Mark IV settings guide

[holdsworth]

Thought I'd give those who are still getting to grips with their Mark IV a push in the right direction in obtaining a good lead tone. 8)

Practice volume settings

Harmonics - Simul-class - Triode - Tweed Power (or full)

Ld Gain (pulled) - 5 to 8 (I set it at about 8 )
Ld Bass - 1 to 4 (I set it at about 3-4)
Ld Mids - 1 to 8 (I set it at about 3-5)
Ld Treble - 5 to 8 (I set it at about 7)
Ld Drive - 7 to 8 (I set it between 7-7.5)

Ld Presence - 0 to 4 (I set it at about 3, but also try 0 and pulled for comparison)

Ld Volume - 3

Master - 1 to 3 (any higher would send you deaf in a confined space)

E.Q

80hz - between mid and top line
240hz - mid line
80hz - between mid and bottom line
2200hz - mid line (or just above)
6600hz - mid line (or just below)

...hope this helps!

Here's an old sample of my tone recorded via silent record out with my Mark IV combo.

 

[Boogiebabies]

Dude, you are like Steve Vai, Joe Satriani and John Lord's DNA cloning expiriment. That clip was killer.

Title: The Meloncholy Death of Oyster Boy
Artist: Moka Sovatia

 

[holdsworth]

Dude, you are like Steve Vai, Joe Satriani and John Lord's DNA cloning expiriment. That clip was killer.

Title: The Meloncholy Death of Oyster Boy
Artist: Moka Sovatia

lol, thanks alot Boogiebabies! The song is an oldie of mine. The lead guitar is a little out of tune, the playings a little loose, and the structures quite simple, but I'm quite fond of it. Pretty good for a direct recording tone though, don't you think? The Mark IVs sound great for direct recording IMO.

 

[FPFL]

I second that - nice tone. That IS impressive for direct.
What pups are you running in the Ibanez?

Thanks,

Paul

 

[holdsworth]

Cheers FPSL. I was using an Evo in the bridge and a Fred in the neck on my Ibanez. I've recently changed the Evo for a Duncan JB, but the tone isn't half as good, too much high-mid and treble and not enough bass. I'll most probably change back to the Evo or get another pup.

 

[cesjr]

Very impressive for direct recording indeed. I've tried it once and it didn't turn out so well. What type of recording interface (hardware) are you using?

 

[holdsworth]

I've recently upgraded my Soundcard from a Yamaha SW1000XG to an RME hdsp9632 which is a top of the range professional soundcard. I'm not sure which I used to record the track with though, but both Soundcards are of high-quality.