How can I make amp models more... punchy?

[GlennO]

You said:​

Please explain what you mean by "Master Volume: If using a non-MV amp model, balance it to avoid unwanted compression."

ChatGPT said:​

That statement doesn’t apply to the Solo 100 Lead since it’s a Master Volume (MV) amp model. But let me explain what I meant and why Master Volume settings still matter, even on an MV amp like this one.

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What I Meant by That Statement​

In the Axe-FX III, some amp models represent non-master volume (non-MV) amps, where the output stage gain is controlled only by the Input Drive. For those amps (like a Plexi), you typically balance the Input Drive and Power Amp drive to avoid unwanted compression or excessive power tube distortion.
For a Master Volume amp like the Soldano SLO-100 (Solo 100 Lead model), the Master Volume directly controls the power amp saturation. Setting it too high can lead to unwanted compression and "mushiness."

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How Master Volume Affects Punch on the Solo 100 Lead​

On the Solo 100 Lead model, Master Volume controls how much signal hits the virtual power amp:

• Higher Master (above ~6.0–7.0) = More power amp compression, which can soften attack and make the tone feel looser.
• Lower Master (~4.0–5.5) = Tighter, punchier response with more clarity in the pick attack.

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Best Approach for a Punchy Tone​

1. Start with the Master around 4.5–5.5 – This keeps the power amp from adding too much sag while still feeling alive.
2. Use Input Drive & Overdrive to control saturation – If you need more gain, tweak these instead of cranking the Master.
3. Adjust Power Amp Dynamics (Sag, Bias Excursion) – If it still feels too compressed, lower the Sag (to ~3.0–4.0) or tweak Bias Excursion (~0.1–0.3).

So while that original statement about "non-MV amps" wasn’t relevant here, balancing the Master Volume correctly on the Solo 100 Lead still plays a big role in how tight and punchy your tone feels.

 

[austinbuddy]

Use the Input Dynamics in Amp block last page. Turn that up to .25 or even .50 or more -- the amp will react more to your touch.

I would also add, if your amp is set medium gain - you should use the amp boost =on (neutral type) set between 6 db and 8db (to taste) - that really juices them up , especially Marshall styles...

 

[oraab]

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1. Amp Block Adjustments​

• Dynamic Presence & Dynamic Depth: Adding a little of both (1.0–2.0) enhances the low-end and high-end attack.

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​

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4. Compressor & Enhancer​

• Input Compressor (AMP BLOCK): Try "FAST" with a ratio of 2:1 to add controlled punch.

Are these settings even in the Amp Block? I know Input Dynamics, but where is the FAST and ratio?

 

[elvis]

I would also add, if your amp is set medium gain - you should use the amp boost =on (neutral type) set between 6 db and 8db (to taste) - that really juices them up , especially Marshall styles...

Thanks! I played with input dynamics a little, but I need to read what they actually DO. I do use boost at times, but should the amp model REQUIRE it to model a real amp?

 

[Rex]

You said:​

Please explain what you mean by "Master Volume: If using a non-MV amp model, balance it to avoid unwanted compression."

ChatGPT said:​

That statement doesn’t apply to the Solo 100 Lead since it’s a Master Volume (MV) amp model. But let me explain what I meant and why Master Volume settings still matter, even on an MV amp like this one.

---

What I Meant by That Statement​

In the Axe-FX III, some amp models represent non-master volume (non-MV) amps, where the output stage gain is controlled only by the Input Drive. For those amps (like a Plexi), you typically balance the Input Drive and Power Amp drive to avoid unwanted compression or excessive power tube distortion.
For a Master Volume amp like the Soldano SLO-100 (Solo 100 Lead model), the Master Volume directly controls the power amp saturation. Setting it too high can lead to unwanted compression and "mushiness."

---

How Master Volume Affects Punch on the Solo 100 Lead​

On the Solo 100 Lead model, Master Volume controls how much signal hits the virtual power amp:

• Higher Master (above ~6.0–7.0) = More power amp compression, which can soften attack and make the tone feel looser.
• Lower Master (~4.0–5.5) = Tighter, punchier response with more clarity in the pick attack.

---

Best Approach for a Punchy Tone​

1. Start with the Master around 4.5–5.5 – This keeps the power amp from adding too much sag while still feeling alive.
2. Use Input Drive & Overdrive to control saturation – If you need more gain, tweak these instead of cranking the Master.
3. Adjust Power Amp Dynamics (Sag, Bias Excursion) – If it still feels too compressed, lower the Sag (to ~3.0–4.0) or tweak Bias Excursion (~0.1–0.3).

So while that original statement about "non-MV amps" wasn’t relevant here, balancing the Master Volume correctly on the Solo 100 Lead still plays a big role in how tight and punchy your tone feels.

That's more clear, though it still has an arbitrary vibe in some parts. And it still seems to be stuck on a 180° error in logic...

