HX output very quiet...

[GratefulBill]

Hi guys and thanks ahead o time.  So new to it and also not that bright....have stomp xl and trying out both through a frfr 112 (headrush) and my Marshall DSL 40cr through FX loop.  Through FX loop with global output set to instrument on HX have amp dimed  and sound at bedroom levels.  With global output set to line on HX marginally louder but not even approaching actual loud.  Running pre amp models only from HX through Marshall FX loop.   Through FRFR with Amp + Cab models on can attain some volume but no where near loud enough for a live situation.  Feel like output is just quiet from HX.  Im sure cables are good and FX loop is on...also master on HX dimed and volume on FRFR at 80 percent.  Sorry if this is worded poorly or I'm not explaining well...feel like its a simple answer but just cant get there myself.  Also its late and i'm tired from all the swearing at my gear.  Appreciate any help guys check with y'all tomorrow.  -Bill

[rd2rk]

Without being able to put my hands on your rig, I can only offer comments which I hope will be helpful.

 

For use with FRFR112 (I have one) the HXS MAIN Output should be set to LINE. Volume on FRFR112 should be around 2/3 for MAX volume w/headroom. Using Amp+Cab or Amp+IR use the HX Volume knob to control overall output. Fully cranked, this should cause people in the next state to call the cops.

 

When you say that you're playing through the FX Loop, does that mean 4cm or straight to the DSL Return?

 

If you're going into the RETURN from the HX MAIN Out, then HX MAIN Output should be set to LINE.

 

I don't know where the Master is in the DSL circuit. Does it have any effect when you're playing?

 

Note that Preamp models are just that, and their output levels are all over the place. Not all of them are going to work for you. If you must use one of the lower output preamps, you may need one or more GAIN blocks after it. With only 8 blocks to play with, that probably won't be a good solution.

 

Full amps are louder, but still vary. With the rigs you described, it shouldn't be a problem. Keep in mind that while the usual advice is to use preamps with tube power amps to avoid double power amp coloration, that's only a general rule, not a law. A little EQ goes a long way. Bottom line: "If it SOUNDS good, it IS good".

 

You probably DON'T want to use a cab/IR into physical guitar cab. EQ has limits, but, remember the bottom line stated above.

 

If you're wired for 4cm, you won't be using the HXS amps/preamps. In this configuration, the HXS FX Loop should be set to INST because MOST modern amps' FX Loops are designed to be used with stomp type pedals whose inputs expect to be connected to a guitar. Your total Output volume and distortion levels are a result of the interaction of the GAIN and MASTER controls on the amp. The HXS Volume Knob should be dimed. Remember that at MAX, the output signal is at UNITY (in=out). You can only REDUCE the available level. I know, blah blah, just keep it dimed in this configuration.

 

"Bedroom levels" is a relative term.

Going straight into the amp's RETURN, with all levels at defaults and the HXS Volume knob dimed, if I crank the MASTER on my Egnater Tweaker15-112 combo, it's WAY too loud for my apartment, and is totally sufficient for a 3-4 piece combo of competent adult musicians playing R'n'R in a small club. Your DSL40 should be loud enough for the same group to play a medium sized club. If you're playing metal with a bass coming through an SVT and another guitar using a 100 watt full stack to try and get over the John Bonham wannabe with the full double-bass stadium kit, neither of your current rigs will ever be nearly loud enough.

 

Hope this helps.

 

[GratefulBill]

Appreciate and it did help.  So with the FRFR was complete pilot error...had turned one input up but plugged into other haha...when I did it right the volume was impressive.  Like REALLY REALLY loud.  Was awesome! 

 

And the preamps I was using with my Marshall FX loop were really low gain so I guess the output is really low.  Does not sound bad to my ears with a power amp model added and that reached volumes that seemed closer to what I was expecting.

No 4cm just running through effects return with main out.

 

I am surprised however that using  some of the more gainy preamps are not even close to how loud my amp is on its own.  I know loud is subjective but so far anything from the HX is considerably less loud than amp running by itself.  Is that just the nature of the digital beast?

 

Having said that I will probably just stick with The FRFR sounds great to me.  Do not get why people hate on them so much

 

Thanks for your time dude!  -Bill

 

[rd2rk]

18 minutes ago, GratefulBill said:

I am surprised however that using  some of the more gainy preamps are not even close to how loud my amp is on its own.  I know loud is subjective but so far anything from the HX is considerably less loud than amp running by itself.  Is that just the nature of the digital beast?

 

Again, a question I can't even guess at without hands on.

Attach a preset that demonstrates your contention, I'll see if there's something obvious that you're missing.

 

19 minutes ago, GratefulBill said:

Having said that I will probably just stick with The FRFR sounds great to me.  Do not get why people hate on them so much

 

 

For some people, it ain't gonna sound good unless it's a tube amp (THEIR tube amp) through a real world guitar cab (THEIR guitar cab).

If they're using entirely different rigs next week, it'll be because the NEW rig is the ONLY rig that's good enough for human ears (THEIR ears).

Whatever. I just wanna rock!