Running two halfstacks

LPMarshall hack · 05-14-2010, 10:28 AM

So with my latest amp acquisition, I now have two setups (VM/1960AC and 2500/1960BV). If I wanted to play both rigs at the same time, how would I hook them up? Would a simple A/B/Y pedal do the trick? If so, how do you hook them up? Are there other ways to hook up two rigs other than ABY pedals? Thanks!

Tanner · 05-14-2010, 10:35 AM

If you have any pedals that have a stereo function, just run one cable from the channel labled LEFT to 1 amp and another cable from the channel labled RIGHT to the other amp. Then you'd be able to experience a soundgasm

LPMarshall hack · 05-14-2010, 10:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tanner

If you have any pedals that have a stereo function, just run one cable from the channel labled LEFT to 1 amp and another cable from the channel labled RIGHT to the other amp. Then you'd be able to experience a soundgasm

So regular pedals (with stereo functions) work as well? Unfortunately, I have no pedals.

If I had a stereo pedal, where do I plug the cables from the left and rightside of the pedal into the amp? Do they go into each amps' input jack, and the guitar would go into the pedal input? I am a total neewbie when it comes to using pedals...

DSL100 Dude · 05-14-2010, 10:57 AM

Welcome to the wonderful world of multi-amps!

With a stereo pedal, (I will use my Boss DD-7 as an example) you would plug the guitar in like normal and then output A would go to amp A and output B would go to amp B.

Now if you want to skip stereo effects and just have extreme Marshall goodness then the method I use is the Radial Big Shot ABY and again, output A to amp A and output B to amp B. Radial has a new version that is designed just for running two amp from one guitar. Honestly, I think it the same thing though but may be worth checking out.

charveldan · 05-14-2010, 11:01 AM

T.C. Electronics Chorus/Flanger works well.

LPMarshall hack · 05-14-2010, 11:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DSL100 Dude

Welcome to the wonderful world of multi-amps!

With a stereo pedal, (I will use my Boss DD-7 as an example) you would plug the guitar in like normal and then output A would go to amp A and output B would go to amp B.

Now if you want to skip stereo effects and just have extreme Marshall goodness then the method I use is the Radial Big Shot ABY and again, output A to amp A and output B to amp B. Radial has a new version that is designed just for running two amp from one guitar. Honestly, I think it the same thing though but may be worth checking out.

Thanks! So when you say (for the DD7) the guitar gets plugged in like normal...do you mean plugged into the pedaL like normal? Or the amp?

cptnkrunch · 05-14-2010, 11:11 AM

Tanner,
I used one of these in my rack to run two amps Rane | SM26S Six-Channel Rackmountable Splitter/Mixer | SM 26S I also had my effects looped thru the Rane which gave me great control over my wet and dry sound.

LPMarshall hack · 05-14-2010, 11:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DSL100 Dude

Welcome to the wonderful world of multi-amps!

With a stereo pedal, (I will use my Boss DD-7 as an example) you would plug the guitar in like normal and then output A would go to amp A and output B would go to amp B.

Now if you want to skip stereo effects and just have extreme Marshall goodness then the method I use is the Radial Big Shot ABY and again, output A to amp A and output B to amp B. Radial has a new version that is designed just for running two amp from one guitar. Honestly, I think it the same thing though but may be worth checking out.

Ok, I just checked out Radial's site for the Big Shot ABY. I like that. Question though...when you are hooking up the two amps, and you have the tuner plugged in, does it mute the amps so you can tune silently? It says it does that when using one amp, but doesn't specifically say you can do this when using two amps.

DSL100 Dude · 05-14-2010, 11:16 AM

Sorry, the guitar would go into the DD-7 or ABY switcher.

Whatever method you use the goal is to get your raw guitar sound to the preamp section of both heads.

Australian · 05-14-2010, 11:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LPMarshall hack

So with my latest amp acquisition, I now have two setups (VM/1960AC and 2500/1960BV). If I wanted to play both rigs at the same time, how would I hook them up? Would a simple A/B/Y pedal do the trick? If so, how do you hook them up? Are there other ways to hook up two rigs other than ABY pedals? Thanks!

i use my MXR Kerry King EQ. It does the trick.