...Master Volume settings still matter, even on an MV amp...

In other words, "Steering wheels still matter, even on a car with a steering wheel."

 

[GlennO]

That's more clear, though it still has an arbitrary vibe in some parts. And it still seems to be stuck on a 180° error in logic...

Yeah, it made a couple of mistakes. OTOH, I would say it was mostly good advice. And I doubt a forum member (not me anyway) would have the time or patience to provide all those detailed suggestions. It's interesting the recommended parameter values in one of the suggestions was subsequently confirmed by Austin Buddy, who recommended the same parameter values.

In other words, "Steering wheels still matter, even on a car with a steering wheel."

You said:​

Isn't saying "Master Volume settings still matter, even on an MV amp" redundant?

ChatGPT said:​

Yeah, that was a bit redundant. Master Volume obviously matters on an amp that has a Master Volume. What I should have said was:
Even on an MV amp, HOW you set the Master Volume still impacts the tone in ways you might not expect—especially in a modeler like the Axe-FX III, where it's simulating real power amp behavior.
A lot of players assume Master Volume only affects loudness, but in the Axe-FX (and real amps), it also controls:
Power amp compression – Higher settings can cause sag and squash transients.
Harmonic saturation – More Master Volume = more power tube distortion.
Low-end response – High MV can make the lows looser or mushy.
So instead of just saying "Master Volume still matters", I should have just jumped straight to explaining why how you set it affects punch, dynamics, and overall tightness in your tone.
I appreciate your sharp eye for wording—keep calling out anything that seems off!

 

[strabes]

I could, though I have to open my DAW...

I don't know if the difference would be audible after Soundcloud's algorithm killed all the dynamics. I will say it's SUPER subtle. I'm going after that last 1%. I think I got partway there tonight with a different speaker impedance and a bit more work on the tone controls.

You can bounce the .wav and upload it to Dropbox or other cloud storage so the file isn't altered in any way. Without hearing what you’re describing we’re really just guessing.

 

[yyz67]

Here's my go-to short list for some punchiness (which I associate with less compression):

• Reduce Sag or switch to DC
• Tweak Transformer Match
• Turn PI Excursion down from 100% (esp for ~Plexi types) can restore some punch, possibly at the expense of strict "accuracy"
• Speaker page: reduce Drive/Compression, add Thump

 

[supersonic182]

also i recommend playing with a poweramp and a real cab attached, this is the closest to the real amp feel that you can get. and its amazing! The punch comes with the air thats moved!

This. I finally got myself an Orange Pedal Baby and it made my hang-ups fade away. There is like 5% that is hard to perceive that’s missing [from some models?], but I chalk that up to the real deal vs a digital model of the real deal. I have reached the top of the mountain, and it is good.

You might need to decide like I did; do you appreciate the best-quality in flexibility, options, and sounds, or… do you just want a big heavy tube amp?

 

[Rex]

Yeah, it made a couple of mistakes. OTOH, I would say it was mostly good advice.

Yes, there’s good advice there, along with some that’s unclear or imprecise.

And I doubt a forum member (not me anyway) would have the time or patience to provide all those detailed suggestions.

True. It may one day be able to generate that advice without multiple interventions from knowledgeable people.

It's interesting the recommended parameter values in one of the suggestions was subsequently confirmed by Austin Buddy, who recommended the same parameter values.

I’m going to guess that it got those values by ingesting something that @Austin wrote previously. I see no method for it to derive those values by itself.

ChatGPT said:
What I should have said was:
Even on an MV amp...

ChatGPT still doesn’t understand the issue.

HOW you set the Master Volume still impacts the tone in ways you might not expect—especially in a modeler like the Axe-FX III, where it's simulating real power amp behavior.

Especially on a modeler? No. “Especially” on anything with a Master Volume.

I appreciate your sharp eye for wording—keep calling out anything that seems off!

Here, ChatGPT says, “Keep telling me what to say until I say it.” No, Donkey, we’re not there yet.

 

[austinbuddy]

Thanks! I played with input dynamics a little, but I need to read what they actually DO. I do use boost at times, but should the amp model REQUIRE it to model a real amp?

If you believe all amps are exactly alike, then no. If you believe - as I do - that two of the same real world model vintage-style amps (like two tweed Twins) can respond differently to the same player's same touch - then input dynamics is your friend. It can help the amp react to your pick attack and bloom more with notes, and get quieter as you play softer. I use it to enhance the realism of the Dumble-style amps all the time - those amps really respond to pick attack in real world, and this parameter really helps me dial that "feel" in.

 

[GlennO]

ChatGPT still doesn’t understand the issue.



Especially on a modeler? No. “Especially” on anything with a Master Volume.

I think it's correct. I took it to mean "especially on a modeler like the Axe-FX, as opposed to: a modeler which doesn't model the power stage".

I see no method for it to derive those values by itself.

