Master versus Volume

[Ryan Mohr]

I have seen a lot of master/volume vs gain, but I want to know the difference between master and volume. My fender bassman 150 has a volume knob all the way to the left and a master knob all the way to the right. What do each of them specifically do and how should i use them in conjuction?

 

[bongomania]

In that case I'd guess "volume" is input gain and "master" is output level.

 

[KJung]

I have seen a lot of master/volume vs gain, but I want to know the difference between master and volume. My fender bassman 150 has a volume knob all the way to the left and a master knob all the way to the right. What do each of them specifically do and how should i use them in conjuction?

Volume adjusts the signal going into the preamp, and would be used to adjust for the different output levels of various basses. Master controls the overall volume output of the amp. So, you should set the 'volume' control so that you have a tone that sounds good to you, and then use the master to control how loud you want the amp to be.

Most basses would not require the 'input pad' to be engaged (which reduces the signal of a very hot output bass prior to it being impacted by the volume control). Some amps have an input clip light that tells you where the optimum setting should be (on SS amps like yours, you want the hottest clean signal going into the pre). If you amp doesn't have this light, the easiest way to set the 'volume' control would be to turn the master way down (so the amp isn't loud), and then play as hard as you would ever play on your lowest string (like an open E)... slowly increase your 'volume' control until you start to hear some distortion (which would be the preamp clipping). Then, just back the volume off a touch, and you are ready to go. Once you have that set, you would then control the actual volume of the amp with the master control.

I hope that makes sense.

K

 

[visa]

that's cool, i always did this randomly without thinking...

so if you'd want distortion, you could drive the preamp my using alot of input and lower master output?

 

[unclejam]

ok well my pre has all 3 what do i do?
thanks(for giving)

 

[KJung]

that's cool, i always did this randomly without thinking...

so if you'd want distortion, you could drive the preamp my using alot of input and lower master output?

Conceptually, yes. SS distortion is usually not very pleasant, but this is the logic used with tube pre's... you can drive the tube pre a touch to make it grind, and then control the actual volume output with the master.