Webslinger · 05-14-2010, 11:52 AM

I have an old Ibanez CS9 Stereo out-put chorus pedal, and even with the effect off, I can drive two amps in dual-mono. But with the pedal on, it sounds GREAT! The further you physically separate the speakers the more dramatic the sound.
And even if the chorus sound is not to your liking, you can turn the knobs all the way down so the effect is at a bare minimum, then the delay is ever so slight, but you still have stereo separation.

Ok, CS9's be they original or reissue are expensive, but even a cheapie pedal of any effect type, with a stereo or dual-mono output should drive two amps even when switched off.

5er driver · 05-14-2010, 11:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LPMarshall hack

Would a simple A/B/Y pedal do the trick?

Yes. If you don't have and didn't intend on buying a stomp box with stereo outs, just get an A/B/Y pedal.

nofearfactor · 05-15-2010, 05:38 AM

The Radial Bigshot tuner out when mute is pressed on the tuner it mutes either one or both,whatever the ABY pedals switch is on- A or B or Y. Beware though. The Bigshot is a passive pedal. Meaning no red light telling you which side youre using unless you just remember. I used one though before I eventually went with the more expensive active Switchbone and while I never ****ed up at a show, you could easily if you dont remember where you are at with the pedal. The main thing I liked about the Radial boxes was the elimination of ground loop problems that I had when using Morley or Whirlwind ABY boxes.

Before going to stereo rack rigs my 2 half stack dual mono rig was setup something like this:
Guitar>wah>Radial Bigshot (or Switchbone) ABY box> 2 heads> 2 lines/signals run out of the 2 heads effects loops via the 'sends' and into all stereo in/out pedals on my floorboard then into a small rack of signal processors>Line6 MM4 stereo in/out modulation pedal-Boss DD6 digital delay stereo in/out pedal-Boss RV5 digital reverb stereo in/out pedal>rack: Sabine tuner-Rocktron Hush 2CX 2 channel noise reduction unit-BBE 482 rack 2channel sonic maximizer>the 2 lines/signals then go out of the racks last unit and back to the 2 amps effects loops via the 'returns'>2 heads>each head then runs out to its own mono cab or into one stereo cab.

Dave666 · 05-15-2010, 10:17 AM

I use my Boss TU-2 tuner

charveldan · 05-15-2010, 11:09 AM

I hear the Radial AB/Y pedals are nice, passive, no 9v, and quiet.

The Morley AB pedals humm like a bitch and need a battery.

MM54 · 05-15-2010, 09:22 PM

Wouldn't a passive AB/Y box be a really simple circuit to just build and put in a project box?

5er driver · 05-15-2010, 10:58 PM

I use a Lehle Dual, 8~18 volt, AC or DC, high end line splitters, no ground loops. Got it used for a good price off the fleabay.

kanders1 · 05-16-2010, 11:23 AM

You just need to get one more Marshall. Then you can do the EJ thing with the clean stereo A path with stereo chorus, delay, and reverb into two amps, and switch to the B path for dirty lead tone!

rykus · 05-16-2010, 11:51 AM

my t rex reverb pedal has the dual outs, i've yet to try it as i just moved, re set up. but the old marshalls you can daisy chain ala hendrix using the jumper and then bottom of II to amp 2...

LPMarshall hack · 05-18-2010, 06:41 PM

Well, I'm probably going to sell one of my cabs (1960BV) to offset the price of the 2266...I know, I know, but I made that deal with the Mrs. before I bought the 2266...

So I am keeping the 1960 BC cab which is a 16 ohm SINGLE input cab (no stereo). So my question is, will these ABY pedals still work running my two heads into the cab with the SINGLE input?

LPMarshall hack · 05-19-2010, 09:52 AM

Anyone...

Australian · 05-19-2010, 10:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LPMarshall hack

Well, I'm probably going to sell one of my cabs (1960BV) to offset the price of the 2266...I know, I know, but I made that deal with the Mrs. before I bought the 2266...

So I am keeping the 1960 BC cab which is a 16 ohm SINGLE input cab (no stereo). So my question is, will these ABY pedals still work running my two heads into the cab with the SINGLE input?

I have a couple of EHarmonix Switchblades A/B/Y and they cant be used to have two heads on at the same time. So it depends which unit you buy.
Any stereo pedal will work though.

