Master volume Question

[Tboneous]

Prior to the last update, the master volume knob on the HD was bypassed when used with the DT or L-Series via the L6 link. The last update brings the Pod master volume into play. Where are people setting that in their dream rig setup?

[silverhead]

Generally you want the HD Master volume set on the high side rather than the low side. The higher the Master, the less noise in the output signal (better signal-to-noise ratio). On the other hand, it is recommended that the L-series speakers be set with the volume control at the 'notch' position - about 50%. In my experience setting the HD Master anywhere near max with the L-speaker notched is wa-a-a-y too loud for anything but gig levels. But still, setting the HD too low introduces noise. For practice and small-venue settings I find a balance by adjusting both levels to suit the room and still yield a good signal-to-noise ratio.

[MartinDorr]

From my point of view I would consider that you are sending a digital signal to some analog amplifier (DT or L series speaker), i.e., reducing the digital signal only to then amplify it more at the anlog end will always add noise from the analog amplification system to compensate for the digital signal reduction. So the question becomes do you want that 'noise' or do you want to avoid it. In the DT's you probably want the 'noise' because that tube goodness is only showing up if you crank that amp to some degree of your liking. On the other hand, on the L's you probably do not want any 'extra' noise and amplify just as much as needed for an unreduced digital source.

In other words, try HD Master as low as needed to work with a fixed Master on the DT and use 100% HD Master and with a variable Master on the L's.

I don't have L's to try. So this the above theory and Silverhead has advice based on practice. But trying all your options won't hurt.

Martin

[wolbai]

I am using the Master volume of the POD HD500 together with my DT50-Head to balance / adapt my volume level to different gig locations with great success since several months (say 20 gigs).

 

I therefore have thrown out my power attenuator in the signal chain.

 

My master volume on the DT50 is fixed at 1 o' clock (60 %). The master volume on the POD HD500 varies between 40 - 60% depending on the gig location. In addition to lower the overall volume level, I have muted on specific amps (for example the JCM800 or the Treadplate) one channel in the mixer completely.

 

I hear a tonal loss under 50%. But this is very acceptable to me.

 

I consider the POD HD500 Master volume feature as very powerful and has helped me to eliminate the serious and challenging volume level problem with a DR when using a DT25/50.