Roadster volumes

[MusicManJP6]

I'll keep this question simple:

Should I run the channel volumes high and keep the master low, or vice versa for the best tone? Thanks.......

 

[CoG]

don't use that output thingy at all unless you have to use the fx loop.

otherwise, loop bypass ON.

To my ears, on my buddy's Roadster, it sounds a lot better.

 

[MusicManJP6]

I was actually referring to the master volume, not the effects loop send volume. I have the channel volumes somewhat low right now and I am cranking the master volume pretty good. Just wondering if it would be better to turn the channel volumes up more and keep the master volume down a bit...

I use some chorus and delay in the loop, otherwise it would be bypassed...

 

[CoG]

Sorry, I am assuming you mean the output knob when you say master, right? When you bypass the fx loop you bypass the output knob, too (page 10 in the manual.) I have found that it just 'sounds better', on all channels, all settings, when you bypass the output stage.

Anyway, though, if you need the fx loop you won't be doing that.

I'd suggest that if you're recording, though, just add the chorus and delay later and track without them or apply them at the tracking level and have it in headphones if you need to hear the fx for the part.

 

[alex1fly]

Right now for my two main overdriven gigging tones I have my Channel 4 Modern Master at 12 oclock and my Channel 1 Fat Master around 1 oclock (both boosted by a pedal) and I use the Output control to set the volume level for practice/shows. I use the Bold setting too; I bought a Mesa for massive driving crunch, not for spongy brown tone

It works well for me... without the Output control I can't get the level of saturation that I like without blowing my band and the crowd away; its just too loud for the small places I play in. I like how it sounds, its very huge, I'm sure it would sound better if I didn't use the Output and just cranked it but in my case its not feasible.

I would like to experiment with Spongy/Output control bypassed, but so far my best results for massive crunch at a reasonable band practice/small venue volume have come from what I outlined above. When I first got the amp I did the opposite, crank the Output control and keep the Masters down, but it didn't sound as good to my ears. I should go back and try experimenting with this again now that I've gotten to know the amp better.

 

[MusicManJP6]

Thanks, Alex. That sounds like what I need to do. I've got CH 4 master barely cracked! :shock: I'll crank the channel volumes on up and use the master for practice/gig level adjustment. I too like the bold setting! I flip back and forth sometimes though. Spongy is a little better for practicing at home...

May I ask why you boost Channels 1 and 4?

CoG, I see what you are saying! Unfortunately I rarely record anything anymore. But, if I do, I'll definitely give the headphones idea a try...

 

[domct203]

My Ch 4 Modern is at about 9:30-10:00, Ch 3 Vintage 11:00-11:30, Ch 2 Brit around 9:00-9:30 and Ch 1 Fat around 10:30-11:00.

I use my loop and have the MV around 10:00 for practice and 10:30 to 12:00 for gigs depending on the size of the room.

Works for me.

Dom

 

[MusicManJP6]

Thanks dudes! I'm getting my 1x12 3/4 back cab tomorrow and i'll be trying out some new settings, so i'll def try out your suggestions...

 

[alex1fly]

I like to use a boost with my overdriven tones because it sounds bigger and chunkier. I use lower output pickups (pearly gates) so I need the boost for the huge distortion... it just rounds out the tone and sounds a lot better than turning the gain up to my ears. I highly recommend using a boost pedal of some sort with a Roadster, for the earlier reason but you also effectively double the amount of accessible tones when you set up a pedal for clean/overdriven or in my Channel 4 case, overdriven rhythm/overdriven lead or when I'm trying to cop the thickness of two guitars (I'm the lone guitarist in my band)..

 

[MusicManJP6]

What boost pedal do you use with yours? I too am the 'lone guitarist' in my band...

 

[alex1fly]

Seymour Duncan Pickup Booster. Its just a clean boost, which is what a lot people use their 250 dollar overdrive pedals for. Tubescreamers and the like have a supposed mid boost, which you either like or you don't. I got my pedal pretty cheap, which is one reason why I use it, but I also leaned towards it because it is just a clean boost, no mid hump, and it doesn't suck tone.

 

[domct203]

The Radial PB-1 is nice as well, and built like the proverbial tank.

Dom

 

[MusicManJP6]

My Ch 4 Modern is at about 9:30-10:00, Ch 3 Vintage 11:00-11:30, Ch 2 Brit around 9:00-9:30 and Ch 1 Fat around 10:30-11:00.

I use my loop and have the MV around 10:00 for practice and 10:30 to 12:00 for gigs depending on the size of the room.

Works for me.

Dom

I've been messing with these settings with my new 3/4 back cab and they seem to be working out pretty well...