I'm specifically wondering about the Traynor YCV50blue series. I've always assumed it was between pre- and power-amp, but that seems totally redundant since the gain channel has independent gain and volume knobs. So does this work similar to an attenuator?

For reference the schematic is here
http://www.yorkville.com/downloads/s...mycv50blue.pdf

and one schem for the YCV40 (no master volume) is here
http://www.yorkville.com/downloads/servman/smycv40.pdf

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anyone?

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Les Pauls and Teles (some real, some fake) ->
Boss TU2
Ernie Ball VP Jr
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Barber Tone Press
Barber Small Fry
Da MOAF
Lovepedal CoT50
Modded Vox Valvetone
Crowther Prunes & Custard
EHX Deluxe Memory Man
EHX Wiggler
Line 6 Verbzilla
(all used variously)
-> Traynor YCV40WR

Attenuators go between the power amp and speaker, thus why they're different from a "master volume" knob.

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Good read

Volume knobs for each channel are for balancing the channels where the mater volume is used to control any channel's signal to the poweramp. And as a above poster said, an attentuator goes between the power amp and the speakers, unlike a master volume that goes between the pre and power amp.

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Gotcha, thanks.

I'm wondering what the point of a master volume is on an amp that already has independent gain and volume controls. Let's say an amp with volume on 3 (no master volume) and the same amp modded for a MV set for volume at 8 and master volume at 3 have the same output volume. Would one expect to hear any tonal differences? Either way the power tubes are working equally, right?

__________________
Les Pauls and Teles (some real, some fake) ->
Boss TU2
Ernie Ball VP Jr
Vox847 Wah (true-bypass)
Barber Tone Press
Barber Small Fry
Da MOAF
Lovepedal CoT50
Modded Vox Valvetone
Crowther Prunes & Custard
EHX Deluxe Memory Man
EHX Wiggler
Line 6 Verbzilla
(all used variously)
-> Traynor YCV40WR

Here is a relevant email reply I got from Traynor/Yorkville to a similar question I had.

The clean channel is set up with a gain structure that is similar to an old
Fender. This means that the volume control is on the front end and the
second part of the pre-amp is run wide open for maximum headroom. This gives
the amp the right vibe when playing at stage levels. The overdrive channel
has a master volume which allows you to turn down the final stage and so
appears to be quieter than the clean channel when operating at low volumes.
If you are running at low volume levels you have the option of running an
effect unit that has control of the output level in the effects loop
(pre-amp out and amp in jacks). This will effectively give you an overall
"master" volume and reduce the noise level when playing at low volumes. An
equalizer with an overall level control is ideal for this since it also
gives you extra control over the EQ. A volume pedal can be used for this as
well.
The amplifier gain structure is optimized for running at stage levels so I
hope this helps you to achieve what you are looking for. Let us know how you
make out.

Guy Beresford:
Manager
Customer Repairs
Yorkville Sound Canada

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Traynor YCV40WR
Fender Blues Jr

So it sounds like all these options just let you get lots of preamp gain , but only an attenuator is going to get you power tube breakup at lower volumes.

__________________
Les Pauls and Teles (some real, some fake) ->
Boss TU2
Ernie Ball VP Jr
Vox847 Wah (true-bypass)
Barber Tone Press
Barber Small Fry
Da MOAF
Lovepedal CoT50
Modded Vox Valvetone
Crowther Prunes & Custard
EHX Deluxe Memory Man
EHX Wiggler
Line 6 Verbzilla
(all used variously)
-> Traynor YCV40WR

Well, I usually try the sly approach, and stretch my arm around her while yawning. Then, if she seems interested by smiling at me, or even starting to rub my leg maybe, I'll make my move. If you can't figure out the rest, Mr. Beresford, I suggest you should possibly not be working for a pretty well-respected guitar amplifier company.

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