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→Mixing Multiple Distortions
== Mixing Multiple Distortions ==
The key to a great distortion tone involves mixing multiple gain stages to a get a rich distortion throughout the frequency spectrum without the signal turning into a noisy, chaotic mess. Modern high-gain amps have been hip to this technique since the late 70's, using multiple distorted pre-amp tubes in series (aka '''cascading gain stages'''). These use different biases or frequency treatments between stages to layer the distortion in a controlled manner, where each one adds to the tone rather than mucks it up. This can also be taken further by using mild solid-state distortion from a boost/overdrive pedal to distort just the peaks in a very harmonic-rich or asymmetric manner, gaining a more noticeable difference in tone on the pick attack. See [[#Boosts|Boosts]] higher on this page.
However, there are cases where we want to utilize different methods of distortion other than overdriving preamp tubes. This can be quite difficult, as mixing distortion can often result in lots of noise, squeals, harshness, and rough edges. Here's some general rules:
* The big advantage is to mix different ''types'' of distortion. Chaining several similar distortions is likely to get a similar tone as just one of them, but with less control and more noise. You can often get a better tone simply by turning up the gain on just one distortion stage and removing the others.
* If you are using a distortion pedal for your main distortion, you may still have to use a bit of gain on your amp to give it enough juice to sound right, or enough to sound like its signature sound. This may involve pushing it slightly into distortion. If this results in too much distortion, try turning the drive on the distortion pedal down until you find the right balance.
* Many boost/overdrive pedals will distort peaks during pick attack even with their Drive/Distortion setting at minimum.
=== Pre-Amp and Power Amp ===