Synyster · 05-19-2010, 10:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LPMarshall hack

Well, I'm probably going to sell one of my cabs (1960BV) to offset the price of the 2266...I know, I know, but I made that deal with the Mrs. before I bought the 2266...

So I am keeping the 1960 BC cab which is a 16 ohm SINGLE input cab (no stereo). So my question is, will these ABY pedals still work running my two heads into the cab with the SINGLE input?

I think the best thing you can do is e-mail Marshall. To do this you'd have to have both amps speaker output into the switcher and then into the cab using speaker cables. This would worry me without Marshall and the switch manufacturer confirming it to be safe. I'm just not sure if the switches are designed to handle that amount of signal and if at the other end the impedance would be matched. Just my $0.02.

Wycked Lester · 05-19-2010, 11:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LPMarshall hack

Well, I'm probably going to sell one of my cabs (1960BV) to offset the price of the 2266...I know, I know, but I made that deal with the Mrs. before I bought the 2266...

So I am keeping the 1960 BC cab which is a 16 ohm SINGLE input cab (no stereo). So my question is, will these ABY pedals still work running my two heads into the cab with the SINGLE input?

STOP AND READ BEFORE YOU BLOW SOMETHING UP:

You can NEVER power up a tube head without a cab (or load) connected to it, you will blow your transformer. There is only 2 ways i know of to run 2 heads into 1 cab.

#1-cheap way. Rewire your cab in stereo and plug each head into each side essentially making your 4x12 into 2-2x12's. There are diagrams all over the internet to do this. This will allow you to get a true stereo sound and hear each head at the same time Each side should be a 8 ohm load, which is what you will want to set each head for.

#2 Buy a Radial Head Switcher, With this config, you will NOT be using both heads at the same time but you will choose one or the other. Whichever one is not being used is routed to a dummy load so your trannys don't blow.

Tonebone Headbone VT valve tube amp head switcher - introduction

hope this helps. Good luck

Australian · 05-19-2010, 11:47 AM

Disregard my post if you are going to use one cab only. Wycked Lester explains why.

LPMarshall hack · 05-19-2010, 01:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wycked Lester

STOP AND READ BEFORE YOU BLOW SOMETHING UP:

You can NEVER power up a tube head without a cab (or load) connected to it, you will blow your transformer. There is only 2 ways i know of to run 2 heads into 1 cab.

#1-cheap way. Rewire your cab in stereo and plug each head into each side essentially making your 4x12 into 2-2x12's. There are diagrams all over the internet to do this. This will allow you to get a true stereo sound and hear each head at the same time Each side should be a 8 ohm load, which is what you will want to set each head for.

#2 Buy a Radial Head Switcher, With this config, you will NOT be using both heads at the same time but you will choose one or the other. Whichever one is not being used is routed to a dummy load so your trannys don't blow.

Tonebone Headbone VT valve tube amp head switcher - introduction

hope this helps. Good luck

Thanks! I do not want to run the heads at the same time, just one at a time. So you recommend the Radial Head Switcher...is that a standard ABY pedal? Or something different? Remember, my cab only has ONE input...no stereo switch. Cheers!

charveldan · 05-19-2010, 01:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LPMarshall hack

Thanks! I do not want to run the heads at the same time, just one at a time. So you recommend the Radial Head Switcher...is that a standard ABY pedal? Or something different? Remember, my cab only has ONE input...no stereo switch. Cheers!

If the headswicther fails for some reason, your amps are ****ed.

LPMarshall hack · 05-19-2010, 02:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by charveldan

If the headswicther fails for some reason, your amps are ****ed.

Well that would totally suck. Hopefully they are not proned to do so, but you know how electronics are!

psphill27 · 05-19-2010, 03:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LPMarshall hack

Well, I'm probably going to sell one of my cabs (1960BV) to offset the price of the 2266...I know, I know, but I made that deal with the Mrs. before I bought the 2266...

So I am keeping the 1960 BC cab which is a 16 ohm SINGLE input cab (no stereo). So my question is, will these ABY pedals still work running my two heads into the cab with the SINGLE input?

Actually you can. Radial makes a switchbone that will allow you to use two heads through one cabinet. However...the box cost quite a bit more than the bigshot. Can't remember the model now...but you can check it out at their site. Not so sure the price difference for getting rid of the other cab will come out in the wash though.

