If the amp you are using before the Spider V has a "line out" just use it, but DO NOT overpower it with your main amp. Use it sparingly and only as a pre-amp (sorta) for the signal only. If I need to use one for gigs, I will use the one with the most power. In my case....the Kustom stack! If you only have an External speaker output....I would suggest to NOT use it or you could damage the Spider. Just MHO!