Why does my amp sound better with master volume cranked...

[SoCalSteve]

I thought cranking the channel volume drove the preamp for better sound, but my amp sounds much better with master volume on 10 and using the gain and channel volume to adjust volume. Still trying to figure out this tube stuff....

 

[proxy]

Re: Why does my amp sound better with master volume cranked...

You are getting power amp distortion which comes from when you crank the power tubes. Master volume is how you push your power tubes.

 

[Vasshu the humanoid typhoon]

Re: Why does my amp sound better with master volume cranked...

That is because you drive you output tubes more, that makes the sound become more full and fat.
Most amps will sound best with the master at full, well if the filtering is any good!

 

[JumpMarine]

Re: Why does my amp sound better with master volume cranked...

I feel stupid, I always thought that it was just the opposite.....

 

[Gearjoneser]

Re: Why does my amp sound better with master volume cranked...

That's why some people refer to preamp gain as "buzzy." If you crank the gain up to 10 and the master to 3, you won't get as fat a tone as having the gain at 6 and the volume at 6.

 

[TwilightOdyssey]

Re: Why does my amp sound better with master volume cranked...

That's why some people refer to preamp gain as "buzzy." If you crank the gain up to 10 and the master to 3, you won't get as fat a tone as having the gain at 6 and the volume at 6.

Very true, but with a 100W half stack, you WILL go deaf w/out earplugs, nor will anyone be able to hear themselves over your amp. Gain on 10, Volume on 3 is a good work-around, tho, and with a decent amp, will still work.

 

[Norman_T]

Re: Why does my amp sound better with master volume cranked...

Welcome to the world of valves (tubes) and the creamy sustain as start to be used as it was meant to be used. Once you have done so and experienced it, there is no turning back you will be hooked!! You will soon find that some of the pedals you have will get used less - oh and if you are going to carry on blasting away get some ear plugs!

 

[59paul]

Re: Why does my amp sound better with master volume cranked...

Will someone please tell me what this thread was about??? I couldn't hear a word that was said LOL

 

[yes-fan]

Re: Why does my amp sound better with master volume cranked...

thats why i keap my 60-marshall at my drummers house. i never use it at home because i never nead to. it sounds like crap at low volume. it only sounds good when its LOUD.

 

[SoCalSteve]

Re: Why does my amp sound better with master volume cranked...

Welcome to the world of valves (tubes) and the creamy sustain as start to be used as it was meant to be used. Once you have done so and experienced it, there is no turning back you will be hooked!! You will soon find that some of the pedals you have will get used less - oh and if you are going to carry on blasting away get some ear plugs!

You are so right! My Toneworks Multi-effects has been collecting dust since I got my valve amp. I'm loving the pure tone of wood, pups and amp.

 

[xerxes]

Re: Why does my amp sound better with master volume cranked...

even though there are some amps which sound thick and crunchy as hell on low low volumes...

 

[some_dude]

Re: Why does my amp sound better with master volume cranked...

I'm running a Mesa, which most people say is based on preamp gain vice power amp gain.

But, when I turn up the power amp, it hits this sweet spot where the guitar strings suddenly turn to liquid electricity. That thick and creamy power amp distortion is where it's all at. (that, and overdriving a Mesa power section get's rid of that gain 10 volume 3 nu-metal sound).

 

[Stevo]

Re: Why does my amp sound better with master volume cranked...

Once you discover power tube saturation.. you'll never be satisfied with any other.. mwahahaha

 

[StratTom]

Re: Why does my amp sound better with master volume cranked...

Ok I'm a bit confused on something that maybe someone can clear up.

For example...amps like the Mesa recto's have gain, channel volume and a master volume. Which one pushes the power tubes, the channel volume or the overall master volume?

 

[McLaughysSN]

Re: Why does my amp sound better with master volume cranked...

Ok I'm a bit confused on something that maybe someone can clear up.

For example...amps like the Mesa recto's have gain, channel volume and a master volume. Which one pushes the power tubes, the channel volume or the overall master volume?

master

 

[Thames]

Re: Why does my amp sound better with master volume cranked...

hehe... funny ! I was running my Laney GH50L with MV on 3 and preamp (labeled Drive) on 3 too, for a fairly decent clean tone. I use the add. gain stage as a volume boost for solos, and use my DirectDrive continuously.

So last week, I decided to set the MV higher, at 7, and lower the Drive (preamp volume) at 1-2. Same volume, much more balls, less buzz, and damn! my DirectDrive sounds better than ever !! Thick but clear, really amazing. Now thinking of buying an attenuator (read: weber mass).

 

[CsaRvoX]

Re: Why does my amp sound better with master volume cranked...

you are right everyone...when I get my fender twin reverb I also realize the power of tubes and the exact use of master volume!Actually right now I never use the preamp volume...it stays at minimum 2-3 and master cranked at 7-10...sweeeeet and saturated fat cleans ))...I plug my Line 6 DM-4 for the OD work cause twin reverb does not have one...eventually DM-4 sounds great with master volume cranked...it just gets the feel of integrated preamp with enhanced dynamics and tone feel thanks to the power tubes...I used to have Marshall VS-100 and like it but now I'm totally in a different league...the feel & quality of power tube sound is matchless compared to valvestate and/or transistor amps...tubes all the way.......

 

[JumpMarine]

Re: Why does my amp sound better with master volume cranked...

I just tried this on my JCM 600 and holy crap, what a difference in tone! Fuller, not buzzy. Everything sounded better.

 

[some_dude]

Re: Why does my amp sound better with master volume cranked...

Ok I'm a bit confused on something that maybe someone can clear up.

For example...amps like the Mesa recto's have gain, channel volume and a master volume. Which one pushes the power tubes, the channel volume or the overall master volume?

Master (Output knob on Recto's, not sure about the other Mesas)

The channel volume is used to ballance the volume so there's no or little change in volume when switching channels.

Gain rocks, but I generally keep mine under 13:00 and put the output up past 15:30 or higher.

For the ultimate in anti nu-metal, dime the output on the clean channel with the clean channel volume up just past half and whatever you want for gain. It's instant 70's mojo.

 

[SoCalSteve]

Re: Why does my amp sound better with master volume cranked...

Thanks for the feedback. I can't believe what an amazing sounding difference there is in cranking the master volume instead of the channel volume. I love tubes!