[shredmaster]

i was curious. i was messing around yesterday during band practice with the output settings on the line6 preamp and mesa boogie power amp.

in your opinions, is it better to have....

1) the output on the pre amp closer to 10 and the power amp a little lower

OR

2) the output on the pre lower say at around 6 and the power amp louder?

seems if i do it the first way the cab is overdriven a little. when i back off on the output of the preamp and raise the poweramp volume, it sounds better and is still loud. i thought the louder the output, the more saturation of the tone you would get. i guess not. so i keep the output of the preamp around 6 and raise the volume on the poweramp.

i just wanted opinions. it's been awhile since i used my rack gear and i forgot the combo between the outputs to get the right tone without overdriving or distorting the speakers.

 

[ChrisReedSmith]

I think most will agree that when using a tube-based power section, its sounds better when "opened up". I know my tone gets more dynamic as my tubes run hotter, even though Im usually deaf by the time they get to that point.

I run a similar rig to yours. My preamp is a GT-6. Which is also a digitally-based preamp like the PODs. And run with my Mesa 2:50 I can get really analog sounding tones.

So my answer would be crank the power(mine are at 8), and adjust the preamp's master volume to suit your needs.

Now of course if your running all solidstate, then it wont make a difference. Only thing I know is that the louder and louder you crank solidstate, it tends to start sounding crappier. Clipping solidstate is not so good.

My .02 cents.

 

[Algiman]

Depends what sound I'm looking for - both options have their merits.

 

[geetarmonkey]

I run my Triaxis at about 3, and my 2:90 around 7 or 8...I also have a rack mixer, which helps me run the power amp so loud. Running the power amp louder actually lets it run cooler than it would at a lower volume...