Grateful Dead Music Forum

Folks - is there any benefit to using the 2nd input on a Fender tube amp? I know it is lower gain, so would one have any benefit by being able to then turn up the volume higher, perhaps pushing the tubes more?

My understanding is it's a simple padded input (6 db, perhaps?), though I'm no tech so perhaps others will chime in with more specific info. Many types of gear have available padded inputs, e.g., most PAs (for regular and condensor mics), acoustic guitar amps (passive and active PUPs), and of course, electric guitar amps.If you Google "twin reverb second input" and/or "amplifier padded input," I'll bet you'll find lots of discussions. What I'd do in your position is take 5 minutes to experiment with yours and listen. This will tell you more than anyone else's descriptions.

I use input 2 on my 1972 Fender Vibrosonic (Twin with a single 15") when playing pedal steel. If I use input 1, it tends to drive the input more than I care for.