Help me choose the right model Rectifier for max chunk

[Zen Guitar]

Hi All,

Newbie here!

I currently play in a progressive metal band and am using a Mark IV head into a Recto Standard 4x12 for lead and crunch and a Lone Star 2x12 for bluesy and clean tones. However, I've recently been bit with the Recto bug and am craving that super tight, bone dry, heavy, chunky Dual Rectifer tone for sick riffing and big power chords.

My question is, which amp to buy? I've read through the Board here and noticed a lot of discussion regarding the current offerings as well as the differences between the older two channel and newer three channel DR's. I've read and read and I'm honestly a bit overhwelmed. I have very good ears and have been playing long enough to notice subtle differences (23 years), but don't have the opportunity to go A/B each of the amps in question.

What I need is basically ONE sound out of the amp (the tight chunk mentioned above). I need plenty of drive and harmonic lushness, and I need the sound to be ultra tight. I'll use it a lot with 7 string guitar, as well, so I need to be able to dial in a tight low end (I'm not afraid to turn down the bass control!).

In terms of this sound only, what will I notice between a newer 3 channel Dual Rectifier and an older 2 ch Dual Rectifier? Is there a point in it's history where the older ones that were made were NOT ideal for this tone (a particular revision, for instance?)

How does the Roadster, RKII, or Single Recto Solo head compare to the above?

I should also mention that I previously owned a Tremoverb head and found that it didn't deliver this sound in the same way that I've heard some DR's do... Didn't seem to have that same sledgehammer attack and chunk. Was possibly a bit midrangier than some DR's I've heard.

Thanks!!!

 

[Living_justice]

mark 4

 

[Zen Guitar]

As mentioned above, I already have a Mark IV. True, the Mark IV is an awesome amp for a great many reasons, but I am looking explicitely for a Recto crunch sound, which is night and day different than a Mark IV crunch. The Mark IV crunch is tight, but is much more midrangey (even with classic V shape on the EQ) and has a different character to the distortion and a different set of harmonic overtones.

Any thoughts?

 

[holdsworth]

lol, learn to dial in your amp. The Mark IV will give you more than "crunch".

 

[Zen Guitar]

I know how to dial-in my amp. I have plenty of crunch from the Mark IV, but I am looking for another flavor of it. They are apples and oranges. It is easy to tell the difference between the two.

Anyone care to help me find the right RECTIFIER for what I am looking for?

 

[siggy14]

Very uncool guys, this guy laid out exactly what he wants, he didnt ask for opinions on all different kinds of amps. He WANTS the recto tone and you give him stupid answers like that. The mark is a great amp, but it will not do the recto crunch which is what he wants.

Now to answer your question, if you are strickly going for a massive tight crunch, I would say go for a 2 channel triple rec. From what everyone says the triples are suppose to have a tighter bottem end because of more headroom, personaly I never noticed it, but then again I have never put a triple and dual side by side.

I say the 2 channel, because they do sound more orangic and tighter then the 3 channel versions and since this will be adding to your collection of two great amps you seem to have plenty of options for tone. However even with the right tweakage and tube change you can get the 3 channel close enough.

mark 4

lol, learn to dial in your amp. The Mark IV will give you more than "crunch".

 

[domct203]

If you play alot of drop tunings you may want to consider a Triple Recto. The extra 50 watts of headroom are a "palm mute chugger's" best friend.

I went from a Triple to a Roadster (mostly for the reverb and extra channel), and although most of what I play is standard tuning or drop-d, I found it to be a very tight amp for a Recto. I've never personally played a two channel, but alot of people who own both the two channel and Roadster comment that it seems closest voiced to a two channel. I tend to believe that as my Roadster seems alot smoother than my Triple was, and also has a better lead tone than I could ever get from my Triple.

You will most likely want to retube as well, I found the SED =C= 6L6's to really bring out the best in this amp.

In my 25+ years of playing, I have never been so happy with my tone as I am now with my Roadster. I just wish it didn't pop into channel 3.

Good Luck !!

