Difference between Volume and master volume on my amp

[JasonAz]

Some amps have 2 channels...but mine has one...so why is there a volume, and then a master volume? I can imagine there being a need for a 2 volume knobs if there were 2 channels..

As for settings, do I crank the volume full and set the master to a desired overall volume... What would be the difference if I did vice versa? Any diffeence in sound? and if I go one way or the other, will it have an affect on the sound coming from my pedalboard(the volume of my distortion boxes etc)

[riffmeister]

the first volume controls the amount of signal going through the preamp section.

the second volume (master volume) controls the amount of signal going through the power amp section.

most usually, people dial in some disotrtion in the preamp section using the first volume control, then use the master volume to control the overall loudness of the amp.

[JasonAz]

i still cant see how it makes a difference though, since the amp just has one channel.. should i keep one higher than the other, just because i "supposed" to?

[Sniper-V]

Originally Posted by JasonAz

i still cant see how it makes a difference though, since the amp just has one channel.. should i keep one higher than the other, just because i "supposed" to?

Why don't you mention what amp you have?

That might help others help you.

[whiskeyzulu]

Originally Posted by JasonAz

i still cant see how it makes a difference though, since the amp just has one channel.. should i keep one higher than the other, just because i "supposed" to?

why don't you try each setting and hear the difference for yourself

[GCDEF]

Originally Posted by JasonAz

i still cant see how it makes a difference though, since the amp just has one channel.. should i keep one higher than the other, just because i "supposed" to?

riffmeister explained it based on the limited information you gave. Think of the first volume as more of a gain control. Turn the first one up and the master down, you'll get more of a distorted sound than if you turn the first one down and the master up.

[JasonAz]

its a line 6 spider valve 112 , which is a 40 watt tube amp. Im gonna try some experimenting later. If any of you guys have the same situation(tube amp, 1 channel and 1 master) what settings do you keep it at?

[Milo]

Originally Posted by JasonAz

i still cant see how it makes a difference though, since the amp just has one channel.. should i keep one higher than the other, just because i "supposed" to?

Hehe,
Are you kidding us? If not: see first answer again. Not beeing rude but try for your self,see what happens.

[JasonAz]

why does the channel volume(preamp) come with more gain(sound more distorted) if cranked, than the master volume. ..does that mean the eq's that were set on its channel are being used more heavily?

[Sniper-V]

Originally Posted by JasonAz

its a line 6 spider valve 112 , which is a 40 watt tube amp. Im gonna try some experimenting later. If any of you guys have the same situation(tube amp, 1 channel and 1 master) what settings do you keep it at?

FYI, that is basically a muti-channel amp through presets.

The channel volume would adjust preset levels to balance each other out to other presets or preference.

The Master is your global volume control.

You don't have a single channel amp.

[JasonAz]

what i mean though is theres one volume knob, used for just one channel that is currently being used. if there were 2 volume knobs, then i could set 2 channels differently.. i know i can program the 4 different channels to be at different volumes..but im just always dealing with one clean channel. I dont even use others, nor the effects built it.(i probably need a simpler amp)

[ronmail65]

This is not your normal Volume / Master Volume situation - we're talking about a Line6 Spider Valve. I just check the Line6 website... The Spider Valve has individual knobs for "Drive", "Channel Volume", and "Master Volume".

While the knobs on the face of the amp reflect the settings for 1 amp at a time, the amp has a memory for mutliple settings -- so it is like a mutli-channel amp.

Here's what I understand:
- "Drive" is your distortion/gain/overdrive as it applies to the amp model that your are presently using (or recalled from a saved channel setting).
- "Channel Volume" emulates the master volume of the amp model chosen according to the software in the amp. For example, if you crank the channel volume then the response, tone, etc... of the Line6 software should emulate what happens when you crank up the volume of the real amp that is being modeled. Basically, it "simulates" the effect of the master volume on the amp that is being modeled.
- "Master Volume" is the master volume of the Spider Valve amp itself. This enables you to govern the overall volume of the amp as you change from channel to channel within the amp's memory regardless of how much you may have cranked up an individual simulated amp's channel volume. It helps to level out the overall volume of the amp as you move through the channels.

[JasonAz]

Yea, its a bit over the top for me. I wish I had a 1 channel amp. I dont use drive or any of the presets or multiple channels. In addition, it seems the volume on my distortion pedals fluctuates a lot in comparison to the clean channel..maybe because of diffeent master/channel volume settings...and im trying to get it as consistent as possible so i never have to adjust anything.

[ronmail65]

Originally Posted by JasonAz

Yea, its a bit over the top for me. I wish I had a 1 channel amp. I dont use drive or any of the presets or multiple channels. In addition, it seems the volume on my distortion pedals fluctuates a lot in comparison to the clean channel..maybe because of diffeent master/channel volume settings...and im trying to get it as consistent as possible so i never have to adjust anything.

You need to learn how to use the amp. It's a very good sounding amp that has great distortion (and a plethora of other effects) already built-in. There's no need for you to be using a distortion pedal with this amp. Plug straight into the amp and learn how to use it properly.

[76strat]

go here: http://www.tgpwebzine.com/?page_id=808

and then when you've committed that excellent article to memory, go here: http://www.tgpwebzine.com/?page_id=823

both are related and extraordinarily phenomenal in clarifying the oft-misunderstood gain structure of any amp (well, tube amps, for sure).

I'm sure those articles will help you not only understand the crazy volume knobs, but, more imporantly, how to use them properly for your particular amp.

Good luck and, paraphrasing what others have said, it's the quest and adventure that is fun. Enjoy.