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buc
Member with too much time available
USA
3000 Posts |
 Posted - 07/07/2010 : 00:49:34
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Managed to get a couple more hours in on the SV MK II and getting more familiar with it.
The volume issue: I think I'm just going to have to live with the fact that there's 75% of the master volume knob that is NEVER going to get used. Also I might just start to have to wear ear plugs just to practice by myself.
I tried turning the channel volumes down but noticed a serious thinning of the tone and piercing hi-fi highs. It just sounds and feels way better with the channel volumes above 69%. You get way more tubi-ness and way more sag with the channel volumes up. I am sooo happy I didn't buy the HD.
I love the way it sounds through the G-Flex better than the stock speakers. I might misunderstand but right now I can run either the stock speakers or the G-flex but I can't make the ohms work right to run both. Given a choice, I'd take the G-Flex.
The edit software is not..shall we say...the best editing software I've seen from Line6. I lost a whole lot of work with it the other day. An hour plus of tweaking down the digital drain.
Also, I've been unsuccessful at speaking to the amp via midi. No idea why. Works fine via the USB into the FBV, which then translates to midi and talks to the amp via the Cat V cable. However, and this kind of pisses me off, the FBV becomes inert when using the USB cable. You can't toggle the FBV switches or pedal when using the edit software via the USB. WTF? And I just find the Line6 edit Vetta presentation makes so much more sense, especially on a MAC where you can have more than one window open for a single application. I'm not a big fan of the virtual rack mount presentation they use for this and PodFarm.
Playing this amp FEELS so much better than the Vetta and it's got some groove to it that the Vetta can't match. But I know I can get some really complex and huge tones from the Vetta that you'll never get from the SV. They're very different animals and I'm very conflicted.
I haven't played it with the band yet and won't be able to until August. Hopefully by then I'll have more figgered out...or I'll be deaf.
"That was some of the best flying I've seen yet...right up to the point where you got killed." |
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Boogie
Member with too much time available
USA
5988 Posts |
Posted - 07/09/2010 : 09:39:32
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don't conflict, Buc...just get an A/B/Y/ box and lug them both to gigs.....imagine the mojo and possibilities 
I just bought PetrucciFan's SVI and Express pedal (not here yet) to be a b/u amp for when I use mine live. I find the versatility of the power amp and spkr outs quite useful and a combination of mic and direct sound to be good and punchy. I normally don't use the onboard effects except the verb and boost, opting instead for some pedals out front or an M13 thru the front end. I've grown accustomed, somewhat, to the volume taper on the master, but wish it was better. Still, this amp does a lot and sounds pretty good for the $. I'm sure I'd like the II version...but if I don't try it maybe I won't know what I'm missing. Besides, those new Marshalls are getting pretty awesome for the $. |
Edited by - Boogie on 07/09/2010 09:42:07 |
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petrucci-fan
Member with too much time available
USA
2953 Posts |
Posted - 07/09/2010 : 18:11:46
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The master volume has also got me perplexed. I originally set up my presets at about 50 % channel volumes thinking I would go back a tweek each up or down to get to a good starting point. With the master set around 9:00 some of my channel volumes are in the low teen range! I get to practice with full band thinking I can just set my master according to how loud we are playing w/o the ratio's changing. If I get above 11:00 on the master even or a fairly clean channel the thing squeals. It's like it is all or nothing. Before, I was running an XTL Live through PA, then tried it into the power amp section of the SV for a while. Hope I don't have to say I wish I had my SV back. The idea of the MKII is great and maybe they will address the master volume at some point or maybe I just haven't settled in on the sweet spot. No bad vibes to you Buc, but at least I feel like someone else understands my pain!
Stay tuned for updates as we progress with our toys!
"Never play a minor in a MAJOR situation"
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buc
Member with too much time available
USA
3000 Posts |
Posted - 07/12/2010 : 12:49:01
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I've also been getting some ringing out of the amp that I can't figure out. Usually it's during something more hi-gain but I've had trouble re-creating it. I've tried extreme differences in Channel and Master Volume to try to force it to happen with no luck.