Dom

 

[Big_Al]

I had a 3 channel DR but could not get the low end chunk (yes I spent weeks tweaking). Sold it and bought a 50 but the low end flub and no sustain makes me want to sell it also. Last week I tried a friends older DR (not sure of year or revision) but it had the kind of chunk that you could feel in your chest. Sure it may not be able to dial in other tones but for pure chunk, I would go with the older DR's.
I have also read through all the threads comparing old 2 channel versus new 3 channels. Seems pretty split in opinions but all I can say is try before you buy. :wink:

 

[holdsworth]

Very uncool guys, this guy laid out exactly what he wants, he didnt ask for opinions on all different kinds of amps.

lol, only joshin' with ya. The Dual Recto, Triple Recto, Roadking, or Roadster will all deliver the Recto sound you want, it just depends how much versatility you will require. I've heard the dual rectifier sounds better than the triple, but only marginally.

 

[Mr_You]

Can someone confirm if the Roadster/Road King gain levels are different compared to the Rectos?

Meaning, they have the Recto tone, but more in the "hard rock" high gain distortion versus "nu metal" ultra high gain in the Dual/Triple. Correct?

The Roadster Recto tones sound great, but when I'm "chuggin off" :lol: I've ran out of gain in channel 4 modern mode. Great for hard rock distortion tones though.

I'm getting a Lone Star head which I'll run with 6V6s for blues tones and looking at a Splawn then eventually probably a Dual Rectifier three channel to mix with the Splawn (mainly for rhythm and cleans).

 

[ToneAddictJon]

I would say just go for a 3 channel DR. I think if you want that chunk, that's it right there. All this 2 channel vs 3 channel..... I have a 3 channel that has out lasted any of the others (TOV, 2 channels, TRs, blah blah blah). If you can't get that chunk out of a 3 channel, either your guitar isn't made for it or your cab isn't it. I also have a mark IV and the 2 amps together really compliment each other well. And to all the "you don't know how to dial in a mark IV", why would you buy a Mark IV (especially if you already have one) for the rectifier sound?? You can get similar but they are 2 completely different voiced and feeling amps. You can probably pick up a used 3 channel for close to $1k now too. Good luck

 

[ibanez4life SZ!]

The only thing I worry about it getting a rectifier tight and fluid....I could never get it to the point of my liking in those points.

I had a 3 channel DR....selling it, and my Mark IV should be here in a week or so.

It seems like for full out rectifier agression....the tones it is known for, you should look at a two channel...one of the older models.

 

[Leng]

I disagree with the comment that the triple recto's 50w of extra headroom makes the crunch better. In reality, the opposite is true. I know from playing quite a few dual and triple rectos that the DR's tubes saturate much easier because you can actually turn it up to where it saturates and starts to get that gainy monstrous crunch without needing to be in an amphitheater. Unless you're going to be playing gigantic venues, you don't want to have to turn your head to obnoxious volumes just to get the tone you want. That's why I went for the dual recto.

Also, I was very skeptical that the 2ch sounded that much better than the 3ch, but after having played many heads, I have to say it's quite obvious that the 2 channel DRs sound head and shoulders better than the newer 3 channels. At least mine does, #771.

I play primarily in palm mute riffs and the 2ch DR gives me that perfect Adam Jones crunch.

 

[domct203]

I disagree with the comment that the triple recto's 50w of extra headroom makes the crunch better. In reality, the opposite is true.........

Actually the comment was that the extra 50 watts gives you more headroom for low tunings that require a lot of punch. The Recto tone is based in the pre-amp, you have really got to crank one to get any output saturation, and yes that is where the "crunch" comes in.

Dom

 

[clutch71]

There are plenty of 2ch DR's out there. 3 channels with a 4x12 straight or Stiletto cab sound good. I've found with any Recto I've owned that I always end up removing the stock Mesa's and end up with something else.

I'm like you but the opposite. I have a 2ch and will be looking for a Mark IV in the distant future.

My biggest recommendation is to remain patient and try as many rectos out as possible.

 

[Maldeve]

Hi All,

Newbie here!

