Using two preamps into a shared power amp

[Jack_TriPpEr]

Looking into doing the multi preamp and common power amp set-up. Is there a line selector on the market where I can remotely toggle btw Preamp 1's output to the power amp being the active connection OR Preamp 2's output to the power amp being the active connection, *w/o* having to run those 1/4" outputs multiple feet out to my pedal board where the switcher sits, and then one long 1/4" cable run back to the power amp? I don't want to do that because of signal degradation from those long cable runs. But that is the only scheme I see available when looking at existing switcher units on the market. The only alternate scheme i have seen so far is the Voodoo Labs Ground Control Pro and GC Audio Switcher, but it is complete overkill budget wise and functionality wise for this simple A/B need. I am hoping to find something that works like the Voodoo but on a much smaller scale, where the switching unit sits near the preamps and power amps, and the switch itself is just a separate, remote, a/b switch like an amp - channel switcher. It's almost like the existing AB and ABY switchers on the market should have an "external control" input jack. Maybe there is one like this already?

[EDIT]: the scenario above is based on my (perhaps false) assumption that placing an a/b switcher in front of the two preamps would not work. My concern in that regard is that the preamp that does not have the guitar signal feeding in, is still actively sending to the power amp, and so I worry about added noise or even worse, that blank signal obscuring the output from the active preamp. Please educate me if I have a misunderstanding about that.

 

[El Dunco]

Re: Using two preamps into a shared power amp

I take it these are pedal preamps? You could get a Loop Master clean/dirty looper which lets you a/b between two loops (with short patch cables) with one button and there's even an extra to have them in tandem if you wanted to. You would only need to run one cable to the power amp.

http://www.loop-master.com/cleandirty-effects-switcher-horizontal-layout-p-264.html

 

[Jack_TriPpEr]

Re: Using two preamps into a shared power amp

I take it these are pedal preamps? You could get a Loop Master clean/dirty looper which lets you a/b between two loops (with short patch cables) with one button and there's even an extra to have them in tandem if you wanted to. You would only need to run one cable to the power amp.

http://www.loop-master.com/cleandirty-effects-switcher-horizontal-layout-p-264.html

No - one of the preamps will be a traditional rack-type preamp, not just a pedal on the floor in front of me.

 

[El Dunco]

Re: Using two preamps into a shared power amp

You can buy preamp loopers as well. Your preamps connect with the patch cables in the same manner and a footswitch goes to your pedalboard. I can't remember who makes them but I'll see if I can find it.

 

[Jack_TriPpEr]

Re: Using two preamps into a shared power amp

See original post for added explanation under [Edit]

 

[El Dunco]

Re: Using two preamps into a shared power amp

A/Bs are different to loopers. Instead of switching between two 1/4" outputs, it switches between two loops.

 

[Top-L]

Re: Using two preamps into a shared power amp

Low-impedance signal (from preamp) does not degrade in tone from a long cable run like high-Z (guitar). I think you will get more tone degradadation from running the signal through whatever A/D D/A conversion you have on your board and FX. If something on your board can switch, then just use that. Should not hear any signal loss with cable runs < 25'.

 

[El Supremo]

Re: Using two preamps into a shared power amp

I used to use a Rocktron Replifex to do that. Just connected the preamps to left and right inputs, used a program to pan them hard left and right into a stereo poweramp.

 

[DrNewcenstein]

Re: Using two preamps into a shared power amp

What are the two preamps, and is it essential to run both at once?

I mean, I fully understand the appeal of such a thing - I've got 2 ADA MP-1s, a Digitech GSP1101, 2 GSP-21 Legends, a Line6 AM-4, and a Bass POD that I like to run in various simultaneous combinations for recording. I run them all into a Line Mixer and then into my DAW, and switching between the various combinations is handled by a SoundSculpture Switchblade 8.

It's a hassle-saver when recording, for sure, but I couldn't see using that rig live unless I was in a band that was schizophrenic and played for an audience that was equally so.

 

[Jack_TriPpEr]

Re: Using two preamps into a shared power amp

What are the two preamps, and is it essential to run both at once?

