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221 Views 4 Replies Latest reply: Dec 27, 2012 2:48 PM by kavoo RSS
kavoo Just Startin'
kavoo
3 posts since
Sep 6, 2012
Currently Being Moderated

Dec 23, 2012 9:03 AM

Marshall Valvestate 8080 - how to use HD500 with this amp?

Hi there,

 

I bought a Marshall Valvestate 8080 recently and want to use my HD500 with this amp in most efficient way. I know there's a parallel loop in this amp so 4 cable method won't work as it can with serial loop. Nevertheless I want to get as much as I can from this combination.

 

How should I connect HD500 to this amp to use both of them any way I like? I would like to use the amp simulations in HD500 with all the effects on a clean channel of the amp as well as pure modulation effects (like chorus, flanger, tremolo etc.) with the Marshall's preamp on both channels.

 

Right now I play with HD500 plugged in between my guitar and amp's input. It works with clean channel and all the tones from the POD, but I cannot use this connection to utilize modulation effects from POD in combination with overdrive channel in my amp (they're should be after the preamp in the signal chain).

 

Many thanks in advance for any help.

 

Regards!

Tags: pod, marshall, hd500, valvestate, 8080, 80v
  • jimsreynolds Power User
    jimsreynolds
    2,227 posts since
    Jun 27, 43450
    Currently Being Moderated
    Dec 25, 2012 3:06 PM (in response to kavoo)
    Re: Marshall Valvestate 8080 - how to use HD500 with this amp?

    If you want to use both the amp's preamps and modelling then the only real way to 'have it all' is to use 4CM.  Per the manual here http://www.marshallamps.com/handbooks/pdf/vsmk1.pdf  ==> , the loop on the 8080 is parallel but there is an effects mix control also.  When 100% clockwise the loop is effectively serial so 4CM should work.  This is also how it works on my Marshall JVM.

     

    If you are feeling brave then give 4CM a go ... details here (amongst other docs on this site) ==> http://line6.com/support/docs/DOC-2522

     

    Otherwise the only way I can see you making this work is to have the HD500 in the loop but then use the second input on the HD500 to connect a lead straight in.  To use the Marshall Preamp you would use the lead plugged into the front of the amp.  To use the modellled tones you would use the connection to the second input.   This is a bit of a pain but you could make it a little easier with an A/B Switch.

    • kavoo Just Startin'
      kavoo
      3 posts since
      Sep 6, 2012
      Currently Being Moderated
      Dec 26, 2012 10:14 AM (in response to jimsreynolds)
      Re: Marshall Valvestate 8080 - how to use HD500 with this amp?

      jimsreynolds wrote:

       

      the loop on the 8080 is parallel but there is an effects mix control also.  When 100% clockwise the loop is effectively serial so 4CM should work.

      I'm affraid it won't work. If I'll set the mix control to 100% wet, there won't be ANY signal from preamp. Look into the manual of your JVM, there's a hint telling that with no effects in the loop mix control act like an additional volume control. If I connect my HD500 into the loop with 100% wet, I'll get 100% signal from POD and 0% from preamp.

       

      Looks like I will have to stick with 8080 alone for some time and hope that I'll get the money for planned JVM as soon as possible (and then connect POD to it using 4CM).

      • jimsreynolds Power User
        jimsreynolds
        2,227 posts since
        Jun 27, 43450
        Currently Being Moderated
        Dec 26, 2012 2:06 PM (in response to kavoo)
        Re: Marshall Valvestate 8080 - how to use HD500 with this amp?

        I think you may be  misunderstanding the function of 4CM and the function of a parallel loop.

         

        With a parallel loop, the Effects Mix control  balances  the amount of clean signal output from  preamp againt the  amount of 'effected' signal that goes through the loop.  The purpose of a parallel loop is to allow pristine and effected signal to be mixed and reduce the impact of tone-suck from effects units.   A Parallel Loop with the Effects Mix at 100% becomes a standard serial loop !

         

        With the Effects knob set at 100% this means that all signal from the preamp will pass through the effects loop.  None of the dry signal from the pre-amp will be mixed in.  This is a good thing for 4CM as you want all of your signal to go through the Pod.  The full preamp signal gets 'Sent' by the amp to the POD FX Return and then 'Returned' to the amp via the Pod 1/4" Output.  This is the bit of the hookup where you would want to put your modulations and delay-based FX.

         

        Trust me on this, like I say, I run 4CM with the JVM regularly and this is how I set things up.  It works.  Perhaps the doc here might help you get a clearer picture of why and how this is working.  http://line6.com/support/docs/DOC-2523

         

        The advice from the JVM Manual is good if you have nothing in the FX Loop cause the Mix control  acts as a volume control when there is nothing connected to the FX Loop but it does not apply in this situation - you have the butt-end of a Pod in the loop.

  • kavoo Just Startin'
    kavoo
    3 posts since
    Sep 6, 2012
    Currently Being Moderated
    Dec 27, 2012 2:48 PM (in response to kavoo)
    Re: Marshall Valvestate 8080 - how to use HD500 with this amp?

    OK, now I get it.

     

    Just checked - with 100% mix it really looks like loop behaves as serial and 4CM works excellent. Many thanks mate, you helped me a lot! :-)

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