I currently play in a progressive metal band and am using a Mark IV head into a Recto Standard 4x12 for lead and crunch and a Lone Star 2x12 for bluesy and clean tones. However, I've recently been bit with the Recto bug and am craving that super tight, bone dry, heavy, chunky Dual Rectifer tone for sick riffing and big power chords.

My question is, which amp to buy? I've read through the Board here and noticed a lot of discussion regarding the current offerings as well as the differences between the older two channel and newer three channel DR's. I've read and read and I'm honestly a bit overhwelmed. I have very good ears and have been playing long enough to notice subtle differences (23 years), but don't have the opportunity to go A/B each of the amps in question.

What I need is basically ONE sound out of the amp (the tight chunk mentioned above). I need plenty of drive and harmonic lushness, and I need the sound to be ultra tight. I'll use it a lot with 7 string guitar, as well, so I need to be able to dial in a tight low end (I'm not afraid to turn down the bass control!).

In terms of this sound only, what will I notice between a newer 3 channel Dual Rectifier and an older 2 ch Dual Rectifier? Is there a point in it's history where the older ones that were made were NOT ideal for this tone (a particular revision, for instance?)

How does the Roadster, RKII, or Single Recto Solo head compare to the above?

I should also mention that I previously owned a Tremoverb head and found that it didn't deliver this sound in the same way that I've heard some DR's do... Didn't seem to have that same sledgehammer attack and chunk. Was possibly a bit midrangier than some DR's I've heard.

Thanks!!!

I have triple rectifier ATM waiting on a Mark IV , what worries me is I'm buying the mark IV for the same reason you want the Rectifier.

I totally agree that the voicing is compeletly different but Ive had my Rectifier for a couple of months now and I cant get that super tight distortion out of it like your wanting.

The distortion is massive and brutal on the Rectifier but way to loose for my liking, I even exchanged the rectifier cab for the stiletto cab and it shaped it up some but not enough.

I have to say this though I'm going to trully miss the rectifier distortion and might end up buying another one in the future but for now I'm hoping the Mark 4 will get me that TIGHT sound im looking for.

I think you can get close to the sound you want out of the recto with different pedals and effects and putting alot of time into it. But straight out of the box I dont think its the amp your looking for, at least for me it was not.

This place is a wealth of knowledge and I'm sure the guys here can help you out alot with your purchase. I hope my personal experience with the rectifier and input has helped.

 

[tetsubin]

Anyone ever tried a DC-5 or 10 head? To be honest I haven't yet had the chance to compare my DC to a DR or MarkIV - so it's just a suggestion.
I mean, you get a Rectifier-like lead channel with the graphic EQ. Could be worth the try.

 

[jdurso]

Can someone confirm if the Roadster/Road King gain levels are different compared to the Rectos?

Meaning, they have the Recto tone, but more in the "hard rock" high gain distortion versus "nu metal" ultra high gain in the Dual/Triple. Correct?

The Roadster Recto tones sound great, but when I'm "chuggin off" :lol: I've ran out of gain in channel 4 modern mode. Great for hard rock distortion tones though.

I'm getting a Lone Star head which I'll run with 6V6s for blues tones and looking at a Splawn then eventually probably a Dual Rectifier three channel to mix with the Splawn (mainly for rhythm and cleans).

you ran out of gain in channel 4 in modern mode???? i'm going to go outside the box on this one and say you might want to check out an ENGL Powerball..... it might be the type of high gain your looking for.... especially if you say channel 4 on the roadster is running out of gain (personally i can't see it but if its not cutting for you than its not the amp your looking for)..... ENGLs are a little pricey but awesome tones machiens... a little different than the Rectos but built for thge chug.... if you have the money check out the Savage or the SEs

 

[Zen Guitar]

I have triple rectifier ATM waiting on a Mark IV , what worries me is I'm buying the mark IV for the same reason you want the Rectifier.

I totally agree that the voicing is compeletly different but Ive had my Rectifier for a couple of months now and I cant get that super tight distortion out of it like your wanting.

The distortion is massive and brutal on the Rectifier but way to loose for my liking, I even exchanged the rectifier cab for the stiletto cab and it shaped it up some but not enough.

