Amp/Preamp Question

Shadowshocker · Post by **Shadowshocker** » Thu May 28, 2009 3:14 am

I have a question regarding guitar amplifiers that maybe one of you can help me out with. Currently I'm running guitar into a solid state Vox Pathfinder15r. Then from there, taking the line out and running it through some effects, then into some recording monitors. But, the amp is crap, and the only reason I use it is to boost the signal of my guitar. So, I want to get rid of it and replace it with something else. So I was thinking of getting a preamp to run the guitar through instead, this way I don't need the amp which is sorta damaged to begin with (distorted signal when I play bass heavy chords...probably from playing too loud with it before).

So, my question is, can I just run through a preamp and everything will be a-ok, or will that sound like crap. For example, if I play just through the effects, it sounds like crap even though I have an EQ to shape the tone. Sounds completely flat and horrible. So I guess I need some sort of amplification, I just don't know if I need an amp or not. Could I get away with just the preamp? I've asked opinions on a guitar forum but all of them just recommended me Line 6 PODS which are amp modeling recording software modules (POS's is more like it). I'd like to get a nice tube tone, so I was gonna go with a tube preamp. My only other option would be to get a tube amp and mic it up. But that would be a lot more williams than I feel like shelling out, and I don't really want an amp, cause I want the only sound source to be that coming out of my monitors with all the effects on it.

Thanks in adavanceee!

Edgar · Post by **Edgar** » Thu May 28, 2009 11:38 am

When you say it goes to some recording monitors do you mean it goes straight from the effects pedal to your monitors or is there some sort of mixing interface involved before hand?

Also do you use your computer in any of this? Im sure your aware of all the VST's e.g. Guitar Rig, They can produce some nice guitar effects from what I've heard.

I don't know how much of a help that is to you, to be honest I think the tube pre-amp idea is probably your best bet. Maybe try and have a good listen to one before you purchase to see if its the sort of thing your after. If your seeking a tube tone, then i'm pretty sure some sort of tube pre-amplification could be the answer to your problems

I don't know all that much about guitars and pre-amps but I just had a quick read up on pre-amplification and it definitely sounds like your on the right track there. Also there will be no need for mic's so you won't have to worry about that either.

Apologies for my limited knowledge, perhaps someone else can give you a bit better advice. Good luck anyway.

Edgar.

Phasen · Post by **Phasen** » Thu May 28, 2009 1:26 pm

I just got a m-audio mobile pre USB. I dont use the guitar pre-amp in it (but it has that and sounds fine) that often. I got it for live shows, because it also has every output possible in the back (XLR, 1/4 inch, 1/8th inch, etc).

The sound card also boosts your quality from 41000 to 48000 (dvd quality) which is actually quite noticeable. I'd recommened it. I found it online for just over 100 USD.

bleak. · Post by **bleak.** » Thu May 28, 2009 5:19 pm

Phasen wrote:I just got a m-audio mobile pre USB. I dont use the guitar pre-amp in it (but it has that and sounds fine) that often. I got it for live shows, because it also has every output possible in the back (XLR, 1/4 inch, 1/8th inch, etc).

The sound card also boosts your quality from 41000 to 48000 (dvd quality) which is actually quite noticeable. I'd recommened it. I found it online for just over 100 USD.

this looks like a brilliant piece of equipment for the price. definitely considering purchasing one. thanks!

Shadowshocker · Post by **Shadowshocker** » Thu May 28, 2009 6:40 pm

Edgar wrote:When you say it goes to some recording monitors do you mean it goes straight from the effects pedal to your monitors or is there some sort of mixing interface involved before hand?

Also do you use your computer in any of this? Im sure your aware of all the VST's e.g. Guitar Rig, They can produce some nice guitar effects from what I've heard.

I don't know how much of a help that is to you, to be honest I think the tube pre-amp idea is probably your best bet. Maybe try and have a good listen to one before you purchase to see if its the sort of thing your after. If your seeking a tube tone, then i'm pretty sure some sort of tube pre-amplification could be the answer to your problems I don't know all that much about guitars and pre-amps but I just had a quick read up on pre-amplification and it definitely sounds like your on the right track there. Also there will be no need for mic's so you won't have to worry about that either.

Apologies for my limited knowledge, perhaps someone else can give you a bit better advice. Good luck anyway.

Edgar.

There is nothing between the effects and monitors, so it's straight out from the effects through 1/4" cables into the monitors. I don't currently run it through the computer, but once I save up some cash, I'll probably buy a mixer so I can send a signal to the computer and one to the monitors. I am aware of the many vst plug-ins, but I'm not much of a computer person besides recording. I'd much rather have a piece of hardware than something on the computer.

Thanks for the help. I have listened to some clips online of the one I'm looking at buying, only problem is the assumed use is to run it into an amp after the pedal, and use it as sort of a boosted tube tone. This is why I'm not sure how it's gonna sound with just using it as the main boost for the signal and no amp after it.