This question was asked on here not so long ago but I can't find the thread to add to it
So I thought I'd share my revised thoughts on my own thread. Amp dirt has always been my favourite but until recently that line of though has let me down. I have a two channel amp which i programmed my board to switch channels for lead breaks etc. That's a great idea until one plugs into another amp that doesn't have switchable channels i.e. a single channel amp. I got around it but it did make me think how dodgy it can be in a real Live context if one is a travelling musician etc. Since, I've gone back to pedal dirt as that can be tailored to suit the amp somewhat.
Just put on the board a ThorpyFx Warthog v2 and a compressor and I think I'm done ... for now
. Pedals are the answer for me but has anyone else had the same enlightenment
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When I was gigging with guitar I would always have a backup 'crunch' pedal to use after the pedalboard if the amp didn't have a second channel.
"Take these three items, some WD-40, a vise grip, and a roll of duct tape. Any man worth his salt can fix almost any problem with this stuff alone." - Walt Kowalski
"Only two things are infinite - the universe, and human stupidity. And I'm not sure about the universe." - Albert Einstein
Beyond light breakup, the majority of the music I listen to (alternative indie and rock) is all pedal-driven, so that's generally what appeals to me. I'm not against the idea of channel switchers but like @prlgmnr I'd just be using it for multiple rhythm 'base' tones.
That, plus pedals are so easily swapped and offer so much versatility it's silly. An amp generally has a core sound that you either like or you don't...
My last amp was a badcat hotcat 30r and I used this the same way. But started to find it a little too dark and compressed. It was still a fantastic amp though. Never bonded with the clean channel though.
I bought a Hamstead artist 60rt at the start of the year and a gigrig g2.
I’m loving the fact that I can easily flip drive pedals that are completely different to each other. Still trying to find what is my favourite combo. But the Thorpy gunshot is my main drive. I have a Mythos Herculean v2 for low gain on the board and a Bogner Burnley for higher gain. I’m thinking about dropping the Burnley off though as I think the gunshot can cover that off. Also changing the mythos for a Dane. As that has a boost also. Plus I love the Dane. I’ve also got a warthog and peacekeeper. So just trying to work out a more final lineup.
I did my first gig with the amp at full 60w mode last weekend and I think its the best live sound I’ve ever had!
I think if you’ve got that strong clean foundation it makes all the difference. Plus I’ve not found a pedal the Hamstead doesn’t like yet.
"Take these three items, some WD-40, a vise grip, and a roll of duct tape. Any man worth his salt can fix almost any problem with this stuff alone." - Walt Kowalski
"Only two things are infinite - the universe, and human stupidity. And I'm not sure about the universe." - Albert Einstein
The main problem comes with amps with shared EQ on both channels, but it's still usually possible to get them to work - it's often better to dial them in for the dirty channel, which is almost always the more fussy - even though I would prefer to have a good clean sound if it actually isn't possible to balance them properly.
"Take these three items, some WD-40, a vise grip, and a roll of duct tape. Any man worth his salt can fix almost any problem with this stuff alone." - Walt Kowalski
"Only two things are infinite - the universe, and human stupidity. And I'm not sure about the universe." - Albert Einstein
PT50 or PT100 have 3 great channels.
1 is clean to crunch.
2 is crunch to high gain and 3 is the same as 2 but with separate gain and level, so great at a solo boost with a bit more hair.
I don't use gain pedals with this amp- and it has an amazing loop.
I agree it is hard to find.
Studio: https://www.voltperoctave.com
Music: https://www.euclideancircuits.com
Me: https://www.jamesrichmond.com
Prewire your pedalboard so that it has a little box at the end of it for 'out to amp input', 'FX send' 'FX Return' and 'Channel switch'.
Ideally colour code the jack plug sleeve and the plug sockets to make it easy.
Studio: https://www.voltperoctave.com
Music: https://www.euclideancircuits.com
Me: https://www.jamesrichmond.com
"Take these three items, some WD-40, a vise grip, and a roll of duct tape. Any man worth his salt can fix almost any problem with this stuff alone." - Walt Kowalski
"Only two things are infinite - the universe, and human stupidity. And I'm not sure about the universe." - Albert Einstein
Studio: https://www.voltperoctave.com
Music: https://www.euclideancircuits.com
Me: https://www.jamesrichmond.com
That works for me, but I'm 100% in favour of other people using what works for them.
But I never play truly clean either, part of the reason I got into amp drive was because it felt a bit wrong running a MIAB into a Fender, never actually using the amp for its own sound. Having "my sound" available on my pedalboard through any amp does appeal, especially at gigs/rehearsals with shared backline.
If youre playing a gig where you can get a bit of volume then amp drive does work.
Then the tool aspect comes into it. In a covers band I’d have thought pedals would be better as you’d have more tonal versatility. Function work, forget amp crunch and use a helix.
Tool for the job and venue.
I like amp crunch and a fuzzface