Fender Super Champ: Line Out vs Mic. Amazing results!

[@jazzmaster21]

I have Super Champ XD w/Celestion Speaker/Electro Harmonix Tubes. With the voicings/fx and Strat w/ Fat 50's I can dial in whatever sound my ears desire. This amp is absolutely amazing and is so much fun and rewarding. Its a "No Brainer" to get your hands on one if you havent already.

[@alexmurphy5289]

You sold me on the super champ x2 5 months ago or so friend, it’s now one of my favorite amps ever. I’ve definitely tweaked it a lot via the usb and fender fuse (I know yours is stock, still sounds ace!) but just wanted to say thanks for showing this amp. It’s not some cheap piece like some think, it’s really versatile and does things most all tube amps cannot EDIT: I’m on my phone but couldn’t tell a difference, I also thought B was the line out lol. Sounds phenomenal

[@superjarri]

Quite impressed by how good the line out is. It's really clear and in your face almost like a piezo pickup.

[@Saurondor]

The dead giveaway for the lineout signal was the crispier and clearer reverb tail. Aside from that they sound the same which is really impressive. I'm sold on the x2.

[@mountainman8775]

Line out sounds more processed and cleaner like a kemper. With the mic you get a less processed valve-amp sound. This is the best line out sound coming out of a modelling amp that I‘ve heard, it beats the boss katana‘s, and I appreciate you doing this video Edit: the bit at the end is the line out imo

[@wessmusic]

It's actually not a modelling amp. There are tubes in the amp but it has 16 different voices built in

[@mountainman8775]

@Wess, reeeally? That’s interesting. Thanks for the info I didn’t know that... I might look at the amp again, I find hybrids like that have a lot of potential

[@wessmusic]

@@mountainman8775 I agree. I currently have the x2 version of this amp (basically the newer version) and it's great. It's my first tube amplifier but it's offering everything I ask from an amp. Plus it takes pedals quite well!

[@wessmusic]

@@mountainman8775 Besides, it's not that expensive either

[@dudemandudebro938]

@Wess,OP is correct. The Amp is a digital modeling amp. Yes it has pre amp and power tubes but.. it is still a modeling amp. One that is superb.

[@Barbosa9066]

felt basicaly the same, thanks for the video :D

[@rgbplumbinghilton]

The line out sound warmer than the mic. Personally it is a no brainer to go direct with line out if you are needing more output at a gig. This amo has to be Fenders best value vs sound they have ever made. I know a few that use them direct at theatres.

[@ariepermadi]

Are that line out can connect with pa?

[@marzman7]

Yes, you can run line-out into anything that accepts a line-level signal. It could be PA, recording interface, another amp, etc. You can use the line-out like that to make the amp your stage guitar monitor. I like to run my Vibro Champ XD to the slave input of an amp with a 10-inch speaker. It helps fill in the sound, since the VC only has an 8-inch speaker.

[@jagercaster]

Great video mate, I have done this test at home but didnt't take the job to upload a video. I appreciate your job so much. By the way, it sounds really good strat tone from the amp and I didn't notice the difference between the Line out vs mic. Greeeting from Spain.

[@JeffStarr]

Thank you very much!

[@clearbrain]

Very relevant comparison ❤❤❤❤

[@carlosbermon]

Impressive, the line out sounds great and no hiss!!! Thank you for the video

[@JeffStarr]

Glad you liked it!

[@DeclineofJehovah]

I'm surprised fender doesn't have a larger version of the super champ, tube amp with a bunch of different voicings. Such a versatile amp that gets oddly overlooked by many. I suppose the cybertwin was along those lines but I believe that hasn't been manufactured in a long time.

[@noahchasinguitar5831]

Thanks for doing this!

[@roaddog7542]

Champ tube snarl with Mustang effects is why I own three X2's.

[@JeffStarr]

Totally agree. The Superchamps are great amps for stereo rigs. Do you run all three of your amps at once in a wet-dry-wet setup?

[@havenmcinerney420]

I know this is an old post but - I have a lot of amps - about a dozen and mostly tube amps and can say without hesitation that my superchamp xd is my favorite for recording and I use the line out every time. No other amp comes close actually. It's the best for me. I should mention I only use the bassman setting - haven't changed that knob in years. Also works fantastic to run the line out to another amp.

