Wattage/Amp question: Running two of the same amp

[flank]

ok.....so i have found that i really the tone of those old 20 watt ampeg combo amps of the 60s......but they just don't have quite enough volume for me, using only 1x12

so, if i were to buy 2 of the same one, and run my guitar into both of them at the same time......could i produce that tone with more volume?......i know this won't double the volume (i dont want that anyway, they are still pretty loud) but, having 2x12s working, and 2 power amps, that will produce more sound some way or another. right?

thanks for any insight

 

[aleclee]

Re: Wattage/Amp question: Running two of the same amp

In theory, it'll give you 3dB more volume. You'll definitely get better projection but 3dB isn't exactly going to be a huge difference. To be honest, you can probably do better than 3dB just by replacing the speaker(s) or running an extension cab.

A lot of perceived volume is actually just transient response--it's more about how the amp reacts when your pick hits the strings than what it's doing while a note is sustaining. A lower-power amp isn't going to have great transient response 'cause it runs out of juice when it gets slammed with initial attack.

 

[CapoFirstFret]

Re: Wattage/Amp question: Running two of the same amp

you'll have more air movement, and that's almost as important. It's the reason that a 50 watt amp through a 4x12 can have more perceived volume than a 50 watt amp through a 1x12 amp. There is definitely something to be said for more speaker area. You'll have a higher perceived volume, and that may be enough for you!

 

[benjaturner]

Re: Wattage/Amp question: Running two of the same amp

I as thinking about doing just this. I'm in the market for a new amp and most of the specs that appeal are only available in 1x12 configurations. I was thinking about whether it was worth while with the x2 volume = 3dB rule. But the advantages are just volume orientated. Potentially you've got a wealth of sounds without having to mess around with your settings pre-gig, (I've done this a few times and swore never again)

Do many people run a clean amp at the same time as running an overdriven one? Isn't that the basis of a lot of Voodoo Labs pedals?

Thanks,
Benja

 

[Gearjoneser]

Re: Wattage/Amp question: Running two of the same amp

I think it's better to run two different amps at the same time, with a slightly different gain and EQ on each, so the stereo spread covers all the frequencies. Then, you have more sustain under your fingers from the gainier amp, and more bold note articulation with the cleaner amp. It sounds huge.

One thing I've done that sounds incredible is to have a channel switching amp next to a single channel amp with it's gain set in between the clean and gain channel of the other amp. When you're on 'clean', you'll have the clean channel of amp A with the midgain of amp B. When you switch to the gain channel, you'll have the gain channel of amp A with the midgain of amp B.
It makes things sound bigger when you've got a midgain amp running in stereo with a channel switching rig. Even if it's just a 1-12 combo sitting next to your halfstack.