Wanting to use JC120 FX loop return as onstage sound for my quad but it sounds super muddy

Quad Cortex
1

Has anyone had any positive experience with this?

Have tried series vs parallel and 4db vs -20db but everything sounds dull when compared to ‘proper’ IR sound, or even using fx loop in on a jcm800.

Thanks

2

Sounds like you go straight into power amp with no amp emulation in front. What’s your preset and routing ?

3

Probably from how the power amp of the JC120 is designed. Not to mention the speakers and cab construction. Makes sense it sounds better with the JCM800 power amp. Assuming you’re using the JCM800 through a different cab that’s closed back. And probably a 412 instead of a very thin 212.

These are all differences that add up totally.

4

yes I’m learning that there a so many potential variables that can change the overall tone massively.

Quite naive to think it would just work fine as JC120s seem to be known for their brightness and lack of colour.

Looking at a fender tonemaster FR now as a cab designed with this task in mind.

1 Like
5

You’re absolutely right. The power amp and speakers are going to be anything but flat/neutral. You’d need to tweek your presets or use global EQ to compensate for the frequency response of the JC’s power section and speakers. Are you bypassing the cab block in your presets? Real and virtual guitar speakers roll off the top end. If your using a cab block, you’re doubling up on that roll-off.

I think the Tonemaster cabs are a great choice. I bought a pair of FRFR10s a few months ago. I’ve owned and tested quite a few FRFR cabs and the Tonemasters are my favorites, so far. The mids are a bit lumpy. I had to turn the mid control down to the first mark and also do a fairly narrow cut at about 800hz (using Global EQ) to get it sounding right with presets I tuned on my studio monitors. That said, they’re lightweight, loud and the onboard EQ controls work well for fine-tuning for the room. They also run super cool, even when pushed, and the tilt-back legs are a nice touch.

If you’re considering buying used, keep in mind that the early versions were known to be noisy (hiss). The noise level from the current version is quite good.