[@JeffStarr]

Well said! The Bassman setting is great for line out! Fender clearly put a lot of hidden tech into this amp. It's funny how hidden this line out feature was to everyone when it was first released and now we have the Fender ToneMaster amps selling for a lot more money than this little Champ ever did.

[@cdkilo77]

Thank you. I know this isn't exactly new, but as someone who has always mic'd amps, I've been hesitant toward line outs due to horror stories. I have a '73 Twin which I love but it can be a pain to lug around, so I just bought a Super Champ X2 head, and while I'm not big on modeling, it seems like it'll be a decent little amp.

[@thecaveofthedead]

Thanks for this. Just about to use this on Monday to go direct live and I wanted to know how good the direct out was. And it really does sound fantastic. It's a great clean amp. But when I've used it in practice for driven sounds, I've found the modelled sounds on the second channel are pretty severely dated. But the first channel is lovely.

[@coppulor6500]

this is one of my favorite amps of all time. so bummed they didn't make a bigger version with a dozen presets and a foot controller. It would destroy. sigh......

[@jameskamboouris9561]

Jeff I have the xd model. I really loved the tones you were getting! I was surprised as well. Nice work, and.inspireing.

[@roneggletonmultimedia]

I could not hear a difference in the amp, but I DO hear a difference with that TLM102! You’re getting really good presence even at that range- what I think of as “backed off.”

[@JeffStarr]

This TLM 102 is amazing.

[@dhmfilmsltd]

Both are awesome!!! Great amp and great video

[@dinofond]

Very helpful Jeff thanks!

[@doyrayburn2668]

3:35 in and Im guessing B is the miced. Ok well crap, I was wrong.

[@diezelvh4133]

The line out on a Diezel Einstein sounds exactly like the amp being played live through a cab. I've never seen another amp do this in my lifetime.

[@peterdvideos]

Dude! Awesome.

[@giulioluzzardi7632]

Warmer sound on line out, both very useable and handy to have the line out. When I get the opportunity I run the line out in an Orange AD15 combo..the sound is gigantic and I cant stop playing!

[@chalyjudge7749]

Great video! Thank you!

[@JeffStarr]

Glad you liked it!

[@BarcaPatrick9]

Not much of a fender amp fan...but i am now a fan of yours for such a straight forward shootout of how it sounds and how its connected ✊

[@JeffStarr]

For clean Fender tone it's hard to find a better amp in this price range. I love it. Thanks for watching!

[@anthonybrock9435]

Greetings from Glasgow, wee Jeffrey. Anthony here. Do the on board effects come thru the line out ? 🍀🎸🍀

[@JeffStarr]

They do, yes.

[@shignett2351]

As soon as I plug into the Line Out on my Super Champ X2 the amp speaker and my interface monitors both start making a fuzzy noise. Interface is a Focusrite 4i4, the input is set to accept a line level input.

[@vladimirlem1104]

I have a question If I am recording using this connection : Guitar --> Amp --> Amp Line Out --> Instrument Input of the audio interface --> computer (while recording) Can i hear the guitar sound from the amp while recording ?

[@JeffStarr]

Yes. The amp makes sound when using the line out. You would need some sort of load box or attenuator to run the amp silent while still getting an audio signal from the line out.

[@StevenPhillips]

Thanks for this. Exactly what I was looking for. Unfortunately I wish the line-out would kill output thru speaker 😔

[@Jaywezy]

Great video

[@JeffStarr]

Thanks!

[@max_mittler]

Can you plug studio headphones straight into the line out?

[@JeffStarr]

No.

[@JasonsGuitarJams]

Are you using Cab sims for the line out?

[@JeffStarr]

Nope! Cab and mic sim are part of the line out feed.

[@JasonsGuitarJams]

@@JeffStarr so just straight into your DAW?

[@JeffStarr]

Correct. Please note that the speaker still makes sound when using the line out. It would be a good solution for live gigging though when the 1x10 isn’t loud enough. You could use the combo for your stage monitor and run the line out into the sound board for the PA.

[@okidoke-xe8gj]

the line out is just the preamp...no tubes involved... I use mine (head version) via speaker out into Torpedo live (with reactive load)....it sounds like +2000$ Fender amp now!

