Amp Volume and Tone

Teddy Picker

Hey guys/gals, I'm looking for some wisdom/opinions on how best to configure my new amp. The amp in question is a Hughes & Kettner Tubemeister 5, which I run my Yamaha Pacifica and an MI Audio Blues Pro in to. *At this point my identity has definitely been rumbled by Ravelleman....

The amp has gain, master volume, and a tri band eq. The master volume is the main point that confuses me. I've read/been told that the function of a master volume is to allow the tubes to be pushed to overdrive while allowing the volume to be kept low. However given this is the only volume on the amp I'm not sure it's working in the same fashion.

There is a toddler in the house so I am endeavouring to keep the volume at reasonable levels, but want to get the best tone possible at the same time. Hopefully this post is somewhat clear and some ideas will be returned. I've played around with it a lot and got some nice sounds, but more experienced heads can only help.

Squidgy Black

With the master volume down low, you won't get any power tube overdrive, it'll just be the preamp tubes that you'll get overdrive from. You'll hear loads of people talking about running their master volumes really high or 'wide open', to get their power tubes to 'break up'. Personally, I'd just stick to keeping the master volume low and just using the gain knob for overdrive.

-=al=-

I usually have the gain full on a clean channel and the volume as needs be... you can defo hear it better at the louder volumes but crank the gain up and adjust the master as needs be

I use 2 overdrive's in front of the amp and it's all good

zafo

Teddy Picker wrote: »

The amp has gain, master volume, and a tri band eq. The master volume is the main point that confuses me. I've read/been told that the function of a master volume is to allow the tubes to be pushed to overdrive while allowing the volume to be kept low. However given this is the only volume on the amp I'm not sure it's working in the same fashion.

Gain is pretty much your other volume control. Gain is basically the preamp volume and then master volume will be power amp volume but that's always the case with master volume sometimes put before the power tube section as a volume cut.

cezet

You have two volume pots, gain and master and everything depends on you.
Only combination of 2 those knobs can give you your own sound.
You have to know your amp as your best friend.
You can always use a attenuator for it, and lower the power to ...1W ?

martinedwards

or put it is a sound proof box.

really!!!