Maybe it's just the ringing in my ears?
"That was some of the best flying I've seen yet...right up to the point where you got killed." |
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petrucci-fan
Member with too much time available
USA
2953 Posts |
Posted - 07/12/2010 : 18:30:43
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quote:
Originally posted by buc
I've also been getting some ringing out of the amp that I can't figure out. Usually it's during something more hi-gain but I've had trouble re-creating it. I've tried extreme differences in Channel and Master Volume to try to force it to happen with no luck.
Maybe it's just the ringing in my ears?
"That was some of the best flying I've seen yet...right up to the point where you got killed."
One thing not to do: While practicing with band yesterday went to raise the channel volume just a bit during a song. WOW!!!!!! The whole band went deaf for a few minutes. We actually had to take a break and wait for the ringing in our ears to stop!
"Never play a minor in a MAJOR situation"
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petrucci-fan
Member with too much time available
USA
2953 Posts |
Posted - 07/18/2010 : 11:20:45
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Well I found a much better solution to my problem. I always use a compressor and with the setup of the MKII if you want to use the harmonizer you loose the compressor option. So I set off on reworking all patches with a BOSS compressor in front of the amp. The Boss is a much more desirable compressor for me and it opens the #1 slot for the harmonizer or the Boost/EQ which I really am liking.I set all my levels with the master around 8:00. Got to rehearsal yesterday and ran the master up to around 10:00 with ease and no uncontrolled squealing. Unless I find a better alternative I think I can work with this. I am one who creates a rhy/lead patch per song. Using the software to program the volume pedal for leads I found that a 60/100 % ratio works or a majority of straight ahead rock-n-roll and still use the dual patch per song for the more detail oriented songs. I am much happier with theses results than I have been anything else. Looks like something bigger and better is on the horizon so I will sit tight for now. We have 4 years of education expense looking at us right now with my son starting school this fall. My days of GAS may be downsized for a while!
"Never play a minor in a MAJOR situation"
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Mauvehead
Large Member
USA
674 Posts |
Posted - 07/29/2010 : 14:38:01
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Sold my VettaHD+Genz-Benz and now have a matching set of SVII 1/2 stacks (one for the home studio and one for the band's practice space). I did try the SVII head with my G-Flex 2x12 cabs but hated it. The tone was flat and lifeless and weirdly enough the stock Spider 4x12 cabs (w/V30's) actually have a lot more openness and vibe with these SV heads. In the past I started to loathe Vintage 30's but was pleasantly surprised at how well this pairing actually worked. YMMV
Also, I've had no problem whatsoever getting my MBP to talk to the SVII heads via MIDI. I use an M-Audio Uno for this and everything just works as it should. No fuss. No mess. Albeit I do not yet own an FBV Shortie and so maybe the problems you are having are related to having the FBV plugged in while trying to use regular MIDI via the SV's MIDI I/O? Perhaps the SV places more priority on the FBV's USB than the SV's MIDI I/O? Maybe the USB overrides the MIDI I/O for some reason (either by design or by happenstance)?
Proprietor of fine music and hot sauce...
www.thefpband.blogspot.com |
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buc
Member with too much time available
USA
3000 Posts |
Posted - 07/29/2010 : 19:02:27
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Let me know how you handle the volume issue.
I'm interested in where you're running your channel volumes with respect to your master volume.
Anything else you want to share too. I'm suprised and a little disappointed how little chatter there is about this amp.
I have an uno, but I've been using the midi in my firepod. It works fine with my Vetta. Maybe I need to make sure the shortboard is unplugged?
"That was some of the best flying I've seen yet...right up to the point where you got killed." |
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buc
Member with too much time available
USA
3000 Posts |
Posted - 08/05/2010 : 00:38:00
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Couple of issues solved.
