SVT-CL: Do you set your stage volume with the input or master volume?

Jim C · #1 11-05-2010, 10:46 PM

Have always left the master full up on my SVT-CL and adjusted stage volume with the input gain knob
Thought I'd try it the other way around and realized that I really like the clean tube sound most
All of this just reconfirmed that the tone in my head is pure, clean tube tone and this amp is still my favorite over any pre/power rig, hybrid, or SS rig that I've ever tried
Then again I haven't played a GK in many years or a Mesa M series; not saying these sound like an all tube head, just that I am not familiar with them.

What about the rest of you guys; do you prefer some input distortion in your everyday bass tone?

Selta · #2 11-05-2010, 10:53 PM

I went both ways with it, depending on what tone I was after. Most times I used the gain for volume adjustments, though. I prefer power section saturation over preamp saturation.

JGR · #3 11-05-2010, 11:12 PM

I really liked the CL's I owned. I like to run the Master at about 3/4 and set volume with input gain. That seemed to give the best combination of grind with clarity.

JimmyM · #4 11-06-2010, 05:29 AM

i can't do a cl (or any ampeg) with cool gain. it's got to be a little hot for me. i don't like it where it's obviously distorting, but i always have the gain up halfway or more, and i use the master for on the fly adjustments. tried it the other way a couple times, and i can't deal.

lbwdog · #5 11-06-2010, 06:17 AM

With my G-K amps....
When playing classic R&B, funk, pop, I go for a clean, articulate sound, so I run the master (Woofer) way up high, and control volume with the first gain stage (Volume). Boost usually at 9:00 for a wee bit of character.

For Rock, Blues, etc (a little dirtier sound), I'll select the overall character with the earlier gain stage (Volume), and dial in "grit" with the Boost knob, then control volume with the master (Woofer).

JimmyM · #6 11-06-2010, 06:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lbwdog

With my G-K amps....
When playing classic R&B, funk, pop, I go for a clean, articulate sound, so I run the master (Woofer) way up high, and control volume with the first gain stage (Volume). Boost usually at 9:00 for a wee bit of character.

For Rock, Blues, etc (a little dirtier sound), I'll select the overall character with the earlier gain stage (Volume), and dial in "grit" with the Boost knob, then control volume with the master (Woofer).

how about your svt-cl, eric?

lbwdog · #7 11-06-2010, 06:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimmyM

how about your svt-cl, eric?

Hmmm....probably close to twenty years since plugging in to one of those, and then it was supplied backline. Most times I'd twiddle a knob or two and the sound was just there!

For someone who's always loved the classic SVT, it's funny I've never owned one!

JimmyM · #8 11-06-2010, 06:45 AM

i almost can't blame folks for not owning one...even i have to admit that sometimes that 85 lb deadlift to the top of the 810 gets to me.

lbwdog · #9 11-06-2010, 06:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimmyM

...even i have to admit that sometimes that 85 lb deadlift to the top of the 810 gets to me.

Oh yeah!... Now I remember!... Even in my twenties I struggled with a few of 'em.
I think I had a roadie threaten to quit if I got one.

Jim C · #10 11-06-2010, 06:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimmyM

i almost can't blame folks for not owning one...even i have to admit that sometimes that 85 lb deadlift to the top of the 810 gets to me.

Fence Jumper!
You've posted 11,732 times that one either uses a hand cart to move the best sounding (greater than 50 watt) amp ever made or settles for inferior tone!

I let the gig be the deciding factor as to how much weight I carry; still amazed that approx 40 years later, I haven't found an amp that has wowed me away although I must confess that I've never used high end channel strips in a live application

JimmyM · #11 11-06-2010, 06:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lbwdog

Oh yeah!... Now I remember!... Even in my twenties I struggled with a few of 'em.
I think I had a roadie threaten to quit if I got one.

i think that's why i could never get roadies...well, that and it didn't pay for crap.

JimmyM · #12 11-06-2010, 07:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim C

Fence Jumper!
You've posted 11,732 times that one either uses a hand cart to move the best sounding (greater than 50 watt) amp ever made or settles for inferior tone!

I let the gig be the deciding factor as to how much weight I carry; still amazed that approx 40 years later, I haven't found an amp that has wowed me away although I must confess that I've never used high end channel strips in a live application

me neither. probably won't, either. just can't bring myself to pay that kind of money when i already have an svt and b-15n. so yes, even though sometimes the deadlifting gets to me, i do use it when i don't use the b-15n. except on rainy outdoor gigs...but i wouldn't bring a $2000 channel strip on them, either.