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Post subject: How did you balance volume levels across patches?
Posted: Tue Nov 15, 2011 10:01 am
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So, I've read through a few posts here regarding the problem of varying volume levels for different patches. Seems most people just use their ear and go through each patch one at a time. Apparently my ear isn't as good as some, because I did that once and then got to a gig and was constantly readjusting the main volume.

Has anyone here come up with a better way to make sure that the output level from their amp is consistent across all patches than just using their ears?

Thanks for any input.

Mark.


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Post subject: Re: How did you balance volume levels across patches?
Posted: Tue Nov 15, 2011 3:28 pm
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Aspiring Musician
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I'm not sure there is another way than your ears, short of taking noise readings of each preset, and even that isn't foolproof.

The perceived 'loudness' of a particular preset is made up not just of the sheer volume, but also the elements that make up the tonal quality, so that when you get in a band situation especially, alongside other instruments, some tones will certainly cut through more than others.

I have found the same thing, and really the only answer for me was on the spot tweaking - easier of course if you are able to practice with the band first and note the settings for future use.


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Post subject: Re: How did you balance volume levels across patches?
Posted: Tue Nov 15, 2011 3:35 pm
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Aspiring Musician
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This probably won't help you because of my specific setup but you did say "any input"...

First of all, when hooking my M II up for recording, I don't use the USB cable for an audio input, I use the Headphone Out into a mixer and then to an audio interface into the computer. I always set the Master Volume knob on the amp @ "4" and always use the same setting on the channel strip of the mixer. This way, I can unhook the amp, take it away, bring it back and everything is the same.

When I record, I need all the presets to hit the meter bridge in my DAW at the same levels. So, when I have FUSE open and editing presets, I also have this little proggy opened and set to the side so I can always get a visual of the dB levels.

Image

I only want the loudest notes to just peak past -10 dB. In this way, I can get the loudest signal without distortion.

Graphical Audio Analyzer is freeware, you can get it here.

As depepat points out, this isn't quite the same as "live sound" and perceived levels but it will get you a lot closer than just using your ears and trying to remember preset to preset what loudness you should be at.


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Post subject: Re: How did you balance volume levels across patches?
Posted: Tue Nov 15, 2011 4:03 pm
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The relationship between volume and tone is a key to 'loudness'.

Thats one of the reasons TV ads seem louder than the programs - they are required by the rules to be broadcast at the same volume, but the ads have been tweaked tonally to make them seem louder and more attention-grabbing to the ear of the viewer.


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Post subject: Re: How did you balance volume levels across patches?
Posted: Tue Nov 15, 2011 6:00 pm
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I installed a SPL (Sound Pressure Level) meter on my iphone for .99¢ and set live volumes or patches to measure about the same level. This has worked pretty well for me so far.


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Post subject: Re: How did you balance volume levels across patches?
Posted: Tue Nov 15, 2011 6:33 pm
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Wow! There are a lot of really great tips here! Thanks for the feedback guys. I'll definitely give some of these things a try.


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Post subject: Re: How did you balance volume levels across patches?
Posted: Wed Nov 16, 2011 3:21 am
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Joined: Tue Mar 08, 2011 10:01 am
Posts: 149
I use a volume pedal in my FX loop. I have a IV and a III and there is a difference in both. My IV has a higher volume with dirty settings and my III has a higher volume with clean settings, go figure? I tried my best to tweak them equally when saving them, but the volume pedal helps a lot.


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