How Far Can I Turn Up The Gain On A Solid State?

[john nam]

It probably depends on the brand/model (I have a LMII and GK MB-500), but how far can I turn up the gain knob to get that growly tone without hurting the amp? I usually set both amps at 60% gain (1 o'clock) and the master at about the same, which doesn't trigger the clip indicator, but what would happen to the amp if I went to 70% or 80% gain and the clip light does come on?

[Bassmec]

Driving the pre amp into clip is not going to damage it if the master is set lower than power amp clip but you would get far better results with a sans amp vt. for any realistic growl mate.

[T-Bird]

Hi.

The gain has usually nothing to do with the knob position. There's a lot of variables that contribute to the signal strenght.

Running the amp flat out maxed, won't hurt anything inside the amp if the speaker load is correct and the amp is well engineered. It may hurt the speakers and most likely it'll hurt Your/the audiences ears though.

+1 for getting the "growl" from outside source if the amps gain structure doesn't provide enough for Your tastes.

Regards
Sam

[john nam]

Thanks for the Sansamp VT suggestion; it's already on order!