LPMarshall hack · 05-19-2010, 04:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by psphill27

Actually you can. Radial makes a switchbone that will allow you to use two heads through one cabinet. However...the box cost quite a bit more than the bigshot. Can't remember the model now...but you can check it out at their site. Not so sure the price difference for getting rid of the other cab will come out in the wash though.

Thanks. I'll have to check it out. Just don't know if the single input complicates things.

05-14-2010, 10:28 AM	#1 (permalink)
LPMarshall hack Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 4,272	Running two halfstacks So with my latest amp acquisition, I now have two setups (VM/1960AC and 2500/1960BV). If I wanted to play both rigs at the same time, how would I hook them up? Would a simple A/B/Y pedal do the trick? If so, how do you hook them up? Are there other ways to hook up two rigs other than ABY pedals? Thanks! __________________ 2500 1960BC Peavey Vypyr 15 1989 LP Custom Piece of crap Epi LP-100

05-14-2010, 10:35 AM	#2 (permalink)
Tanner Junior Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Posts: 27	Re: Running two halfstacks If you have any pedals that have a stereo function, just run one cable from the channel labled LEFT to 1 amp and another cable from the channel labled RIGHT to the other amp. Then you'd be able to experience a soundgasm __________________ Guitars- Gibson Les Paul Studio 60s, 1989 Modified Japanese Epiphone Les Paul, Epiphone 1966 G400 Limited Edition Reissue, 2006 Epiphone Limited Edition Natural Les Paul Custom Amps- Marshall DSL50 w/ 1960A cab Pedals- Fryer Deluxe Treble Booster, Boss TU-3 Chromatic Tuner, Digitech Brian May Effects Pedal, Boss CE-20 Chorus Other gear- Sennheiser FreePort Wireless instrument system

05-14-2010, 11:01 AM	#5 (permalink)
charveldan Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Somewhere with a Friedman Marshall & Les Paul. Posts: 2,722	Re: Running two halfstacks T.C. Electronics Chorus/Flanger works well.

05-14-2010, 11:11 AM	#7 (permalink)
cptnkrunch Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Posts: 522	Re: Running two halfstacks Tanner, I used one of these in my rack to run two amps Rane \| SM26S Six-Channel Rackmountable Splitter/Mixer \| SM 26S I also had my effects looped thru the Rane which gave me great control over my wet and dry sound.

05-14-2010, 11:52 AM	#11 (permalink)
Webslinger Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Sopranoland, NJ Posts: 534	Re: Running two halfstacks I have an old Ibanez CS9 Stereo out-put chorus pedal, and even with the effect off, I can drive two amps in dual-mono. But with the pedal on, it sounds GREAT! The further you physically separate the speakers the more dramatic the sound. And even if the chorus sound is not to your liking, you can turn the knobs all the way down so the effect is at a bare minimum, then the delay is ever so slight, but you still have stereo separation. Ok, CS9's be they original or reissue are expensive, but even a cheapie pedal of any effect type, with a stereo or dual-mono output should drive two amps even when switched off.

Today
Marshall Amps	Sponsored Links __________________ This advertising will not be shown in this way to registered members. Register your free account today and become a member on Marshall Amp Forum

05-15-2010, 05:38 AM	#13 (permalink)
nofearfactor Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: cold,dark... Posts: 571	Re: Running two halfstacks The Radial Bigshot tuner out when mute is pressed on the tuner it mutes either one or both,whatever the ABY pedals switch is on- A or B or Y. Beware though. The Bigshot is a passive pedal. Meaning no red light telling you which side youre using unless you just remember. I used one though before I eventually went with the more expensive active Switchbone and while I never ****ed up at a show, you could easily if you dont remember where you are at with the pedal. The main thing I liked about the Radial boxes was the elimination of ground loop problems that I had when using Morley or Whirlwind ABY boxes. Before going to stereo rack rigs my 2 half stack dual mono rig was setup something like this: Guitar>wah>Radial Bigshot (or Switchbone) ABY box> 2 heads> 2 lines/signals run out of the 2 heads effects loops via the 'sends' and into all stereo in/out pedals on my floorboard then into a small rack of signal processors>Line6 MM4 stereo in/out modulation pedal-Boss DD6 digital delay stereo in/out pedal-Boss RV5 digital reverb stereo in/out pedal>rack: Sabine tuner-Rocktron Hush 2CX 2 channel noise reduction unit-BBE 482 rack 2channel sonic maximizer>the 2 lines/signals then go out of the racks last unit and back to the 2 amps effects loops via the 'returns'>2 heads>each head then runs out to its own mono cab or into one stereo cab.