I have to say this though I'm going to trully miss the rectifier distortion and might end up buying another one in the future but for now I'm hoping the Mark 4 will get me that TIGHT sound im looking for.

I think you can get close to the sound you want out of the recto with different pedals and effects and putting alot of time into it. But straight out of the box I dont think its the amp your looking for, at least for me it was not.

This place is a wealth of knowledge and I'm sure the guys here can help you out alot with your purchase. I hope my personal experience with the rectifier and input has helped.

The Mark IV is truly a great head, in my opinion, and delivers many incredible sounds, including a very tight crunch tone. It is just a different flavor than the Recto sound. Hopefully, you will not be disappointed. The new Dream Theater is all Mark IV for the crunch tones, I believe, as a good example. The early Metallica crunch was Mark IIC+ crunch, but that lineage is alive in the Mark IV if dialed properly.

I strongly recommend this head with Recto standard cabs. Try using the lead channel for your crunch tone, follow the factory guidelines for getting a Mark IIC+ type tone by pulling all the pots. Also, be sure to set your bass VERY low... like 2 or below, in addition to the classic V curve on the EQ. Set your presence between 3 and 5. Don't push your gain or drive above 7 or 8. I dial my mids high, but experiment here. A lot of guys like it around 4. I set mine around 8. Try with no fx or reverb and you should get a VERY tight chunk. It may sound a bit dry or stiff on its own, but when the band is there it will be very defined and sound like it fits very well.

I think the first thing you will notice is more upfront midrange. I think it may feel lower in gain, as well, if you're used to having your Recto's drive set above 3/4. However, I doubt most players would need more gain than in the Mark IV, even playing HEAVY.

The lead tones are amazing in this amp, and I've found the same tone as above, works wonders for lead with a little delay and a little reverb. Cleans are spanky and pristine. Channel 2 gets a lot less use by me, but is good for an old school mid gain crunch or for a bluesy section.

I'm sure you'll be stoked... This amp takes a while to dial, so be patient. The sounds are definitely in there. The cabinet makes a HUGE difference, though, so if you don't have a Recto cab, try it out with one if you can.

 

[Zen Guitar]

Thanks to everyone for the wealth of info!

I had the opportunity to play a 2 ch Recto last night for a bit. Sound was nice. This particular amp was a just a little loose, but I don't know how old the tubes were, what they were, and didn't have much time to tweak with the settings.

I guess, what I mean is that if I could have asked for a bit more bite, a touch more tightness, and even just a little of that Boogie fizziness, that's what I would have wanted. Almost like sharpening the focus on a picture... A little more detail and edge definition, if that makes sense. Probably the opposite of "smoother".

I also had the opportunity last week to try out a Single Rectifier Solo head that my buddy had (wasn't sure how old it was, as he got it used and they have always had just two channels) and it sounded AMAZING. No flubbiness in the low end, even with 7 string guitar and LOUD volume. It had chinese tubes (Boogie branded). He mentioned that every time his band, Zero Hour, gigs, he gets compliments on his tone with his 2 ch dual Rectos, but when he brings out this Single Recto, he gets an overflow of good comments. We both felt it sounded much better as well. I wonder if this is one is just a special head, or if SR's just have a sound more akin to what I might be looking for.

The Boogie catalog seems to make a point of saying that these have "...a truly usable power band with a bright, fast top end..." and "...the vibe of these mid power amps has always been brash and urgent..."

Sounds to me like a description that suited the differences I heard between the two amps... The SR being faster and tighter in the top end with more brightness and upfront presence. Maybe a bit more aggressive sounding. As I said, though, I have no idea whether this is a one-off comparision between two one-off amps, or if this categorically makes sense overall for comparisons in general between SR's and DR's. Anyone able to chime in here?

One other thought... I've heard some folks say that they loved the crunch tone of the Roadster, whereas these same folks were not impressed with the Road Kings. Interesting, as they are supposed to have the same tones in there, but I guess having the different power sections and other bells and whistles could obviously have an impact on tone. I've also heard some folks compare the Roadster to the older 2 ch Dual Recto's. Is this the consensus here? Roadsters sound similiar to older 2 ch DR's?

Thanks again!