Yamaha THR Series Amp Question

[mc2]

I read a few of the reviews on the various models of these and the "Con" that is listed says that you can ot run these to an external speaker cab. I see the USB output on the back to run the amp into a computer to record.

Could you use a USB-to-1/4" adapter to run the amp output into a speaker cab?

Or would that just feed a low signal into a cab?

What is you fed that USB out into a powered speaker cab?

Wondering if anyone here has experience with the THR amps? Just trying to see if there is a workaround to use one to gig with, like the old Gallien Krueger small amps.

[tbonesullivan]

Can't run it into an external cab? It has a USB output, and a headphone jack, so I don't see why that would be possible. Most likely, the headphone jack is a better option. It will not, however, DRIVE an external cabinet. You would need some kind of amplification system, most likely PA style with full range speakers.

Also the headphone output is stereo, so you would need to combine the signal, or possibly run it through a stereo setup.

I would think of it as mainly being a modeller which happens to have built-in speakers. It is a great little amp though. Very versatile, easy to dial in. Sure my Zoom G2 also sounds great but setting up the presets is a PITA.

[ArnieZ]

I had the classic version for about 1 week. Did not think it sounded that good as a stand alone. Returned it for a Superchamp xd. Much better for what I wanted

[HAMERMAN]

There is ahead version now but I assume that would be missing the point. :-)

http://usa.yamaha.com/products/musical-instruments/guitars-basses/amps/thrh/thr100hd/?mode=model

[velorush]

Yep, tbone answered your question about a speaker.

Otherwise, I've been satisfied with mine (for what it is). It really becomes a different animal with the computer editor. I was kind of 'meh' about mine until I got it hooked up and began to explore the much larger variety (and better quality) of sounds available.

I only wish the presets were tweakable without the editor once saved, but I suppose that would have added an additional layer of programming and therefore cost.

[tbonesullivan]

well, the issue with the presets being tweakable is that the knobs aren't motorized, so how would you be able to tell where they were in the preset?

My sansamp programmable has a flashing light that flashes faster as you get close to where the preset was, and stops blinking when you have it dialed in, but the THR doesn't have that.

that head version is NUTS. It's got two channels, but also a modelling output section, footswitch, etc. It's basically a THR made for live use.

However, it just has reverb, none of the fun effects from the THR10.

[velorush]

well, the issue with the presets being tweakable is that the knobs aren't motorized, so how would you be able to tell where they were in the preset?

Not sure why they'd have to be motorized. The TC Nova Modulator uses soft knobs and has an led that lets you know when you're at the program origin point for each parameter.

The THR ditches the entire program if you so much as touch a knob, but it's fine so long as you're plugged up to the editor.

[mc2]

Thanks. I figured you could run it to a powered speaker and just use it as a modeling pre-amp.....but

Most every review of the THR's state you cannot run it to a speaker cab.

I just wanted to make sure Yamaha didn't engineer in something odd that blocked you from doing that, to force you into

buying a future version with a speaker cab.

Didn't realize there was also now a head version...thx

[SSII x 2]

For sure you could run it into a small mixer and from there do pretty much anything

you wanted...

[tbonesullivan]

See, I don't get why reviews would dwell on that. Do any of the small modelers like the roland cube 15, 10GX, and others, do not have the ability to drive an external cab. The THR "desktop" amps were pretty much designed for that use, and home recording. 10 watts isn't gonna do much in a live setting, no matter what kind of cabinet you run it to.

[tomteriffic]

This might be piling on a little but the USB port is spitting out digital ones and zeros. The only way to get a USB to 1/4" adapter to work is to have a DAC (digital to analog convertor) in between the two. Even then, you'll need some sort of amplification before it hits the speaker.

See, I don't get why reviews would dwell on that. Do any of the small modelers like the roland cube 15, 10GX, and others, do not have the ability to drive an external cab. The THR "desktop" amps were pretty much designed for that use, and home recording. 10 watts isn't gonna do much in a live setting, no matter what kind of cabinet you run it to.

You might be surprised. I got a surprising amount of loud out of a little Smokey amp into a 4 x 10 once. Sure, you probably aren't going to be able to hang with an aggressive drummer, but into something that's highly efficient (like most Eminences), you'd get pretty close.

[filtre_]

I have a THR 10C and use it only at home as a practice amp.
I bought it because I needed a small and quiet amp to avoid issues with the neighbours that looks good in the living room.

The build-in speakers or the headphone jack are ok for that purpose.

It also has a line-in which is cool if you want to play to a background track.

