Mini or Dual which way do I jump?

[MontyW]

Okay I'm really lusting after a Dual Recto after getting to gig one before Christmas when I had the opportunity to step into a local band for a series of gigs.

I've been toying with the idea of a Dual for my heavier needs for a long time, but I rarely get to play live or gig where I can fully exploit the Recto and really crank it. I only get to play out at local blues jams and I use a 5e3 clone for those needs BUT I love to shred when at home and I wanna get into recording heavier material.

I've also been looking into a Mini Rectifier as a possible solution and using a 112 Thiele cab. So, do I go full blown Dual Recto with 212 cab and use my RockCrusher to attenuate or do I go Mini and 112?

I can pick up a used Dual Recto for a reasonable price - not as cheap as the Mini but not far off. I already have a RockCrusher that I used with a non MV Marshall.

Help me out here as I'm not being too rationale at the moment :?

 

[fluff191]

If you dont play out much, get the Mini. Then on the occasions you do play out, the PA is there to help out in the volume department if needed.

 

[MontyW]

If you dont play out much, get the Mini. Then on the occasions you do play out, the PA is there to help out in the volume department if needed.

Thanks - I told ya I wasn't being rational !

 

[YellowJacket]

Mini. Definitely the mini!

The Dual is an awesome amp if one is gigging regularly but I have had one for 10 plus years and getting a good low volume tone has been a nagging and persistent frustration. For your purposes, you'll enjoy the mini. It sounds cranked almost no matter what.

 

[Jacko123]

I'd say Mini for sure. If most of your playing is home, you'll love the Mini. It sounds great at very low volumes. I found it was hard to get where I wanted with the Dual when I had one.

 

[TimeSignature]

Mini for sure.

 

[dmraco]

mini.

I play out with my mini with both a 1x12 and a 4x12/ No issues at all. Only is the largest venue would it be and issue and then I have the PA for support.

Your back will thank you.

 

[BenoA]

mini.

I play out with my mini with both a 1x12 and a 4x12/ No issues at all. Only is the largest venue would it be and issue and then I have the PA for support.

Your back will thank you.

+1

Same here and Mini can keep up with a full band

 

[MontyW]

Great - Mini it has to be

Mini Recto straight cab or Thiele 112? What do you reckon?

 

[bendo]

Why no Single Rec 50 Solo? Great head, and fits right between what you are looking for.

Might just give you the best of both worlds. :mrgreen: And you still get 6l6s, with the ability to run EL34s for brit tone.

Mine sounds great just jamming in the living room and low volumes. And there is no question about it holding up to a band.

 

[MontyW]

Why no Single Rec 50 Solo? Great head, and fits right between what you are looking for.

Good point... just never really thought of the Single.

Argh may be I need to look into this baby too

 

[YellowJacket]

I tried the Mini today! I say get the MINI!!!! I'd get the matching 1 x 12 over a thiele but both are fine.

I wouldn't get a Solo 50 head since you can get a Dual and yank two power tubes anyway. The biggest thing the Mini wins at are 1) Really REALLY great clean tones 2) Good bedroom tones 3) Good lead tones and a substantial amount of variety in high gain tones. Everywhere from 80s hard rock to modern metal. So awesome!! 4) Price point. Definitely a LOT of amp and A LOT of tone at a bargain compared to its big brothers.

 

[MBJunkie]

+1 Mini
I am very impressed with this amp!

 

[BenoA]

The biggest thing the Mini wins at are 1) Really REALLY great clean tones 2) Good bedroom tones 3) Good lead tones and a substantial amount of variety in high gain tones. Everywhere from 80s hard rock to modern metal. So awesome!! 4) Price point. Definitely a LOT of amp and A LOT of tone at a bargain compared to its big brothers.

You forgot one thing: it's all of the above + easy to transport (if you compare it to a regular sized amp head).

FWIW, I had another rehearsal with my Mini last evening, 10 watts mode, modern setting, master at 11 o'clock, into a Mesa 4x12 and we play around 100/105db in the room. The Mini can be loud!

 

[MontyW]

Thanks for the replies.... I'm hopefully going to get some time with the Mini late next week as soon as one arrives in store.

 

[YellowJacket]

Be sure to try it with a good cab, like a 2 x 12 Recto or the Stiletto 4 x 12. If they have the 100watt marshall 4 x 12 with greenbacks, that is worth looking into as well!

The things I like best about the mini are the clean tone and the 'feel' on the high gain modes. It is great for both soloing and rhythm.

 

[boss4]

Ok, everybody love's the mini. Me too! But I would go for the dual. The mini have guts and power but nothing as his big brother. You already have the attenuator for bedroom practice, and for the rehearsals with a drummer or gigs (even with the P.A.) the mini cannot put the air/ground in motion as the dual recto or the triple - even more if now you are into some really heavy stuff. But hey, they are both recto, is a win win situation!

 

[58boogie]

GET BOTH!

If you are giging, or even playing a lot, you need a spare. The rest of the time leave the mini at home, and the DR at your rehershal space.

 

[MontyW]

GET BOTH!

If you are giging, or even playing a lot, you need a spare. The rest of the time leave the mini at home, and the DR at your rehershal space.

Its one or the other - Dual or Mini. I (we) cannot leave too much kit apart from drums and cabs at the rehearsal venue due to its location.

I'm happy to lug around a Dual BUT I cannot make up my mind. The Dual is AMAZING when gigging even at smaller dB venues and you are right I can attenuate at home.

Argh!!!!

 

[YellowJacket]

Can you try them both? The feel between each is very different. *I* prefer the tone of my 2 channel Dual but this is only since my Electra Dyne covers all the clean / low gain stuff with ease. The portability of the mini is great. It is just its own amp. You have to try and make your own decision.

[edit]

I know this video has been posted before but this will give you a good idea of the tonal difference between the Dual and Mini although you have to consider that in the video, the master is being run really high. It sounds much more traditional 'recto' with the master up around 10:00.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DXY53F03-lk