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107 Views 2 Replies Latest reply: Nov 21, 2012 9:25 PM by spaceatl RSS
Talkeye Just Startin' 3 posts since
Apr 24, 2010
Currently Being Moderated

Nov 21, 2012 10:58 AM

4 cable method question

I am wanting to use the 4 cable method with my Mesa Boogie amp. The only problem is the amp is still too loud for my church setting. If I unplug the speaker from the poweramp (no sound from amp) can I use the boogie preamp through the Pod fx loop and still run XLR direct out via the Pod?

  • jimsreynolds Power User 2,227 posts since
    Jun 27, 43450
    Currently Being Moderated
    Nov 21, 2012 5:30 PM (in response to Talkeye)
    Re: 4 cable method question

    ******************** Noooooo !!! Do not unplug the speaker from the power amp. 

     

    You should never run a tube amp with the speaker unplugged.  Without a load:  there is ia high probabllity that you will damage your amp's output transformer and  it will need to be replaced.  This will cost you mucho $$$.

     

    In some cases, the tube amp will have a dummy load that kicks in when the speaker is unplugged but these are in the minority and I cannot confirm whether the Boogie has one.  Don';t take the chance unless you can confirm this.

     

    If you think this through:  even with the speaker removed you would stilll  not be hitting your bases.   You could run the Boogie Preamp in the FX Loop of the Pod (as is standard with 4CM) but then the output would not actually go through a power amp and speaker simulation.  There is no generic power amp/speaker model on the pod so you would find your tone might be a bit on the thin and anaemic side when you DI-d it.

     

    If you cannot reduce the Boogie's volume enough to make it sound good at low volume:  I would think about:

     

    1)  A power soak between the Power amp and speaker to reduce the overall volume.  The power amp could cook as much as you want at a reduced speaker volume and may do the do

      http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Power_attenuator_(guitar)

     

    2)  Another smaller amp for church.

     

    3)  Use the Pod modelling as intended and work up some good modelled tones for DI into the church PA.

  • spaceatl Expert Line 6 User 4,456 posts since
    Jan 24, 2007
    Currently Being Moderated
    Nov 21, 2012 9:25 PM (in response to Talkeye)
    Re: 4 cable method question

    +1 Jim...

     

    I say leave the amp at home and just take the POD...I do this quite often at rehearsals with my HD bean...I could never really do that with the XT as it lack the dynamic feel that the HD models finally have...anyhoo, I say keep it simple...use the amp when you need it...Go direct when you don't...

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