New to ADA setup - help

[carv]

Hello guys,

Could someone tell me if I want to bypass the preamp of my Marshall Jubilee head and use the ADA MP1 and a Yamaha SPX90, what exact steps do I follow and where do I set that LEVEL switch on the rear panel of the ADA next to the output jacks? Also, where do I set the -20/+4db switches on the SPX90 when it goes after the ADA and before the amp's return (there is one such switch for the input jack and one for the output jack)

Thank you :)

[rnolan]

Hey Carv,  2 ways come to mind. Either put the SPX90 in the MP-1 loop or chain through it into the amp fx return.  So the amp return probably prefers line level as basically (normally) it joins the amp circuit just before the amp master vol.  So set the MP-1 switch to line level.  However, if that's too hot for the amp return (i.e. it's for pedals and wants inst level) then set MP-1 to inst level.  Usually amp fx returns take either line or inst level (but you shouldn't mix line and inst level Fx in a loop and line is better).  Then use the SPX90 at line level (+4db) in the MP-1 loop and adjust the MP-1 loop knob so there is no increase or decrease in volume when you switch it in/out in a patch.  The MP-1 loop knob is a dual gained opposing pot, when you increase input it decreases output and vis versa.  It's designed to accommodate either a line level OR inst level fx (not both at the same time).  I'd try it in the middle (12 o'clock) to start and adjust the SPX90's input/output to suit.  Although with this method, you have to turn the loop on in each patch you want fx.

The other way is MP-1 line level > SPX90 +4 on input and output > amp return.  You have less control of Fx this way as the MP-1 output vol affects the level into the SPX, so patches with lower MP-1 master vol will have less input to the SPX and thus less Fx.  With the SPX in the loop, you can turn it on and off for each patch as desired but also the Fx will always have better gain structure as the MP-1 loop is after the eq and before the chorus and output.

Try it both ways and see what suits you better

[carv]

Absolute legend, thank you so much!!!

[carv]

"Although with this method, you have to turn the loop on in each patch you want fx."

What you meant by that? Everything else clear, just that if you could clarify please?

[Dante]

You won't hear any effects unless you have your effects loop turned on in both units (preamp and SPX90)

FWIW: I highly recommend using the FX loop for all your modulation/delay effects rather than just running them into the input of the preamp (look up 4 cable method aka 4CM)

[rnolan]

Hey Carv, as Dante said you have to turn the loop on in the MP-1 patch that you are using.  Each MP-1 patch can have the loop on or off, like all the other parameters, they are stored for each patch.  So if you want Fx for a patch, you turn the loop on and save the patch.  When you go back to that patch, it will be on as its status (on/off) is saved individually with each patch.

E.g. I use an Alesis Midiverb4 in my MP-2 stereo loop which is basically set for slight stereo delay and reverb.  I want it on all the time so I have the loop switched on in all the patches I use and I midi mapped the MV4 to use the same program for each of the patch numbers when I change patches.  However, there is one patch that I want different fx (bigger delay, flange and reverb) so I have the loop switched on in that patch but I midi map the MV4 to that different fx program when it receives the program change number from the midi pedal.

You can do the midi mapping (e.g. receive prog change 10 from pedal but go to 45 (or whatever)) either in the MP-1 or probably in the Fx unit.  I don't remember if the SPX90 had midi mapping as it's quite old.  So if it doesn't, then do the mapping with the MP-1 and connect MP-1 midi out to SPX midi in.  You can read how to that in the MP-1 manual.  Basically, when the MP-1 gets a program change number, it can output any number you like 1 through 128 via its midi out.