Clipping to FOH?

[rwinking]

I have a question regarding either the 112+ or the 212. I notice that when I am playing on my QC (most often with a clean amp model) the PC is in the red zone meaning it is clipping. However I do not hear the clipping on the PC. I assume that the clipping must be going to the FOH even though I am not hearing it on the PC. If I pull it back on the QC and get it in the green or yellow zone on the PC oft times it is not loud enough for my stage volume. I know that I could ask the FOH engineer for more in my monitor but that kind of defeats me using the PC for the amp in the room sound. I looked in the global settings but not sure if I saw anything relevant in there except maybe the input volume in which case I then need to add something extra to my stage volume.

Also, should the direct out level be line or mic in going to FOH?

Any easy fixes?

[rd2rk]

The clip light indicates that the PC's Input circuit is clipping, not the modeler's Output. ***

That signal level (the modeler's Output) is what goes to FOH from the XLR.

The PC's Volume knob has no effect on the level to FOH, only the PC's speaker output.

IOW - the PC's XLR out is the same level as running the XLR direct from the modeler to FOH.

 

LINE level is higher than MIC level, so to get the hottest signal to FOH use LINE from the PC.

Some less than quality boards and some less than competent engineers might think that's too hot.

It should not be a problem for a modern board and a basically competent engineer, but what can you do?

If the SOUND GOD says it's too hot, switch the PC's Output Level to MIC.

 

The INPUT LEVEL setting on the PC is used to compensate the signal from the modeler to the PC's INPUTS (analog only, no effect on the digital input).

If it's set at 0db and the modeler's output can light up the clip light, you're good.

If the modeler's Output Level at MAX won't light the Clip LED you turn up the INPUT LEVEL to compensate.

That won't affect the XLR, but you may need to set the XLR Out level to LINE to get sufficient level to FOH.

 

I can't imagine that a dimed Powercab can't handle stage levels unless your band's drummer is channeling Bonham with a stadium sized kit and the other guitarist is diming a 100w full stack trying to outgun the bass player's SVT fridge. If this is your normal scenario, your Powercab might only be a small part of the problem - you might need a good audiologist!

 

*** Clean signals are less compressed than distorted signals - the dynamic range is wider. The MOMENTARY PEAKS are what triggers the Clip light, but like any noise floor phenomenon, it's easier to HEAR the nasty digital distortion on an already distorted signal. OTOH, if the clean signal is ALWAYS in the clip zone you SHOULD be able to hear it, I sure do! - it really is NASTY! While this doesn't appear on the XLR, it WILL be apparent on the USB. Try cranking it up and recording it in a DAW.

 

 

[rwinking]

Thanks so much rd2rk. This really helped me with my rig. As I never use the PC with the USB for recording, I have never heard the clipping. It is so weird that if I am using a very clean model like a Twin or Deluxe it goes in the red but still sounds really clean. I have never had an issue using acoustic instruments for obvious reasons. I really love the PC for an acoustic monitor. THe sound I get on stage is prefect for me using acoustic IRs and then it is up to the sound god to make that happen out front. My trouble was more in using it for my electric stuff. YOu have helped me conceptualize it so I now know how to get the biggest sound free of worrying about where it might be oeverdriving.