Both mono and stereo setups offer distinct advantages. A mono setup is straightforward, compact, and easy to position within a band, especially when multiple instruments or guitars are involved. It's reminiscent of the classic sound from the 60s and 70s.
In the 80s, stereo effects began to make an impact in music production, as well as among professional guitarists. Stereo chorus, panning delays, and reverb broaden the sound of guitars, making them as expansive as keyboards. Also creating ambient textures with the guitar became a popular trend. However, using stereo setups can sometimes lead to a lack of directness, causing sounds to get lost in the mix. Fortunately, there are various ways to implement a stereo configuration!
Stereo Setup with Two AMP1s using Pedals for Drive
In this arrangement, both AMP1s function as clean pedal platforms. Simply add time-based effects like modulation, delay, and reverb to achieve a stereo signal. Connect your stereo effects out to the two inputs of the AMP1s, ensuring both are set to the same channel.
Stereo Setup with Two AMP1s Using Effects Loops
Utilizing the different preamp channels of the AMP1 for your drive tones while using timebased-effects in the effects loop provides the highest signal integrity. (Mind that you can still enhance your sound with a boost or drive pedal placed between your guitar and the AMP1 input.) Incorporating time-based stereo effects like delay and reverb after the saturation after the preamp results in most pristine sound quality. For this setup connect the effects loop SEND of your main AMP1 to the mono input of your first stereo effect, then connect the left output of that effect to the effects RETURN of your first AMP1, and the right output to the effects RETURN of the second AMP1.
Wet/Dry Setup with Two AMP1s
For those who prefer using their amp as a pedal platform, a splitter pedal should be used to divide the signal: one AMP1 will provide a dry signal while a second receives the wet effects, keeping it in mono. This setup allows for greater separation and more control over the wet effects.
Wet/Dry Setup with Two AMP1s Using FX Loop
When using the various preamp channels of the AMP1, you can route the signal to your wet effects via the effects send. The output from your wet effects should be connected to the effects loop return of the second AMP1, ensuring maximum clarity for your effects. By switching the effects loop to parallel, you can adjust the amount of the dry signal also for this channel with your effects pedals to your preference.
Wet/Dry/Wet Setup with Three AMP1s Using FX Loop
For the most sophisticated guitar system with extensive control options, consider a wet/dry/wet setup. One AMP1 will deliver a pure, dry sound, while the effects are distributed in stereo across two additional amps. To maintain the integrity of the dry sound, the effects loop SEND will route the signal to the mono input of your first stereo effects device. Connect the left channel output of the effects device to the effects return of the second AMP1, and the right output to the effects RETURN of the third AMP1. This setup utilizes the power stages of the amps to provide maximum clarity for your effects signal.
If you wish to add coloration to your effects, use the inputs of the AMP1 with the clean channel to tailor the sound to your liking. Connect the left and right effect signals to the guitar input of the second AMP1, while the right output of the effects device goes into the guitar input of the third AMP1.
