Hello,
Whether my output goes direct to my Seymour Duncan Powerstage 170, or I'm using 4 cable method with my 5150III LBX II, my clean presets are not clean. I've searched this issue, and have sat for hours dialing and nothing seems to work.
I have tried using both a pre-amp block and regular amp block. No, I do not have a cab block in the chain. I don't get crazy with effects, I like modulation and reverb on my clean tones, occasionally delay. I have tried the Line6 Clarity, Fender Black Face amps, Jazz Chorus, and every single one exhibits the same issue, no matter if I'm using passive or active pickups.
They sound driven, and unpleasant. I have tried different combinations of master volume, channel volume, gain, and bias. Treble and presence dialed back to try and smooth things out, doesn't do much for it other than make it sound like it is being moved behind a wall. When used with the Seymour Duncan Powerstage, they are almost impossible to volume match with my high gain tones, because they are so quiet. I had to add a gain block at the end to boost the level, and no, my high gain tones are not too loud, and even then, unless I violently compress the front of the clean amp, it is not usable.
I am less concerned anymore about the Powerstage, as across the board in terms of high gain, I got usable tones, I just wasn't completely happy with them. When I switched to the tube amp with 4 cable method, my volume issue has been solved, but the clean amps still do not get clean. Using a compressor, they become OKAY, but too ice-picky, almost DI sounding, I do not use an FX return block with the clean presets as all I am doing is using the power amp of the 5150.
I must be doing something wrong, because when using headphones, I can dial in a nice clean tone.
I appreciate anyone who takes the time to read this and any insight. Thank you.