The 'classic' way to use these TS pedals is with a tube amp on clean channel, but crucially, set on 'edge of break up' (e.g. SRV). The TS then gives you 'that sound' (full(!!) - not thin) which is still incredibly dynamic and touch responsive (dial back the pickup volume to return to clean, etc). Give this a go, even if you have a solid state amp. If, as you did at the beginning, use a super clean amp setting then using the TS will result in a thin sound (in comparison to the 'correct way') that will have trouble cutting through, particularly in a live band. But yes, it's all subjective, and a crazy sore head rabbit hole of 'what gizmos to use' if your home recording.
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The 'classic' way to use these TS pedals is with a tube amp on clean channel, but crucially, set on 'edge of break up' (e.g. SRV). The TS then gives you 'that sound' (full(!!) - not thin) which is still incredibly dynamic and touch responsive (dial back the pickup volume to return to clean, etc). Give this a go, even if you have a solid state amp. If, as you did at the beginning, use a super clean amp setting then using the TS will result in a thin sound (in comparison to the 'correct way') that will have trouble cutting through, particularly in a live band.
But yes, it's all subjective, and a crazy sore head rabbit hole of 'what gizmos to use' if your home recording.
The sound of tubescreamers: boxy and restrained.
What do you prefer? What do others think?