Catalyst as a power amp?

[cw937]

I have seen a couple questions on this but I am still unclear.  If i plug in a preamp/multifx etc into the return and select power amp in mode, does this pass the signal clean?  Meaning i bypass any effects and speaker sims?  So i could pass IR's etc directly without any changes to the sound?  The thought would be to plug in a helix or kemper etc.  Thanks.

[rd2rk]

When using the RETURN, setting the MODE Switch to "Power Amp In" bypasses everything**, sending the signal direct to the Power Amp.

You can also use the "FX Loop" position, which allows you to use any of the Cat's FX that are placed in the POST position.

I use it this way when using the Cat with my HX Stomp to free up blocks/dsp on the HXS.

 

**Poorly documented is the Fletcher-Munson EQ compensation applied to the Power Amp in the .5db attenuator setting.

This provides a fuller sound at low volume by boosting specific low and high frequencies.

Also, the overall Output Level at ALL attenuator settings is further attenuated by (IIRC) 6db when the MODE Switch is in the "Power Amp In" position.

I assume that this is to accommodate preamps/multifx that have only a LINE Level output. Helix/HX multifx outputs can be set to either INSTRUMENT (as expected by most guitar amp FX Loops) or LINE.

 

While you CAN, of course, use IRs when using the Cat's RETURN, I have gotten mixed results.

The Catalyst is NOT a FRFR speaker, it is a "Special Design" Eminence guitar speaker.

An IR is, functionally, simply a specific EQ curve designed to mimic a specific guitar speaker/cab combination.

If it SOUNDS GOOD TO YOU, then go for it.

However, the speaker is NOT DESIGNED to be used with IRs. It is a guitar speaker designed to sound good with a range of amp types in an open back cab.

[cw937]

Thanks for the reply.  I plan on probably putting kemper kone speaker in it for my kemper.  Sounds like it will do what i need in that case.

[mandiboy]

On 1/10/2025 at 9:02 PM, cw937 said:

Thanks for the reply.  I plan on probably putting kemper kone speaker in it for my kemper.  Sounds like it will do what i need in that case.

try the kemper imprints with the stock speaker-- the catalyst as power amp works/sounds very good with kemper helix -- the only issue is the design flaw of it attenuating the signal-- there is ZERO reason for it to do so but the sound is very good and stock speaker is good as well- the kones arent anything special

[rd2rk]

On 1/14/2025 at 8:56 AM, mandiboy said:

the only issue is the design flaw of it attenuating the signal-- there is ZERO reason for it to do so

 

 

I've posted this elsewhere in this thread, but here it is again:

 

The POWER AMP IN position of the MODE SWITCH attenuates the signal (in all attenuator settings) by (IIRC) 6db to accommodate preamps/multifx whose output is LINE LEVEL only. The FX LOOP position provides FULL VOLUME for use with devices whose output is INSTRUMENT level, which is what most guitar amp fx loops expect.

 

Helix/HX devices can be set to either LINE or INSTRUMENT level outputs. Check your Kemper manual to see if it also has that feature and set the MODE SWITCH accordingly.

 

[mandiboy]

On 1/14/2025 at 12:02 PM, rd2rk said:

 

 

I've posted this elsewhere in this thread, but here it is again:

 

The POWER AMP IN position of the MODE SWITCH attenuates the signal (in all attenuator settings) by (IIRC) 6db to accommodate preamps/multifx whose output is LINE LEVEL only. The FX LOOP position provides FULL VOLUME for use with devices whose output is INSTRUMENT level, which is what most guitar amp fx loops expect.

 

Helix/HX devices can be set to either LINE or INSTRUMENT level outputs. Check your Kemper manual to see if it also has that feature and set the MODE SWITCH accordingly.

 

the fx loop can be colored by any fx though that are in the settings on the catalyst  amp section though- power amp should be clean power and most multi fx have an attenuator feature as well- the catalyst sounds good as power amp- better than the fender fr 12 for sure  but the attenuation is unnecessary and is a design defect -- even if the power amp was hit with line level it would mean using volume to adjust- kemper outputs line level as does helix- and the attenuation is a PITA

[rd2rk]

On 1/14/2025 at 10:30 AM, mandiboy said:

the fx loop can be colored by any fx though that are in the settings on the catalyst  amp section though

 

Not if they're OFF.

 

On 1/14/2025 at 10:30 AM, mandiboy said:

but the attenuation is unnecessary and is a design defect -- even if the power amp was hit with line level it would mean using volume to adjust- kemper outputs line level as does helix- and the attenuation is a PITA

 

I've already explained the purpose of the attenuation in Power Amp Mode.

IDK what the Kemper does, which is why I suggested that OP should RTM.

Helix can be set to LINE or INSTRUMENT level, which I've also already noted.

Adjusting volume is necessary with all audio devices - that's why they have VOLUME KNOBS.

 

Use your Catalyst any way it works for you but stop spreading misinformation to new and potential users.

Yes, it's misinformation.

How do I know? Experience AND the fact that I'm active on MANY forums and NO ONE has ever said ANYTHING like the stuff you're saying. ANYWHERE!