TC Electronic G-System into a Marshall combo amp?
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Posted on Oct 04, 2007 06:54 pm
Anthony79
Member Since: Oct 04, 2007
For practice in my one-bedroom apartment, I have a little Marshall MG15CDR and I'd like to work with a TC into that if I could. A few questions if I may:
1) I understand there can be problems with a hum if it is not set up correctly. Of course, the MG15CDR only has one input. Has anybody tried this FX processor into a little combo amp like a Marshall?
2) I'm thinking about running a Boss GT-8 in the Loop 5 of the TC G-System for distortion and model amp sounds. I also have a separate Crybaby Wah that I want to use in this rig as well. If I were practicing at home on my little Marshall 15CDR, what would the setup look like? Guitar --> TC G-System input, Boss GT-8 --> TC G-System Loop 5, Wah Pedal --> TC G-System Wah input... then TC G-System Output --> Marshall MG15CDR input ???
3) If this wouldn't work on it's own, is there any suggestions on what accessories can make this rig work just as well as it would with a 100-watt Tube amp? From what I read online, the TC engineers expect you to work with your amp's preamp first. Will regular Guitar cables do the trick or will I need higher end digital cables? Sorry for all the elementary questions, I'm a novice as far as gear goes.
4) I forgot to mention I might also like to run a Boss Loop Station in this rig too. Can anybody tell me how the TC G-System will re-act with these pedals and other FX processors plugged in. Will the G-System effects play alongside the Boss GT-8 effects?
Thanks for any help you can give.
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Oct 05, 2007 12:30 am Anthony,
I can't answer all your questions - but...
In answer to (2).
That should work - although setting up the send/return levels on the G and the corresponding gain/out levels on the GT may be a bit trying. Of course - once you get it right you never have to do it again.
Given that the Amp has no Effects loop, you have the right setup.
In answer to (3):
A tube amp is just a tube preamp combined with a tube power amp. The input to the guitar amp is actually the preamp in. If the amp in question has an FX loop, then the FX send is really just the preamp out. The FX return is really just the power amp in. I am oversimplifying to some degree - but for this discussion this is enough detail.
The G works best when hooked up to an amp with an FX loop. It does not care if the amp is solid-state, modeling, tube, or some hybrid of 2 or all 3 of these. In such a setup, I suspect that your Boss GT would not be needed.
Oct 05, 2007 08:22 am Hey Laird, thanks man. Do you how well the TC G-System works for direct recording to your PC? I see it has a USB out. Does the software that comes with the TC do a good job at this, or is there another piece of software you prefer for direct recording from the TC to your PC/notebook? Thanks again.
Noize2uCzar of MidiAdministrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002
Oct 05, 2007 03:37 pm Hey Anthony, sorry to say but the G System is not an amp modeling device. It is only an effects device. The USB connection is for downloading firmware updates into the G System itself, and I believe some program related functions. The G System is more like a giant stomp box with multi effects. IT can also be set up to be used with other stomp boxes and such and for amp switching and the like. It is a very nice unit once it is all set up proper.
I do agree with Laird though that you would probably want to set the GT aside once you get going with the G System.
Oct 05, 2007 05:58 pm Thanks, Noize. I will have a Boss RC-50 Loop Station that does allow for USB exporting loops to WAV files. I'm a total novice at direct recording to a PC. I suppose this would be a way to send my recordings onto my PC. Just play into the Loop Station and export later. Does anybody know right off hand what bit-rate these convert to as WAV files? Is it a worthwhile quality?
Oct 05, 2007 06:09 pm WAV files are 1411 kbps (at the 44.1 kHz sample rate in stereo) and are not compressed.
They're as good as it gets.
Oct 05, 2007 06:20 pm Herb, thanks. I see the AD and DA conversion is 24-bit on the RC-50 Loop Station. Interestingly enough, on Boss' more expensive BR-1600CD Multitrack Digital Recorder, there is only a 16-bit recorder. It looks like I'm better off with the Boss RC-50 Loop Station for direct recording to PC purposes. 24 minutes of recording time in stereo. Can somebody explain what the AD and DA conversion means? I assume that stands for Analog--Digital and vice versa, but what is the significance over 16 bit conversions?
