Mark V 25 Reviews

[MBJunkie]

Here are some recent sound clips that I think sound pretty darn good.
Note: This guy is using the GEQ engaged with a slight mid bump for all modes of both channels during these demos.

Channel 1 offerings:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kl1XiJuwK8E

Channel 2 offerings:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0CBF_7tz2dk

Btw....I hope I did this right because I have never attempted to attach youtube links on this forum before.

 

[elvis]

My first gig with the MV25 is tomorrow :twisted:

 

[Retu]

So, how's the low volume (conversational, not yelling, levels) capabilities with mini Mark? From my experience the mini recto isn't so good whereas the Mark IV shines even at low volumes.

 

[elvis]

As with any amp, you have to move some air to get the best tone and dynamics. I think the MV25 sounds good at low volume, especially using the built-in cab clone into near-field monitors. But it sounds way better loud.

I think it sounds a bit better quiet than my MR, but I think that is largely because the MR's basic tone is so much based on dynamics, where the Mark is smoother. Smooth translated better to low volume. It's more complicated than that, but it's the best I can do at 8am...

 

[Rectifried]

Actually that makes perfect sense Elvis. Thanks so much for all the information. I really want to keep my Mini Rec but doing so means a much longer wait to get the V 25 Oh well...

 

[Shai`tan]

"Here are some recent sound clips that I think sound pretty darn good."

Thx for posting these 2 sound clips! This is exactly what I wanted to hear. Hoping my already ordered Mrk V 25 comes in this week.

 

[Retu]

Thanks elvis

 

[dodger916]

My first gig with the MV25 is tomorrow :twisted:

...and how did it go?

 

[ryjan]

Y'all are killing me! :lol:

I have cash in hand and NOBODY has one for sale.

 

[elvis]

My first gig with the MV25 is tomorrow :twisted:

...and how did it go?

Really well, thanks! The amp was very nice, and it was cool to be able to tune the tone on the spot via the EQ.

 

[dbagchee]

Have you plugged your band yet Elvis? I'm in the Bay Area too and wouldn't mind checking out your live sound if you ever make it to the South Bay.

Sounds like we may have demo'd the Mark at the same store, unless that speaker combo is what Mesa is recommending to all the dealers. Sounded amazing with those two cabs.

 

[elvis]

Have only played the South Bay once, sadly, at Neto's. They closed pretty soon after that. Any ideas for clubs we may want to try? Classic rock, hair metal, R&B, blues. We are bringing a new drummer up to speed, so probably no more gigs before January. Maybe a double-bill mid December.

That cab combo was what they had set up at Showcase in San Jose. Nice place. I get a lot of my gear there.

 

[dbagchee]

Yep Guitar Showcase Very knowledgable dudes there too.

Rockbar Theater is opening soon and should be a cool space. The Backbar's (there are two a couple streets apart run by different people, long story) would probably be a good fit too!

 

[elvis]

Thanks!

 

[Shai`tan]

Ok, my Mrk V 25 finally came in. Tried it out real quick tonight using the 1st 2 Boogie suggested settings. Fat Clean and
Mark 2 C+. I used the EQ V`d for both btw. I KNEW I`d love this amp. Very nice cleans and the 2 C+ had sweet breakup and liquid
sustain. Not to mention the controlled feedback. Pinch harmonics.... it is all there. Running it thru a Thiele spec cab I made loaded with a Zakk Wylde EV12.

VERY happy here!

 

[elvis]

More Mark stuff.

Like some others, I am struggling a bit to get real low-end thump out of the MV25. I believe it is just a limitation of the EL84, but I could be wrong. I boosted the heck out of the bottom with the GEQ and it's pretty good, but not exactly a full-size MV, as you might expect.

I also find that I tend to prefer the 2C+ mode to the IV mode, even though I expected the opposite. Maybe the way I have it dialed in, but I find the 2C+ to be tighter and clearer, which winds up actually sounding heavier than IV mode to me. Note, I am running with a little boost and gain from my OD808 when I play hard rock. On its own, I would likely get different results.

On another note, historically I have tried to reproduce a lot of the tones from the original versions of covers I play. Thus the use of multiple gain pedals and whatnot. With the MV25, I am finding that I like the tone so much, even over a wide range of styles, that I really don't mess with it much, and seem to be losing interest in chasing other tones. Usually I run my preamp with very little gain in the lead channel and add overdrive to perk it up for heavier songs. I am running the gain of the MV25 at noon in 2C+ mode and am totally happy, whether I run a tele for Eagles, a humbucker guitar for medium or heavy rock, or a Crunch-Lab-equipped 7-string. It just sounds great. Sure, I still tag the overdrives, but the MV25 tone dominates. And it definitely has its own personality. Makes me want to play everything a little bit heavier... even more so than the Mini Rec.

 

[dbagchee]

I ran into the same thing with the 2C+ mode - it's what I'm using right now and I was totally expecting to use the Mark IV mode the most. It just cuts through the band mix better without any excessive tweaking.

I must say that it has made me want to try out it's big brother just to appreciate the power tube difference and extra headroom available but this little amp is definitely a keeper.

 

[elvis]

Yeah, I am thinking about the full-size Mark V now...

I definitely want to run the MV25 into my Electradyne. I ran it into my Blackstar HT-20 power amp last night and that had a lot more low-end. But I also remember the amp having way more low-end when I demo'd it at the store, so I have more work to do just with the MV25.

 

[trialandrews]

Hey guys! I found that the crunch channel with gain and mid boost maxed is doing a really great hard rock tone! I boost with a maxon vop9 for leads ans it screams!

To my surprise i also found that the extreme channel is great at very lower gain settings for low
Overdriven tones

I think the mark iv settings is suitable for modern styles...

Ps i am new to the mark series!

 

[dodger916]

Ps i am new to the mark series!

Welcome! The Mark road can be a long one, but very fulfilling...