Genzler Magellan 350 with a preamp pedal?

[StrivingOn]

Any Magellan users using an external preamp (like a Zio) or do you find it not necessary?

 

[SJan3]

Any Magellan users using an external preamp (like a Zio) or do you find it not necessary?

I thought the Magellan 350 sounded great on its own. Are you chasing a certain sound?
I'll never understand the need for an external preamp unless you're looking for a certain effect. Maybe people should just buy power amps Instead of integrated amps. But a good unit like the Magellan doesn't need another preamp on top of its own, IMHO.

 

[ahbass2500]

Agree Magellan 350 sounds great on its own. However, I have used preamp pedals in front of it and they all worked well (list below).
EBS MicroBass 3
Broughton Fliptop
Broughton Silver Deluxe
Broughton SVPre
Southampton Ictineo

I think for your questions that means a preamp pedal is unnecessary, but if you want to then go for it.

 

[agedhorse]

Generally, if relying on the preamp pedal for your tone, I would recommend NOT using it into the instrument input on the front of the amp but into the aux input on the back (using a 1/4" tip-sleeve, not trs cable). This way you don't stack 2 voicings that may conflict.

 

[StrivingOn]

Generally, if relying on the preamp pedal for your tone, I would recommend NOT using it into the instrument input on the front of the amp but into the aux input on the back (using a 1/4" tip-sleeve, not trs cable). This way you don't stack 2 voicings that may conflict.

Interesting idea, would this mean the signal hits only the power section of the amp? I'm disappointed that the 350 doesn't have an effects loop which would make it easy to experiment with different preamps.

 

[Jeff Genzler]

Interesting idea, would this mean the signal hits only the power section of the amp? I'm disappointed that the 350 doesn't have an effects loop which would make it easy to experiment with different preamps.

The MG350 does have an Aux Input on the rear panel that could be used for a different preamp.

 

[StrivingOn]

The MG350 does have an Aux Input on the rear panel that could be used for a different preamp.

Does the Aux bypass the preamp?

 

[agedhorse]

Does the Aux bypass the preamp?

Yes, it's pretty much the same point in the circuit as an effects return but is a summing TRS input (the reason why you need to use a tip-sleeve cable to avoid issues if the preamp's output happens to be balanced.

 

[ellipsis]

Does the Aux bypass the preamp?

From the user manual:

 

[Hans Gruber]

I often have a JHS Colour Box or Broughton Studio for some extra sonic mojo but I think it stacks well straight into the preamp, I leave it flat anyway for the most part, but I don't use any extra EQ on either end. Mostly for just a little harmonic distortion and warmth but also sounds great without it. The Magellan has been the end all for me and I've had no desire to find another amp, unless I need some small speciality combo.

 

[ReillyProductions]

Love my Magellan and have never felt a need to use an additional pre. Get compliments on the tone almost every gig!

 

[Elmstreet]

Nope, when I got a Magellan I took my preamp off my board.

 

[Adjectives]

Yes, it's pretty much the same point in the circuit as an effects return but is a summing TRS input (the reason why you need to use a tip-sleeve cable to avoid issues if the preamp's output happens to be balanced.

Interesting. So I'm understanding this as a TRS cable for only the connection between preamp/board to the Aux or FX Return but standard instrument cable is fine from instrument to preamp/board?

I'll have to try this as I run preamps right in the front.

 

[agedhorse]

Interesting. So I'm understanding this as a TRS cable for only the connection between preamp/board to the Aux or FX Return but standard instrument cable is fine from instrument to preamp/board?

I'll have to try this as I run preamps right in the front.

No, you can't use a trs cable from the output of a preamp (if the output it trs balanced) because that would interfere with the stereo summing function on the Aux jack's trs input. You must use a TS cable.

A standard TS cable is fine for the instrument to the preamp's input.

 

[Adjectives]

No, you can't use a trs cable from the output of a preamp (if the output it trs balanced) because that would interfere with the stereo summing function on the Aux jack's trs input. You must use a TS cable.

Thanks for that clarification!