IV. Eq'ing the tone

With two sets of amp EQ's and possible EQ effects on only one channel, EQ'ing can get much trickier than with a single amp tone. The important things to remember are that the controls will work slightly differently for each channel given the cabs' different frequency responses, and some frequencies will sound a bit better in one channel than the other. However, dialing frequencies out completely can make the tone "small" or a bit dead. I find both amp's need somewhat similar EQ settings, but not exactly the same. The ultimate goal is to blend them together for one full-range sound, playing into the strengths and weaknesses of each cab/mic.

For amps where you're using power amp distortion, EQ settings will affect distortion tone. In these cases, I want the EQ settings virtually identical...at least to start. Only after finishing the rest of my patch and using as many EQ effects as possible for final EQ will I revisit these controls to try to get the final EQ I want.

I also often like to put a Mid Focus EQ at the end of my chain. This helps me roll off some of the extreme highs and lows. You can also use the Gain parameter as a final patch volume, rather than having to change both Mixer Levels or the Amp Volume controls.

You'll probably still want further EQ treatment. I find a Parametric EQ or two behind the mixer (applied to the mixed signal) is usually enough. The phase-correction EQ's above can help as mentioned above, but they won't have as powerful of an effect as a post-mixer EQ. However, since DSP is tight, it's best to make smart choices for them to get as much as you can from them and your amp EQ before trying to add post-mixer EQ blocks. This is especially true for lead patches, where you need some time-effects, or patches that need pitch or mod effects.

Keep in mind that the Cab DEP's will also affect final EQ. Sometimes they can be slightly tweaked for EQ purposes without changing the tone too much. But more extreme changes will affect the tone. So primarily use them for that purpose.

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V. Other Amp Settings

I like to keep the amp Drive and DEP's (Master, Sag, Hum, Bias, Bias X) the same on both amps. Don't be afraid to tweak them after all the EQ and phase correction work above. You can also start by making these adjustments before getting into the dual cab stuff. I just like them the same because I don't want it to sound like I'm running two different amps - I really want one giant sound, which I find hard to find using single cabs. So I try to keep everything as together-sounding as possible, only tweaking EQ between the two cabs so that they blend together better. You may find you can get a better sound by varying them, but I have hit my limit of complication I'm willing to deal with.

For Cab DEP's, I usually leave them pretty much at 50%, or I end up turning Res. Level up or down a bit (especially for the Tread V-30 and XXL cabs). This may smooth the tone a bit or make it a touch crispier. Sometimes I boost Decay to get a smoother, thicker tone. Thump can give you even more control over the low-end, but between the EQ controls, mix between the cabs, and if using a Mid-Focus EQ, you probably won't find much improvement here. You can vary these between the two cabs, but I find the tone sounds more consistent if you keep them closer, especially in regards to Decay. Low Cut usually isn't necessary if I have a Mid-Focus EQ in the patch; but if not, use it to trim excess bass. Generally, I follow my advice on how to use these as if they were a single cab, but I'm much less extreme with how I change Res. Level.

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