Ridiculous amp question...

[strat1701]

For those with tube amps with a master volume, do you prefer to run your channel master dimed and then set the overall volume with the amp master, or run the amp master past 50% and turn down the individual channel master to like 15% to back off the volume? I've found each yields slightly different tones, but am wondering, which is better for the amp? I apologize if it's a noobish amp question but have been asking others I know and can't seem to get a straight answer!

 

[LPV]

It depends completely on the amp and where you are playing. Most tube amps have a sweet spot and on master amps its usually "somewhere in between".

 

[Ed B]

It depends completely on the amp and where you are playing. Most tube amps have a sweet spot and on master amps its usually "somewhere in between".

+1

I had a Mesa Lonestar Special which has a master. I used to have the volume somewhere in the middle and use the master to adjust the level.

It's all about preference. My "sweet spot" may not be yours.

As for "better for the amp", don't worry about that. You may grind the tubes a little more if it's cranked, but they eventually need replacing anyway. You'll only shorten the life of the tubes, not the amp.

 

[strat1701]

cool, thought that if you drive the master way up you not only shorten the life of the tubes (will happen regardless) but also the output transformers etc... Totally right about the sweet spot being different for everyone, was just wondering if there was a better, more correct way than the other. Thanks!

 

[Ed B]

You got it!

I could be wrong, but I'm under the impression that "most" amps are designed to be ridden hard. I'm not sure there will be a drastic decrease in shelf life for cranking it. Aside from tubes that is. I'm not sure that's drastic either.

I'm sure someone with a more technical background will shed more light on that.

 

[Thumpalumpacus]

I will run both channel and master volume in a range depending on different factors, but they usually are between 3 and 7 each.

 

[GitFiddle]

That's not a ridiculous question. Your channel volume is pushing the signal through the pre-amp tubes and your master volume is pushing the (post pre-amp) signal through the power tubes. It all depends on the amp and what sound you want to get out of it. For myself, on master volume amps, I like to run the channel low and clean and push the master to get the warm power tube breakup.

A well made amp should handle either setup just fine for many years to come. I have an old 64 BF DR and an early 68 (BF circuit) SR. Neither have master volumes but I am sure they both have been driven plenty hard over the course of 44-48 some odd years. I gig with them hard every weekend and they never fail to churn out warm tube tones.

Tubes will wear out and need replacement just like the tires on your car.

 

[rocknhorse1]

For me, and this is only if I am playing live because I do things totally different at home.
I usually turn the master up until I know the power tubes are working hard, but not in complete melt down. This gives the maximum clean headroom of the amp. I start at 5 (noon) on the mater, with my guitar controls on like 7. Then I bring up the gain just until I get some breakup when digging in, not hard, but a little "dig in". Then I roll the guitar volume back until clean. If that is too loud, I will add some gain, and drop the mater a bit. On a single channel amp, it's my experience that if you don't use the power section to it's ability, you are missing what the amp has to offer. It helps to know your amp. Play with it a bit and see what works for you.