Hello, i was close to pull the trigger on Synergy rack preamp and Deliverance/Pitbull modules since 1 year ago, but when i saved enough money to burn i chose the Valvulator instead.
Waiting for delivery atm, so i’m killing the time thinking how i can integrate it with the rest of my gear.
First question is if it’s save/ok to play with different kind of tubes.
For example, can i use a 12AU7 in V4 to replace the 12DW7 ?
Can i use 12AU7, 12AT7, 12AY7, 5751, ECC832 or ECC823 in V1, V2 and V3 ?
Second question is about routing.
If i’m going to use only the preamp section of the GPDI/IR into an external power amp, what’s the difference (or “the best way”) between using the FX Send and the “To Amp FX Return” ?
Is, in this case, the “To Amp FX Return” supposed to be used only if i need to also use the GPDI/IR outputs ? Or, even if i will not use the GPDI/IR outputs it is better to use the “To Amp FX Return” instead of the FX send ?
Also about routing, it is possible to have a “preamp only” stereo/dual mono outputs, to connect it to a stereo power amp (or 2 different power amps) ?
Looking at the pinned [GPDI/IR Signal Path with External Amp] forum post, not sure if i can use the Fx send and the “To Amp FX Return” outputs at the same time with the FX return unplugged.
I think changing tubes will cause a very noticeable difference from how it is designed and intended to be used, so I don’t recommend it. It will sound better as stock.
Just hook it up as recommended, and you can toggle between 1) “normal”, which plays the GPDI/IR preamp into your amp’s power amp section.
Ok, will do that way, still not sure/not understood what’s the difference between the FX Send and the “To Amp FX Return”. Why it is suggested to use the GPDI/IR FX send/Return to manage external FX pedal, instead of placing them between the GPDI/IR To Amp FX Return and the Amp FX return ?
So, to make sure i understood, i can have “dual cab exit” ( one using IR output, one using the Analog cabsim out ) but i can not have “dual preamp only” using the fx send and the “To Amp FX Return” outs at the same time.
Not a problem incase, will use a splitter or an ABY switch.
Another routing/patching question, since most of my gear is rack and connected to a patchbay.
Is ok/safe to have Reamp IN, Di out, Analog out, IR out, To Amp FX Return and From Amp FX Send always connected to the back of my rack patchbay, even if i’m not using them ? The idea is to have to just plug the guitar into the GPDI (or not , if i’m reamping) and then manage all the routing and connections from the rack patchbay (and GPDI front panel “ext amp/Normal” switch )
The FX Send and Return are the GPDI/IR’s FX loop plain and simple.
However, To Amp FX Return is used to enable External Amp mode (but this is optional).
If you did that, your FX pedal would only be in the signal path when using external amp mode.
Yes, but only in External amp mode. It does not really make sense to use the unit this way. Yes you are better to use a splitter here.
Yes, I don’t see a problem with this. But two points:
Just remember that it’s a series FX loop, so always have a send and return connected. By always having a plug in the jack socket, you will defeat the internal normalling provided by the socket.
Before committing to the connections, try it out and make sure there are not ground loops.
This sounds awesome! When it arrives please come back and show us
Take a look at the internal signal path, it holds the answers to all your questions.
Yes, To Amp fx return is not normalled and the From amp FX send is controlled by a relay.
One point I did not make clear.
You can use TO AMP FX RETURN, a preamp output, without having FROM AMP FX SEND connected. But if you use FX SEND, you must also use FX RETURN. Also, this is preamp sound only. The IR, ANALOG and SPEAKER out all go through the power amp.
Nice, hope you enjoy it! Here for any further questions or clarifications.
Ok, let’s talk about that. Do I have to do this for “security reasons” ? Or is “just” to been able to use IR outputs, Cab sim output and speaker output ?
If i want to use only the preamp into an external power amp, using the FX send will interrupt the path to the 1W power amp and integrated reactive load (since no speaker connected to the GPDI)…less stress for the unit and less heat … is this a correct hypothesis ?
Planning for the hot summer
P.S. after the first days of testing, love the unit ! Still have to test it into an external power amp since the integrated 1W power amp sound so good. Happy to have got this instead of a synergy rack preamp with the Deliverance and Pitbull modules.
Don’t get me worg, is not an issue. I’m just “theorycrafting” .
So yeah, he got feed from FX return. But if i use the FX send into an external power amp, without returning into the FX return of the GPDI/IR, isn’t the GPDI/IR power stage “disconnected” from the signal path ?
Compared to a my tube amp…if i use it on standby getting the signal from the the FX send, the power tubes are not working and heat less. Also, my external Reactive load is not working, since the amp is on stanby, and is not heating.
