Added high frequencies and volume drop with 1/4'' line out

Stage & Studio Power Station PS-2
1

Hi everybody !

I have been using my Fryette Powerstation for a while now, and I noticed some issues on which I’d like some feedback/help.

First, I noticed that at unity level, the PS-2A always adds ‘‘high frequencies’’ and a small high pass filter to all amplifiers (line in/amp in) that I have ever plugged in it. It can not be dialed out, even with the warm/deep and depth options, which kinda helps but still ; it’s there. When on bypass, all amps I ever plugged in it have full and round mids, and when operating : i get this bump. It feels and sound like if a subtle TS9 was introduced in the signal, like a mini high mid spike.

Am I being too picky on this unit ?

Also, second problem (which is way more concerning) : the XLR line out works just fine, but the 1/4 out is problematic. When I plug in the cable, there’s an automatic volume drop AND added distortion to the cab signal. Meaning : the signal routed to the cabinet gets lower in volume, and distorted a bit. The issue is more apparent on the ‘‘hi’’ input setting. I also had insanely high feedback problems using the 1/4 line out, so much that I resolve the issue by totally ignoring that option, and using the XLR out with a 1/4 adaptor at the end.

Should I bring it to a tech ? Ship it to you guys ? Test some more ?

Thank you

2

Hi Jonathan,

Welcome to the forum!

The first issue could be human perception of loudness? At low volumes you “hear” high-mids more loudly than at higher volumes.

Can you describe your setup a bit? The XLR is going to a DAW?

Are you hearing a volume drop at the cabs just by plugging in and out at the 1/4 Line In? Or when you use the 1/4 level instead of the XLR?

What type of distortion is being introduced by the 1/4 cable? If you play a clean guitar and record it, can you notice distortion when the 1/4 is involved and no distortion when the XLR is used?

Please break it down for us so we can understand and help.

3

Hi Dan !

The first issue is happening at normal conversation volume. When set at unity, no matter how flat and conterclockwise the controls are set to, there’s a slight mid scoop and a upper high mid spike (let’s say a treble bump). I compared the sound with the bypassed/engaged positions on the switch, and tried with louder volumes as well. The louder, the clearer the difference is.

I does so with every amp I have (with the correct impedances like 16 omh amp going to 16 omh cab, and set accordingly on the Fryette). So I’d say that it colours my tone no matter what amp I plug in.

Also, when turning the Depth control, you can here a ‘‘whooshing noise’’ the whole way through, and some crackling/volume drops have been noticed.

As of the 1/4 problem now (with different outcomes) : the Fryette is plugged in my cab at all time, and when I plug the 1/4 jack in the Line out and let’s say, my Fractal Audio FM3, the volume solmetimes gets lower and compressed, sometimes goes louder (happens when plugged in my FM3, audient interface seems ok). You can hear the sound coming out from the cab compress and lose some highs when playing with the line out knob at the back, even if it should interact with the line out only (from my understanding).

Also, there’s nothing plugged in the FX loop, but fiddling with the hi/lo input for the FX also changes the way the Fryette responds, compressing and adding a bit of fizz (with a popping noise).

The line out jack seems to be loose as well, to add to everything on this list haha. So, in recap : The unit compresses, scoops the sound and adds a bit o top end thant can’t be dialed out.

The Depth knob has an audible Swoosh sound while being turned, and crackles.

The line out 1/4 jack is loose, changes the cab perceived volume when being connected to something else, and the line out level knob interacts with the sound.

The hi/lo Fx Loop push button changes also the way the Fryette sounds.

Does this qualifies it to be shipped to Fryette ? Thank you

4

Oh right, well this might well be a perception thing then because that’s exactly what you might expect from the Fletcher-Munson curves.

Let’s say it is not that, you might just be hearing the way the way that the reactive load in the Power Station interacts with your amp. In bypass the amp sees a different reactance: your speaker. So it’s not unreasonable for them to not be exact.

In operate mode your amp sees the reactive load of the power station. And in bypass it sees the reactive load that is your speaker. It’s not exactly correct but you can think of the power station as a silence speaker that provides its own reactance character. The various knobs and controls let you tune that.

Will write more …

5

Hi Dan,

I totally understand, and yes I thought of the curve you are talking about, but my thought process went as follows : since I matched the volumes for the bypass/engaged modes, to really compare tone, I would have expected more similarity ? None was louder than the other, and the engaged mode has too much highs from the get go.

I tested with various amp and Fryette volumes (from whisper to very loud, let’s say). Always matching the bypass and engaged volumes.

I Literally can’t use any of the presence or bright switch since the Powerstation already provides too much of it. I would need a negative presence knob, if that illustrates my point more haha.

The comparisons I made were all at matched hearing volume, so the treble perceptio nwas the same to my ears.

6

Ok then, so it seems more for the second reason I wrote above. I’ll come back a bit later, sorry I can’t write more right now! But just wanted to post something quick.

7

Hi Jonathan,

Thanks for clarifying. These things are all quite subjective or subtle. The issue with sending it in is that, in all honesty, there is likely nothing wrong with the unit and you are just one of these lucky people that is extremely sensitive to tonal differences. Attenuators are not transparent, even though most attenuator manufacturers want you to believe that. They are a tool to make music and enjoy your gear.

Is the unit new? I don’t think this qualifies for a warranty repair, in my opinion.

We could probably help you tighten up the line-out, though.

Feel free to post some audio clips of the tonal changes you hear, like the compression and fizz if you want.