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Post subject: Using two Mustang amps in stereo
Posted: Tue Oct 18, 2016 10:35 pm
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I've just rented out a couple of Mustang I amps to use them in stereo. I noticed that all the effects on each Mustang amp are stereo as well, so I wonder if there is any way to "link" them so that while the model on each amp is the same, the effects would come from only 1 of the amps in stereo (i.e. the stereo chorus would output L & R on each amp).

The possibility is interesting as these are good, portable amps. I guess that if the "linking" is not possible, the settings of the stereo effects would have to be slightly altered in order to provide the stereo image in both amps.

Too bad that the Mustang I does not have an effects loop, I guess that with the Mustang III a stereo rack effect could be used, output L & R to each of the amps mono return jacks.

Also: The Mustang I is 20W; two Mustang I's would be 20W + 20W ~40W; a regular Vibrolux is also 40W and it's a gig workhorse; therefore, could the two Mustang I's be used for gigging?

Comments are appreciated...


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Post subject: Re: Using two Mustang amps in stereo
Posted: Wed Oct 19, 2016 4:01 am
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drkam6 wrote:
I wonder if there is any way to "link" them so that while the model on each amp is the same, the effects would come from only 1 of the amps in stereo (i.e. the stereo chorus would output L & R on each amp)..


no, the only way would be an ABY switch or some other form of pedal with two sends out form the pedal (like a chorse or stereo delay pedal).

The Stereo effects would only really be active in an MI with either a set of headphones or a USB to a DAW. The MI only has one speaker, so "real" stereo imaging is not physically possible. but with 2 and an ABY Switch, you could set two different delay patterns up, and that would offer some separation. if you front end a stereo delay, or stereo chorus that solves some of the problem.

drkam6 wrote:
Also: The Mustang I is 20W; two Mustang I's would be 20W + 20W ~40W; a regular Vibrolux is also 40W and it's a gig workhorse; therefore, could the two Mustang I's be used for gigging?


Adding 2x 20 watt amps effectively will not give you a full 40 watts of power. Also consider that 20 watts solid state does not equal the same wattage rating with a tube amp. a 20 watt tube amp is going to have a lot more volume and SPLs than a 20 watt SS amp. A 40 watt tube amp is actually quite a lot of wattage.

About giging with two, that would all depend on how loud you need to be. (how loud your dummer plays, and your average stage volume. In most of the bands I've played in, I don't think this would work in all situations)

comments are all just my 2 cents mind you..


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Post subject: Re: Using two Mustang amps in stereo
Posted: Wed Oct 19, 2016 10:35 am
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Thank you KidBlast, your comments absolutely make sense.

Tomorrow I will tryout the two Mustang I's at a rehearsal. We're aiming for very small stages at cafe venues; stage sizes are just about 10 x 5 ft in average, fitting a small drumkit, bass + guitar/guitar synths. We play jazz-fusion and ambient, with sound colours so stereo imaging is ideal. Didn't know that the wattage for tube amps is louder than for solid states... Hope the little Mustangs will work out, as around here they're the only Mustangs available for rent... I guess they could also be mic-ed if a PA is available...


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Post subject: Re: Using two Mustang amps in stereo
Posted: Wed Oct 19, 2016 1:17 pm
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Simplicity may likely prevail.

An A/B/Y box in Y mode (or just a Y connector) to split feed your guitar to both amps might be the most practical method. At least you would achieve a wide field dual mono result.

Otherwise, you might be able to use the USB out from one amp to your DAW on a laptop, then return feed one of the stereo channels back to your other amp's instrument input. You would need to adjust the second amp's Master volume to accomodate your laptop's audio out signal level to blend appropriately with the first amp. Seems like far too much complexity for a small stage scenario.

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Post subject: Re: Using two Mustang amps in stereo
Posted: Fri Oct 21, 2016 11:57 am
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A/B/Y box is a great option indeed, thank you!

As mentioned, last night I tried the two Mustang I's at a rehearsal studio. Full drumkit was available and the kick drum was mic-ed. Brought the following: Roland GR-300, Ernie Ball VP Jr, Yamaha FX500, and the two Mustang I's. Connected the GR-300 to the VP Jr, and from there into the FX500, with L & R outputs to each of the Mustangs (using the FX500 as an A/B/Y). Placed each Mustang atop two tall stools.

They sounded fabulous. Volume level on each amp was about 8-1/2 on their Masters, and they were loud! No distortion was used for the first hour of the rehearsal; only the patches from the GR-300 + FX500. They coped with the drums without any problem, everything was clear and round.

On the next hour I did a combination of things, pulling a different set of effects from each Mustang first, and then adding the FX500. A complete aural trip. I tried the distortion models from one of the amps, it was very good. I did this all by hand, as I did not have any footswitch to control the amp models.

I think this combination is gigable and it works for me. Obviously the Mustangs' little speakers don't handle bass too perfectly; tried the GR-300 in lower octaves and the result was ok for doing the job. Otherwise they are light and perfect for a gig at a very small venue. What I liked the most (aside of the portability) was the clarity of their outputs. I do love tube amps but using all these electronics a clearer output provides a better result.


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Post subject: Re: Using two Mustang amps in stereo
Posted: Fri Oct 21, 2016 5:15 pm
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drkam6 wrote:
They sounded fabulous. Volume level on each amp was about 8-1/2 on their Masters, and they were loud!

8-1/2 on the master volume for a solid state amp is pushing it. You might easily find yourself in a situation where you might need just a little more gojo; I wouldn't push them much higher but that is me and you are you. <g>

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Post subject: Re: Using two Mustang amps in stereo
Posted: Sat Oct 22, 2016 4:25 pm
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HIO wrote:
I wouldn't push them much higher but that is me and you are you. <g>


Thank you for the tip... I will keep an ear on them for sure. I guess I played them at the loudest volume for my test, and at a gig situation we'd have to rather roll off the volume levels a bit (the kit used at the rehearsal studio was a regular/big one, and for gigs we're using either a small size or electronic as there's not much room onstage). In addition, there are other numbers we play where it's just straight jazz guitar trio, have to pull out the 175 to try it. The test done was close to as electrically effected as it could be. But indeed, with all the above said, there may be a time where I need an extra "push", so time will tell... :)


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