Got the Air Break and OMG...

[Paul-in-KC]

Hey guys,

Thought I'd post an update in a new thread - because it seems like a whole new world.

I got the Z Air Break today and that finally allowed me to play the new Express build with a decent signal level.

All I can say is WOW and OMG.

It sounds fantastic and I finally get that Express magic of chime to fuzz (at least my version).

I have a few old tubes from a Wurlitzer 4602 chassis so I'm trying some of them in V1.

My LP has a DiMarzio Super Distortion in the bridge position and a 36th anniversary in the neck. The SD is a little hot so the the amp seems to like an old RCA 12AU7A in V1 (resists breaking up a bit more which is good for the LP).

Still lots of playing around to do - but I think it's going to sound awesome. Heck, I think it already sounds awesome - and I haven't tried that many tubes yet.

I ordered some NOS 12AX7s - I think I'll order some NOS lower gain tubes as well.

BTW - the "hiss" is gone with the Air Break.

I'm going to have to get my recording stuff set up to see if I can capture any of this "on tape" (okay - hard disk).

-Paul

[leadfootdriver]

Congrats. I had to wait until I got an attenuator to play my Wreck as well! They're so loud.

[Big Jim]

Glad you are enjoying it. I look forward to hearing clips of your amp. Congrats!

[Reeltarded]

Woot! Yeah, as soon as you can get the volume up, you can get out of the gain some.

I have a question for ya, is the AB big enough in there to add a jack and a pot? I have a fantasy about having direct outs on every amp without having to cut holes in them. I don't really want to build from scratch.

[Paul-in-KC]

I have a question for ya, is the AB big enough in there to add a jack and a pot?

Sorry Reeltarded - but I'm feeling 'tarded, because I don't know what you are referring to when you say "AB". But to answer your question there is a lot space in the chassis (on the back) to add a jack and a pot.

Has anyone added a "direct (rec) out"?

-Paul

[Tone_Chaser]

AB = Air Brake

[Paul-in-KC]

AB = Air Brake

Dooh!

I guess I am 'tarded.

Seems obvious now, but I was thinking about the amp and not the attenuator.

-Paul

[Paul-in-KC]

I have a question for ya, is the AB big enough in there to add a jack and a pot? I have a fantasy about having direct outs on every amp without having to cut holes in them. I don't really want to build from scratch.

Reeltarded - I'll take it apart and take some pics if you like. Just let me know by PM (or reply to this thread).

-Paul

[martin manning]

Woot! Yeah, as soon as you can get the volume up, you can get out of the gain some.

I have a question for ya, is the AB big enough in there to add a jack and a pot? I have a fantasy about having direct outs on every amp without having to cut holes in them. I don't really want to build from scratch.

Make yourself a 1/4" plug adapter with an L pad in it- 10 or 20k series, 1k shunt say. Put a 22-33nF cap across the shunt if you want to simulate a speaker's HF roll-off around 5-7.5 kHz. Use that in the extension speaker jack on any amp that has one with a speaker or attenuator plugged into the main. Now all your amps have a line out.

[Reeltarded]

But I want it mounted in the air brake!

I am looking to mount the standard Marshall variable DI circuit in there, and it's all about feeding a rack. L-pad thing works though. I am just trying to look cool.

[ampmike]

Awesome Paul,Love to see when it all comes together,wait to ya see your cab!!Goog Luck,Express is a great amp,Mikey

[Paul-in-KC]

Awesome Paul,Love to see when it all comes together,wait to ya see your cab!!Goog Luck,Express is a great amp,Mikey

Same here Mike. The cab looked great in the pics that I saw - and I know you had several coats of oil yet to apply.

I'll do a final round of photos after I get her mounted in the new cab.

-Paul

[M Fowler]

But I want it mounted in the air brake!

I am looking to mount the standard Marshall variable DI circuit in there, and it's all about feeding a rack. L-pad thing works though. I am just trying to look cool.

Start a new thread and take on the project we will support you in spirit.

Mark

[Reeltarded]

Holy cow! I don't have the parts to do it here. That's a great excuse, don't knock it. hah