First, I can't get the midi cables to talk to SVMKII Edit if the shortboard is plugged in, but with it unplugged or with my old vetta floorboard plugged in, it works OK.
I still think the Edit program is crap. Only slightly better than actually tweaking the amp.
I've had a chance to jam with the band and I really like the way it's sounding. I really miss having stereo effects through the PA but I'll live with it. Overall tone and feel is great.
Just like the Vetta, it must be tweaked at band volume. Some of the stuff I came up with by myself or playing with the stereo was way too bright once the volume came up.
I really miss having a "favorite" channel like the Vetta had.
Oh...and I feel like I'm having a conversation with myself here. Help me out guys, I can't be the only guy on the board with a Spider amp.
"That was some of the best flying I've seen yet...right up to the point where you got killed." |
Edited by - buc on 08/05/2010 00:39:02 |
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Admin
Forum Admin
USA
490 Posts |
Posted - 08/06/2010 : 13:20:33
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Buc, do you have the new FBVSB MkII to go with the SV MkII? The new one updates via USB to the FBV then to the amp via the RJ45. I find the new SV editor is really quick to layout and turn things on and off in default patch setting. I'm pretty quick manually, but I can dial in a bunch of patches in minutes!
Personally I like the SV MkII way better than the SV I. I have the 112. The ability to manage all parameters now is a huge leap, not too mention improved models over the SV1. |
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buc
Member with too much time available
USA
3000 Posts |
Posted - 08/07/2010 : 12:44:43
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I do have the new FBVSB. I like the way the USB works better than the midi cables BUT I wish the switches on the FBVSB worked when the USB is plugged in.
Part of the reason I got the SVMKII was to be able to dial tones in quickly and get back to playing. I haven't quite got the knack of it yet though.
"That was some of the best flying I've seen yet...right up to the point where you got killed." |
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Admin
Forum Admin
USA
490 Posts |
Posted - 08/08/2010 : 22:32:18
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| Yea, the USB takes control unfortunately. |
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petrucci-fan
Member with too much time available
USA
2953 Posts |
Posted - 08/09/2010 : 19:42:57
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quote:
Originally posted by Admin
Yea, the USB takes control unfortunately.
Andy, how are you taming the volume issue?
"Never play a minor in a MAJOR situation"
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Admin
Forum Admin
USA
490 Posts |
Posted - 08/10/2010 : 12:28:39
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| I base all levels on my lowest which is usually the clean and of course do them at my playing levels. One thing I'm going to try is lower the channel volume on all patches but run the master up around 5-6 instead of the usual 2-3 so the tubes get pushed hotter. I really don't have much issue with the volume though. |
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buc
Member with too much time available
USA
3000 Posts |
Posted - 08/10/2010 : 13:52:32
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Thanks for the quick answer Andy.
When I initially tried that I thought the overall tone got thinnner but now I think I just need to tweak it a little better.
Another issue is whenever you change the amp model the default channel volume is usally up around 75%, which, if the master is above about 25% (or 9 o'clock) can be pretty darn loud.
If I'm not mistaken, there's no way to change the default model values?
I've been trying to get my channel volumes to average around 50% or 12 o'clock and that gives me a little more breathing room with the master volume. Does that sound like it should work to you?
Anything else you want to add that you've learned about this amp would be welcome.
"That was some of the best flying I've seen yet...right up to the point where you got killed." |
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Admin
Forum Admin
USA
490 Posts |
Posted - 08/11/2010 : 11:32:18
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I never really freewheel around amp models. 99% of the time I use what I have setup. Get the Spider Infusion Packs setup if you haven't. Lot's of good stuff in there!
Sometimes that large boost of volume is something else effect wise that might be in the default. Another way is to hit the manual button and it will only change the amp and not all the effects that go with it. Usually as a precaustion regardles I turn down the master to dial in something on the fly, which is rare, and then bring the volume up to match the others. |
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SV MK II Getting to Know it Better
