Setup Check: HD500 and PE60 so what settings and...

[Drew816]

Okay, I pick up my PE60 (bought from forum member thanks again Ben!) tomorrow and I want to insure I've got my rig setup right.

Combo Power Amp Output
Preamp Mode for each amp (is that hidden in the setup for each patch or?)
Line or Amp setting on the board?
1/4 or XLR from the HD to the PE or does it matter?

What am I forgetting or should I consider?

I've downloaded a bunch of patches and put a few together myself so we'll see how they sound but I wanted to get the basics ironed out above so I'm not chasing gremlins there as well.

Thanks and Happy Playing!

[Axe-Man]

Originally Posted by Drew816

Okay, I pick up my PE60 (bought from forum member thanks again Ben!) tomorrow and I want to insure I've got my rig setup right.

Combo Power Amp Output
Preamp Mode for each amp (is that hidden in the setup for each patch or?)
Line or Amp setting on the board?
1/4 or XLR from the HD to the PE or does it matter?

What am I forgetting or should I consider?

I've downloaded a bunch of patches and put a few together myself so we'll see how they sound but I wanted to get the basics ironed out above so I'm not chasing gremlins there as well.

Thanks and Happy Playing!

Combo sounds right, Line (works for me and gives you more push into the poweramp), Preamp (just select the amp model and keep scrolling until you see the preamp version...it has JCM800 then JCM800 preamp after you finish all the full models) and use 1/4" as they have more output.

Try using the screamer and tube driver for your gain. High patch output (I use master for my volume control myself), push the amps gain for warmth/thickness and then boost with a pedal for your drive. Works for me anyway!

[HolyMuffDiver]

I use studio/direct mode with the Power Engine. The Power Engine is designed for Tech 21's SansAmp pedals, which are voiced to sound like a miked cab setup. Plus, I found that combo poweramp mode was harsh and thin through the Power Engine, with a lot of hiss that I couldn't dial out.

[burningyen]

Originally Posted by HolyMuffDiver

I use studio/direct mode with the Power Engine.

I haven't tried a POD HD yet, but my guess is this will work better than the combo power amp mode.

[ElDiabloBlanco]

It's funny - I'm using the combo preamp mode, amp level with the PE50 and it doesn't sound thin or harsh at all - and I use single coils.

[MBreinin]

You will need to see what works with each model in terms of preamp or full amp. In my rig, which as we discussed is an Atomic 18 and a TM60 in stereo, I use both pre-amp only for some models (like the Marshalls and most high gainers) and full amp for some (like the Gibtone, for example whcih loses most gain in pre-amp only mode). I also have been using mine as combo power amp in and in Amp and Live mode for best results. You will have to play with it, but it is as easy as flipping some switches and listening.

Mike

[Mr. Brady]

You'll want to go with studio direct on the HD. The PE is supposed to be fairly flat response so the combo power amp setting is actually going to be missing the actual power amp modeling and will likely sound fizzy and harsh as described in an above post.

[MBreinin]

Originally Posted by Mr. Brady

You'll want to go with studio direct on the HD. The PE is supposed to be fairly flat response so the combo power amp setting is actually going to be missing the actual power amp modeling and will likely sound fizzy and harsh as described in an above post.

What does going studio have to do with whether you are using preamp or full amp mode? I don't think this is correct. I am using both a TM60 into the return, making it similar to a PE, and an Atomic Reactor 18 and it sounds best as combo power amp....I have tried every iteration. Also, I think you are mixing up different things here. You can get the full amp, with poweramp modeling in any output mode...at least on the HD300. The big difference is that you either get mics, or you don't. With mic emulation it sounds terrible through an amp/live sitation...of course, this is only my experience. Or, maybe I am mixing things up myself.....but I run mine Live, with the Amp setting and choose either preamp mode for some, or full amp for some, depending on how it sounds best.

Mike

[guitarnet70]

Originally Posted by MBreinin

What does going studio have to do with whether you are using preamp or full amp mode? I don't think this is correct. I am using both a TM60 into the return, making it similar to a PE, and an Atomic Reactor 18 and it sounds best as combo power amp....I have tried every iteration. Also, I think you are mixing up different things here. You can get the full amp, with poweramp modeling in any output mode...at least on the HD300. The big difference is that you either get mics, or you don't. With mic emulation it sounds terrible through an amp/live sitation...of course, this is only my experience. Or, maybe I am mixing things up myself.....but I run mine Live, with the Amp setting and choose either preamp mode for some, or full amp for some, depending on how it sounds best.

Mike

You cannot switch the mic emulation off on the HD....

[HolyMuffDiver]

Originally Posted by guitarnet70

You cannot switch the mic emulation off on the HD....

You can, not directly, but by running in one of the combo/stack output modes. This revoices things on top of turning off the mic models. You can still go in and select a mic model, but it won't change your sound at all.

[guitarnet70]

Originally Posted by HolyMuffDiver

You can, not directly, but by running in one of the combo/stack output modes. This revoices things on top of turning off the mic models. You can still go in and select a mic model, but it won't change your sound at all.

It would be nice if they would include a no-mic option, leaving poweramp and cab sims on. The funny thing is that if you select no-cab in direct mode the mic sims are still changing the sound....without cab WTF the mic is supposed to capture?

[MBreinin]

Originally Posted by HolyMuffDiver

You can, not directly, but by running in one of the combo/stack output modes. This revoices things on top of turning off the mic models. You can still go in and select a mic model, but it won't change your sound at all.

Correct. When running this way, the mic is switched off and changing the mic model has no effect on the sound. It drove me crazy until I re-read the manual and played with it...realizing the mics were doing nothing.

Mike

[Drew816]

Thanks y'all, input received and I was delayed a day from living this up due to a sick kid at home so we'll shoot for tomorrow.