Just a few months ago got the unit, tested great on my tube amp effects loop but i bought it for recording purposes.
Recording direct into my RME interface, it has issues that i cant seem to correct. Ive tried direct into interface bypassing the RME preamp as well as using those preamps. Ive been recording digitally for 20 yrs using Cubase, so im not a rookie.
First; does not have enough volume on any of three outputs. I have to record at very low volumes and shoudnt be the case. I like recording loud as i mostly use my vintage Fender tube amps and an overdrive.
Second; very difficult to get a low gain tone, its either too thin or too much distortion on either deliverance or pitbull settings. Third, its very difficult to balance the two volumes without high compression and overloaded squish.
Any advice is appreciated. 2026-03-28T04:00:00Z
So you tried going out of the Direct Out, IR Out and Analog Out.
Direct Out has no gain, it is a tube-buffered version of your guitar input signal, that will need gain in the interface to boost the level.
It’s not a preamp, it’s a real 1W tube amp with IR and Analog cab sims. are applied after the master volume. So to boost signal, you need to turn the amp up. Of course, dial in the sound you need by varying the preamp and gains.
The IR has an additional level control on the front panel (next to the clip LED).
Is there anything in the FX loop? Maybe this is changing the tone and volume?
Dan, thx for a quick reply. Much appreciated. Yea i knew about the direct out. I like using all three outputs for recording, and i am very comfortable w all the controls but im having two issues. 1-just cant get really clean fender tones except using direct out. Not even on the clean setting. I dont use alot of gain,the gain knobs are not an issue,theyre pretty low/ I’m basically a fender 70’s amps /plexi type tones. 2- not enough total volume to lay down guitar tracks without total squish no matter how i try to balane the IR VOL OR MASTER VOL. Im forced to turn down my other prerecorded tracks so low to balance the low output of the unit. Im gonna take the tubes out today and test em on my vintage Jackson tester as well as a single ended amp. Ill let you know how that goes.
Btw, nothing in effects loop.
1-just cant get really clean fender tones except using direct out. Not even on the clean setting.
OK, you are after Fender-like cleans. Are you getting a bit of distortion on all volume levels?
If it were easy for you to share an audio clip and a photo of the front panel settings, that would be helpful. But don’t go to too much trouble.
It makes sense that DIRECT OUT is clean, because this is just a tube-buffered version of your guitar. The other outputs go through the gain staging. To me, this sounds like you have too much gain.
1/
Can you open the unit and check the following?
- V1, V2, V3 are 12AX7
- V4 is a 12DW7 (or ECC832).
If the tubes are not correct type or in the wrong order this could be the reason for distortion and lower output. Probably V4 is a 12AX7.
UNPLUG the unit and leave it for several minutes before opening so the capacitors inside are discharged. Only touch the tubes if ou need to pull them out to see.
2/
Also, if you change DYNAMICS does that improve anything?
Thx for the reply. I didnt get to test or check the tubes the other day/ been super busy managing my gtr repair business and taking care of my 90 yr old italian mother 
. But plan on it today.
Dan, i checked all tube locations -they are correct and tested all 4 jj’s all good. Also dynamics aren’t causing an issue w the volume. Previous recording sessions for the last ten years were two techniques: either a vintage amp mic’d or a tech 21 analog preamp w an xlr out. Never have volume issues ever. This is puzzling. If i cant get it working, ill sell it on reverb.
Thx. Ed.