gain is the amplification factor, basically the ratio of output over input. the more you turn the gain knob up, the more overdrive/distortion you get, basically. Distortion is just more extreme overdrive. Both the 5150 and vh4 are high gain amps, and both are capable of producing distortion.

Do all amps have distortion?

The answer to the question do all guitar amps have distortion is no; not all guitar amps have distortion. In fact, there are different categories you could place guitar amps in depending on how they generate their distortion.

What is a gain pedal?

Boost pedals are primarily about making your guitar louder, yes, but historically theyre also about pushing tube amplifiers into greater saturation, or stacking with other drive pedals for effect. Theyre normally less expensive than the best distortion pedals and the best overdrive pedals too.

What is gain on an electric guitar?

The gain control controls the amount of clipping or distortion that goes into the signal. The master controls the output of the amp. A single channel amp often has one single control for volume/gain. This controls both the pre and output stage of the amp.

What should my gain be set at?

To set the gain you want the maximum range of bandwidth, so you should turn the equalizer settings off or set them to zero. This prevents the filtering of any sound waves. Turn the gain to zero. This usually means turning the dial counter-clockwise as far as it will go.

What amp has the best distortion?

Top 5 Amps for Creating Clean and Distortion SoundsOrange Micro Terror.Blackstar HT1R.Peavey Vypyr VIP 1.Fender Champion 20.

Do you really need a distortion pedal?

As weve concluded in this guide, a distortion pedal is almost essential for electric guitarists, to allow you to access the full range of tones you will probably be used to hearing in the music you love.

Do I need both overdrive and distortion?

Yes, overdrive and distortion can be used together, this is known as gain-stacking (adding more than one pedal that adds gain). If you use both together and have your distortion too high, itll usually just mask the overdrive effect. Different overdrive and distortion pedals affect the tone in different ways.

Does gain increase volume?

To recap, volume is a control of the loudness at the output of a sound system and has no affect on quality, while gain lets you increase the loudness inside of an audio system, which absolutely determines the quality of the sound or recording.

What is a good gain level?

In the digital world, 0dB = a ruined recording, so when recording/tracking, youll want to leave yourself some headroom. A clearance of -6 to -12 is recommendable. This means that the maximum (not average) level you want to see on the softwares input meters is somewhere between -6 and -12dB.

What happens if the gain is too high?

When its turned up too high, the other person sounds distorted and is difficult to comprehend. Amp gains work the same way – too low, and the background noise, or “hiss” takes over Too high, and music becomes distorted even at a normal volume level.

Should you use a distortion pedal?

Ideal for: Fans of Metal, Rock and the heavier genres of music. A distortion pedal is also a great idea for those who want to make their chorus lines, solos and power chords really stand out. Everyone should have a distortion pedal on their pedal board.

How do I get more distortion out of my amp?

Turn knobs marked gain or overdrive all the way up. Turn other volume knobs down to get the loudness you want. Once youve proved you can get heavy distortion, dial things back to find the tone you want. Some amps wont distort at low volumes.

What is the point of distortion pedals?

A distortion pedal is commonly associated with heavy rock bands as they give your sound a heavy tone, darkening the output and even boosting the signal depending on your settings. It also compresses the signal allowing you to enjoy far more sustain which will eventually break into feedback.

How do you get a good distortion?

Note: For this discussion, we will be using the method that is most useful for playing many different types of rock music.Step 1: Find A Good Clean Tone. Step 2: Find Your Overdrive Tone – Light Distortion. Step 3: Find Your Lead Tone – Heavy Distortion. Step 4: Unity Gain. Step 5: E.Q. or Equalization.

Is Tube Screamer distortion or overdrive?

The Tube Screamer is an overdrive pedal, and not a distortion pedal. It adds grit and crunch to your tone and is popular with classic rock, indie and blues guitarists. Distortion pedals on the other hand are more aggressive and suit heavier styles of music.

Is distortion better than overdrive?

Overdrive is mild/medium; distortion is spicier — and hotter! Another difference is this: while an overdrive pedal pushes your signal pretty darned hard, it doesnt change your existing tone much. Distortion pedals, on the other hand, not only add more saturation (or spice), but they also tend to alter your sound.

How does gain affect sound quality?

To recap, volume is a control of the loudness at the output of a sound system and has no affect on quality, while gain lets you increase the loudness inside of an audio system, which absolutely determines the quality of the sound or recording.

Is gain and volume the same?

So remember: gain and volume are very similar concepts, but their difference is very important to your mix. Volume is how loud the OUTPUT of the channel or amp is. Gain is how loud the INPUT of the channel or amp is. It controls tone, not loudness.