Analogman KOT question

[Motorcycle]

Long before I knew that I was going to buy a Mark V, I ordered an Analogman King of Tone and after awhile forgot about it. Well I just got notified that I'm at the top of the list and can order when I'm ready. However, I'm so satisfied with the range of tones I'm getting from the V that I don't know if I want it anymore. Does anyone here use a KOT with a Mesa Mark V or IV amp and if so what do you think ? Any perspective on this would be appreciated.

 

[Deaj]

The KOT4 is a cool circuit and does indeed sound great in front of th MkV. This said I haven't been running pedals Since my MkV arrived. I'd advise checking used KOT4 prices and if they're still north of its new price and still selling quickly when posted then go ahead and place the order. That way you get to take it for a spin and see if it's for you and if you dig it in front of the MkV. If not you can flip it for you total outlay and be out nothing.

 

[SirBoye]

I'm actually currently running a KOT v.4 in front of my Mark V. I personally don't like channel two of the mark V for its "crunch" tone (actually the ONLY channel I don't LOVE). Therefore, I use my KOT to deliver the "crunch" tone which I desire. I'd buy it, try it out, if you don't like it, sell it, make some profit. :mrgreen:

 

[SteveO]

I wasn't running any dirt or boost in front of my MV for the longest time. A couple months ago I bought a G-System, and after a few weeks I dug out my Nova Drive just to experiment since it integrates directly into the G/S through a supplied cable. Now, I am spending much more time on channel one, using a bit of boost from the Nova Drive to give it some hair. It is a tone that I have not been able to duplicate running straight into the amp, and I really like it. I would give the KOT a try, it might be a great thing for you.

 

[Motorcycle]

Looking at ebay it seems that I could turn it for $50.00 to $100.00 profit if I didn't like it. Great idea.

 

[Deaj]

Slightly off topic - I decided to give my KOT'ish pedal a go with the Mesa MkV again after posting to this thread and absolutely kills as a boost for Channel 2, Crunch mode. All kinds of great boosted JMP/JCM Marshall tones! It also works well as a dedicated OD in front of Channel 1. any mode, without changing the pedals settings. I'll bet you dig the KOT with the MkV even if you do decide to flip it.

The pedal I'm using is very close to the current version of the KOT (ver.4) with the following differences (my build from scratch, my take on the BB): I'm using 5mm red LED's in place of the various clipping diodes that the KOT uses (KOT uses a DIP switch for different selectable clipping diodes), I ditched the internal treble trim pot and instead fitted a presence control similar to that used in the MI Audio Crunch Box and mounted this control externally. The KOT is essentially a lightly modded Marshall Bluesbreaker circuit. I liked the EQ structure of the KOT but prefer the 'crunch' and decreased compression that LED's provide. I also didn't care for the internal treble trimmer - I thought it sounded gritty (personal taste). The Presence control is more of an upper midrange voicing control really and, between it and the Tone control, allows for both Marshall and Vox type voicings.

For those interested I have posted this project all over the net. You can find it in the DIY section on thwe BYOC forum. It's posted under the title 'modded Bluesbreaker'. This is the circuit that GeekMacDaddy uses for the British Ball Breaker (it's a project I provide free to folks and allow him to use for his pedal).

Anyway - carry on.