Volume Settings Within a Setup Chain

[GAJ52]

Hi

I'm having a few problems with sound distortion through my setup chain. If I turn all the components down it disappears, but this got me thinking what is the correct way to set volume on various units within the chain.

My current setup is Guitar - CS3 Comp/Sus - Q2 - Pod X3 - US144 USB sound card - Cubase. Each unit in the chain has a volume control including the amp simulation in the Pod. I don't often use the CS3 but included it as an example of another volume control within the chain.

Is there a correct method of setting volumes in a chain ?

Thanks, Glen

[Charlie Hall]

Hi Glen,
You should usually keep the guitar volume on 10.
The CS3 should be adjusted to give approximately the same volume when the effect is on or off.
The Q2 should be adjusted to give unity gain ie. with the input level at around 1 o' clock and the output level roughly between 12 and 1 o' clock. If you have the input level set differently to 1 o' clock, for example if you have a very loud guitar (input level lower) or a very light playing style (input level higher) the output should be adjusted in sympathy to keep the same relative loudness as the suggested settings.
At this point, there should be nothing that could cause distortion, you could test at this point with the Q2 output to a guitar amp if you want.
The pod X3 should accept the level from the Q2 because it has the same output level as a guitar if set as above. I am not familiar with the X3 but it should be set so that it produces a clean sound, this should be in the manual. The X3 output should be set so that it cannot overload the input of your sound card.
That's about it, it is all about making sure that distortion cannot occur at any point in the chain, by checking the levels from beginning to end. It might help to just connect your guitar to the X3 as a test and adjust it that way, then add the other items back in.
Regards,
Charlie

[GAJ52]

Thanks Charlie

After reading your answer I looked over at my Q2 and the Volume controls were exactly as you said - I must be doing something right

Glen

[Charlie Hall]

Hi Glen,
I think it is more likely to do with the X3 settings, try playing with those, maybe the gain and/or output levels.
Regards,
Charlie

[Deleted]

Hi Glen
I am no expert. However I had distortion a while back and all it turned out to be was a low battery in my CS3, put a new one in and problem over.
Maybe it will help
Cheers George.

[GAJ52]

Hi George

Thanks for your help, but in my case I bought the optional power pack. Also I don't generally use the CS3 unless I need a bit more sustain. I'm getting the distortion without the CS3 in the chain so its proberbly what Charlie said, as I haven't fully mastered the X3 controls yet I may have an input turned up too high.

Glen

[tonybiker]

Hi Glen.

How have you connected the Quad to the X3?

If you have a simple daisy chain then the problem is with the X3. If you have looped the X3 to the Quad, then the LED on the Quad indicators will show more likely red. You want one green light on the Quad and the odd 2nd green light when you play.

If the X3 channel volume and Quad are fine , then it may well be the 'master' volume level of the X3 thats set too high.

There are a huge amount of settings within the amp SIM on the X3 that do take a bit of head scratching to understand.

Tony

[GAJ52]

Hi Tony

I have the guitar (or CS3 if used) to the Right Mono Input of Q2 then Right Output to Guitar Input of Pod, so a fairly conventional in line setup.

I suspect the problem is within the Pod, as you say even the amp simulation has volume controls as well as the Pod hardware. Now its just a case of tweaking each control within the pod until I get the sound right - then leave it alone - my problem is I can't stop fiddling

Glen

[tonybiker]

Hi Glen.

You will get better results using the effects loop on the X3. This is worth considering to get the best out of both.

It a complicated bit of kit the X3, but excellent once you understand it.

Tony

[GAJ52]

Nov 1, 2010 12:54:45 GMT @tonybiker said:

You will get better results using the effects loop on the X3. This is worth considering to get the best out of both.

Unfortunately I have the X3 Bean which doesn't have an effect loop like the X3 Live.

Glen