I mean, I fully understand the appeal of such a thing - I've got 2 ADA MP-1s, a Digitech GSP1101, 2 GSP-21 Legends, a Line6 AM-4, and a Bass POD that I like to run in various simultaneous combinations for recording. I run them all into a Line Mixer and then into my DAW, and switching between the various combinations is handled by a SoundSculpture Switchblade 8.

It's a hassle-saver when recording, for sure, but I couldn't see using that rig live unless I was in a band that was schizophrenic and played for an audience that was equally so.

I am not intending to run the two amps simultaneously. Sorry for the confusion - I am having a tough time trying to express this question correctly. I am trying to ask what are some switching units on the used market that will allow me to switch which of the two preamps is actively sending to the common power amp. And, one (i.e. switching unit) that does not require me to run the guitar signal from both preamp "outs" multi-feet to the switch itself which is sitting on my pedal board. Top-L replied above that my concern of signal degradation in such a scheme is actually not a concern, but still, running those lines seems like a poor set-up logistically if it can be avoided.

 

[Jack_TriPpEr]

Re: Using two preamps into a shared power amp

Low-impedance signal (from preamp) does not degrade in tone from a long cable run like high-Z (guitar). I think you will get more tone degradadation from running the signal through whatever A/D D/A conversion you have on your board and FX. If something on your board can switch, then just use that. Should not hear any signal loss with cable runs < 25'.

Thanks, good to hear. But having to run the cables out many feet and then back to the poweramp seems like a trip-hazard and at risk to having one jack accidentally getting yanked out by a mis-step, especially in a gigging situation, that I'd like to avoid.

 

[Jack_TriPpEr]

Re: Using two preamps into a shared power amp

What are the two preamps, and is it essential to run both at once?

I mean, I fully understand the appeal of such a thing - I've got 2 ADA MP-1s, a Digitech GSP1101, 2 GSP-21 Legends, a Line6 AM-4, and a Bass POD that I like to run in various simultaneous combinations for recording. I run them all into a Line Mixer and then into my DAW, and switching between the various combinations is handled by a .SoundSculpture Switchblade 8
It's a hassle-saver when recording, for sure, but I couldn't see using that rig live unless I was in a band that was schizophrenic and played for an audience that was equally so.

[EDit] ok, I missed it earlier. You're using a SoundSculpture Switchblade 8 as a switching unit. I'm not familiar with that. Let me look up the specs on it - thanks!

 

[Jack_TriPpEr]

Re: Using two preamps into a shared power amp

Ok, the Sound Sculpture Switchblade 8 is cool but more than I need and beyond my budget.... but their ABCadabra switcher seems like a match. And under $200. Unit can sit near the two preamps and poweramp, so the cable runs are short. And the unit can be controlled remotely by MIDI. Anyone know of anything else like this I should consider? I guess even more ideal (from a cost perspective) would be one where instead of MIDI, the remote switcher is just a simple switch like a remote channel switching footswitch on an amp.

 

[DrNewcenstein]

Re: Using two preamps into a shared power amp

Thanks, good to hear. But having to run the cables out many feet and then back to the poweramp seems like a trip-hazard and at risk to having one jack accidentally getting yanked out by a mis-step, especially in a gigging situation, that I'd like to avoid.

If you're going to be on a stage large enough for you to walk around and thus trip over your cables, you might want to look at duct tape to secure your cable runs.

If it's a concern where the audience can get in the band area to "feel the power" and mosh on stage, I suggest a foot in their chest to remind them that the stage is for the band only.

I played in a band for years with a 50-foot guitar cable and didn't have any trouble with accidental cable trips or rips.
Of course, I also stood on about 40 feet of it in a pile under my feet.

 

[Jack_TriPpEr]

Re: Using two preamps into a shared power amp

If you're going to be on a stage large enough for you to walk around and thus trip over your cables, you might want to look at duct tape to secure your cable runs.

If it's a concern where the audience can get in the band area to "feel the power" and mosh on stage, I suggest a foot in their chest to remind them that the stage is for the band only.

I played in a band for years with a 50-foot guitar cable and didn't have any trouble with accidental cable trips or rips.
Of course, I also stood on about 40 feet of it in a pile under my feet.

Haha! good tips, thanks