Seymour Duncan Powerstage 200 questions.

[Thenewexhibit]

Hello! I have three questions in particular to this unit.

1) I notice in the manual that Fractal recommends Out 3 to go to a “flat” power amp to use with a cabinet, but I’ve seen inconclusive talk about Out 3 “not having some kind of mojo”, so they use Out 2… what’s the scoop? Is there ANY truth to that claim, considering Fractal recommends Out 3 for this use?

2) The manual says “If your power amp has balanced inputs, substitute Out 2 for Out 3. Does the SD Powerstage 200 have a balanced input or unbalanced input? To my knowledge, this isn’t as simple as XLR vs 1/4”, no?
What’s best to use? TS? TRS? Humbuster? And if Humbuster, which direction? Is Humbuster a must?

3) When simultaneously using a FOH tap (Out 1) and a real guitar cab (Out 3), what do you set the impedance curve to in the Amp Block? Do you set it to something similar to the cab you’re using? I also seem to remember hearing about using the pitch block to sweep for the resonant frequency of the actual cab and then modifying the impedance curve low end peak to that for even more realism. Have any of you done that?

Ok, so a lot more than three questions haha but what’s the scoop on this stuff??

 

[Karl Houseknecht]

Output 3 is unity gain. It's usually meant to be used for an effects loop or for doing 4CM with an amp. Out 2 can be set to -10 dBv or + 4 dBu depending on what level you need for your power amp.

The Powerstage 200 input is TS, so it isn't a balanced input.

 

[Dino334]

I’ve used OUT 2 and OUT 3 going into the Powerstage. Not much of a “mojo” difference as there is with a volume difference. It’s easier to use a standard cable or humbuster from the unit to the PS.

Humbuster cable is not a requirement but may/does help with any noise you may or may not get. I’ve had success with both cables

My cabs are 8ohm Mesas…I just plug them in and haven’t had any problems at all.

Using the PS be careful not to push too much signal/volume from the AXE or FM into the PS or the PS will clip like crazy. Push most of your volume to your cab from the PS.

Hope this helps.

 

[Thenewexhibit]

I’ve used OUT 2 and OUT 3 going into the Powerstage. Not much of a “mojo” difference as there is with a volume difference. It’s easier to use a standard cable or humbuster from the unit to the PS.

Humbuster cable is not a requirement but may/does help with any noise you may or may not get. I’ve had success with both cables

My cabs are 8ohm Mesas…I just plug them in and haven’t had any problems at all.

Using the PS be careful not to push too much signal/volume from the AXE or FM into the PS or the PS will clip like crazy. Push most of your volume to your cab from the PS.

Hope this helps.

Got ya! Thanks! So in other words regarding Out 2 or Out 3, they sound the same if level matched?

Also, will you select the impedance curve that matches your real cabinet closest? How do you treat that?

 

[Karl Houseknecht]

So in other words regarding Out 2 or Out 3, they sound the same if level matched?

Yes.

will you select the impedance curve that matches your real cabinet closest?

Also yes. But there aren't any real rules. Use the curve that sounds best.

 

[Thenewexhibit]

Yes.


Also yes. But there aren't any real rules. Use the curve that sounds best.

Thanks! I remember now where I saw something on the topic of that video. Leon Todd does a video where he uses a synth block to find the resonant frequency of his cab. It’s pretty cool!

 

[Rex]

Output 3 is unity gain. It's usually meant to be used for an effects loop or for doing 4CM with an amp. Out 2 can be set to -10 dBv or + 4 dBu depending on what level you need for your power amp.

This. People confuse volume with "mojo."