Volume control

[ha2he]

Hi Charlie,

I had not thought about controlling the output volume of the H&CSE until recently.

Normally I guitar -> H&CSE -> front of amp and control volume with amp.

Recently I bought a Joyo ACTONE pedal and have been using it into the return of my amp loop (Laney L5T) with the H&CSE before it which bypasses the amp volume control.
If I switch off the ACTONE there is a big increase in volume, not a problem as such.

I can bring down the volume of the H&CSE with the dry level and echo drive controls and it still sounds good to my ears.
As I do not wish to push the ACTONE but use it's controls for volume and drive is this the correct/best way to do this.
Usually I try and balance volume between pedals unless I want something specific.

Regards,
Tim.

[Charlie Hall]

Hi Tim,
I think in this case you should think of the ACtone as the amp rather than as a pedal (as you say, something specific!). Because of that, why would you want to switch off the ACtone? It is after all the only thing giving you the sound of an amp if you are bypassing the actual amp's own preamp.
I think you should keep the level at the H & C at unity gain as it normally would be and this should ensure that the ACtone is getting a good level at its input too.
Regards,
Charlie

[ha2he]

Hi Charlie,

Thanks for reminding what the ACtone actually is, and of course you would not switch off the pre-amp of an amp... normally.
The amp I use is very versatile and can do a good vox impersanation (my ears) but the Joyo through the loop return adds something also, another colour in the pallette, sometimes it's so good other times not so, all dependant on settings.
I'll leave the H&CSE settings at 3 o'clock and carry on as per normal.

Regards,
Tim.

[Charlie Hall]

Hi Tim,
You could add a volume pedal after the ACtone and set it so the volume is OK when the ACtone is off, then up the output level of the ACtone to suit. The volume pedal would then act as a master volume control. Some experimentation may be needed with the right kind of volume pedal but I think a lower impedance one will work better than a higher impedance one if the ACtone output is low impedance. Maybe something like the 100K impedance of the low priced Bespeco VM12 would work OK too.
Regards,
Charlie

[ha2he]

Hi Charlie,

Thanks for your suggestion about the volume pedal. I think if I am using the Guitar -> H&CSE -> ACtone -> amp loop return it would not make sense to turn off the ACtone and effectly remove the amp from the chain, therefore no need for the volume pedal, rather use the ACtone for volume level.

Regards,
Tim.