How important is having multiple channels to you?
- Thread starter BlueSky
- Start date
Empty Pockets
BadHairDayologist
Re: How important is having multiple channels to you?
i have two non-switchable channels with three knobs each. amplifies my signal to an audible level and sounds great no matter where those knobs are set. i don't really wanna complicate matters any further.
i have two non-switchable channels with three knobs each. amplifies my signal to an audible level and sounds great no matter where those knobs are set. i don't really wanna complicate matters any further.
Loserchief
SwingingIdiot
Re: How important is having multiple channels to you?
I absolutely need about 3-4 channels that are footswitchable. Can't live without it.
I absolutely need about 3-4 channels that are footswitchable. Can't live without it.
James Rock
New member
Re: How important is having multiple channels to you?
I haven't played many amps with two switchable channels (like clean or dirty) but I like amps with diffferent channels (like el 84 amps with a 12AX7 channel and an EF86 channel)
I haven't played many amps with two switchable channels (like clean or dirty) but I like amps with diffferent channels (like el 84 amps with a 12AX7 channel and an EF86 channel)
James Rock
New member
Re: How important is having multiple channels to you?
But i guess anyone needing high gain needs multiple channels cos there aren't really any amps above soldano's that have one extreme high gain channel is there?
But i guess anyone needing high gain needs multiple channels cos there aren't really any amps above soldano's that have one extreme high gain channel is there?
Re: How important is having multiple channels to you?
At the moment I'm considering buying a Peavey Classic 30 to replace my Blues Junior. I play a wide range of music, and using the BJr. means that I have to use pedals for all of my OD/Distortion sounds. (I have a Maxon OD-9 and a Visual Sound Jeckyll & Hyde, which is technically 3 pedals in 2.) Depending on the song, the tones I need range from clean to bluesy OD to mild distortion to mid-high gain distortion.
I'm having a hard time doing this with my current rig; I spend too much time turning pedals on and off and trying to remember which combination of pedals has the sound I want. An amp with both clean and dirty channels (I can live with the shared EQ) will give me more variety than the BJr. I can have clean and whatever level of distortion I want on the amp, and then just hook up one dirt pedal that can be added to either channel. (Possibly use the Hyde as an OD pedal, and the Jeckyll for a solo boost?)
Of course I realize that I would just be swapping an OD pedal for an amp's footswitch so I'd have the same number of buttons to stomp. But, I prefer amp distortion over pedal distortion (most of the time). And, a big reason is amp versatility; with a 2 channel amp I can grab it and go jam without having to carry along my pedalboard.
Many people like single channel amps so they can crank the amp and use their guitar's volume knob to get varying degrees of dirt. In theory that sounds perfect! My problem is that I'd want to have the same volume level for the clean tone as I would for the distorted tone and it doesn't work like that. If I only played one type of music it would work, but I need to go from Oldies to Modern Rock and I want to accomplish this without resorting to the use of a modeling multi-fx pedal.
Okay, I'm done yapping...
At the moment I'm considering buying a Peavey Classic 30 to replace my Blues Junior. I play a wide range of music, and using the BJr. means that I have to use pedals for all of my OD/Distortion sounds. (I have a Maxon OD-9 and a Visual Sound Jeckyll & Hyde, which is technically 3 pedals in 2.) Depending on the song, the tones I need range from clean to bluesy OD to mild distortion to mid-high gain distortion.
I'm having a hard time doing this with my current rig; I spend too much time turning pedals on and off and trying to remember which combination of pedals has the sound I want. An amp with both clean and dirty channels (I can live with the shared EQ) will give me more variety than the BJr. I can have clean and whatever level of distortion I want on the amp, and then just hook up one dirt pedal that can be added to either channel. (Possibly use the Hyde as an OD pedal, and the Jeckyll for a solo boost?)
Of course I realize that I would just be swapping an OD pedal for an amp's footswitch so I'd have the same number of buttons to stomp. But, I prefer amp distortion over pedal distortion (most of the time). And, a big reason is amp versatility; with a 2 channel amp I can grab it and go jam without having to carry along my pedalboard.
Many people like single channel amps so they can crank the amp and use their guitar's volume knob to get varying degrees of dirt. In theory that sounds perfect! My problem is that I'd want to have the same volume level for the clean tone as I would for the distorted tone and it doesn't work like that. If I only played one type of music it would work, but I need to go from Oldies to Modern Rock and I want to accomplish this without resorting to the use of a modeling multi-fx pedal.
