How much gain should one expect from a Mark IV A? I think my preamp tubes might be bad. Rhythm 2 sounds barely like AC/DC distortion with the gain knob on 10 - is this typical? I get good saturation on the lead channel, but need to turn the gain and channel drive almost to 10. I'm just wondering if this is the way these channels are designed or if you think my preamp tubes are shot.
Mark IV gain issues
- Thread starter ttbaron
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bluntage
Well-known member
I played a Mark IV in my local shop the other day and it exhibited the same characteristics but also in the lead channel. Very low gain. I owned a Mark IV back in '91-92 and remember having tons of gain at my finger tips... doesn't seem normal.
Does not sound normal... I run my gain on 8 and my volume on 3 and it blows me through the back wall. Cascading gain has lots of variables though, where are your drive/gain/volume controls at? Master output?
Living_justice
Well-known member
try mid gain and pentode, gives more balls for metal, if your after that mind.
Platypus said:
I've tried all combinations of drive, gain, eq and volume - same results. Are you talking rhythm 2 or lead? I'll try changing the preamp tubes and I think that should work.
On rhythm 2 and lead do you notice a big increase in low end muddiness when the bass control is around 4 or higher?
bluntage
Well-known member
fpoon said:
I was saying that something was wrong with the floor model. If you read it again, I said I previously owned a MKIV and it had plenty of gain.
Changed out the preamp tubes and it made a definite difference. Even with the lower amounts of gain from the old tubes it was pretty sweet with a pedal in front. Like everyone says, it takes a while to dial these amps in. If you keep the bass control low and compensate with the EQ it's way tighter.
