Amp/Effects Question


f_medina
Registered User
Joined: 05/26/04
Posts: 12
f_medina
Registered User
Joined: 05/26/04
Posts: 12
03/02/2005 3:46 pm
I'm new to guitar effects.
I purchased a Marshall Combo Amp and a BOSS GT-6 Multi-effects processor and I'm not sure if I'm getting everything out of it.
Sometimes it feel like it doesn't sound right or the best it could.
I don't know if to run the combo with the send/return, or choose distortion instead of clean on the combo-amp.

Maybe I'm doing something wrong.

Can you guys help me and tell me how to configure this rig?

I really appreciate it

Thanks in advance:

Frank
# 1
Dr_simon
Guitar Tricks Instructor
Joined: 07/06/02
Posts: 5,021
Dr_simon
Guitar Tricks Instructor
Joined: 07/06/02
Posts: 5,021
03/02/2005 3:51 pm
you will probably get the best out of tis rig by running it into the input of the amp. Fx loops are funny things. they can be great but take a little experience to use well.
My instructors page and www.studiotrax.net for all things recording.
my toons Brought to you by Dr BadGAS
# 2
PRSplaya
Full Access
Joined: 09/19/02
Posts: 3,941
PRSplaya
Full Access
Joined: 09/19/02
Posts: 3,941
03/02/2005 5:14 pm
If you're using the GT-6 for the amp models then plug your guitar into the GT-6 and then the GT-6's output in the amps FX return. This will bypass the amps preamp, thus letting you hear the GT-6 to it's full potential. If you only want to use the effect in the GT-6(no amp simulations) and use your amp for it's clean and distortion sounds, then it can be used in front of the amp or in the loop. They will both sound different. One thing to remember though. If you run it infront of your amp, i.e. guitar-->GT-6--->amp then your reverbs and delay's will not match up between a clean channel and a distorted channel. I sometimes use my PODxt simply for the effects, and run it in my amps FX loop. This is done by plugging my guitar straight into my amps input and plugging the amps "send" to the input of the PODxt and the PODxt's output to the "return" of the amp. This way, all of your effects will be fairly equal between a clean channel and a dirty channel. The only downfall to this is if your effects unit has some distortion models you want to use, they will sound like crap in this set-up.

A tip to remember that works for me... Distortion and wah need to go infront of the amp, Time based effects (delay & reverb) are best in the loop, and modulation effects (chorus, phaser) sound good in the loop also. The time based effects and modulation effects can be placed either before the amp or in the loop, but will give you different sounds in both places. It's all up to personal taste, and I suggest trying out different way's to find what works for you.

I have 2 different effects setups. One I stated above: guitar--->amp-->FX send--->PODxt--->FX return
The other uses indevidual pedals: guitar--->volume pedal--->wah--->overdrive--->amp->FX send--->chorus--->delay--->reverb--->FX return
[FONT=Palatino Linotype]Tonja Renee's personal instructor[/FONT]

>HERE'S WHERE I AM NOW<
# 3
fastelvis
Registered User
Joined: 01/10/05
Posts: 68
fastelvis
Registered User
Joined: 01/10/05
Posts: 68
03/09/2005 10:22 am
I use two GT-3's with a pair of Peavey Classic 50's. Boss suggests you route the GT output to the amp's clean (normal) input for combo amps. Check your utility settings to be sure your GT is set for combo, and not headphones or line out. This allows you to adjust EQ, presence, etc. on the preamp section of your Marshall. If you're running preamp simulators on the GT-6, set the Marshall very clean.

I have had some luck plugging the GT output directly in to the effects return (or power amp in) on combo amps. Change your GT settings to Power Amp if you do. None of the knobs on your Marshall will have any effect, you're running everything from the GT. This is a little more tricky to control.

You can also use a "four wire" method. Check out Boss GT Central to look it up:
http://www.bossgtcentral.com/index.php

I use this hookup because I love the sound of my Peavey's preamps. But, it is rather complicated (hence the link), tricky to balance and it is more difficult to keep noise out. Basically, it lets you use the preamp section of your Marshall as an External Overdrive. Might want to get a better feel for the GT first.

Couple of tips to get a little more bang from your GT.

Back off the Master Level (volume) settings for your patches and pump the levels of the primary effects. For example, if you are running a Preamp simulator full time on a patch, pump the level up on it to 60%+, back the patch master level down to 30%. Toss in an EQ and set it's level way up. You'll hear it.........
This only works for effects that are on full-time on a patch. Efffects that you may turn off and on should not change your level too much (like delay, compress, chorus)

You can put any patch in "manual" mode which allows you to turn on/off individual effects within a patch. This has no gap - the effect turns on instantly. In manual-each footswitch controls a seperate effect. These are assignable too. You can even assign the Control pedal to toggle from normal to manual mode. Very slick.

Learn to use the Pedal assigns. This will open a whole new world to you. You can assign the control pedal and/or the expression pedal to do multiple things at one time (thru the assign 1, 2, 3), For example, when you hit your control pedal- turns reverb level up 5%, overdrive pre-gain up 25%, preamp sim level up 5%= instant lead guitar! Assigns like this to the expression pedal can give you some big swells, feedback helpers, fade outs, etc.. The list is endless. Get good at setting these up and think about adding another (sub)-expression pedal like a Roland EV-5.

Play with the GT's unit main output level control. Try 50%, 70%, 30% etc.... Amps respond differently to the input level.
I once thought a "Sweeping Arpeggio" was an Italian janitor.
# 4
stringsRattachd
Registered User
Joined: 03/15/05
Posts: 1
stringsRattachd
Registered User
Joined: 03/15/05
Posts: 1
03/15/2005 11:28 pm
Hey I've been playing guitar for almost a good 6 yrs now and knowing that I'm still young and in process or learning new things everyday when playing in a hardcore /metalcore band what kind of set up on my amp should I put on to get that nice hardcore/clean sound out of it.?
# 5

Please register with a free account to post on the forum.