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Effects after post-OT line out

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  • Effects after post-OT line out

    I finally got around to putting in a post OT line out in my 18w amp. (no, not THE 18w I wish it was, but it is 2x EL84 and modified, so lets just say that at the factory it was in a crate.) Basically built a DIY load with a Weber speaker motor and a simple voltage divider line out with a 5K linear pot.

    Line out from the tube amp to a Crate BLOCK- 150w mono, clean, compact, durable. Using the Line In - [although a bit hung up on it not having a volume.]

    All that to set up the question- I want to take advantage of this new set up and use my time based effects AFTER the OT/Power Tube stage of my amp. This would be, if I understand correctly, similar to a studio set up- But used live. And it all fits into the same footprint as just using my amp. My CONCERN is overdriving the inputs of my effects. I can't find any info on what the tolerances are, of if I'll convert the inputs to smoke and ash if I push it too hard. I was thinking about it, though, and I run fuzz and distortion into my delay, chorus, phaser all the time- no problems.

    I hooked up a cheap phaser (looks like a vintage classic but starts with a B...) and it sounded fantastic, and when I opened up the line out level it didn't melt. But hooking up a couple hundred bucks in delay and chorus is a whole new ballgame.

    Just ran the line out into my computer soundcard and half way was hitting 0dB at "consumer" levels. Should I use this method to figure out my ouput levels - Amp settings and Line Out settings...some big chart of sorts..., or am I overthinking this.

    Of note, even modified to clean it up, the first stages of the V18 are STILL overdriving. I was looking for CLEAN, so its time for some tube swaps.

    In summary
    My Fingers-->Guitar --> Pedalboard Dirt Pedals -> V18 --> Load/Line Out --> Pedaboard Time FX --> SS Power Amp (sitting on the back of the amp) --> Speakers

    And a cool serendipity with the Crate PowerBlock amp- it has a XLR Line Out. So just run that to the board from stage. No mic, no mess. Small clubs, so stage is primary sound.

    Thanks.
    www.myMANICEPISODE.com

  • #2
    IMHO the problem you will face with this setup will not necessarilly be overdriving your pedals if you get the voltage divider right. The problem will be the noise floor. If you attenuate to line level, say 1vrms, some pedals will be fine some will sound like crap, basically the same problems you would have using random stomp boxes in any line level effects loop. If you attenuate down to instrument level it will be very hissy and of course any hum will be magnified but some stomp boxes would be better matched.

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    • #3
      Thanks OldDawg.

      The voltage divider for the line out is made with 47K resistor and 5K linear pot, so that should be exactly where I want it for a lower impedance signal, yes? I don't know how to calculate the combined ohms, but I can just check w/ the multimeter I assume.

      As for the level hitting the input of the pedals- On a traditional pedalboard (mine now) with everything before the amp input, the pedals after the OD/Dist/Boost get much more than a instrument level. Wouldn't this be the same as with the line level off the amp?

      I can see that this is going to a matter of trial and error, and getting levels right. More just getting it done than theorizing.
      www.myMANICEPISODE.com

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