Crest CA-9???

[matt thompson]

I have to start by saying that I am in LOVE with my CA-9, and wouldn't trade it for any other power amp. That being said, do you guys put the gain knobs both up all the way when you play, and use your pre amps volumes as needed. I've always had them both (power & pre) somewhere around half way, but playing a recent show I saw that the sound guy had his both all the way up. Then I guess he controls all the volume on the board. Are the advantages/disadvantages to either way.

 

[JGR]

i've always heard running your volumes on the power amp full up or close to it and using the preamp master to control the output level is the best way to go to get the most headroom. that is how i run mine.

 

[BbbyBld]

I know people who do that, here's why I wouldn't:

If you turn your power amp all the way up and run a lower level signal from your preamp, you will hear more noise. You really want to drive the amp with a good strong signal.

If your power amp is wide open, any kind of transient noise (let's say you turn off your preamp by accident) will be that much louder, and that much more of a danger to your speakers.

 

[jhan]

BByyBld:

Just caught this thread by chance. Useful info there. Thanks.

 

[Bob Lee (QSC)]

What BobbyBld said.

If your preamp can only manage to put out a weak signal, then you may need to turn the gain way up. If the preamp has a decent output capability, then you can turn the amp gain down and enjoy a lower noise floor and less risk to your loudspeakers (and maybe your nerves as well!).