Mark 4 noob effects loop question.

[primeholy]

Just got my Mark IV today and am a bit overwelmed.
The manual says the Mark IV has two effects loop, one that is always on and another engaged by the footswitch or toggles. It says the one always on will be labled NORMAL. I dont see that anywhere on the back of the amp?

 

[GD_NC]

There are two versions of the Mark IV. The first "a" version had two loops. The second "b" version has one switchable loop. Your manual probably does not match your amp.

See this post for more info... http://forum.grailtone.com/viewtopic.php?f=27&t=5987

 

[primeholy]

That is a LOOONG thread! Is there any way on the b version to run it like two loops or is it only stereo?

 

[GD_NC]

It's only stereo. One send and two returns. To actually use it in stereo you need a Boogie Satellite or another slave power amp.

How do you like the IV? It's a killer amp but it does take a while to figure out. There are a hundred different tones in that box. You think you have it all figured out, then one day you turn a knob or switch and find something new.

 

[primeholy]

It's only stereo. One send and two returns. To actually use it in stereo you need a Boogie Satellite or another slave power amp.

How do you like the IV? It's a killer amp but it does take a while to figure out. There are a hundred different tones in that box. You think you have it all figured out, then one day you turn a knob or switch and find something new.

I am currently dumbfounded, but like the tones Im getting so far. I need to figure out whether I wanna run it on its own or through a 212 or 412. The 412 has g12k100 similar speakers and the 212(open back) has g1275s in it.
I think I figured how to use the loop to my liking.

 

[GD_NC]

Speaker choice has a huge impact on the sound overall tone color. I originally thought I wanted to convert my combo to a head and use a closed 2x12, but then I discovered the Thiele ext cab. The combo + thiele combination is really sweet and very versatile. I guess it really depends on what you play. I'm sure Metal would sound best with a V-30 Recto cab but that's not my thing.

 

[Fronzil]

metal isn't my 'thing' either per say...i'd say the recto 2x12 with v30s is a very reliable, and versatile cab..i like to dabble in everything

 

[primeholy]

How would a widebody 112 cab from avatar that is rear ported compare the thiel design?

 

[GD_NC]

metal isn't my 'thing' either per say...i'd say the recto 2x12 with v30s is a very reliable, and versatile cab..i like to dabble in everything

I'm certainly not saying the Recto cab isn't versatile. They are great cabs! My point was that Rectos seem to be the first choice for metal players over Combos, Thieles & Open backs.

How would a widebody 112 cab from avatar that is rear ported compare the thiel design?

The Thiele will give you a warm focused/directional sound with emphasized bottom end. It's a great complement to a combo or open 1x12.

Lots of great feedback on Avatar Cabs on this board but I've never had one. In general an open back cab is a slightly thinner and less directional sound (vs. Closed back) that is great for emphasising clean chords, open strumming and high-end brilliance.

Closed back tends to emphasize midrange with tighter bass response.

With any cabinet format the speaker makes a tremendous difference too. When it comes to speakers experimentation is the key.