Comp Clean Channel!

[LooseCannon]

So I had this idea a while ago, to run a preamp to my comp's power amp so i'll have a clean channel as well, and today i've tried it and it works!

I bought a Sansamp GT2, which model's Fnder, Marshall and mesa amps, so you could also use it at rehearsal into another amp for a good gain channel, if you don't wanna carry your splawn, and as a DI backup in live shows. The clean on it is nice, not the best out there so if you want something better there are a lot of preamps out there... You could also use a pod.
For switching I thought about getting two a\b boxes, but the guy I bought the GT2 from happened to have a Radial Big Shot, which takes care of all the switching.

I know a lot of us comp users don't need a clean channel, but if you do need one, this is a great solution!

I can post a pic of how to connect everything to the switcher if anyone's interested.

[Jammermatt]

Loose, does this require any wiring inside the amp?

[LooseCannon]

No not at all man, it's just connecting a couple of pedals.

[Jammermatt]

Do Tell!

[LooseCannon]

Since there's a huge interest in this thread here is how you connect everything:



It took me a while to figure it out. The Big Shot is a great switcher for the job, it's true bypass, passive (no power), and not expensive, only problem is it has no leds to tell you what's on and what's off, and you need to step on one switch, then the other to change "channels".

A few notes:

1. The effects loop should be active and not bypassed (the little button at the back of the amp)

2. Everything you wanna put in the effects loop (delay etc.) you put after the Big Shot's output.

3. If you're using it at low volumes (home...) you have to put a volume pedal in the loop or you'll get a crappy tone with the splawn's preamp.

4. If you wanna use it just at home and don't need the switcher, you can connect the preamp (GT2) directly to the effects loop return.

5. If you want more control over the clean sound you can add an eq pedal after the GT2's output.

6. If you have suggestions for a better sounding preamp for $100-$200 new or used, please share.

[Jammermatt]

Sweet man, thanks for that tip. I wonder if a POD would work also in place of the GT2?

[LooseCannon]

Yeah a pod would work, won't sound so good though as pods sucks, if you have one just connect your guitar to its input and connect its output to the effects return on the amp to try it out.

BTW the GT2's distortion is great, even dry it sounds awsome.