Does anyone else find...

[Shang Chi 66]

...that they much prefer the sound of their amp running it in hard by-pass?

I sure do, cause unless somethings wrong with my amp, (or I'm not setting it up well), mine sounds alot better, (more focused sounding than anything else), with the loop bypassed

With loop engaged, I set the 2/3rd channel volumes at about 11:00 (o'clock), and then run the overall output anywhere from noon and higher

Am I doing something wrong settings wise with the loop engaged, cause I can't get it to sounding the same?

Or is the diff I'm hearing with the bypass activated just the way it is, and it's simply not possible to get the amp with loop engaged to sound the same?

I don't use any effects at all by the way, I'd just like to be able to use the master (output) sometimes for convenience sake on stage to tweak overall volume...and of course, to be able to utilize the solo boost feature.

Any tips at all guys? Thanks so much!

 

[MusicManJP6]

From manual:

The MARK V handles outboard processing by providing an on-board patch point between the preamp and power section. This loop is wired such that the dry signal is in series with the effected (wet) signal. The circuit also incorporates a SEND LEVEL control allowing you to fine tune the output of the preamp circuit to match the input sensitivity of your processor (or first processor in a rack system). The EFFECTS LOOP circuitry can be completely removed from the signal path with the HARD BYPASS/LOOP ACTIVE mini toggle. This removes all associated loop circuitry from the chain and ensures the purest signal path and maximum sonic performance when outboard processing is not being used. The SEND and RETURN jacks incorporate switching elements so that you may use the LOOP ACTIVE selection and activate the Front Panel OUTPUT and SOLO controls with nothing connected to the Loop.

NOTE: The Front Panel OUTPUT and SOLO controls are both part of the Loop and therefore active only when the Effects Loop is engaged. They are both part of the Return stage and will remain inactive as long as the loop bypass mini toggle is set to HARD BYPASS.

 

[Shang Chi 66]

Duh, duh, and D'OH on my part!

Thanks for your post Musicman.

I've went back and "re-read" my manual, and have a better understanding on it now after reading the sec you posted!

To my ear, there is certainly a difference with the loop circuitry out of the signal path, and I prefer it that way...hopefully, with more tweaking, I can get the loop active mode sounding more to my liking, cause being able to adjust your amps volume with one knob is a Godsend on stage.

Thanks again

 

[SteveO]

It's even more of a Godsend in an apartment!

 

[Shang Chi 66]

It's even more of a Godsend in an apartment!

Absolutely Steve, there also!

 

[phyrexia]

there is an additional tube in the circuit when the loop is on. when it is bypassed, you do not hear it.

also the fx loop reversed the polarity of the amp's output.

 

[Shang Chi 66]

there is an additional tube in the circuit when the loop is on. when it is bypassed, you do not hear it.

also the fx loop reversed the polarity of the amp's output.

So that's the technical aspect of what I'm hearing?

I had'nt a clue, thanks man!

Can you tell me which position that particular tube is, and if I were to swap it out for something else, might it make a noticeable diff in tone with the loop activated (or no)?

 

[MusicManJP6]

So that's the technical aspect of what I'm hearing?

I had'nt a clue, thanks man!

Can you tell me which position that particular tube is, and if I were to swap it out for something else, might it make a noticeable diff in tone with the loop activated (or no)?

From tube task chart in manual:

V1A-- Input Stage
V1B-- 2nd Gain stage CH1/CH3, 3rd Gain Stage CH2
V2A-- 2nd Gain Stage CH2
V2B-- n/a
V3A-- 3rd Gain Stage CH1/CH3, 4th Gain Stage CH2
V3B-- 4th Gain Stage CH1
V4A-- Reverb Send
V4B-- 2nd Drive stage CH3
V5A-- 1st Drive stage CH3
V5B-- Reverb return
V6A-- 4th Gain stage CH3
V6B-- Effects return stage
V7A&B-- Driver/Phase inverter

 

[Heritage Softail]

I was talking to Doug at Dougs Tubes and was told these tube changes would increase the gain an sensitivity of my MKV. I can see the V1 on the chart but not the PI. What do you think that one is?

"Jan GE 5751 works great in V1 and the Jan Phillips 12AT7's work great for the PI"

Just looking to get a little more of a Road King riff tone without messing up the sweet Mark lead tones.

 

[madryan]

I was talking to Doug at Dougs Tubes and was told these tube changes would increase the gain an sensitivity of my MKV. I can see the V1 on the chart but not the PI. What do you think that one is?

"Jan GE 5751 works great in V1 and the Jan Phillips 12AT7's work great for the PI"

Just looking to get a little more of a Road King riff tone without messing up the sweet Mark lead tones.

The PI is V7 IIRC. It's the last one in the line.