Mark V and effect units

[Mungo Zen]

It's all about the supporting cast no?

Although I would love to run direct to my Mark V and never have to tweak anything, let alone buy another effect unit, I am a realist (and I have GAS). I recognize that effects really are dependent on ones style and what they play, but I am interested in what other people might be including in their Mark V setup, or what they have tried and liked (or didn't like).

I have a few effects I plan on keeping for my main rig, others I will toss. Currently I am keeping my Decimator ProRackG, Eventide ModFactor and TimeFactor. Beyond that I am looking at compressors and overdrives, but am interested in all types of stuff. I do primarily play Metal and Rock and many sub genres of each, but I also get into straight ahead clean tones for Jazz and Blues (the side effect of growing up? or growing old...). If it wasn't for my diverse taste in music and playing, I probably wouldn't have bought a Mark V.

Anyway, I have been researching effects and have started to see the light in companies such as Keeley, Fulltone, Xotic etc. Fortunately for me I found a shop about an hour away called Tapestry Music who carry a wide range of these boutique effects and were really helpful. The guy there was able to guide me through some differences of these companies compared to the big name guys, really great help actually. I don't mind spending the money for a boutique effect, as long as it makes sense to me and the tone(s) I am chasing.

So, again, what effects have people been trying with their Mark V, or are waiting to try? What about them did you like or dislike?

 

[Iconoclysm]

TC Electronic G-System here. Hoping I won't need to do much to control the amp switching with it.

 

[Mark Fore]

I'm prepared with pedals and a G-Force and will go with how "simple" I'm feeling on that day.

 

[Azrehan]

I am going from running a solid state head with a gt-6, so when I get my Mark V I will be going analogue for the pedals.

I am looking at getting an MXR carbon copy delay, an Ernie Ball VP Jr 6181 25k Volume Pedal, and a MoogerFooger ring modulator.

Hopefully that's all I need.

 

[phyrexia]

Gonna have a "Big Rig" before too long:

Guitar -> Wireless -> GCX or RJ16 or Kiff's box, rack switcher -> modded TS9, BYOC compressor, some sort of fuzz (these can be independently switched on or off), maybe a Modfactor -> Mark V input

Mark V FX loop -> GCX/RJ16/Kiffbox -> TC G Major (II?), maybe a Timefactor, again these can be switched in or out -> Mark V FX return

And then the GCX/RJ16/kiffbox -> Mark V for switching channels and whatnot.

All controlled by a Voodoo Lab Ground Control Pro.

Then eventually, Stereo 2:50 power amp to go with all this, and I'll have a Wet/Dry/Wet rig. 8)

 

[Mungo Zen]

Which TS9 Mod version are you going for Phyrexia (and anyone else if its part of their future)? That is one area where I am really researching now, and kinda spawned this thread. I have looked at Keeley and Maxon, as well as the reissues from Ibanez, not sure what direction to go in.

I see a few guys going with TC G rack/floor effects. I didn't realize they were relatively in-expensive. Is the decision to go with these to keep the setup simple, to cover a broad range of effects easily, or because the TC G gear brings something unique to the table?

 

[mesadude]

Which TS9 Mod version are you going for Phyrexia (and anyone else if its part of their future)? That is one area where I am really researching now, and kinda spawned this thread. I have looked at Keeley and Maxon, as well as the reissues from Ibanez, not sure what direction to go in.

I see a few guys going with TC G rack/floor effects. I didn't realize they were relatively in-expensive. Is the decision to go with these to keep the setup simple, to cover a broad range of effects easily, or because the TC G gear brings something unique to the table?

I've been using a TC G-system for awhile now, as well as a Keeley-modded TS-9 (and a Zendrive, Xotic RC Booster, Keeley-modded BD-2 and Voodoo Lab amp switcher) on the floor.

The G-system doesn't lend itself very well to the Mesa effects loops. There always seems to be a little distortion, or sag in volume. So I just use this setup after the guitar and before the amp. That way I can have all effects before any amps I'm using. I love the G-system. It's so convenient, and the sounds are incredible. Also, the TS-9, RC Booster and BD-2, when used properly can really add to the overall screaming and clarity of the amps. Since I typically use a Boogie & a Dr. Z clean amp, it's nice to have the effects before the amps, and not embedded into one amp's loop.