Okay, I'm done yapping...
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BlueSky
New member
Rich_S
HomeGrownToneBrewologist
Re: How important is having multiple channels to you?
Many reasons.
Just don't like 'em. Too complicated. Often, they have one channel I like, and the other is "meh".
They tie you down too much into that "can't get my tone(s) unless I'm playing my amp" thing.
I prefer a good-sounding single-channel amp to get me in the ball park - a Marshall with a moderate level of grind for rock, a Fender for more rootsy or countryish stuff (like church) with just s bit of hair on it. Big room, use a big amp. Small room, take a small amp. Either way, the amp marks the center point of the gain/dirt range, then I get my variety from my hands, guitar, and pedalboard. If I need it cleaner, I roll back my guitar volume. For heavy overdrive, I use a stompbox.
I'd hate to get wedded to something like a JVM, and rely on all four channels, then have a small gig that only needs a Princeton. "I can't play a Princeton! It doesn't have my four channels!"
Also, I don't like the big step-changes in tone between channels: clean tone, press footswitch, WHAP! - dirty tone. Controlling overdrive levels with the guitar volume gives infinite shades in between, rather than just WHAP. Channel switchers are almost like a compositional tool for pop-numetal- just mark the footswitch verse/chorus. (Sorry, but I heard ''Superman" on my kid's clock radio this morning - that's a prime example of what I'm talking about.)
Many reasons.
Just don't like 'em. Too complicated. Often, they have one channel I like, and the other is "meh".
They tie you down too much into that "can't get my tone(s) unless I'm playing my amp" thing.
I prefer a good-sounding single-channel amp to get me in the ball park - a Marshall with a moderate level of grind for rock, a Fender for more rootsy or countryish stuff (like church) with just s bit of hair on it. Big room, use a big amp. Small room, take a small amp. Either way, the amp marks the center point of the gain/dirt range, then I get my variety from my hands, guitar, and pedalboard. If I need it cleaner, I roll back my guitar volume. For heavy overdrive, I use a stompbox.
I'd hate to get wedded to something like a JVM, and rely on all four channels, then have a small gig that only needs a Princeton. "I can't play a Princeton! It doesn't have my four channels!"
Also, I don't like the big step-changes in tone between channels: clean tone, press footswitch, WHAP! - dirty tone. Controlling overdrive levels with the guitar volume gives infinite shades in between, rather than just WHAP. Channel switchers are almost like a compositional tool for pop-numetal- just mark the footswitch verse/chorus. (Sorry, but I heard ''Superman" on my kid's clock radio this morning - that's a prime example of what I'm talking about.)
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thucydides
Guest
Re: How important is having multiple channels to you?
I don't require multiple channels, but it can be a nice feature for some material. If there are multiple channels, I prefer separate tone control for each channel. While some multiple channel amps work better than others when sharing EQ, I still feel like I'm coming up short tonewise w/o separate tone controls on a multiple channel amp. That is, you adjust the tone for one channel, and it doesn't quite work for the other channel.
I don't require multiple channels, but it can be a nice feature for some material. If there are multiple channels, I prefer separate tone control for each channel. While some multiple channel amps work better than others when sharing EQ, I still feel like I'm coming up short tonewise w/o separate tone controls on a multiple channel amp. That is, you adjust the tone for one channel, and it doesn't quite work for the other channel.
lex666
New member
Re: How important is having multiple channels to you?
I need at least 3 channels.
1 clean, 1 slightly dirty, and another for high gain and lead stuff.
I like using the amp distorion so a footswitch is a must. I don't really care for stomp box style overdrives. To me, a good amp should come with great sounding overdrive/gain channels.
I've been drooling over the JVM or the Mesa Roadster, mainly becuz of the tonal flexibility and switching options.
I need at least 3 channels.
1 clean, 1 slightly dirty, and another for high gain and lead stuff.
I like using the amp distorion so a footswitch is a must. I don't really care for stomp box style overdrives. To me, a good amp should come with great sounding overdrive/gain channels.
I've been drooling over the JVM or the Mesa Roadster, mainly becuz of the tonal flexibility and switching options.
Re: How important is having multiple channels to you?
I understand what Rich S is saying, but it won't work in my situation. (I wish I could afford to have a multiple amp set-up!)
