Tell me about the DC-3. Like I've said in previous posts I really want the Prince/Santana/mid-rangy sound and am wondering if the DC-3 can do it or if it's not in that vain? I was gonna go for the MK. III, but the DC-3 is more ready available.
LEVEL4 said:I have a DC-3 head with TungSol re-issue 12AX7s and JJ EL-84s. Yes, it's VERY mid-renge-ey. It's great for leads. However, at low volumes, it lacks treble and presence. At mid- to high-volumes, it cranks, and sounds better than any other amp I have. And, at these volumes, it may be the sweetest lead amp you've ever heard. But, again, at low volumes, there's almost no "bite." I A/B/Y my DC-3 with a rackmount Mark IVm which I think is the ultimate tone combo. DC-3 for mid-range growl, and the Merk IV for "bite."
Although, I don't think it could be my only amp, it's definitely an amp I will never sell or never want ot be without. I use my Single-Recto for rhythms only, since the DC-3/Mark combo pwns a Recto for leads hands-down.
Yes, I believe it does the Santana thing quite well. Not too bass-ey. But for palm mutes and rhythm chugs, the Recto would be better-suited. Not to say the DC-3 can't do them, but the Recto does them better. But, IMO, the Recto is a one-trick pony. I really think you need at minimum, three amps from Mesa, to get all your lead/rock/metal sounds: DC-series, Mark-series, Recto.Volitan said:So does it do the Santana thing? I love the clarity, so as long as that's there and it's not too bassy, I'm good.
sounds like the marks and dcs are alittle more different than i thought. ive gotta mark iv and want a practice amp, should i just shell out an extra $200LEVEL4 said:Yes, I believe it does the Santana thing quite well. Not too bass-ey. But for palm mutes and rhythm chugs, the Recto would be better-suited. Not to say the DC-3 can't do them, but the Recto does them better. But, IMO, the Recto is a one-trick pony. I really think you need at minimum, three amps from Mesa, to get all your lead/rock/metal sounds: DC-series, Mark-series, Recto.Volitan said:So does it do the Santana thing? I love the clarity, so as long as that's there and it's not too bassy, I'm good.
LEVEL4 said:Yes, I believe it does the Santana thing quite well. Not too bass-ey. But for palm mutes and rhythm chugs, the Recto would be better-suited. Not to say the DC-3 can't do them, but the Recto does them better. But, IMO, the Recto is a one-trick pony. I really think you need at minimum, three amps from Mesa, to get all your lead/rock/metal sounds: DC-series, Mark-series, Recto.Volitan said:So does it do the Santana thing? I love the clarity, so as long as that's there and it's not too bassy, I'm good.
Monsta-Tone said:There are probably hundreds of posts here for the DC-3.
Do a search and you will be overwhelmed with information.
Also, Plumptone is a huge advocate of the DC-3. You could do a search for his posts and find lots of great info and some really nice sound clips.
These are great amps.
Monsta-Tone said:Change the speaker or try it with another cabinet. This is sort of what I was saying about the Vintage 30. They sound great in some amps, but this amp already has tons of mids and highs, it needs a speaker that is a little darker.
Also, try different preamp tubes in V1, V3, & V4.
JJ High Gains worked very well in V3 & V4 to darken the amp a little.
I ran mine like this:
Gain: 8
Treble: 5
Mids: 6
Bass: 8
Pres: 3
Reverb: 0
Master: 4
Output: 2-5 (6 with a loud band)
I mainly used a PRS McCarty or a PRS Custom 22, which are fairly dark sounding guitars.
I also used an EV loaded Thiele cab most of the time, which really gave it some thump!
The Presence is very essential to this amp. If it is turned too high, then you will have a high pitched tone. I keep mine lower than 4, and sometimes on 0.
Monsta-Tone said::lol: Sorry, it's early here.
Try the settings I suggested, but crank the Presence.
If your amp is too dark, you probably need tubes. The DC-5 is the dark one of the bunch. The DC-3 is known as being very lively and not dark at all.
What are your settings, and what guitar are you using? What pickups?
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