MeZa 8)

 

[phyrexia]

!!!! :evil: You make me jeeeealous mesadude. I want my Mark V in my living room!!@

I have a MIJ Ibanez TS9. Got it in a trade some time ago. I don't know what mods I will perform - I have not researched it yet.

I like the Maxon OD9 and OD808 a lot too. All the Maxon stuff is great. I think they built my TS9 anyway. The Ibanez TS808 is great too - really they're all good pedals but if you're going to mod one anyway, maybe a cheaper one is a better idea.

TC stuff appears to be the most economical rack effects that sound good. I could forgo a $400 G Major in favor of $1400 in fancy Eventide pedals and others if I wanted to and use them in a switching rig. But a G Major will leave that $1000 for the controller and switcher, not to mention the rack, power conditioner, tuner, etc that I will need to buy :lol:

I want lots of sounds and I want single-button switching 'cause I'm in a cover band and I've got big feet and tap-dancing is a pain in the arse.

 

[bchulse]

I've been getting deep into the boutique pedals lately. Current layout is,
(In order

Keeley 4 knob Compressor
Keeley Fuzz Head
Fulltone OCD
Fulltone GT500
Delay (Boss or H20)
Xotic RC Booster

Stacking the overdrives can also be very effective. Also use a
Keeley modded Boss BD2 (Blues Driver) occasionally and just
got a Fulltone FD2 to try out.
I use this setup in front of every amp I use (currently 9 amps).
Different combinations depending on the guitar/amp, but I've been
able to get consistent tones from any setup.
I also use the Radial Headbone & Switchbone controllers to share
1 cab between 2 heads (Headbone) or switch between 2 amp setups (Switchbone)

Mark V head (on order)
Dr. Z Mazerati combo
Stilletto Head
Roadster Head
Mark IIb combo
Bogner Shiva head
Egnater Rebel 20 head
Pearce combo
Line6/Bogner Spider Valve head
ZT Lunchbox

 

[mesadude]

!!!! :evil: You make me jeeeealous mesadude. I want my Mark V in my living room!!

Hey man, 'divorce' works great for having amps in the living room!

Stacking the overdrives can also be very effective.

The way I have my overdrive units set up in the pic above, is to have one each going into the G-system loops (of which there are 4), and I keep the units 'on' at all times. When I want an overdrive, I kick the corresponding loop button on the G-system. If I want 3 on, I kick all 3 loop buttons, which stacks the drives. I find that this is really cool sometimes, and can enhance the Mesa's tone, when done properly. I've used this setup on stage ever since I purchased my first Dr. Z amp. I hadn't used overdrives since the early '80's, and found that with the Z's, I needed something to drive them, as they're typically so clean. Incorporating these into my floor setup has been interesting, and has added some cool sounds I had previously not had. And they actually work well with the MesaBoogie amps too. Definitely fun!

MeZadude 8)

 

[Iconoclysm]

Gonna have a "Big Rig" before too long:

Guitar -> Wireless -> GCX or RJ16 or Kiff's box, rack switcher -> modded TS9, BYOC compressor, some sort of fuzz (these can be independently switched on or off), maybe a Modfactor -> Mark V input

Mark V FX loop -> GCX/RJ16/Kiffbox -> TC G Major (II?), maybe a Timefactor, again these can be switched in or out -> Mark V FX return

And then the GCX/RJ16/kiffbox -> Mark V for switching channels and whatnot.

All controlled by a Voodoo Lab Ground Control Pro.

Then eventually, Stereo 2:50 power amp to go with all this, and I'll have a Wet/Dry/Wet rig. 8)

Do you already own all of that gear? You may want to look at the G-System if not...I've got just about everything you're adding coming out of just one unit that includes the pedal board controls and loops for pedal sounds.