Not all LLMs use reasoning models, but yes, OpenAI does.

 

[elvis]

If you believe all amps are exactly alike, then no. If you believe - as I do - that two of the same real world model vintage-style amps (like two tweed Twins) can respond differently to the same player's same touch - then input dynamics is your friend. It can help the amp react to your pick attack and bloom more with notes, and get quieter as you play softer. I use it to enhance the realism of the Dumble-style amps all the time - those amps really respond to pick attack in real world, and this parameter really helps me dial that "feel" in.

Thanks again! I did add a bit of input dynamics, and it does give some bloom, which is super nice. Without, it sounds a bit clinical, the real amp is a little looser. The thing I'm hearing is that the real amp has a bit more presence in the upper mids that comes out as "punch" to me. When I rake the pick across muted strings I can really hear that pop. I have to admit that the amp model sounds GREAT, just a bit different. The model sounds a bit cleaner and more focused. But it sounds a bit more focused on lower mids if I'm hearing it right.

 

[elvis]

I added 0.5dB at 2k and 4k with output EQ and it's SUPER close now. The input dynamics (1.0) added the slushiness that let me back off on the Depth, and the EQ got me that upper mid response that shows up on the unwound strings.

 

[alexjplant]

Try using a compressor. It's a very common misconception that compressors "reduce dynamic range" but this isn't inherently true. Try this: stick a compressor after the amp block and set the attack to something slow like 100ms. Set the ratio high then start playing muted strings on your guitar at, say, quarter notes at around 120bpm; you want to play something staccato that will trigger the compressor then allow it to come back to unity gain. Turn the threshold down until you're getting like 15db of gain reduction. These settings, while not at all musical, will emphasize the fact that a compressor can actually increase dynamic range because you're using the attack settings to make the initial transient loud relative to when leveling is happening. This is what gives lots of tones a characteristic "pop" on recordings in such varied genres as funk, country, and downtuned metal.

From here you can adjust the attack time, knee, and ratio to your liking to sculpt the guitar's transient relative to its sustain. Once you have it where you want it all you have to do is figure out the release so that it doesn't pump aggressively.

 

[Rex]

I think it's correct. I took it to mean "especially on a modeler like the Axe-FX, as opposed to: a modeler which doesn't model the power stage".

Yes. If you change the meaning by changing the wording, then it’s correct.

Not all LLMs use reasoning models, but yes, OpenAI does.

I misspoke. I see no way for ChatGPT to derive appropriate MV values. To do that, it would need either personal experience with the parameter and an amp, or sufficient technical knowledge to analyze the circuits, calculate the resultant waveforms, and interpret them as a human ear would respond.

I think it’s unlikely that ChatGPT did either of those things. Instead, I think it ingested those values as a recommendation somebody made.


I will give it this, though: among the chaff and confusion, it offered up some useable and surprisingly deep ideas.

 

[elvis]

This is pretty convincing.

 

[Greg Ferguson]

I think it ingested those values as a recommendation somebody made.

Yes, definitely.

Most AI regurgitates content it snagged off wherever it was allowed to sack and pillage so it's subject to GIGO because there's too much bad and inaccurate information out there. The more times it sees something it's going to consider that something is more accurate, whether it is or not, and someone who actually knows and can give the accurate information to correct it is lost in the noise. The people housing it aren't experts in the data it's gathering either, so they can only provide basic rules and hope those cover the bases, then nudge it when it wanders off too far.

Charles Babbage said:

On two occasions I have been asked, "Pray, Mr. Babbage, if you put into the machine wrong figures, will the right answers come out?" ... I am not able rightly to apprehend the kind of confusion of ideas that could provoke such a question.

Expert systems would do a much better job with these sort of questions, but it'd take a lot of time of Fractal Audio focusing on programming and providing the data to feed it the real information it needs to give valid answers.

Maybe, with enough time and access to the RCA tube manuals and an analysis of how to model the behavior of the parts of a tube amp, and enough people training it, an AI could be an expert in modeling, and with sufficient training maybe be decent at doing what we do with Fractals. That'd be nice, but I'm not holding my breath, and I think we can do better by turning the knobs and listening to what happens.

 

[GlennO]

Yes. If you change the meaning by changing the wording, then it’s correct.

Hmmm,

especially in a modeler like the Axe-FX III, where it's simulating real power amp behavior.

There are multiple ways one could express that thought I suppose, but that seems like a pretty clear way to say this issue is especially important in modelers that simulate power amp behavior.

I think it’s unlikely that ChatGPT did either of those things. Instead, I think it ingested those values as a recommendation somebody made.

It's hard to say for a specific case like this, but OpenAI is absolutely capable of taking disparate bits of information and inferring something from them.

 

[GlennO]

GIGO

And therein lies the problem. Today's hallucinations become tomorrow's training sets, leading ultimately to model collapse. Kinda like social media today .