What is everyone setting the output level of the Axe Fx 2 and the input levels of the Matrix GT800FX at? Should my Matrix be maxed out and I just control the level with the output on the Axe or what? I'm running stereo to a recto 4x12 cab.
I read the following from the wiki:
"Gain staging a power amp
The gain-staging information and procedure below is provided by forum member s0c9. Source Go here for more info: Gain Staging Explained.
Gain staging: The "knobs" on a power amp are NOT volume levels, they are input signal attenuators. They control how much input signal voltage is allowed to pass to the power stage. The amp can reach its rated output wattage with the input attenuators wide open, or almost closed. Its totally dependent on the strength of the input signal. If the amp knobs are down, but the Axe outputs are cranked, that amp can still produced its full power output. If you have the amp wide open, the noise floor will be much higher and if you mute the input signal you will get "noise/buzz" thru your system. That noise may be quite loud/annoying, especially if you have 50/60 cycle hum added thru bad grounding.
NOTE: The following steps ONLY apply to SOLID-STATE amps. Opening up a tube amp (wide open) with no speakers connected can PERMANENTLY DAMAGE the amp!! They are also not valid for active devices (such as the QSC K12) that have the amp built in.
To properly gain-stage your system, take the following steps: 1. Turn down the output level (assuming OUT1 going to amp) on the Axe-Fx.
2. Turn down the input attenuators on the amp.
3. Disconnect the cab from the amp (only with solid-state amps! Tube amps need a load at all times).
4. Open up the amps input levels all the way.
5. While playing a relatively "loud" preset, SLOWLY turn up the OUT1 level on the Axe until the CLIP lights on the amp light up.
6. Now, (while still playing) back down the input level on the amp just hair - that could be one click of the knob or one measurement - so that the CLIP light goes off.
7. Now play real hard and make sure the CLIP light does not come on. if it does, back down the amps input levels another notch.
8. Turn off power amp, turn off the Axe-Fx.
9. Reconnect speakers.
10. Turn on the Axe-Fx, then turn on amp (amps should ALWAYS be switched on LAST and powered down FIRST!).
You have now gain-staged your setup. Will this be the "loudest" it can be? No. But you will not be in danger of blowing speakers, and you should not be introducing any more "noise" in the system than already existed. You should use the Tuner mute to silence the system or the volume knob on your guitar. You should not need to adjust the OUT1 level on the Axe, nor the knobs on the amp."
But the GT800FX has no clip lights...
I read the following from the wiki:
"Gain staging a power amp
The gain-staging information and procedure below is provided by forum member s0c9. Source Go here for more info: Gain Staging Explained.
Gain staging: The "knobs" on a power amp are NOT volume levels, they are input signal attenuators. They control how much input signal voltage is allowed to pass to the power stage. The amp can reach its rated output wattage with the input attenuators wide open, or almost closed. Its totally dependent on the strength of the input signal. If the amp knobs are down, but the Axe outputs are cranked, that amp can still produced its full power output. If you have the amp wide open, the noise floor will be much higher and if you mute the input signal you will get "noise/buzz" thru your system. That noise may be quite loud/annoying, especially if you have 50/60 cycle hum added thru bad grounding.
NOTE: The following steps ONLY apply to SOLID-STATE amps. Opening up a tube amp (wide open) with no speakers connected can PERMANENTLY DAMAGE the amp!! They are also not valid for active devices (such as the QSC K12) that have the amp built in.
To properly gain-stage your system, take the following steps: 1. Turn down the output level (assuming OUT1 going to amp) on the Axe-Fx.
2. Turn down the input attenuators on the amp.
3. Disconnect the cab from the amp (only with solid-state amps! Tube amps need a load at all times).
4. Open up the amps input levels all the way.
5. While playing a relatively "loud" preset, SLOWLY turn up the OUT1 level on the Axe until the CLIP lights on the amp light up.
6. Now, (while still playing) back down the input level on the amp just hair - that could be one click of the knob or one measurement - so that the CLIP light goes off.
7. Now play real hard and make sure the CLIP light does not come on. if it does, back down the amps input levels another notch.
8. Turn off power amp, turn off the Axe-Fx.
9. Reconnect speakers.
10. Turn on the Axe-Fx, then turn on amp (amps should ALWAYS be switched on LAST and powered down FIRST!).
You have now gain-staged your setup. Will this be the "loudest" it can be? No. But you will not be in danger of blowing speakers, and you should not be introducing any more "noise" in the system than already existed. You should use the Tuner mute to silence the system or the volume knob on your guitar. You should not need to adjust the OUT1 level on the Axe, nor the knobs on the amp."
But the GT800FX has no clip lights...