Anybody using TubeFex in front of a regular amp?

Tony Palmer · Post by **Tony Palmer** » 20 Feb 2004 8:19 am

I've been using my TubeFex with DPC750 and 2 speakers (112's) for years and am very satisfied with that sound, but when I go to band rehersal, the guitar player has a steel amp all set up, so I'd like to just use that.
What results have you found using the TubeFex as an effects device, in line with the input of a steel amp (not Peavey)?
How do you set the controls on the amp?

Darvin Willhoite · Post by **Darvin Willhoite** » 20 Feb 2004 3:18 pm

If the amp has a power amp input, just go out of the L(MONO) side of your Tubefex into the power amp input. That bypasses the preamp in the amp, and all of your settings should be the same as with the power amp and speakers you normally use. You can also use an effects loop if the amp has one, but you may have to reduce the input and output levels on the Tfex to prevent distortion

If the amp has no power amp input jack or effects loop, you shouldn't have any problem putting it between your guitar and the amp. But you would probably have to reduce the input and output levels on the Tfex in this configuration also to prevent distortion. I would set the EQ on the amp as flat as possible.

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Darvin Willhoite
Riva Ridge Recording

David L. Donald · Post by **David L. Donald** » 21 Feb 2004 12:03 am

Ditto, except I think only the global output would need to be lowered.
And the input volume on the amp als would likely need to be small numbers.

But Darvin's effects loop suggestion is the best idea if available.

Ken Fox · Post by **Ken Fox** » 21 Feb 2004 9:57 am

Global output of around 30 does well. Also use input 2 on most amps (padded about
-6db, typically).

The one annoying thing about a Tubefex and Trantubefex is ground loop hum (or any unit with an AC cord with ground). The chassis is grounded via the AC cord but is also grounded to the amp via the signal cord.

Some ways to overcome this:

1- Use a ground lift plug on the AC cord of the Fex, not the best or safest cure.

2- Make a patch cord that has the ground disconnected on one end. That will lift the ground loop, signal will pass thru the center conducter and the signal common will use the amp's chassis to the Fex, via chassis grounds.

3- Buy a unit called the "Hum Eliminator". It will plug between the units and deliver a balanced (non-grounded) signal.

David Higginbotham · Post by **David Higginbotham** » 21 Feb 2004 1:43 pm

Hey Tony, You have info from 2 of the best with Darvin & Ken. As ken stated, dropping the ground on one of the plugs with an adapter is not the best idea! Being careful not to get a shock at some point becomes a challenge. Experience speaks!

Dave

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Carter S-10 3&5, Profex II, Evans FET 500-LV

Jim Cohen · Post by **Jim Cohen** » 21 Feb 2004 2:21 pm

OK, so now that we've established that one can do this, it leaves the question of how does it sound?, given that the patches are intended for stereo use. Do they sound good in mono? Or do you change the patches in some way so they will?

Ken Fox · Post by **Ken Fox** » 21 Feb 2004 6:53 pm

I typically run the left and right outputs to the #1 and #2 input on my Fender or Peavey amp. That way you get both sides of the effect and also get some padding on the inputs. Sounds good to me! That way you do not have to rewrite the patch.

Tony Palmer · Post by **Tony Palmer** » 22 Feb 2004 9:55 am

Thank you, guys, that was just the info I was looking for.
Jim's question, however, now begs the question of just how important (or not) is stereo anyway?
It seems running the TubeFex monaural into an amp, I'll have the sounds, EQ, patches, etc. all set but will anyone notice the stereo missing except the one playing it?

Ken Fox · Post by **Ken Fox** » 22 Feb 2004 10:23 am

I have found some patches where the effect was assigned to right or left. It was the missing effect that led me to use the left and right outputs to the amps inputs #1 and #2. I prefer to play with two combo amp and run true stereo. Right now I am using a 1966 Deluxe with JBL and usually a Session 400 or one of my Super Reverbs. I like the spacious sound of stereo!! As long as my back holds out, I will use two amps!!

David L. Donald · Post by **David L. Donald** » 22 Feb 2004 2:30 pm

There were several presets that were basically dual mono patches, but the two input chords are a good idea. If you have a two imput amp of course.

It is a shame this unit wasn't made with a master out volume knob on front, so it could be used with any power amp with line in.

I solved the issue for myself by getting the TransFex Amp which is stereo w 2 12's and transfered all the Tubefex patches.
The TubeFex is now in my studio rack.