iceman said:
I have a Flashback in the loop that does not like an input signal that is too hot.
This is so true! The Flashback gets "overloaded" without turning the SEND level down to about 10 or 11 o'clock, especially if channel master is up above 10:30 or so on channels 2 and 3. What will happen is the echoes from the flashback will max out and be relatively quiet with respect to the original signal. This is a weird thing and I'm not sure if the Mark V or the Flashback are at fault here. I wonder if the Flashback X4 version 2 has this issue?
Sorry for the off topic comment. As far as the OP, I think that backing off the masters to somewhere between 9 and 11 o'clock will help because you can turn up the output higher.
My experience has been this amp sounds much better opened up and live in a band setting. When I practice it just sounds great with a lot of punch and cut and fluidity in channel 3. Channel 2 Crunch gives a great old school rock tone at 12 o'clock gain with 3 o'clock mids. Now, when I get home and keep all settings the same and lower the volume for home practice, it sounds a bit honky and nasily. At any rate, I'm glad that the amp sounds great in a live band setting at volume and not the other way around (great at home, crap in a band). But honestly, it sounds great at home, but I do have to tweak the settings somewhat.
I suppose the comment "if you want an amp to have a one great tone in 5 minutes, then this amp isn't it" would apply. This amp is full of great many great tones but does take some patience/learning.