Distortion at lower volumes on a AC30CC1?

lucozadejack · Newbie Alert Joined: 01 Oct 2007 Posts: 3

Hi All,

I've just got myself an AC30CC1. I've not had chance to really whack up the volume yet so I've been playing it at lower volumes and trying to get some decent sounding distortion but any distortion I get sounds harsh and (for want of a better word) cheap. My questions are, is this normal, is it only possible to get some nice sounding distortion at higher volumes and if it is possible at low volumes, please could somebody supply some knob setup suggestions.

Thanks very muh for any replies, they're much appreciated.

Ta.

Mark67 · Newbie Alert Joined: 09 Nov 2007 Posts: 3

Ideally, you should be able to get "good" overdrive & distortion sounds by playing with the gains of either the Normal channel or the Top Boost while using the master volume to set overall volume. Generally, setting the knobs before 12 o'clock should bring you from "clean" to "break up"-overdrive, whereas after 12 o'clock you should start to get a thicker distortion. I always liked the "blended" Normal and Top Boost channels together, with the "smoothing on the back set to "modern" for a tighter distortion. Then you can play with the various tone knobs and switches to sculpt your sound.

However I'm having a similar problem at the moment. Even with the gain at a low, clean volume on the Normal channel, I begin to get a crappy distortion sound after the amp's been on a while.

I don't know if it's time to replace a tube, or a more serious wiring problem. Suggestions appreciated!

tommycanyouhearme · Newbie Alert Joined: 29 Nov 2007 Posts: 3

I'd argue that with an all-tube amp, and especially a class A, you won't get a GOOD distortion tone unless at least the "normal" volume is cranked.

I'd dime the normal volume, and then control the output with the master.
It sounds a bit childish, but if the amp isn't working hard, it won't have much to show for it.