What's the deal with Boost?

[Julian West]

I've seen this on a few amps but I don't entirely see the point. Forgive me if this seems like a stupid question, but is there some advantage or disadvantage to using it? What makes it significantly different from the gain or volume control? Thank you.

 

[Wasnex]

I've seen this on a few amps but I don't entirely see the point. Forgive me if this seems like a stupid question, but is there some advantage or disadvantage to using it? What makes it significantly different from the gain or volume control? Thank you.

Totally depends on how it's used. Some amps have a switchable boost, so when you need a little volume bump you step on your foot pedal. Other amps like the GK RB series have the best before the Master volume controls. The idea to provide you a gain stage where you can add a bit of drive and compression. Or if you want clean and punchy, turn the boost down and run the Master volumes higher.

 

[Kro]

I've seen this on a few amps but I don't entirely see the point. Forgive me if this seems like a stupid question, but is there some advantage or disadvantage to using it? What makes it significantly different from the gain or volume control? Thank you.

Could do different things depending on the amp in question. Any specific amp you're particularly curious about?

 

[fdeck]

On my old GK combo, the "boost" control precedes a stage that adds a bit of mild distortion when overdriven, namely a simple JFET gain stage. So you can use that control along with the other gain controls to dial in your desired amount of distortion and overall volume.

 

[Julian West]

Could do different things depending on the amp in question. Any specific amp you're particularly curious about?

I've got a Gallien Krueger 800RB