Mark IV, Engl SE and VHT CLX Comparison Clips

[gibson5413]

I have had quite a few PMs regarding comparing and contrasting the Mesa Boogie Mark IV, Engl SE and VHT CLX. Since I have had many of those requests revolve around recording a metal clip I've decided to throw a thread together to compare these 3 terrific amps. I recorded the Mark IV clip a little different but not enough to make a huge difference. I added a clean boost to the Mark IV just like the CLX (like the SE even needs one).

I picked Killswitch Engage's This Fire Burns since it is one of the rare clips I recorded with me SE and CLX in the past.

To me, they all sound good but I am sure some will have preferences one way or another. Post your comments, I'm interested in what your opinions are!

Mesa Boogie Mark IV
http://www.mp3lizard.com/download.cfm?id=24683

VHT CLX
http://www.mp3lizard.com/download.cfm?id=23581

Engl SE
http://www.mp3lizard.com/download.cfm?id=23362

 

[reo73]

Great clip comparison. They all sound great though the MarkIV clip has less presence and volume in the recording. I think I like the ENGL best with the Mark IV a close second.

 

[MesaENGR412]

Those are awesome clips! Awesome playing as well man. I know this is the Boogie Board, and I'm not trying to be prejudice or anything, but, after listening to all of them, I'd have to say I like the Mark IV the best, followed very closely by the ENGL and then the VHT. I don't really care for the CLX and it's dark nature. It just doesn't have that sizzle that the others have.

-AJH

 

[ibanez4life SZ!]

Already posted on the Petrucci Forums....love the Mark IV the best by far! Just founds brutal to me!

I'd love settings :wink:

 

[Matterra]

You should bring the level on the Mark IV up.. its soo quieter than the other amps..

That being said, I dig the Mark IV the most, then the CLX, and I don't really dig the ENGL at all..

 

[18&Life]

According to my ears =

mark IV = really muffled sound,maybe because it's volume is lower than the others.

engl se = sounded digital .

vht clx = really liked.

I prefer mark IV but with more treble and presence. :wink:

 

[gibson5413]

Great clip comparison. They all sound great though the MarkIV clip has less presence and volume in the recording. I think I like the ENGL best with the Mark IV a close second.

Thanks! I like them all for different reasons. I had the most difficult time with the VHT however. A little bit tough to dial in a metal type of rhythm for what I like.

 

[gibson5413]

Those are awesome clips! Awesome playing as well man. I know this is the Boogie Board, and I'm not trying to be prejudice or anything, but, after listening to all of them, I'd have to say I like the Mark IV the best, followed very closely by the ENGL and then the VHT. I don't really care for the CLX and it's dark nature. It just doesn't have that sizzle that the others have.

-AJH

I do feel the Mark IV sounds the most balanced. Thanks for listening.

 

[gibson5413]

Already posted on the Petrucci Forums....love the Mark IV the best by far! Just founds brutal to me!

I'd love settings :wink:

I do like the grind the Mark IV gets at the 1:51 mark of the clip. Thanks!

 

[gibson5413]

You should bring the level on the Mark IV up.. its soo quieter than the other amps..

That being said, I dig the Mark IV the most, then the CLX, and I don't really dig the ENGL at all..

Interesting. Thanks for the comments.

 

[gibson5413]

According to my ears =

mark IV = really muffled sound,maybe because it's volume is lower than the others.

engl se = sounded digital .

vht clx = really liked.

I prefer mark IV but with more treble and presence. :wink:

I agree on the Mark IV comments! I will make some adjustments for future clips!

 

[pmb]

I added a clean boost to the Mark IV just like the CLX (like the SE even needs one).

In my opinion the mark IV doesn't need a boost neither.
I like the mesa clip best, then the SE clip. The CLX sound way too sharp, however I can understand people like a sound like that.
What mode did you use on the SE.

 

[gibson5413]

I added a clean boost to the Mark IV just like the CLX (like the SE even needs one).

What mode did you use on the SE.

You're right, the Mark IV doesn't need a boost at all. I added since I was recording at very low volume. Cranking it delivers the goods. The SE and CLX were recorded at high volumes. I forgot to mention that the SE and CLX clips were recorded with a Genz Benz G-Flex cab that was 4 years broken in. The Mark IV clip was recorded with a brand new out of the box Bogner cab. The V30s sound great but are far from broken in.

I used the High Gain mode on channel 3. No Depth Punch but Mid Edge on. The SE has too much low end (if that is possible for this type of music). I prefer the bass and drums to fill out that sonic area. The SE was a killer amp but the Mark IV just really fits my overall needs. I would love to have kept both but I just can't justify owning them when I mainly play and record at home.

 

[pmb]

Did you also play the SE with the bogner cabinet, how does it compare to the sounds you got with the genzbenz.
I always heard genzbenz cabinets have enormous lowend, so maybe the SE wouldn't have that over the top low played through the bogner

 

[soundpurist]

I like the mark IV, it's the best sound to my ears. I agree to add treble but i would keep the presence low, or increase it just a little and add less treble not to loose the body of the sound...you're giving me GAS for a mark IV!!!have to control my self i'll to pay my debts for year for sure!(before to buy a mark head... ) Thanks for the clips.

 

[gibson5413]

I forgot to mention that when I recorded the SE clip that I only had the Sennheiser e609 at the time. The VHT and Mark IV were recorded with a combination of the e609 and Shure 57. That certainly could impact the perceived tone of the three clips.

Sorry for the late bump.

 

[MetalMatt]

Good Stuff. For me the order is...

1) Mark IV
2) ENGL SE
3) VHT CLX

To me the Mark sounded the most pissed off, I would have added a dab of treble on the Mark too. Thanks for the comparison clips.

 

[gibson5413]

I agree that there should have been a bit more treble on the Mark clip.

I actually just recorded a new metal clip the other night with a bit of an EQ change. Should I post it for you guys? I am curious to see if anyone likes what I dialed in.

 

[Mrmot]

Very good clips! :wink:
my rating:
VHT, MkIV, SE
altho i think that it would be perfect if you would take the chug of VHT, grind of SE and highs/presence of MKIV :lol: