Help on tweaking your Fender Hot Rod Deluxe?

Yes, I bracket everything with an Equalizer.

Here's an image of it and how I utilize it. Altair Attenuator This is the setup I use for playing with local bands.

I have many different kinds Attenuator's, these just sound better to me and I've had great luck with over the years.

Joe

OK Joe

Let me see if I understand that diagram. Guitar into stereo preamp. Each side into a Dual? EQ, Each side out of there into a Tube power amp, each side out of there into two seperate attenuators, the output from both attenuators into speaker #1, the line out from both attenuators into another Dual EQ, each side into a Solid State amp, each side into speaker #2. Was that right?

If so, how do stereo effects like panning work?

Yes, When I get real creative I run the other speaker outs from the attenuators into another Eq and power amp setup. being that the attenuator is running at -db's it can be run into another setup. it becomes endless power saturation and tone at low volume. Once Miked then add effects.

Joe

Joe

Now you confused me. How can you run a "speaker" out into an EQ?

Also, what does In/Out on the front do, what do the numbers around the Knob stand for, and what does Pad do? Sorry to be so nosey, but I'm going to try to pick up an attenuator very soon, and would just like to understand them a little.

By the way, do you have any experience with that Weber 50W Low Power Load Dump?

Wes

The Altair attenuator has a input on one side, two speaker outs and line out on the other. The l-pad allows you drop the line signal down to match input levels to mixers or outboard effects. Being I push the envelope and have tested the speaker out jacks, I do connect the other speaker outs to other equipment.

However I don't recommend doing this for everyone, because if the attenuator fails the outboard equipment will get full speaker output at its input. You understand what will happen here. over the years I've ruined enough equipment for everybody..lol

Yes, I run the speaker out into another Eq. I'm glad you show interest in the how I use certain pieces of equipment, I try to explain how and why I try different things, all in that Quest for tone and sound. Once you get one and dial it in you'll wonder how come you waited so long. I haven't used the weber mass system so I really can't give advice on them.

As you can see from the simple image I did, I end up with numerous attenuated outs and can run numerous cabinets. This is all at low volume thats how I get my guitar to talk the way I do. I have the saturated tube amps at low volume and sound coming from everywhere. The solid state amps don't have attenuators on them their set with just enough volume to match the attenuated amps. Then miked. If more volume is needed then I can turn the solid state amps up.

If you noticed that I come stereo out from the preamp and as it cascades through equipment the signal chain becomes endless and thats not including the other outputs on the preamp. Some of the other attenuators I have, even have more outputs like a headphone out which can be run into more outboard equipment. I'm always trying to think up ways to get that something extra.

Hope this Helps

Joe

Joe

Yes, I was a little surprised to see you, "Mr. Tube-amp" were using a solid
state amp. Now that is receiving a signal from the tube amp, so that must be like the many amps today that have a tube preamp and SS power section? Is the original pre-amp tube also?

I am a poor musician, so I cannot afford elaborate setups, but I still want to know what others do to get great sound. Who knows, maybe someday I'll inherit a fortune. :wink:

Wes

Yes, the preamps are tube and yes I have many different ones, I always seem to like the Art sgx-2000 and the ADA Mp-1 in the rack somewhere. I've found that running the solid state amps has a lot more transparent sound than if I used a tube power amp as the secondary amp. At the moment I can't think of any tube power amps much over 100 watts, were the solid state power amps are mega watts.

What I'm doing is amplifying the tube preamp distortion (if any) and the saturated sound from the tube power amp from here I want as clean and transparent amplification. other tube power amps seem to add color the sound and tone.

After tomorrow night I'm done running all over the country side playing. Just not my thing anymore. Once in awhile was fine, but last week I read the writing on the wall, heck I did all that playing for days none stop when I was younger. When its not fun anymore its time to stop.

Besides I missed being here.

joe

If anyone wants to see my setup then go here.

I need to get a website soon. Im getting sick of slow download times and no direct linking.

Sorry, this was just a joke :P.

Aw, that's nothing. Here's my whole band and all our gear.

My Band

I'm the guy on the right.

That's an old picture though. Here's a recent one. This is what happens when you play Classic Rock.

1969

Wes

Youre made of neon lighting. Wow, I hope that happens to me someday. Haha.

I found this picture of myself just before the equipment is setup.
Before the show

joe

Joe

You are one handsome guy.

Looks like you were getting ready to splice a cable.

I've heard your awesome guitar playing, I knew you looked something like that. :D

Wes

Yes, I broke another piece of equipment, so I'm going to put it out of its misery.

Joe

I'm constantly changing my settings on my HRD... Right now its at Drives on 11 (usually its not that high) Treble 8, Bass 2.5, Mid 8, master 1.5, Reverb 3, Presence 8.

I happen to LOVE the drive on it... Its not good for Metal, because it isnt distortion. Its overdrive, and it sounds sweet and sugary babay. Haha, but really. I love the overdrive on it dearly.

And I play a Gibson Les Paul Classic.

Taso

Do you prefer Drive or More Drive? I like Drive. It is awesome to get a great rhythm guitar sound. Then kick into More Drive for solos. 8)

I will try your settings tomorrow.

Wes