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One knob... I like it.

So I'm guessing you won't be buying one of these then...

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Thanks, but I really didn't need to see that... :meh:

I'm just getting over seeing this earlier while looking at used gear... :nailbiting:
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Keeping the master vol at a high setting corresponds with the input gain being at a lower setting to reach a given volume level, so what he said is true...it's going to be cleaner that way than the "gain higher/master volume lower" configuration.

Assuming you don't crank the input gain into overload in the latter case, the first way will typically have lower distortion but a worse signal/noise ratio. So it depends on your definition of "clean." ;)
 
Assuming you don't crank the input gain into overload in the latter case, the first way will typically have lower distortion but a worse signal/noise ratio. So it depends on your definition of "clean." ;)
Poster: I think it was wise for the carpenter to choose a heavier hammer since he'll be driving large spikes all day.

Smart guy: ASSUMING he doesn't bludgen himself in the head with it which will result in a severe concussion...

:eyebrow:
 
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Poster: I think it was wise for the carpenter to choose a heavier hammer since he'll be driving large spikes all day.

@Passinwind: ASSUMING he doesn't bludgen himself in the head with it which will result in a severe concussion...

:eyebrow:

What's the best waffle headed framing hammer for Metalz, my man? I know you like it BIG, but how big? ;)
 
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Tell me what you think the purpose of the gain knob is, please.

Ignoring for the moment @Passinwind 's point about optimizing signal-to-noise ratio with gain adjustment and focusing only on "clean" as meaning "not distorting audibly:"

I think the purpose of the gain knob is to adjust the gain level at the amp's input, thus affecting subsequent amplification stages in the preamp AND power amp. Keep raising that control, early in the signal path as it is, and you will begin to introduce audible distortion at one or more subsequent points along the signal path. Even at fairly low volume levels, if the master volume (or power amp sensitivity control) is set low.

Whereas the master volume is affecting power amp sensitivity, but not circuitry upstream of the power amp. So setting that high, or wide open, allows reaching comparatively higher volume levels (without introducing distortion upstream of the power amp), by introducing less gain early in the signal path.

Does that differ from your understanding of what gain knobs and master volumes do? If so, how?
 
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Ignoring for the moment @Passinwind 's point about optimizing signal-to-noise ratio with gain adjustment and focusing only on "clean" as meaning "not distorting audibly:"

I think the purpose of the gain knob is to adjust the gain level at the amp's input, thus affecting subsequent amplification stages in the preamp AND power amp. Keep raising that control, early in the signal path as it is, and you will begin to introduce audible distortion at one or more subsequent points along the signal path. Even at fairly low volume levels, if the master volume (or power amp sensitivity control) is set low.

Whereas the master volume is affecting power amp sensitivity, but not circuitry upstream of the power amp. So setting that high, or wide open, allows reaching comparatively higher volume levels (without introducing distortion upstream of the power amp), by introducing less gain early in the signal path.

Does that differ from your understanding of what gain knobs and master volumes do? If so, how?

I believe you described it pretty well. But the actual purpose of a gain control is to set the level of the signal from the input to the pre-amp. I find that it works well for introducing grit into the signal be running it higher and reducing volume as needed.