[@louierubio]

Actually like line out more. I have the amp + separate cabinet configuration (not combo). Does the amp need to be connected to a speaker load while using the line out?

[@JeffStarr]

On the Super Champ you need to have a speaker cab connected as the output section is all tube.

[@louierubio]

notbadfilms Ah shame, renders the line out somewhat pointless for me. I need to have the cabinet silent while hearing the line out only. Thanks!

[@budwhitleysgarage5873]

@@louierubio Thanks for asking this. I was trying to figure this out today.

[@louierubio]

@@budwhitleysgarage5873 hope it works out! God Bless

[@budwhitleysgarage5873]

@@louierubio Thanks, I just ordered a 50W, 8 ohm resistor from Parts Express to create a dummy load instead of the speaker. These are commonly used by repair guys so they don't have to blast their ears when testing an amp's output. A tech I trust tells me that even with extended play the 15 Watts output of the Super Champ x2 shouldn't heat up the resistor too much. I'll let you know how it goes.

[@TheGuitarslinger1992]

I just wanted you to know. Your videos encouraged me to dive in and buy a Super Champ X2. You dove into so much stuff on your XD that it made me believe in it. I bought the limited edition Fawn version, and I LOVE this amp. Thanks for your content. You should definitely keep doing it.

[@JeffStarr]

That’s awesome! Thanks for watching and for sending such a nice comment. Rock on!

[@TheGuitarslinger1992]

notbadfilms maybe an idea for content, but you could compare this amp to others you have. (Not sure what you have, but I saw the mustang in the corner) I REALLY wish someone would do a SC vs Blues Jr.

[@phataton8206]

I knew it was B because it was clearer. I just got one. Love it. Perfect for small venues churches theaters like some others have mentioned. The less mics you have on stage the BETTER

[@hummer222]

For silent home recording, could the speaker out cable be unplugged and a speaker cable used into a loadbox like the Torpedo Live?

[@JeffStarr]

Yes, you can run the speaker out into a load box or attenuator. Just make sure you have the correct ohm and wattage.

[@lyledouglas8324]

Can you run the line out to a mixer and Pa sytem?

[@JeffStarr]

Yes! This is a great way to make this small amp big and loud by using the venue PA. It also makes for easy recording at home.

[@timconny89]

Great video. Is it possible to use headphones with the Super Champ? It only has 'line out' as opposed to a headphone jack.

[@JeffStarr]

Not possible

[@mickronson8039]

can you test a reamp of the XD it into another Fender amp??

[@danr5105]

I need more strat practice (normally I play acoustic) I have a Super Champ XD. Should I use the XD to drive a headphone amp? Is that overkill? I would like to learn the XD sound while practicing. Good use of time. I think I am going to like practice using headphones.

[@JeffStarr]

If you want to use headphones I highly suggest getting a dedicated headphone amp. The Superchamp XD and X2 doesn’t have a headphone output.

[@danr5105]

@@JeffStarr It does have a line out though. I bought an AudioBox USB 96. Works great as a headphone amp,even sans software.

[@louierubio]

Thanks again for the vid. When using the line out does the speaker still make a sound or does the speaker go silent?

[@JeffStarr]

The speaker will still make sound.

[@louierubio]

@@JeffStarr thanks!

[@wilyprajaya]

how did you record with line out signal? Is it direct from line out to audio interface?

[@JeffStarr]

Yes, I ran the line out into an audio interface and into Logic. I didn't do any additional EQ or processing.

[@oinkooink]

So if you run the line out into a preamp you don't hear anything come out the super champ speaker?

[@JeffStarr]

The speaker will still make sound.

[@MrBgsounds]

Sounds great if I plug in line out the speaker goes off tho!!!!

[@MohameedHajtaleb]

Can i use the line out for live concert straight to the mixer ? Pls help

[@JeffStarr]

Yes. The line out is emulated to sound like a mic’ed up speaker cab so if you run a 1/4” cable from the amp line out and into the mixer (and have the mixer set for a line level signal) you could use the house PA system.