 

[Iconoclysm]

!!!! :evil: You make me jeeeealous mesadude. I want my Mark V in my living room!!@

I have a MIJ Ibanez TS9. Got it in a trade some time ago. I don't know what mods I will perform - I have not researched it yet.

I like the Maxon OD9 and OD808 a lot too. All the Maxon stuff is great. I think they built my TS9 anyway. The Ibanez TS808 is great too - really they're all good pedals but if you're going to mod one anyway, maybe a cheaper one is a better idea.

TC stuff appears to be the most economical rack effects that sound good. I could forgo a $400 G Major in favor of $1400 in fancy Eventide pedals and others if I wanted to and use them in a switching rig. But a G Major will leave that $1000 for the controller and switcher, not to mention the rack, power conditioner, tuner, etc that I will need to buy :lol:

I want lots of sounds and I want single-button switching 'cause I'm in a cover band and I've got big feet and tap-dancing is a pain in the arse.

Yeah, taht's exactly what I'm talking about. For $1400 you can get the G-System which will cover your controller, switcher, and tuner.

 

[Mungo Zen]

Thanks for the replies, but don't stop em coming!

Nice pics there MeZa, I like seeing what people are doing cause sometimes words just aren't enough. Do you, or anyone else, see value in stacking 2 overdrives? I have read that a few people stack a TS9 or 808 with a BD-2 Keeley Mod (or swap out for other overdrives). This goes against the logic I hold which is less = more and why would I want 2 OD units, why can't 1 be enough?

bchulse, how do you like the Keeley 4 knob compressor?

I am trying to go into this with the mentality that "this will be the last time I buy X gear" which is wrong, because I will buy more, although I would rather get my rig laid out nicely then buy another head or another guitar or two. It is why I went with the Eventide pedals, although I can't justify the PitchFactor....yet.

I noticed no one mentioned Noise Gates. Are you just using the TC G built in ones, or don't find a need for them?

I also noticed that a lot of guys are using Voodoo Labs floor units. I have been looking at Axess as it has been highly recommended to me by a few local dealers. Any preference there?

 

[Mungo Zen]

Yeah, taht's exactly what I'm talking about. For $1400 you can get the G-System which will cover your controller, switcher, and tuner.

If money was less of a concern though, would you still go with the G?

 

[mesadude]

Thanks for the replies, but don't stop em coming!

Nice pics there MeZa, I like seeing what people are doing cause sometimes words just aren't enough. Do you, or anyone else, see value in stacking 2 overdrives? I have read that a few people stack a TS9 or 808 with a BD-2 Keeley Mod (or swap out for other overdrives). This goes against the logic I hold which is less = more and why would I want 2 OD units, why can't 1 be enough?

Stacking overdrives works REALLY well. After trying it out, I don't like to travel with just one anymore. The drive & tone from just one is fine sometimes, but to get very 'liquid' lead tones out of overdrives, I've found that cascading them works in the same way that the cascading preamps work in the MesaBoogie amps.

When I just use a Dr. Z amp (yes, there are times that I find this works best) one overdrive is usually great for crunchy rhythm, but lacks for fat (lots of gain) leads. Cascading a couple of drives, tuned the right way, supplies this fat gain. I've even used all 3 of mine at one time or another, but have found that in most cases, two suffice for the tones I'm after. Of course, having a MesaBoogie amp in tow, will probably the overdrives inconsequential for the most part. But it is fun to have them to play around with for that little extra something.

MeZa 8)

 

[Iconoclysm]

Yeah, taht's exactly what I'm talking about. For $1400 you can get the G-System which will cover your controller, switcher, and tuner.

If money was less of a concern though, would you still go with the G?

Yes, I would. It eliminates so much junk that I don't want to have to deal with anymore...and it works equally well with a head or with a rack. As far as effects go, I only slightly prefer my old G-Force for its pitch shifting.

