Ok here it is...
My setup:
-Ibanez RG-Presitique with DiMarzio AirNorton and D-Sonic.
-Cab Mesa Rectifier 2x12
Tube amp reference:
-Mesa Single Rectifier Solo Head 50
-Marshall JCM900 Head
-Fender Vibrasonic 1962
-Roland JC-120
I never played on any amp of the Mark series before...
Ok the quick review is easy:
This amp is INSANE!!
Physically bigger and heavier than I thought, at least deeper and heavier than my single recto.
Channel 1:
Clean is good, excellent basic clean sound, very usable, comparable in terms of quality to my Fender (with a different flavor of course) and to my opinion better than the JCM900.
Fat is the second reason why I bought this amp. I wanted to improve my clean tone over my single recto. Oh my god! This thing is FAT! It is like if there is a compressor built-in! Very warmth, rich and a lot of harmonics. Sounds very good in the recto cab 2x12. Similar to Andy Timmons clean tones on Revolution (but again with a slightly different flavor).
Channel 2:
Very interesting, cool for blues, smooth leads etc...the Mark 1 is the best of the 3 voicings but I really think the 2 others are really usable. I don't think I will need my TS-9 anymore, at least for bluesy stuff, there are too many tone possibilities to explore on that channel.
Channel 3:
The first reason why I bought this amp. Totally INSANE!!! I never played on a IIC+ or IV so I am not trying to compare the voicings to their original counterparts. The IIC+ voicing is the best rhythm tone I ever played in my life. Period. Very organic, dark, rich and the D-Sonic seems a perfect match, specially with the recto cab.
The IV is my preferred voicing for leads. It nails Petrucci's tone pretty easily, specially with the AirNorton. Best lead tone I ever played. The JCM900 don't even come close, nor my Rectifier.
The Extreme voice is very heavy and brutal. It may become interesting for those who use drop-tuning. Not my cup of tea but I see the potential.
For those who are still afraid that this thing can't do metal, don't worry it will do just fine. :lol:
And for those who are still waiting, don't give up! You won't regret it!
Have fun!