[@MohameedHajtaleb]

Thank you very much im about to buy iam amp (marshall mg30dfx) that have a line out and i needed help so bad thank you very much ❤️

[@JeffStarr]

@@MohameedHajtaleb you should double check that the line out on the MG30dfx is speaker emulated. It isn’t on all amps. If you want to run into a PA system you will want something with speaker emulation on the line out.

[@MohameedHajtaleb]

1/4 emulated line out & headphones . Is this work with pa system?

[@hanyzaky3284]

Thanks for video , Did you try record through usb ? I found daw input signal is too weak I didn't face this issue on yamaha thr 10C because it has usb level control

[@JeffStarr]

This is the first version of the amp without USB. I have used the usb on the mustang series of Amps and that always worked well, but I think Fender has discontinued the Fuze software.

[@anonymouseightonefive5096]

Thx for the great video! I was wondering, is the line out signal on Fender Super Champ balanced or unbalanced?

[@DK_9035SB]

my mpsr and laney combo!

[@maxmillan4681]

I was thinking : isnt the phone out and the aux return, like a stereo fx loop ???

[@maxmillan4681]

phones out together with aux in, is’nt it like a fx loop ????

[@gazzaboy2531977]

So if I use emulated out on my fender amp to a pa. If I crank the amp up will that be the same as cranking it through speakers??

[@timd6975]

I'm trying to use direct line I just don't understand how to connect my mustang three amp to my focusrite interface so I can record onto my computer?

[@emanndaman8315]

Why isn’t line out the normal for recording? Most guitar amps have a line out/headphone out

[@marzman7]

For a lot of amps, the speaker's characteristic breakup at higher volumes adds to the sound. So, they mic it to make sure the soundboard gets the same sound you hear in the air. But in a modeling amp, the speaker isn't adding its own color as much, since you want to depend on the quality of the digital models to get the sound right. So the line-out (which usually has speaker and cab emulation built-in) can sound really similar to a mic set up. In general, regular guitar amps' speakers color the sound, but keyboard amps, PA speakers, and strict modeling amps shouldn't.

[@ariepermadi]

When u use a line out the speaker is mute?

[@StevenPhillips]

No. Speaker still outputs

[@johng.6673]

Hi! Amazing tone with the DI 👌🔥 Question: how did you connect it to the audio interface? Did you connect from Champ line out to the Audio interface guitar input or mic? Thank you

[@JeffStarr]

I plugged the line out of the Champ into the line level signal on my audio interface. Hope that helps!

[@johng.6673]

Thank you so much! 🙏 the DI sound crystal clear. I subscribed to your channel👌 will binge watch soon.

[@JeffStarr]

Leave a comment and let me know if you could hear the difference and what you thought made each signal unique. If you are looking to purchase this amp or other music gear please contact Joe Schafer at Sweetwater. Joe is awesome and has helped me out a lot when researching gear and making my purchase decisions. Please let him know that I (Jeff Starr) sent you his way. www.sweetwater.com/joe_schafer

[@kye903]

I'm rusty on all this stuff, and it seems I also completely overlooked this feature on my amp. Does 'line level' mean that it is at a constant level that you can't change..? Or is the volume of the line out determined by the volume 1 knob..? It would be great to just record with the line out and turn down the speaker completely, but I'm not sure that's possible..? Are you using a guitar cable or a speaker cable..? (guitar cable I presume) Can you just plug some headphones into the line out, or would a headphone amp be necessary..?

[@phataton8206]

Guitar (shielded cord) or you’ll get hum Yes you need headphone amp (sometimes you can hear a tiny bit from line level) usually the gain does influence the level of the output. Sometimes if you have a master volume it doesn’t affect the line out.

[@wessmusic]

These are very similar. But I'm curious if it changes when you play with some mid- to high gain sounds. Would you be able to advise me on this? I'm considering getting a mic for my amp but this makes me realize I might not need one

[@JeffStarr]

If you are using the Super Champ XD or X2 and are just getting started with home recording I think the line out is a great option. I think the X2 also allows recording out of its USB port too. How hard you drive the amp does change how the line out sounds, but I’ve found it totally usable.

