Master & Output effect on Power Tubes / tone

[FunkyMonkey]

Hi,

Someone posted a similar post to this in the Modern Amps category and got no response, but I thought it was better suited to this section.

I'm using a 2007 LSC 212 and don't get much opportunity to practice at volume for long periods so that I can experiment with the effect of the Master and Output controls (with the loop engaged). The manual suggests its just really to get the levels of the two channels matched or where you want them, but I think there is more to it.

Can anyone explain the effect/relationship and whether I am right or wrong. Does the Master up push the power tubes harder and the Output just act as an attenuator, ie not really effect tone just volume?

I'm trying to get full strat modern clapton blues tones, without using tons of gain!

Any advice greatly received.

Regards,

Duncs

 

[redhouse]

Master Volume = PreAmp Tubes

Output = Power Tubes

 

[FunkyMonkey]

But the Output control is after the Power Tubes, so does power tube saturation come from setting the channel masters high. And more importantly, what does this saturation give you?

Sounds dumb i know, but I see the term a lot, but cannot figure out what it means!!!!

D

 

[domct203]

But the Output control is after the Power Tubes.....

Actually, your Output control is after the FX loop return, before your power tubes. The only thing after your power tubes are the speaker jacks (and OT). The Output (and Solo) are the last volume control before the signal hits the power section. The only way to introduce power amp distortion is to crank the amp. That what power attenuators (THD Hotplate) are made for. They become a psuedo volume control after the power tubes.

Think of the channel masters as not just a way to get all the channels the same volume, but also as a compensation for the gain. If you like alot of preamp overdrive (distortion) then run the gain high and the channel master low. Need a powerful clean sound? Run the channel master full on and use the gain as a volume control. Looking for the best of both? Run both around 12:00. The sweet spot on my Roadster (Vintage) is around 1:30-2:00 on the gain and 11:30 on the channel master, Output around 11:00ish (definatly not the blues :twisted: ). It's somewhat loud, but you can hear & feel the powertubes start to clip and smooth out at that volume.

Dom

 

[fishyfishfish]

Try ch2 with drive on 1:00, Gain @ 2:00, Treble on 3:00 mid 10:00 Bass 9:00, Presence 12:00, Master 10:00, Output 11:00. Use your volume knob on your guitar to control the volume. Yes it will be a little loud, but I think you will like it

 

[FunkyMonkey]

Thanks all for the input and for the explanation on the Output control - for some reason I thought it was later - makes a lot more sense now. Will give some of those settings a try though may need to use 10W mode

Duncs