 

[Mark Fore]

A word of caution for potential G-System buyers: keep in mind it is a very frustrating piece of gear. Go lurk around the TC forum under the G-System boards and just read. A lot of people spend a lot of time and extra money buying balanced cables, amp gizmos, etc. before realizing it might not be worth the trouble. It is far from a plug and play solution. Aside from these issues, it is like the debates about the Fractal Audio Axeffects unit; if you love tweaking, you will enjoy the endless frustration of the G-System. I applaud those that have gotten them to work, but if you are a tone purist or just like the simplicity of a pedalboard, stay clear of this thing.

 

[JAZZGEAR]

A word of caution for potential G-System buyers: keep in mind it is a very frustrating piece of gear. Go lurk around the TC forum under the G-System boards and just read. A lot of people spend a lot of time and extra money buying balanced cables, amp gizmos, etc. before realizing it might not be worth the trouble. It is far from a plug and play solution. Aside from these issues, it is like the debates about the Fractal Audio Axeffects unit; if you love tweaking, you will enjoy the endless frustration of the G-System. I applaud those that have gotten them to work, but if you are a tone purist or just like the simplicity of a pedalboard, stay clear of this thing.

Your sentiments echo mine exactly. This thing was a pain in the arse...I had 3 go arounds with it...but in the end went back to my trusty G Force and trusty pedal board of analog pedals.

 

[mesadude]

A word of caution for potential G-System buyers: keep in mind it is a very frustrating piece of gear. Go lurk around the TC forum under the G-System boards and just read. A lot of people spend a lot of time and extra money buying balanced cables, amp gizmos, etc. before realizing it might not be worth the trouble. It is far from a plug and play solution. Aside from these issues, it is like the debates about the Fractal Audio Axeffects unit; if you love tweaking, you will enjoy the endless frustration of the G-System. I applaud those that have gotten them to work, but if you are a tone purist or just like the simplicity of a pedalboard, stay clear of this thing.

Your sentiments echo mine exactly. This thing was a pain in the arse...I had 3 go arounds with it...but in the end went back to my trusty G Force and trusty pedal board of analog pedals.

Don't know what you guys have experienced with the TC Electronic G-system. I got mine to work right away. Programmed 5 user banks to emulate all of the effects on my old, big pedalboard, and haven't looked back since; and it's seen some hard gigging. The G-system is a beautiful little unit. I've had mine for over 4 years, and it has been working like a charm. Like I mentioned in a previous post, it works better for me in front of the amp (guitar goes into the G-system, cable goes from G-system OUT to the amp).

Too bad folks have had difficult experiences with the unit, as it's been a godsend for me, not having to lug a big (80lbs. +) board around.
It does everything I want it to, and then some. It's replaced:
Whammy
Pitch shifters
Choruses
Flangers
Phasers
Trem units
Echo units
Reverb units
...and now even has pitch-tracking which is Key oriented. And the sound quality is excellent!

I swear by my G-system.
MeZadude 8)

 

[Mark Fore]

Ha ha... but you know exactly what I'm talking about. You're on those TC boards just as much as I used to be . For that amount of money, and what they claim it can do, I want to use some effects in my loop as well (i.e. having to use the 4 cable method). If I want to use delay, that doesn't fly inline (sounds awful!)and has to be in the "loop". I should restate my message to read, that if you lower your functionality expectations and utilize the G for less of what you are paying for, it might work for you. I'm just assuming that people would want to use a gain channel with delay... and having a Mark V, I am being realistic.

More people use G's in the way you do than to their full potential (just for switching, all effects inline, etc.). I should have been suspicious because all of the clips on YouTube are of guys either talking about their rigs endlessly without sound clips or playing clean tones. I went back to my G-Force and it is a much easier solution. I was always 99% there with just one more thing to buy and I just got tired of it and then bitter. For crying out loud, the only way to get this thing to work is to get an externally written white paper sent by a guy on the boards that doesn't even work for TC! And then you gotta buy a hum eliminator, amp gizmo, balanced cables, blah blah blah... setting the levels on this thing is possible, but so open to interpretation. I'm glad it works for you man. It is a great concept.

These things do work, I just wish I would have researched it a bit more or had someone be up front with me about the complexity and aftermarket gear I had to buy to get it to work.