Newbie Tube Amp-Speaker question

[Numbercrunche]

I am looking at adding a Boss GT-1000 to my gear collection which means the effects in my Katana 50 are likely to go unused. To me this means I can upgrade to a better (tube) amp and use the GT-1000 to created the FX I want.

I don't know much about tube amps but have looked into the Orange Rocker 32, Marshall DSL40(c) and Fender Hot Rod Deluxe IV. On the back panel, it looks like at least the Marshall requires external speakers to be connected PRIOR to using the amplifier. So clearly I am clueless here as I can't see a reason to want to connect a speaker when I expect the amplifier to provide the sound. I understand tube amps are sensitive and can blow easily if not used properly, but from a sound perspective, why would I want to connect external speakers to the amplifier when the amplifier has it's own speaker?

Maybe I should stick to solid state but I would definitely like a better amplifier to go with this FX pedal board.

Thanks.

NC

Edit: I think the website is showing a photo of the DSL40C but the description is for the DSL40 which has no cabinet which means no speaker. I should beta test websites as I find mistakes like this all the time.

 

[Blille]

Newbie Tube Amp-Speaker question

There are two main formats:
1) head and cabinet - here the amp (head) and the speaker (in the cabinet) are separated
2) combo - here both are together (like the orange rocker 32)

With tube amps if you don’t have a speaker connected you can damage the head. That’s why they put that disclaimer. So you should not turn on a tube head unless it’s connected to a speaker.

Combos already have the internal speaker connected so there’s nothing to worry about. I think all the ones you were looking at are combos.

Makes sense?

 

[Numbercrunche]

Re: Newbie Tube Amp-Speaker question

Thank you. That is what I had figured.

I'll head back to GC tomorrow to take another look at the Marshall and Fender as they are both 12" speaker units.

I prefer the pricier Orange but the model I am looking at is a 2 x 10" as opposed to a single 12". The parameters manual for the GT-1000 has settings for either 1X12 or 2X12 amps and in both cases a setting for either a return on input. I don't know if the 2x10 of the Orange would interfere with this or not.

Thanks or the reply.

NC

 

[PFDarkside]

Re: Newbie Tube Amp-Speaker question

The Orange has a stereo return which is pretty cool and super rare.

You are seeing additional speaker outputs that you can use in addition to your internal speaker or in replacement of your internal speaker.

Get the amp that sounds the best without any effects. If you are relying on the modeling and stuff of the the Boss you may as well feed it into a solid state amp.

 

[Gtrjunior]

Newbie Tube Amp-Speaker question

In the gt-1000 the speaker configurations you’re seeing (2x12 or 1 x 12 etc) refer to how the unit will simulate what type of speaker setup you want to hear.
You don’t need to set it up to what speaker configuration you physically have.

I’d recommend turning the speaker simulator off and just run the unit into the fx loop and use the amps gain/distortion sounds.

 

[Numbercrunche]

Re: Newbie Tube Amp-Speaker question

Thanks again.


NC

 

[ehdwuld]

Re: Newbie Tube Amp-Speaker question

when I upgraded from my SS Laney GC80A to My Tube Carvin Belair I expected a massive tone improvement
but thats not what happened

when the Belair was cranked up it sounds great
but so does the Laney

that may be the what your case will be

 

[Numbercrunche]

Re: Newbie Tube Amp-Speaker question

Yeah it is always a crap shoot buying new gear and whether reality will meet expectations. That is why I was so thrilled with the Katana 50. It cost only about $200 and provides a lot of bang for the buck.

I do hope the GT-1000 has an amp setting for "none" so I can get the tube sound I want from whichever tube amp I buy. Worst case I can return the GT-1000 and just buy a few pedals but that is kind of taking a step back; at least technologically speaking.

NC

 

[Empty Pockets]

Re: Newbie Tube Amp-Speaker question

You want the Orange. It's easy to dial in and it's stereo FX loop will let you maximize your Boss pedal. I own an older Rocker 30 and it competes tonally with other amps I have worth three times as much. If I used more effects I'd get a Rocker 32 without blinking.

 

[Old Guy]

Re: Newbie Tube Amp-Speaker question

Yeah it is always a crap shoot buying new gear and whether reality will meet expectations. That is why I was so thrilled with the Katana 50. It cost only about $200 and provides a lot of bang for the buck.

I do hope the GT-1000 has an amp setting for "none" so I can get the tube sound I want from whichever tube amp I buy. Worst case I can return the GT-1000 and just buy a few pedals but that is kind of taking a step back; at least technologically speaking.

NC

It is likely that the settings within the GT-1000 for the speakers are only active when you plug in without any amp directly into a digital interface or into your computer to record.

If you are using it only for the effects, you can use either an effects loop within the amp, or plug your guitar directly into the unit and then the unit into the front end of your amp.

I would highly recommend review the user's manual for the GT-1000 to check for sure before you make any investments in gear.

 

[IM4Tone]

Re: Newbie Tube Amp-Speaker question

Yeah it is always a crap shoot buying new gear and whether reality will meet expectations. That is why I was so thrilled with the Katana 50. It cost only about $200 and provides a lot of bang for the buck.

I do hope the GT-1000 has an amp setting for "none" so I can get the tube sound I want from whichever tube amp I buy. Worst case I can return the GT-1000 and just buy a few pedals but that is kind of taking a step back; at least technologically speaking.

NC

Actually, I wouldn't consider that 'taking a step back'. I've never cared much for multi-functional pedals.....'a few choice pedals' always gives me preferred tones. JMHO

 

[Gtrjunior]

Re: Newbie Tube Amp-Speaker question

Actually, I wouldn't consider that 'taking a step back'. I've never cared much for multi-functional pedals.....'a few choice pedals' always gives me preferred tones. JMHO

I agree. Over the years I’ve had a few multi fx units...I much prefer pedals.

 

[Jacew]

Re: Newbie Tube Amp-Speaker question

Actually, I wouldn't consider that 'taking a step back'. I've never cared much for multi-functional pedals.....'a few choice pedals' always gives me preferred tones. JMHO

Indeed. I thought it huge step forward when I moved from modeling and multi fx to pedals and a tube amp.

 

[PFDarkside]

Re: Newbie Tube Amp-Speaker question

I also agree from an overdrive/distortion/fuzz/boost standpoint. It’s snobby, but give me a tube amp and two old school analog drive pedals any day over a multieffects. Multieffects are great for Reverb, Delay, Modulation, etc.

 

[Gtrjunior]

Re: Newbie Tube Amp-Speaker question

I also agree from an overdrive/distortion/fuzz/boost standpoint. It’s snobby, but give me a tube amp and two old school analog drive pedals any day over a multieffects. Multieffects are great for Reverb, Delay, Modulation, etc.

My thoughts exactly

 

[PierceOkken]

Re: Newbie Tube Amp-Speaker question

You want the Orange. It's easy to dial in and it's stereo FX loop will let you maximize your Boss pedal. I own an older Rocker 30 and it competes tonally with other amps I have worth three times as much. If I used more effects I'd get a Rocker 32 without blinking.

Amen. The rocker 32 is an AC30 with more class, (and more orange). Best purchase I ever made. The Natural channel is a no brainer for pedals. No real interference with the pedal board, it just amplifies the signal from that. The gain chanel is like the child of a rockerverb and a tiny terror. It has that sparkle and drive, and it can get really crunchy.