05-15-2010, 10:17 AM	#14 (permalink)
Dave666 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Belgium Posts: 1,242	Re: Running two halfstacks I use my Boss TU-2 tuner

05-15-2010, 11:09 AM	#15 (permalink)
charveldan Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Somewhere with a Friedman Marshall & Les Paul. Posts: 2,722	Re: Running two halfstacks I hear the Radial AB/Y pedals are nice, passive, no 9v, and quiet. The Morley AB pedals humm like a bitch and need a battery.

05-15-2010, 09:22 PM	#16 (permalink)
MM54 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Erie, PA Posts: 7,783	Re: Running two halfstacks Wouldn't a passive AB/Y box be a really simple circuit to just build and put in a project box? __________________ -Matt If you don't understand what I'm saying, assume I'm making a joke. Trust me. Lachesky Amplifiers - Home of the CA10 Orders for 2013 CA10s are now being accepted! "... And I come from a place where they drag your hopes through the mud because their own dreams are all dying"

05-15-2010, 10:58 PM	#17 (permalink)
5er driver Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: St. Augustine, FL Posts: 451	Re: Running two halfstacks I use a Lehle Dual, 8~18 volt, AC or DC, high end line splitters, no ground loops. Got it used for a good price off the fleabay. __________________ The 5er Driver's Home Jams Do You Really Think So So I'm No Knight Shit (You Have Me Wondering) Hellbent Coke and Joe Maybe It Will Be Happy For Some Reason On My Way Nice to Meet You (Again) Now Annoying In ((((((Stereo)))))) ............... Plug that beotch in an' let her rip!

05-16-2010, 11:23 AM	#18 (permalink)
kanders1 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 152	Re: Running two halfstacks You just need to get one more Marshall. Then you can do the EJ thing with the clean stereo A path with stereo chorus, delay, and reverb into two amps, and switch to the B path for dirty lead tone!

05-16-2010, 11:51 AM	#19 (permalink)
rykus Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Posts: 126	Re: Running two halfstacks my t rex reverb pedal has the dual outs, i've yet to try it as i just moved, re set up. but the old marshalls you can daisy chain ala hendrix using the jumper and then bottom of II to amp 2...

05-18-2010, 06:41 PM	#20 (permalink)
LPMarshall hack Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 4,272	Re: Running two halfstacks Well, I'm probably going to sell one of my cabs (1960BV) to offset the price of the 2266...I know, I know, but I made that deal with the Mrs. before I bought the 2266... So I am keeping the 1960 BC cab which is a 16 ohm SINGLE input cab (no stereo). So my question is, will these ABY pedals still work running my two heads into the cab with the SINGLE input? __________________ 2500 1960BC Peavey Vypyr 15 1989 LP Custom Piece of crap Epi LP-100

05-19-2010, 09:52 AM	#21 (permalink)
LPMarshall hack Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 4,272	Re: Running two halfstacks Anyone... __________________ 2500 1960BC Peavey Vypyr 15 1989 LP Custom Piece of crap Epi LP-100

05-19-2010, 11:47 AM	#25 (permalink)
Australian Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Saneville Posts: 9,159	Re: Running two halfstacks Disregard my post if you are going to use one cab only. Wycked Lester explains why. __________________ .................... 1971-JMP 1959 1977- JMP 1959 1982-JCM800 2203 1989-JCM800 2205 Silver Jub 2550 30th Ann1992-6100 2007-JVM410 Super JTM/100JH 2008-1959RR .................... Soldano Hotrod 100+ Boogie Mark V Marshall cabs AHW+BHW/G12H30's; AX+BX/G12M's; White A/GT75's+B/V30's; JCM800 A+B/preRolas; Hendrix A+B/G12C's; Classic/G12M's; Classic/G12h30's; JCM800 B/G12-65's; 1936/V30's; 1936/G1265's; 425B [Blackie:] "Is this the new Marshall Forum sans the bullshit?"

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode