Boost and thicknessfor solos

[75lespaul]

So I've been using a Bad Cab Cougar 50 combo for gigs which sounds fantastic. Only thing is that it is a little bit thin on solos at my settings, and I also want to boost the solos a bit. When I use a box in front of the amp, I can get the tone I want it seems, but offers little to no boost no matter how much I turn up the box. When I put whatever box I'm using through the effects loop of the amp, WOW--all the boost I want. However, this would mean running two more long cords to be tripped over, stepped on, etc. Do I have any way around this? I use a Vox Tonelab for my effects but haven't had a chance to try a distortion box through that things effects loop, which would greatly decrease the length of the cords I would need to use as it is up front with me.

Anyone use a dirt or boost box through the effects loop of another effects unit like this with any success? Thanks everyone.

 

[Securb]

Re: Boost and thicknessfor solos

I have played around a bit with gain in the loop. To my ears it sounds sterile. I ran my Chandler Tube Driver in the loop of my JC120, it sounded very meh! Considering in front of the JC 120 it gives a remarkable Marshall tone.

 

[TwilightOdyssey]

Re: Boost and thicknessfor solos

A boost in the effects loop will give a HUGE boost. Definitely try it!

 

[Gtrjunior]

Re: Boost and thicknessfor solos

Afaik, there is mo way around running a boost in the loop with the extra cabling.
You’re having an issue in front of the amp with a boost because you’re out of headroom. The boost will only add gain at that point.
I’d suggest something like an MXR Micro Amp in the loop. Grab 2 planet waves classic series cables for about $20 each. It will only take a couple of extra minutes to set up.
I color code all of my connections so there’s really no thought process for setup.

 

[eclecticsynergy]

Re: Boost and thicknessfor solos

If you're running the amp relatively clean and getting most of your gain tone from the Vox, a boost in that pedal's loop should be able to give you what you need. I'm assuming the Vox loop is post-OD so you can work with your present tone as the source and depending on what you plug in there add more gain, or just volume, or change the tone too.

If you're getting most of your gain from the amp, that's the scenario Gtrjunior was addressing and adding a boost will make it more distorted but won't be able to give you much more volume. In that case, you're faced with running cables from and to the amp's loop.

PS: if you need thickness rather than just volume and don't need more OD, consider an EQ pedal for in your loop.

PPS: if the ToneLab has a MIDI out, the Source Audio compressor pedal can be remotely switched on/off via MIDI. It also has memory to give you different programmable EQ settings on tap. Don't know if you want to get that complicated, but MIDI switching would save you running signal from amp to pedalboard and back with the compressor staying back by your amp.

 

[Demanic]

Re: Boost and thicknessfor solos

Keeley Katana, in front. Turn it to five.

Sent from my Alcatel_5044C using Tapatalk

 

[VinceT]

Re: Boost and thicknessfor solos

It really depends on what gain level your preamp is running?


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[PFDarkside]

Re: Boost and thicknessfor solos

If your concern is just extra cables, you can build a snake out of various materials to gather all three cables together, breaking out at the Pedalboard and amp. If you color code the amp and board sides with the cables, setup is just a moment longer than a single run. That would give you the option to add effects in the loop too, like delay or reverb.

But yes, how much gain is from the amp and how much is from the Vox?

 

[Gtrjunior]

Re: Boost and thicknessfor solos

If your concern is just extra cables, you can build a snake out of various materials to gather all three cables together, breaking out at the Pedalboard and amp. If you color code the amp and board sides with the cables, setup is just a moment longer than a single run. That would give you the option to add effects in the loop too, like delay or reverb.

But yes, how much gain is from the amp and how much is from the Vox?

I use the pedal python:
http://www.pedalpython.com/

 

[PFDarkside]

Re: Boost and thicknessfor solos

I use the pedal python:
http://www.pedalpython.com/

Me too!

 

[chadd]

Re: Boost and thicknessfor solos

I've been using a pedal snake for a few years, and It's fantastic. I run wireless to my pedal board, then signal to my amp, two fx loops and pedal power to my board with a four channel snake. Six connections at the amp end and my whole rig is set up.
https://www.pedalsnake.com

 

[dystrust]

Re: Boost and thicknessfor solos

If you're running the amp relatively clean and getting most of your gain tone from the Vox, a boost in that pedal's loop should be able to give you what you need. I'm assuming the Vox loop is post-OD so you can work with your present tone as the source and depending on what you plug in there add more gain, or just volume, or change the tone too.

If you're getting most of your gain from the amp, that's the scenario Gtrjunior was addressing and adding a boost will make it more distorted but won't be able to give you much more volume. In that case, you're faced with running cables from and to the amp's loop.

PS: if you need thickness rather than just volume and don't need more OD, consider an EQ pedal for in your loop.

PPS: if the ToneLab has a MIDI out, the Source Audio compressor pedal can be remotely switched on/off via MIDI. It also has memory to give you different programmable EQ settings on tap. Don't know if you want to get that complicated, but MIDI switching would save you running signal from amp to pedalboard and back with the compressor staying back by your amp.

Just wanted to add that if the OP is getting their gain from the Tonelab in front of the amp, another good option would be a clean boost or EQ after the Tonelab but before the amp.

 

[Mincer]

Re: Boost and thicknessfor solos

If you are going to do the pedal route, I'd recommend the Pickup Booster or, if you want to add a bit of even EQ''d gain, a Forza.

 

[75lespaul]

Re: Boost and thicknessfor solos

I'm only using the Vox for effects, no od/distortion. That all comes from the amp. Got the gain usually at around 4 o'clock or so. I love the idea of color coding the cables. I did try the amp at home with a Boss GE7 in the loop and that's where I discovered I could get the volume boost. Haven't had a chance to give it a go at band volumes. So many good ideas in this thread, thank you bros. Gotta check out the pedal snake.

 

[IM4Tone]

Re: Boost and thicknessfor solos

I'm only using the Vox for effects, no od/distortion. That all comes from the amp.

Great spot-on advice given by all the previous posters. Since their posts and your latest comment, the issue is definitely one of too much pre-amp gain, which won't allow a volume increase. The only solution I know of (keeping with using the amp's gain adjustment) is putting your boost in the loop. A 'snake' is a very good device to speed up setup. I've never used a purchased 'snake' but will bundle my cables using velcro strips (1 ever 12 to 18 inches) and, marking both ends (color coding) for quick setup.

 

[contiContiCONTI]

Re: Boost and thicknessfor solos

Have you thought about going wireless maybe? I don't have any experience with these, but they seem to be getting quite popular now (at least on this side of the world). Could be an option to consider!

 

[80's_Metal]

Re: Boost and thicknessfor solos

In my last band all I did for solos was add a delay and an EQ to the effects loop. Leaving the pedals on top of the amp and just using the amp's footswitch to turn the effects loop on and off.

The EQ had it's own level on it and I just bumped it enough to make the solo stand out from the mix.

It was simple but worked very well.

 

[devastone]

Re: Boost and thicknessfor solos

I was going to suggest an EQ in the loop as well, sounds like what you are looking for. Of course, some delay is nice for solos too, so basically, what that 80's guy said.

 

[jeremy]

Re: Boost and thicknessfor solos

the fx loop isnt foot switchable on the cougar unfortunately. with the gain up that high, there is nothing you can put in front to get more volume so an eq in the loop is your best bet. cool amp

 

[75lespaul]

Re: Boost and thicknessfor solos

the fx loop isnt foot switchable on the cougar unfortunately. with the gain up that high, there is nothing you can put in front to get more volume so an eq in the loop is your best bet. cool amp

Yeah, Gearjoneser got me all revved up with his post when MF was blowing them out and I got a head and a combo, lol. I love them. At some point, after selling LOTS of stuff, I'd like to try a Helix. The LT would probably be fine as I don't use a lot of different tones and effects, and the thought of just using a little box at gigs and getting concert hall sound has a certain allure. With those prices though, I'll just have to keep breaking the back and lugging amps around. In the end, I think the whole color coded velcro cable thing is going to win out one weekend. You guys without a doubt are the best. Thank you!