If my guitar had hot pick-ups that could push the BJr. into a mild distortion I could get by with just the amp, one pedal, and the guitar's volume knob. But, I have a Fat Strat with a low-output humbucker and noiseless single coils; the most I can get from my amp is a bluesy OD-ish tone with the humbucker. The single coils always stay clean. I need a second channel to compensate for the low-output pick-ups.
As for the shared EQ, I don't need the "perfect" tone on each channel. Close enough is good enough for me!
I understand what Rich S is saying, but it won't work in my situation. (I wish I could afford to have a multiple amp set-up!)
If my guitar had hot pick-ups that could push the BJr. into a mild distortion I could get by with just the amp, one pedal, and the guitar's volume knob. But, I have a Fat Strat with a low-output humbucker and noiseless single coils; the most I can get from my amp is a bluesy OD-ish tone with the humbucker. The single coils always stay clean. I need a second channel to compensate for the low-output pick-ups.
As for the shared EQ, I don't need the "perfect" tone on each channel. Close enough is good enough for me!
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thucydides
Guest
Re: How important is having multiple channels to you?
You should have no problem then. I used to have a classic 50, and that was the case for that. I later had a Marshall JCM 900, w/shared EQ, and that was a bit better. Good luck!
You should have no problem then. I used to have a classic 50, and that was the case for that. I later had a Marshall JCM 900, w/shared EQ, and that was a bit better. Good luck!
Mr Wolf
New member
Re: How important is having multiple channels to you?
My Laney GH is a single channel amp and i have mainly been just going with that, although recently i have been making use of its footswitchable gain stage. First stage for a good crunch which i can easily clean up with the vol control. 2nd stage i have set reasonably heavy for when it is needed
My Laney GH is a single channel amp and i have mainly been just going with that, although recently i have been making use of its footswitchable gain stage. First stage for a good crunch which i can easily clean up with the vol control. 2nd stage i have set reasonably heavy for when it is needed
sosomething
Seymour Duncan Customer Support
Re: How important is having multiple channels to you?
I like having at least clean and dirty available from a footswitch. If one channel and an OD pedal will get me there, that's cool too.
Anything more than that is gravy, but I'll take it if the extra sounds are good sounds.
I like having at least clean and dirty available from a footswitch. If one channel and an OD pedal will get me there, that's cool too.
Anything more than that is gravy, but I'll take it if the extra sounds are good sounds.
reilly
New member
Re: How important is having multiple channels to you?
3 is the minimum for me (I would Love 4). I cant do with less than 3, I use a RANDALL RM100 3 channel tube head. i need a clean, dirty rhythm and a high gain lead, I want tonal options as a lead guitarist 1 or 2 is not enough. I also like a separate EQ for each channel so i can get the most out of each channel on an amp.
I like flexibility especially if the sound of my band or project changes i dont have to sell all my gear and buy new stuff. I can spend $199 or less and drop a new preamp in my head and im good to go. Its alot better than trying to sell my gear and spend another 2k on a new tube amp. Personally I think its silly to have a single channel amp, there is no versitillity it always sounds the same.
If you have an all metal high gain single channel amp you cant very well switch to say Alt rock or blues. Same with an all clean amp, but then you have to option of a stomp distortion pedal to place in front but IMO a stomp distortion pedal is never going to sound anywheres near as good as tube distortion.
Like i said i like options and versitility, im always trying to push my playing to the max and be a well rounded guitarist.
3 is the minimum for me (I would Love 4). I cant do with less than 3, I use a RANDALL RM100 3 channel tube head. i need a clean, dirty rhythm and a high gain lead, I want tonal options as a lead guitarist 1 or 2 is not enough. I also like a separate EQ for each channel so i can get the most out of each channel on an amp.
I like flexibility especially if the sound of my band or project changes i dont have to sell all my gear and buy new stuff. I can spend $199 or less and drop a new preamp in my head and im good to go. Its alot better than trying to sell my gear and spend another 2k on a new tube amp. Personally I think its silly to have a single channel amp, there is no versitillity it always sounds the same.
If you have an all metal high gain single channel amp you cant very well switch to say Alt rock or blues. Same with an all clean amp, but then you have to option of a stomp distortion pedal to place in front but IMO a stomp distortion pedal is never going to sound anywheres near as good as tube distortion.
Like i said i like options and versitility, im always trying to push my playing to the max and be a well rounded guitarist.