Suffering Heath
56 posts
Apr 28, 2014
6:35 AM
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Hi folks -
I have a few gigs coming up (small to medium sized Brew Pubs) and I want to use BOTH my VHT Special 6 and my Kalamazoo Model II concurrently, with an ABY Switcher.
Can you please advise me how you might set this up?
My Kalamazoo has a line out, so I’ll want to line out (with a Direct Box) to the PA so I can get a little extra power.
So, how would I best arrange these pieces (what’s the chain order)?
• VHT Amp
• Kalamazoo Amp (with line out)
• ABY Switch
• Direct Box
• RP350 Effects Pedal
• SM57 Microphone
Finally, how would you position the two amps on stage?
Thanks, all!
Heath
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http://www.reverbnation.com/thebluesprofessors
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Greg Heumann
2691 posts
Apr 28, 2014
8:44 AM
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Here's what makes most sense to me:
Mic-->RP350-->ABY box
ABY Box A output-->VHT mic input
ABY Box B output-->Kalamazoo input 1
Kalamazoo line out -->Direct Box-->PA
Not sure what other choice you'd have.
As for placement - it is very important to make sure the amps' speakers are in phase with each other. The easiest way to do this is to take a 1 1/2V battery, and connect it to the input of each amp. With a bright light, observe the direction the speaker cone moves when you make the connection. It will either jump forward or back. If the other amp's speaker moves in the SAME direction the amps are in phase. If it moves the opposite, they are NOT and if they are placed near each other you will lose bass response. (You'll lose it regardless if they're out of phase but you will lose less if you place them far apart.) If they're in phase I'd keep them close together unless there are reasons specific to the room that would keep some of the audience from hearing you.
Also -just like with your stereo at home, if they're in phase the sound will "appear" to come from a point between the speakers. If they're out of phase the sound will be less located and appear to be coming from each.
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***************************************************
/Greg
BlowsMeAway Productions
See my Customer Mics album on Facebook
BlueState - my band
Bluestate on iTunes
Last Edited by Greg Heumann on Apr 28, 2014 8:52 AM
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REM
262 posts
Apr 28, 2014
2:03 PM
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Just out of curiosity, if the speakers are out of phase, is there a way to make them in phase?
Last Edited by REM on Apr 28, 2014 2:29 PM
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Suffering Heath
58 posts
May 05, 2014
10:14 AM
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Been running tests this week in advance of a gig this Saturday.
I bought a RADIAL BIGSHOT ABY box, used, from Guitar Center ($39). Is has switches that correct out-of-phase speakers. The box works the way it should. I get good tone from both amps.
The setup:
A 1965 Kalamazoo and a VHT Special 6.
The Kalamazoo has a 12AY in the preamp stage, and the VHT has a 5751.
I THINK I like it, but I was surprised to notice that when I run both amps at the same time, they are much quieter. I will be using the line-out from the Zoo into the PA, and will Mic the VHT. I’ll keep them apart, I think.
So, we’ll see. I’m just doing the “duo” thing, so I have control of the sound (it’s my guitarist’s PA) and I don’t have to worry about a drummer.
Ever onward,
Heath
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http://www.reverbnation.com/thebluesprofessors
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Greg Heumann
2704 posts
May 05, 2014
5:17 PM
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The amps shouldn't be quieter - UNLESS you're using a crystal mic - in which case paralleling the two inputs has dropped the impedance into the tonesuck zone. You can try putting a pedal between the mic and the ABY box, which regenerates the signal - like a delay pedal - and just keep the effect very low. (It has to be on though, not in bypass mode.) That way the mic will only "see" the input impedance of the pedal, and the pedal should have plenty of drive for both amps. You don't want a low drive level into those amps - they won't sound nearly as good. BTW - there is no need for a 12AY instead of the 12AX in your Kalamazoo. IF you still have the original 12AX7, I'd put it back in there. You should be able to get volume to 6 or 7 without feedback.
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***************************************************
/Greg
BlowsMeAway Productions
See my Customer Mics album on Facebook
BlueState - my band
Bluestate on iTunes
Last Edited by Greg Heumann on May 05, 2014 5:17 PM
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1847
1760 posts
May 05, 2014
8:02 PM
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a 12 ax7 in a harp amp?
you hear that elizabeth?
i coming to join ya
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i get a lot of request when i play my harmonica
"but i play it anyway"
Last Edited by 1847 on May 05, 2014 8:02 PM
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Greg Heumann
2707 posts
May 05, 2014
8:24 PM
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Hi, 1847 - I know you're probably aghast that I would suggest such a thing - but the Kalamazoo is a gently biased, single preamp tube amp. The 12AX7 sounds great in it and leaves plenty of "throttle pedal travel". 3-tube preamps tend to be much more gainy.
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***************************************************
/Greg
BlowsMeAway Productions
See my Customer Mics album on Facebook
BlueState - my band
Bluestate on iTunes
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1847
1761 posts
May 05, 2014
8:32 PM
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in case you are interested
there is one on ebay dead mint tremelo and reverb
the highest bidder was $200.00
it did not meet the reserve
surely it will be re-listed
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i get a lot of request when i play my harmonica
"but i play it anyway"
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Barley Nectar
383 posts
May 05, 2014
9:03 PM
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OK, back to phasing. Greg you said to connect a 1.5V battery to the amp input and check speaker travel for samness. So, you are simply bumping a battery at a guitar cable? Positive to tip? I have checked many speakers for polarity, directly with a worn 9V battery. Never tried it at the input jack. Makes sense as most gain stages flip the polarity. You would need to roll back the amp volume knob to keep from blowing something. Do I have this right? Cool stuff...Goose
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1847
1762 posts
May 05, 2014
9:04 PM
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wouldn't the delay pedal negate the need for an a b box?
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i get a lot of request when i play my harmonica
"but i play it anyway"
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Barley Nectar
384 posts
May 05, 2014
9:08 PM
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1847, Most of my amps are running 12AX7 in V1. Even the big amps. I do use gain reduction on a few but never go below a 12AY7. Usually run 5751 when I find that the amp is a little harsh. I want cut and punch that seams to get lost with low gain tubes. JMO...G
Last Edited by Barley Nectar on May 05, 2014 9:12 PM
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Barley Nectar
385 posts
May 05, 2014
9:15 PM
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AB box will give you the choice of which amp is in use. Most delay pedals will not do this,
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