You sound frustrated, don't be. I LOVE my 2ch to death! Not sure the type of music you are playing, but for all out metal, you can't go wrong presence @ 12 o'clock, bass @ 9-10 o'clock, mid @ 10-11 o'clock, treble @ 1-3 o'clock, and gain where you like it. I currently am running a Maxon OD808 in front, therefore, my recto gain is @ 12 o'clock, sometimes a little more. I have found I stay fairly close to these settings for most gigs and recordings, although I do tweak accasionally. BTW I have my diodes on (no recto tubes) and spongy and on the orange channel cloned (I use red for a lead channel and add a little more gain and mids). At this setting I get a nice sticky crunch, not too much gain but enough to really cut and still be able to hear all the notes. I have a standard Studio Les Paul, and 1960 Marshall 412 with 75s. Nothing too fancy here.
If you want more of a speed metal type tone, drop the mid a tad, and add a little gain. I can use my OD808, as a clean boost in front of the amp (overdrive @ 0%, balance at 100%) and is smooths out the gain on the amp giving it the newer metal tones.
My guitarist has the 3ch recto, and although it sounds killer, it really doesn't seem to have the "soul" mine does. Very hard to explain, but his lacks texture. Although he is using an older Mesa cabinet for the Mark series which could account for the different tone. I have heard the newer 3ch versions, and REALLY loved the sound in store and eventually I want one, but I have limited experience with those.
Keep at it, if you have any questions, let me know!~~ and if you ultimately feel like you wanna sell yours, let me know, I may want it!!!!!!!!!!
Restrayned.com
