenuator, and I only use it in 0.1W mode (Out of 5W) and is loud in my room. I am really curious about how the amp would sound to his maximum capacity.
Sorry - I misread your post. You still have to feed the power tubes a fairly hot signal though, If you turn your preamp gain way down, that probably will prevent driving them to distortion. If you have a big amp - one with two 6l6's , that will mean playing at very loud volumes. Good on stage, but not so good in a pracitce room.
If you have a smaller amp - and that's one of the reasons they are popular now, - you can 'dime' it without future hearing loss. ----------
Last Edited by on Sep 11, 2012 3:47 PM
fwiw, i found this article very helpful in understanding how to use the controls on my amp. my vt-30 has gain, volume, master, and an attenuator, so there're lots of stages to play with.
Well yeah if you like you can set the master for as loud as you want it to get, to limit the volume, and turn up the gain until you get the degree of breakup you want. So you can play soft and clean and if you play a bit louder (or tweak your VC on mic) you get the breakup. The character of the sound will probably be a bit different as you will be getting more distortion from preamp at low volumes rather than from the output stage at high volume. But that's an approach you can take. Of course the mic/source also is a big contributor, but trying to just speak of the amp here. And feedback of course. I don't want to talk about that. Have to get something done today! ----------
yes i am on Van Diemen's Land, but i dont know that name..i was talking to a guy online once who was a harp player from tas or spent time here, now living in New Zee Land. used to play in a mob that did the blues brothers thing. i remember that band...back in the 80s i think..used to pack 'em in... ----------
Last Edited by on Sep 12, 2012 8:02 AM
