Using a pedal as a preamp

[TRex]

I have been kinda GAS-ING for some nice Fender/Mesa cleans lately. Not enough to get a new amp per say, but I think I found a cheap way to get my current amp to get 95% there.

Current amp: Jet City JCA2212C

What if I ran a Joyo California sound (Tech 21 California clone) into the effects return of my Jet city? Would I get a good Mesa/Fender-like clean sound?

Also, is it normal when I plug into the return directly, the niether volume knobs effect the volume at all? It's always like it's at around 5.

[TRex]

Re: Using a pedal as a preamp

I guess worst case I'm out $30 or can use it for direct recording or PA use.

Any thoughts though? Experiences?

[IMENATOR]

Re: Using a pedal as a preamp

The thing with connecting into power amp section is you are skiping the character and EQ of the amps' preamp so you gotta be sure the pedal has enough EQ tweak capabilities, specially if the vendor describes it as something to be in the front of the amp. I would think similar statement can be made about a drive pedal into a PA for live usage.

My short experience so far with preamps in pedal format is with an AMT SS-20 into an ISP Stealth power amp then to into Fender Hot Rod Deluxe iii extension cab. Clean enough to me. If you need only the cleans (the SS-20 has crunch and lead) then you can check the AMT F1, the demos sound amazing good clean and some users have told me it is very close to a fender clean. The cool thing about the F1 is you can make it work with your amp's preamp and switch between fender clean and your amps overdrive/distortion channels, thing of it as adding a good clean channel to a nice dirty-only amp, here a video demonstrating.

Edit: And the F1 pedal has also an FX loop so you can keep using 1 single existing pedalboard with either the F1 or your amp's channels.

[IMENATOR]

Re: Using a pedal as a preamp

Another one, really nice cleans.

[ehdwuld]

Re: Using a pedal as a preamp

I have the British and American Joyo pedals
and I think you should try it
I find the American pedal does a nice imitation of a clean Fender
plenty of knobs and like you said only $30

I run mine into a powered PA speaker

may not be good for a purist
but if you were at a gig in a tight spot
you could get thru with it

[TRex]

Re: Using a pedal as a preamp

I have the British and American Joyo pedals
and I think you should try it
I find the American pedal does a nice imitation of a clean Fender
plenty of knobs and like you said only $30

I run mine into a powered PA speaker

may not be good for a purist
but if you were at a gig in a tight spot
you could get thru with it

Thanks! I know the American can do cleans well for sure, but the California has gain and the ability to get in the deal rectifier style of play, making it a bit more versatile.

The American was the one that brought these to my attention.

The thing with connecting into power amp section is you are skiping the character and EQ of the amps' preamp so you gotta be sure the pedal has enough EQ tweak capabilities, specially if the vendor describes it as something to be in the front of the amp. I would think similar statement can be made about a drive pedal into a PA for live usage.

My short experience so far with preamps in pedal format is with an AMT SS-20 into an ISP Stealth power amp then to into Fender Hot Rod Deluxe iii extension cab. Clean enough to me. If you need only the cleans (the SS-20 has crunch and lead) then you can check the AMT F1, the demos sound amazing good clean and some users have told me it is very close to a fender clean. The cool thing about the F1 is you can make it work with your amp's preamp and switch between fender clean and your amps overdrive/distortion channels, thing of it as adding a good clean channel to a nice dirty-only amp, here a video demonstrating.


Edit: And the F1 pedal has also an FX loop so you can keep using 1 single existing pedalboard with either the F1 or your amp's channels.

The pedal is more of an amp simulator. It's main use according to most is for direct out or use with a PA. The Tone controls are pretty expansive and has a variety of settings, much like an amp.

Another one, really nice cleans.

Man, those are some pretty nice cleans. Just a bit pricey for me. ($160)

[IM4Tone]

Re: Using a pedal as a preamp

Both the California (Mesa emulator) and American Sound (Fender emulator) can be used either in front of the amp, direct into a PA, or using just the power section of the amp. They have tremendous flexibility w/ EQ, Drive, Volume, and Character. The amp should be set neutral for best results. They can run the gamut from clean to very dirty in a clean amp. I can't speak to the clean character of the Jet City's power section since those amps are noted for lots of distortion, but it may be coming from the preamp.

[TRex]

Re: Using a pedal as a preamp

The gain is from the preamp ime.

Plugged in the return of the effects loop gives a very clean sound. Even with a Tube screamer set to a "clean boost" it won't break up a whole lot.

[IM4Tone]

Re: Using a pedal as a preamp

The gain is from the preamp ime.

Plugged in the return of the effects loop gives a very clean sound. Even with a Tube screamer set to a "clean boost" it won't break up a whole lot.

Then you should like, very much, either one depending on your preference toward Mesa or Fender (Blackface clean to gnarly Tweed). I also used to own a British Sound (Marshall), but gave it to a friend who loves the Marshall sound (which it does well). But I have very a strong preference for Fender. I may get the AC Tone (Vox) to try next.
These pedals are a great value!

[devastone]

Re: Using a pedal as a preamp

Yes, that will work, and you could A/B between the Jet City preamp and the pedal preamp for your clean tone. But, as you noticed, the fx loop is after the Master Volumes, so you are feeding the signal straight to the power amp so the volume on the pedal will be the MV for the clean tone.

It's also easy to modify the crunch channels on those amps to be clean, I did it to a one of the 50W heads because I needed a clean tone.

[TRex]

Re: Using a pedal as a preamp

Yes, that will work, and you could A/B between the Jet City preamp and the pedal preamp for your clean tone. But, as you noticed, the fx loop is after the Master Volumes, so you are feeding the signal straight to the power amp so the volume on the pedal will be the MV for the clean tone.

It's also easy to modify the crunch channels on those amps to be clean, I did it to a one of the 50W heads because I needed a clean tone.

Just out of curiosity, what did you do to clean it up?

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[devastone]

Re: Using a pedal as a preamp

IIRC, it was the SLO Clean/Crunch mod on this page, I used a 68k resistor instead of a 39K, worked great.

http://www.harmonycentral.com/forum/forum/guitar/acapella-28/1376418-

[TRex]

Re: Using a pedal as a preamp

IIRC, it was the SLO Clean/Crunch mod on this page, I used a 68k resistor instead of a 39K, worked great.

http://www.harmonycentral.com/forum/...la-28/1376418-

Cool, thanks.

Thanks guys for your help

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