Setup/settings for AM4 into tube amp input

[sir-vector]

Hi,

I’m looking into the AM4 and one use case would be to use it as an FX unit to go into the guitar input of a tube amp (e.g. local session openers where I plug into the backline Fender amp).

How would one go about this? Use a TS cable from the AM4 send output into the amp input? And bypass the amp block, set output routing to summed mono and adjust the analog output level for roughly unity gain?

Thanks!

 

[Rex]

Hi,

How would one go about this? Use a TS cable from the AM4 send output into the amp input? And bypass the amp block, set output routing to summed mono and adjust the analog output level for roughly unity gain?

Pretty much. But remember that you can build any preset you want in the AM4. So instead of bypassing the Amp block, just don’t use an Amp block at all. That way, you get one more block for an effect.

 

[2Link2]

It works great like that, I use mine in front of a Suhr PT15 IR & a Fender Vibrolux (no amp block )& I'm now selling all my pedals !

 

[ibanman555]

I got into researching the output difference between the VP4 (intended for unbalanced guitar amp input connection) and the AM4 (balanced output), both outputs only show a difference of 400 ohms, but both are +16 dBu at their output. I just plugged in with an unbalanced cable from the AM4 output, and the insert send, and both sounded ok.

 

[nomoretubes]

I would think, even with balanced outputs, if the signal is too hot - just turn it down. That’s what the knob is for.

 

[Admin M@]

if the signal is too hot - just turn it down

Yep.

If you set up a pair of A/B boxes or have a friend help swap patch cables, you can easily get the AM4 with no blocks to effectively be the same level as a patch cable into the amp (unity gain). Adding a D'addario LokNob will then let you easily keep the output level knob in the desired position -- and return to it if you mark the LokNob base with something like a fine white paint marker.

 

[sir-vector]

Thanks for the replies so far!

So TS cable to tube amp input works equally well from main L/R out (balanced) as well as send out (unbalanced)?

 

[ibanman555]

Thanks for the replies so far!

So TS cable to tube amp input works equally well from main L/R out (balanced) as well as send out (unbalanced)?

Yes....

Well, the insert send and return is a TRS connection also (what would be considered balanced), but Tip=Left & Ring=Right, so you can insert stereo equipment. But if using a Y cable they ARE unbalanced

 

[ComplexSouth8585]

Well, the insert send and return is a TRS connection also (what would be considered balanced), but Tip=Left & Right=Ring, so you can insert stereo equipment.

outputs are also balanced (TRS). TS or TRS cables can be used on outputs and/or inserts

EDIT: I may have misunderstood. But good info below for OP either way,

 

[mr_fender]

The insert jacks are not balanced, they're stereo. In this context balanced refers to sending duplicate but out of phase signals over two conductors. The receiving balanced input then flips the phase on one and combines them. This cancels out any noise picked up on the cable along the way and doubles the signal level (+6dB).

 

[ibanman555]

The insert jacks are not balanced

Thanks for accurately redefining my clumsy explanation.