I recently picked up a ding and dent PRS HDRX 20. Playing it direct amp → cab sounds as it should. If I go Amp → PS-100 → line out → DAW, or Amp → PS-100 → Cab, the amp sounds weak, lacking sustain, and kind of spitty at the same lower gain settings. This is repeatable across the 4/8/16 Ohm settings.
For giggles, I tried 4Ohm out → 8Ohm PS-100 in, and it sounded marginally better. So, naturally, bumped the PS-100 up to 16 Ohm, and it sounds as it should. I don’t know that running that big of a mismatch is a great long term idea, so I only played a little at different settings to make sure it wasn’t a fluke, then shut it down.
I haven’t had a chance to test the mismatch yet with a real cab.
My other amps sound fine with the impedances set correctly.
Wondering if anyone has seen behavior like this before, or if anyone has thoughts on what might be up. I have about 2 weeks to figure this out or send the amp back.
Did you play around with the front panel toggle controls? I find they really change the feel of the amp. The presence and depth, too, are quite usable on the PS-100 and give a bit more flexibility. Have you tried the front panel toggle switch for HI/LO amp settings? What about playing around with back panel line level volume control?
What about eliminating any ground loop issues? I would take any FX out of the amp and the PS-100 and also any pedal in front of the amp. See if that helps improve anything.
If those do not help, hearing the weak sounds and good sounds (short clips) would help; there could be something wrong.
Thanks for the reply, Dan. I think I have it figured out after reading your reply. The front panel toggles made a big difference, and the presence and depth helped as well. I also removed a hum eliminator plug. There was no reason for it being there; I had my pedal power supply, amp, and the ps-100 plugged into the same strip. That seemed to make a big difference (not sure why?).
I’m bringing the amp to my amp tech tomorrow just for my own sanity. While I was testing things, I plugged into a captor x, and it was awful. Maybe the amp is just really sensitive to the load, or maybe I have a dud.
Anyway, thank you for helping me get this figured out.
If you use the same power supply to power pedals in front of the amp and in the FX loop(s), it can introduce a ground loop. If you are using pedals in front of the amp, then try and use a separate power supply for that.
Ok, if you discover anything else, then post! Good luck.
I have never heard of using the same power supply for front of amp pedals and pedals in the effects loop potentially introducing a ground loop. Mind = blown. I’m in the midst of redoing my studio setup, and I’m going to keep this in mind. I’ve struggled with ground loops. You sir, are a gentleman and a scholar.
I’ll report back on the amp tech findings and later if the power supply thing solves my bigger ground loop issue. Thanks!
haha yes, me too. I think because it is the same power supply. The current must flow out and back, and this kind of connects the two sides in a bad way. So in this instance two power supplies seem to be an improvement.
I did not figure this out, it was smart Fryette users we have on the forum!
haha yes, me too. I think because it is the same power supply. The current must flow out and back, and this kind of connects the two sides in a bad way. So in this instance two power supplies seem to be an improvement.