I tried the following signal path based on a previous post as follows:

The input from the guitar goes to a preamp (Mesa FormulaPre)

The preamp output is via a "Send" from the Mesa

That Output goes to the Input of the Smartulator

The Output of the Smartulator goes to the "Return" of my OTS.

With this setup, neither the Volume or PowerAmp front controls knobs function.

Can someone explain what I am actually hearing from the speakers?

Thanks

I am wondering (for a/b comparisons) if the Smartulator needs a pedal between the Send and Return or can a single cable connecting the two work and not cause any problems?

Thanks.

Can I do this?...with "Stand-By" switch is ON (Standby engaged...no sound...),  can I shut the OTS off via a power bar and not cause problems with the tubes/OTS?

First off, I just want to thank Nik for his customer support...it is unbelievable!...

My Smartulator By Ceriatone arrived today...I unpacked and connected with a Boss DD-2 pedal...no sound!

Long story short...I emailed Nik at 1:30am his time (I'm in EST Canada, so pm for me)...and within 2 minutes he replied!  He offered a couple of suggestions and after trying a different cable (which I left 'til the end because it just couldn't be my cables...) to the Smartulator...yep, a bad cable as he had suggested (and my frickin' stupidity!)...I was up and running...and because I had to leave in between, I was good to go at 3:00am his time!...and a final reply from him... There is absolutely no one that can touch this product - great builds and amazing customer support!

As far as the Smartulator, the "added dimension" is an excellent description...it clarifies the Fx (in my case the DD-2 which use to be straight into the OTS via the pedalboard)...plus a positive "something" (the adjustable Drive I assume) to the overall sound...I was happy with the way things had sounded, but the Smartulator is a next level for me...I very much doubt one would ever come up on eBay...but if one does, grab it!

I agree -  after a week with the amp, I am keeping the MesaFormula as a separate amp.  The OTS sounds great as is.

Thanks for the feedback.

What harm can be done to either the amp or the speaker if 8 ohms is selected instead of the 4 ohms?

Thanks...I wasn't sure if I could do your suggestions without some major repercussions...will give it a try in the next few days...but so far, for recording, this guy is the one!

Edit...after a few hours with the OT, I am not in a rush to change anything...but I will give your suggestions a go in a week or so...so far, the OT on track1 / Mesa on track2 combo is very good...although I will try the Mesa into the OT later.  Using the Effects Loop input for the Mesa as the initial input is something I never would have considered...thanks.

I have just unwrapped, prepared and plugged in my newly arrived Overtone Special...just waiting for the tubes to warm...(haven't even plugged in yet!)

While I am waiting, I thought I would ask if there is a way of using my Mesa FormulaPre preamp with the Overtone Special?

Thanks