Mark IV - Volume Question

[mightypudge]

As I mentioned in another post, I bought a Mark IV on Sunday. Up until now I've been playing the amp at home through my Mesa Traditional 4x12 cabinet. In the Tweed setting I think the amp does really well at low volume.

My question is about HIGH volume. This coming Sunday will be my first band rehearsal with the new amp. I can't bring the 4x2 because of limited space. So I will be using an Avatar 2x12 with Vintage 30's. I haven't really cranked this baby yet, so I'm unsure of it's full potential.

How does the Mark IV stack up in a band setting? My drummer hits pretty hard and my bass player has a tendency to "compete" with him. Think I'll be OK? Any tips on getting the most from the Mark IV at high volume?

P.S. I'm used to my Dual Rec, which is plenty loud.

 

[mightypudge]

Oh...here she is. In all her glory. On top of my busted G-Major.

 

[mightypudge]

And a little PRS action...the Navarro is a sweet guitar.

 

[lockbody]

How does the Mark IV stack up in a band setting? My drummer hits pretty hard and my bass player has a tendency to "compete" with him. Think I'll be OK? Any tips on getting the most from the Mark IV at high volume?

P.S. I'm used to my Dual Rec, which is plenty loud.

I have no problem keeping up with the drummer and bass player in our hardcore band with my Mk IV with 2x Thieles. When I use my 4x12 EV cab its no contest. Bass player has 600w with 2x15 and 2x10 cabs.

 

[brianf]

As Gintown says No problem at all!!! Even my 1 x 12 combo kills em.


brianf

 

[SeasonOfPain]

I've played in a loud band situation (requiring earplugs) with my Mark IV as a combo, through a Mesa 2x12, and a Mesa 4x12. It's always come through loud and clear (complementing a bandmate's 5150 or Mark III through a 4x12). If anything I'd imagine it would cut through better than a DR.

You will likely need to adjust your EQ settings if you were playing Tweed -> 4x12 at non-band levels. Dial back the gain a bit, and watch the pull bright setting when cranked.

Wear earplugs!

 

[SFW]

You'll cut thru just fine. I always end up turning down at practice, because the Mark IV cuts so well.

 

[mightypudge]

Thanks for the responses folks. You have definitely eased my mind a bit. I'm really anxious to get this baby cranked to see what it can do.

 

[Aart]

My Mark IV is extremely loud, you will have no problems kicking them out of the room.

 

[Greenevil]

You will def. be able to keep up with the drummer and bassist. That little monster has some serious volume. It really depends on how you have the power amp section of the ame set.
If you want the head to be seriously loud, try setting the amp to full power, with pentode and simul-class, pulling the LD "pull shift" knob will lower your volume a bit, but at the same time tighten your tone, if you leave the knob pushed in you will get more of a thick and louder tone.
Of course this all depends on what type of tone you are going for, this head requires a ton of experimenting before you can actually settle on a great tone... but rest assured with Boogie, any tone is great!

 

[Pundix]

All I ever hear from my band about the volume of my MKIV is "Turn that damned thing down!" And that's running it in Class A Tweed. I'm pretty sure that if I ran the amp at full power they would throw things at me. :shock:

 

[Red Barchetta]

If you aim it right, you could shoot down airplanes with that thing.



RB

 

[mightypudge]

So last night after I show up for rehearsal and set all my gear up and everything, practice gets cancelled.

However I was all set up when I got the news, so I decided to try cranking the amp a little. I only managed to get the master output up to 3 before it really got crazy loud. My channel volumes were only about 3 to 4 as well. I was amazed how quickly this amp jumped up there.

Not that I'll need it, but does the amp actually get louder past 3 on the master? :shock:

 

[SFW]

Not that I'll need it, but does the amp actually get louder past 3 on the master? :shock:

It will continue to get louder until around 5.5 to 6. After that point you reach power tube saturation. The you're just getting PT distortion.

At "5" you will be breaking windows.

 

[mightypudge]

Not that I'll need it, but does the amp actually get louder past 3 on the master? :shock:

It will continue to get louder until around 5.5 to 6. After that point you reach power tube saturation. The you're just getting PT distortion.

At "5" you will be breaking windows.

Cool, thanks for the tip.

Rehearsal has been rescheduled for this evening, and I have decided to bring the big guns. The 4x12 is coming with me tonight so I can get a clear picture of what this demon will sound like at a gig. Based on what I'm reading here, I doubt I'll be able to get the master output past 4 tonight without completely drowning out the band. 8)

I noticed the Mark IV really starts to sing once the volume gets to about 2.5 or 3. I can't wait to get this puppy smokin' tonight.

Tone report to follow...