USB output is for connecting it to a computer, e.g. for recording.
However, I mainly use the USB cable to install my own sound presets on it.

If you crank it fully up, it can still annoy the neighbours but the strength of the amp in my opinion is when you play it a lower volumes.

[killerteddybear]

There is ahead version now but I assume that would be missing the point. :-)

http://usa.yamaha.com/products/musical-instruments/guitars-basses/amps/thrh/thr100hd/?mode=model

I get a giggle out of the demo video for that amp - the tagline at the end is 'Don't emulate - create'.

A bit ironic when you're selling a modeling amp...

[jaberwock]

I've had my THR 10C for over a year, and use it regularly for coffee shop gigs; it's surprisingly loud, and keeps up with percussion with out any problem, if more volume is required I mic one of the speakers and run it through the PA, or preferably bring a bigger amp

Some of the models, particularly the "Fender Twin"can sound pretty uninspiring at low volumes, but really come to life when it's running at near full output.

Overall I'm still very impressed..........the battery power is a huge plus for beach/ camping jams.

Jaberwock

[tbonesullivan]

What kind of batteries do you use in it? I have been thinking about getting some rechargeable NiMH batteries, but I'm not sure how they would work.

I thought about the C version, but I wanted maximum versatility.

[jaberwock]

What kind of batteries do you use in it? I have been thinking about getting some rechargeable NiMH batteries, but I'm not sure how they would work.

I thought about the C version, but I wanted maximum versatility.

I use 2500 mAh rechargeable batteries, running at medium to high volume I get between five to six hours use; at low volume, i.e. home practice, closer to seven.

Jaberwock

[tbonesullivan]

I use 2500 mAh rechargeable batteries, running at medium to high volume I get between five to six hours use; at low volume, i.e. home practice, closer to seven.

Jaberwock

Sweet! What brand do you recommend? Most of the rechargable batteries that I have are Sanyo Eneloops. I use them in remote controls, my digital camera, and flashlights.

[burningyen]

I get a giggle out of the demo video for that amp - the tagline at the end is 'Don't emulate - create'.

A bit ironic when you're selling a modeling amp...

The thinking is that the THR100HD lets you mix and match different preamps/tonestacks/power tubes to create your own imaginary amp models. So yes, it is modeling amp components, and you can use it to basically model existing amps like an AC30. But you can also use it to design an amp that has no real-life equivalent.

[burningyen]

Yet another option along the same lines:

https://www.positivegrid.com/bias-head/

[Nathan of Brainfertilizer Fame]

Yet another option along the same lines:

https://www.positivegrid.com/bias-head/

Looks like it is following in the footsteps of (and going further than?) the Kemper profiling amp?

But not available yet. Still, I'm thinking about trying out the desktop version...

[tbonesullivan]

The kemper profiler is insane. I've watched demos, and it's just like... why? I guess some people want to be able to tweak the hell out of everything. I'm still not sure how it just plugs into an amp and "profiles" it, but it can.

[burningyen]

No doubt the Kemper can lead you down multiple rabbit holes if you're not careful. The same is true of most modelers, the THRs and the Tech 21 stuff being notable exceptions. 2 things can help you avoid endless tweaking on the Kemper:

1) Start with a ridiculously good profile. The Michael Britt profiles are the most plug-and-play that I've come across. Just awesome right out of the gate. I once described his profiles as being like a spa for your guitar sound, it's impossible to sound bad. But I still like The Amp Factory's selection even though they require a bit more tweaking.

2) Don't aim for a very specific tone. Once you get a good tone, stop. My problem is I'm always looking to emulate very specific recorded tones. If you're playing originals or covers in your own style, why bother?

[Armitage]

I use 2500 mAh rechargeable batteries, running at medium to high volume I get between five to six hours use; at low volume, i.e. home practice, closer to seven.

Jaberwock

Sweet! What brand do you recommend? Most of the rechargable batteries that I have are Sanyo Eneloops. I use them in remote controls, my digital camera, and flashlights.

I have tons of the Eneloops, the regular and heavy duty ones (for my flashes...) I've got some of the new Amazon Basics (two versions) and I think they're the same...

[tbonesullivan]

Costco had a sale on an 8 pack of eneloops, so I picked them up. I have bought a bunch over the years, and right now I can only find about half of them. they hold thier charge so well I rarely need to recharge them.

[sixesandsevens]

Another +1 for eneloops.

[mhmike]

A +1 from Eneloops from me as well. I use them on battery destroying old portable gaming devices and they work great. I have a vanilla THR10 and haven't used them on those, but imagine it would be no different. Easy to get them and a charger from Amazon and other easy sites as well.