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Post subject: Thought I had the perfect answer to solo boost..
Posted: Tue Sep 16, 2014 5:37 am
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but I've been foiled :?

I've ordered an EXP-1, and my plan was to use set it at 80% MV toe up, and 100% toe down, thereby being perfect for solo boost.

It's just occurred to me that the XLR out to PA, which I've been using isn't affected by the MV, only the volume level of the patch itself. Curses!

Plan B then is to use it in expression mode, and control the "amp" volume, but then if I understand correctly, I couldn't use the wah during that same solo.

Back to the 2 patches next to each other, one louder than the other idea I suppose.

Am I missing anything? I suppose I could mic the amp instead of the XLR, but it's so convenient!

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Post subject: Re: Thought I had the perfect answer to solo boost..
Posted: Tue Sep 16, 2014 6:19 am
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In summary: panic not, the EXP-1 will do exactly what you want, in the way you want it.

In detail:

The EXP-1 NEVER controls the amp's master volume. The amp's Master Volume (MV) is a physical knob that only controls the real power amp within the amplifier (affecting only the sound through the amp's speaker), and the MV is completely separate from any other controls in the amp. So you're right that the MV doesn't affect the XLR output, but that's irrelevant here.

If you use the EXP-1 in volume mode, it is controlling an abstract volume control inside the DSP that is separate from any other volume control: it is not the master volume of the Mustang, nor is it any other virtual volume control of the modelled amp, nor the overall preset volume.

The EXP-1 volume control sits in the signal chain after the modelled amp, and before any post-effects. This is important: it means that if you reduce the EXP-1 volume, it doesn't cut-off any reverb or delay tails. Contrast this with reducing the preset volume, which does cut-off the tails (as they're still part of the preset).

So, the EXP-1 in volume mode will do exactly what you want, and control the volume going to headphones, XLR, USB or to the amp's own power amp. That then leaves you free to use its Expression mode for your wah.

However, note one potential issue here. To change the pedal from volume to expression mode, and back again, you move it to its toe position and push down on the switch. So it will be at 100% volume when you change to expression mode; that may not be what you want. I have heard of some owners wiring-up the mode-change switch to a separate button next to the EXP-1, so they can 'stomp' on the button and change mode, regardless of the position of the pedal.

Also, remember the EXP-1's settings are stored per preset. When you change preset, you can configure the EXP-1 either to take its value from that stored in the preset, or to continue with its existing value. You can use the latter to ensure you don't get any sudden volume jumps when changing preset.

Finally, note that if you try and use two adjacent presets (whether for volume control or anything else), changing from one to the other will also cut-off any reverb or delay tails. Whether that's important to you depends on whether you're using those effects, and whether you change preset mid-note or in a (brief) silent period between playing. I mention for completeness.


Last edited by scott-uk on Tue Sep 16, 2014 6:46 am, edited 1 time in total.

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Post subject: Re: Thought I had the perfect answer to solo boost..
Posted: Tue Sep 16, 2014 6:44 am
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Other suggestions for solo boost (as this topic got me thinking about it...):

1. Use the guitar's volume control. Simple, easy, reliable. But it affects the volume going into the amp model so may affect gain/distortion as well as just volume - which may or may not be what you want.

2. Use the Mustang footswitch to turn an effect within the current preset on and off. Configure that effect just to boost the volume without being an effect at all. For example, the "Overdrive" stomp is good for this, with 'Level' at maximum and 'Gain' at minimum. Put the effect in the post- position (recall stomps are in the pre- position by default) if you don't want it to influence the gain/overdrive of the amp model.

3. Buy a dedicated boost pedal and put it in the amp's fx loop.


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Post subject: Re: Thought I had the perfect answer to solo boost..
Posted: Tue Sep 16, 2014 7:23 am
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Great replies Scott- mucho appreciated!

I understand the volume set up much better!

The EXP-1 manual is a little confusing on that. It says: •
Volume behavior mode is used to control master volume
(or the expression pedal can be set to OFF in Volume mode).

I have been using an EHX LPB1 in the loop of my Marshall for volume hikes, which works a treat. I had 2 concerns- First whether the Mustang's internals would "handle it" without frying, which you've addressed, and second, it means I'll be introducing more cabling and pedals back.- I'm loving the simplicity of this rig- I've now got a redundant Marshall 1923 and Cab, and a pedaltrain the size of Manhattan gathering dust!

I think the EXP usage will do nicely!

Cheers!

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Brian May Red Special
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Post subject: Re: Thought I had the perfect answer to solo boost..
Posted: Tue Sep 16, 2014 7:54 am
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Quote:
The EXP-1 manual is a little confusing on that. It says:
Volume behavior mode is used to control master volume

I'd never noticed that. You're right, the manual is definitely wrong (or at least misleading). Fender - if you're reading this, please can you fix this in the next revision of the FUSE manual.


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