[@wessmusic]

@@JeffStarr alright, thank you! I'll hold off on buying a mic and instead try to use the line out for my recording

[@JACOBO2068]

Hi Jeff, Hope you are doing well, If you need to record ( super champ xd amplifier) with your electric guitar, wich line do you use? Line out or speaker out? I would like to record with behringer um2 ,but i dont know wich line will be right. Thank you.

[@JeffStarr]

Ever since I did this test I have been using the Line Out when recording the Super Champ. It's just so easy to set up and it always sounds the same. It also saves me space as my room isn't huge so it's one less mic stand to trip over.

[@SHERIFF8311]

Hi there, I've got this amp, I wonder if it happens the same to you if you try to use pedals with it. I used to use overdrive pedals on the clean channel of the amp, and never got a really good overdriven sound, but only a lot more volumen, they acted more like a booster. But one day I tried the same pedals, (TS9, OCD, DS1 etc), on channel two, voice one wich as you know it is a clean fender tweed sound, and yes the pedals sound glorious on that channel and voice. Then, one day, I read that the amp is designed to sound clean on channel one and is not really worthy trying to get dirty tones out of it, but channel two is the one for those kind of tones, do you agree?, greetings from Spain, good videos ;)

[@twowaymuir]

I have 2 of these amps. One black and one blonde. The line out is a great feature IMO and I like that is does not cut out the amps speaker output when used. This allows me to do things like stack it on top of my solid state Peavey Studio Pro 40 watt amp with a Celestion Vintage G-12 speaker and use it as a slave into it's power amp input or plug into the front of the Peavey and control it's volume there to match levels output of the SCXD with the 10" stock speaker in it providing me with great highs and lows etc. or just crank up the Peavey's volume to provide a whole lot more volume if needed. Works great going into other amps I have also up to 250 watts for pissing off the neighborhood. I found that your line out sample sounded fuller than the mic'd up samples.

[@oinkooink]

Is there a way to run the line out and cut the speaker? I'm trying to record quiet at home.

[@twowaymuir]

@@oinkooink No. Unplugging the speaker will damage the amp. I have read that using a dummy load in place of the speaker can be used, but I have no experience in doing that. I suggest contacting Fender Support and maybe a Sweetwater engineering sales tech for possible solutions.

[@grassmastersmith4422]

Couldn't tell the difference. I have one of those amps. Don't do any recording other than a looper. Usually the microphone is the weak link. But everyone is used to using mics, so they just keep doing in for no good reason.

[@noahchasinguitar5831]

I’m REALLY surprised that the line out sounded fuller and nicer BUT this video is deceiving because the feel is really different

[@jchavins]

people that use a mic when a line out is available are kidding themselves. The signal going to the board has to be eq'd regardless od which method is chosen as the preamps, amps, and speaker systems have totally different sound characteristics. Using a mic in a live scenario can induce feedback also. The drums and bass guitar can play hell with the mic.....

[@0757drsj]

Does the line out kill the sound coming from the speaker ??

[@JeffStarr]

Good question! Using the line out does not kill sound from coming out of the speaker.

[@0757drsj]

@@JeffStarr Dang, lol I sure wish it did. Love the tone you were getting. thank you sir for your reply !!!!

[@redgamer821]

@@0757drsj You can kill the sound from the amp itself by simply just plugging a cable into the "phones" input, and as far as I'm concerned, it won't mute the line out.

[@0757drsj]

@@redgamer821 Thank you !!!

[@RobCowie]

@@redgamer821 the XD model doesn't have headphone output.

[@kaybhee6]

some,,, blend the two,,, or,,, left ,, right in mix

[@buzzlaroux3586]

line out sounds tons better

[@nayaleezy]

sounds the same to me

[@JeffStarr]

Yeah, it's really well done. It makes recording the amp super easy and is great for playing live and using the PA system to get louder.

[@grassmastersmith4422]

They sound the same. So I would use the line out for convenience. I have one of those amps.

[@JeffStarr]

Yeah, since I filmed this video I have stopped using a mic and record using the line out. So much easier!

[@Phishcactus]

@@JeffStarr Line out was better than expected. Will probably continue doing both line out and sm57 mic for the option. Only wish I could do line out without any external sound so I can record at night

[@bugsycline3798]

you never changed the sound in your test. I watched the whole video, waiting for you to put some drive on the amp and you never did... Not a scientific test at all... waste of time?