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If the Drive parameter in the Amp block doesn't get you the results you want, you can use various other methods to increase amp gain.
Here's a list. Reply if you have more suggestions!
Wiki: How to adjust amp gain
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Here's a list. Reply if you have more suggestions!
- Amp Gain in the Global menu: this applies to all Amp blocks, adding or subtracting up to 12dB of gain. It applies to ALL presets and therefore lends itself as a way to compensate for the differences in output between guitars, if you need that.
- Input Trim in the Amp block: similar to Amp Gain, but with a range of +/- 20 dB gain and only applies to the current Amp block. You can use this parameter as a substitute for the Lead Drive control on a Mesa Mark amplifier or other amps which have two Drive/Gain controls. You can attach a controller to this parameter.
- Master Volume in the Amp block: depending on the amp model, turning up Master Volume will increase power amp distortion. Turning it up too much on MV-models may result in mushy tones.
- Master Volume Trim in the Amp block (firmware 10 and later): depending on the amp model, turning up Master Volume will increase power amp distortion. Turning it up too much on MV-models may result in mushy tones.
- Boost in the Amp block: this works on the input signal. It boosts the entire signal by 12dB.
- Bright in the Amp block: the gain of some amp types will increase if you engage their Bright switch. Examples: Plexi and Euro Blue.
- Transformer (Xformer) Drive in the Amp block: this advanced parameter affects the way the virtual transformer in the power amp stage operates. It models the core saturation in the output transformer.
- Transformer (Xformer) Match in the Amp block: this parameter affects how the virtual power tubes are driven into clipping. The higher the Master Volume setting the more pronounced the effect.
- Saturation switch in the Amp block: this switch emulates a famous preamp mod (known as the "Jose" or "Arrendondo" mod) on Marshall-type amps. It switches in a zener diode clipping stage right before the tone stack. It's enabled by default on the Cameron Ch.2 model.
- Clean boost: you can put a "neutral" effect block before the Amp block and increase its level to boost the input signal. It's operates the same as the Boost switch, but this method lets you finetune the amount of boost. A Filter, set to Null, works great for this purpose because it doesn't use much CPU capacity and it lets you attach a controller to Level (not possible with Boost in the Amp block). For more "mojo", try a FET Boost or Tape Dist instead.
- Old school hard-rock/metal trick: put a (virtual) OD pedal such as the TS808 before the Amp block, set to zero gain (Drive) and maximum level. Decrease Drive in the Amp block to prevent too much saturation. This tightens the overall tone and bass response.
- Adding an extra tube gain stage: finally, you can virtually mod an amp yourself by adding a "tube gain stage". Put a Tape Dist before the Amp block, set it to HV tube, use a moderate Drive setting and set Level as appropriate for the amp block it's driving. Source: Jay Mitchell.
Wiki: How to adjust amp gain
To get a list of all Wicked Wiki threads: type "Wicked Wiki" in the Search box.
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