marcus2 Posted June 21, 2005 Posted June 21, 2005 Folks,I have a 50 watt tube combo that I'd lke to be able to play at more modest volumes.I know that there are power soaks, but could I accomplish the same thing with a volume pedal through the effects loop? Or is this probelmatic to the amp or pedal?Thanks for any wisdom.Marc
seeker Posted June 21, 2005 Posted June 21, 2005 A Power Soak/Hot Plate/Airbrake is between the power amp output and the speakers. You get a reduction in volume but the amp is still working just as hard (and conceivably the tone that comes with that).The effects loop is before the power amp. 50 watts into ANY effect I know would start a little fire. You might as well use the volume knob(s).
tafkathundernotes Posted June 21, 2005 Posted June 21, 2005 There isn't 50 watts output from any effects loop. Only at the speaker out. The level at the effects loop is much higher than you'd get out of your pickups, however, so you need to use some caution in how you'd do that.It wouldn't be a problem for the amp, but it could damage the pedal. A good power brake will give you the full range of sound from the amp, but at lower volumes.What kind of amp is it?
marcus2 Posted June 21, 2005 Author Posted June 21, 2005 It's a Carvin Legacy Combo (previously much maligned on this board, but I still like it).I had the suspicion that the volume pedal wouldn't do the trick, but thought I'd check.What I'm curious about is why a volume pedal may get damaged in the effects loop when the loop is specifically designed fro FX?Marc
Guest teefus2 Posted June 21, 2005 Posted June 21, 2005 i don't know what brand amp you are using but paul rivera has recommended the old volume pedal throught the fx loop for years. the vp in the fx loop will change the gain level to though depending on the amp design.
DavidE Posted June 21, 2005 Posted June 21, 2005 It's a Carvin Legacy Combo (previously much maligned on this board, but I still like it).I had the suspicion that the volume pedal wouldn't do the trick, but thought I'd check.What I'm curious about is why a volume pedal may get damaged in the effects loop when the loop is specifically designed fro FX?Marc It won't.It would just sound different than using a power attenuator. Might work fine for you and is a cheaper and safer option that's worth trying.
Guest teefus2 Posted June 21, 2005 Posted June 21, 2005 It's a Carvin Legacy Combo (previously much maligned on this board, but I still like it).I had the suspicion that the volume pedal wouldn't do the trick, but thought I'd check.What I'm curious about is why a volume pedal may get damaged in the effects loop when the loop is specifically designed fro FX?Marc It won't.It would just sound different than using a power attenuator. Might work fine for you and is a cheaper and safer option that's worth trying. yeah, i can't imagine how the pedal would be damaged. is it a passive loop? it should work either way but might change the way you set it up.
tafkathundernotes Posted June 21, 2005 Posted June 21, 2005 I have a Carvin Nomad 1x12 tweed amp that sounds great. I have some mods that I did to it which improved the sound considerably. Frankly, Carvin amps have better construction than a Peavey in that price range. It doesn't mean that they can't be tweaked into being a great amp.Lemme know if I can help you out with some mod ideas.
Gabe Posted June 21, 2005 Posted June 21, 2005 A Power Soak/Hot Plate/Airbrake is between the power amp output and the speakers. You get a reduction in volume but the amp is still working just as hard (and conceivably the tone that comes with that).The effects loop is before the power amp. 50 watts into ANY effect I know would start a little fire. You might as well use the volume knob(s). I think what seeker means is that you should not put a volume pedal (or any effect) between the power amp and the speakers (so in the speaker out). As he says 50 Watts int a pedal would start a fire A volume pedal in the effects look will be possible and that won't ignite the pedal. Gabe
Hamer95USA Posted June 21, 2005 Posted June 21, 2005 Hey Marcus2, Check out the THD Hot Plate. Connect it between your amp output and speakers. It will allow you to attenuate your volume on your tube amp to a decent level while the amp works hard to creating the tone you want. You can order them in different impedance values. Good luck!! Guitar George
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