Best Way To Connect AC15 Heritage?

[asimmd]

Hi All

Hopefully,my AC15 Heritage will arrive Tomorrow,Tuesday.

I have been using a Vox Tonelab but now I will have a "Proper"amp,I was wondering how I should connect it all up.

Equipment list is.

Zoom 2200 - Behringer Compressor - AC15 Heritage - Spirit M4 Mixer - into the computer via an M-Audio 610 firewire interface.

I was just going to put a mic in front of the amp,and plug the guitar into the Zoom's rear input,then into the amp.

I am wondering whether I will need the compressor?

Any advice appreciated.

Thanks

Alan

[erikMAMS]

Hi Alan
For best results the compressor needs to be the first in the chain - guitar signal feeding the compressor directly.
IMO compressors are great tools for a purpose - in the studio in the hands of skilled engineers - but otherwise often do more harm than good. The fact that you ask if you need it - makes me think you do not.

Erik

[Andy Cook]

Hi Alan

Mine is connected Guitar, volume pedal, magicstomp, then AC15 Heritage and it sounds great.

I thought I read somewhere you need something in line before your zoom 2200.

Guitar then (something), zoom 2200 & then AC15 Heritage

I'm sure you will get some good advice from someone more in the know.

The AC15 Heritage is a great amp enjoy

Best regards
Andy

[asimmd]

Thanks for the replies so far.

I guess what I really want to know is,do I need a D.I box of some sort?

Obviously using the Tonelab,I didn't need one,but I haven't had an Amp for years so I
am a bit in the dark as to the best way to connect it all up.

Alan

[Tone]

Hi Alan

Andy's setup works for me too.

I don't think you should use a DI box for recording as you'll lose the tonal qualities of that great speaker. Mic'ing up the amp gives the best results and you can do it at reasonable volume levels by running the mic into a mixer (so you can boost the signal) before the recording interface. I see you've already got what should be a suitable mixer.

Cheers.

Tony

[Charlie Hall]

Hi Alan,
It could be worth putting the compressor between the guitar and the RFX assuming that the compressor has high impedance inputs suitable for a guitar. You don't need to use the compressor as long as the bypass option isn't a true bypass, in which case it should ensure a better input match from the guitar.
If, on the other hand, the compressor has similar input impedances to the RFX (10Kohms for rear input, 40Kohms for mic input), then there is little or nothing to be gained tone wise by connecting it in this way.
I think the first thing to do when you get the amp is to try it with no other effects at all to see what it sounds like on its own, then you will have a benchmark tone comparison for when other equipment is added. To get the same or similar tone when using the RFX you will definitely need to put a suitable buffer with high input impedance (like a suitable Boss or similar pedal or other effects unit) between the guitar and the RFX.
Regards,
Charlie

[asimmd]

Thanks everyone,so many options.

I think I will see what it can do without anything connected.

I was going to connect the guitar to the Rear input of the Zoom 2200 - the Output to the Amp,then mic up and take the Mic to the input of the mixer.

The mic needs Phantom Power,so that seems to be the best way,the channel out from the mixer goes to the Profire 610 interface and into the computer.

Anyone see any problems with this way?

Alan

[Charlie Hall]

Hi Alan,
That connection should be fine, except that you should get a better sound by using the RFX mic input instead of the rear input.
You will need to turn the RFX input level down a lot because the mic input is more sensitive.
Regards,
Charlie

[asimmd]

Hi Charlie

OK,front input it is then.

I presume if I want to connect the compressor,I just take the output from the Zoom 2200 to the input of the Compressor,then the output from that to the Amp?

Can't wait for tomorrow,it's like waiting for Xmas morning,hope it's worth it?

Thanks

Alan

[Charlie Hall]

Hi Alan,
Yes, you can connect it like that if it worked well before.
I think you will like the amp.
Regards,
Charlie

[betowelch]

Hi Alan:

The great day it's arriving....Certanly you will enjoy it a lot. And let know what do you think about....

Cheers from Brazil!
Roberto