No praise for the Badlander?

[bandit2013]

I feel the Badlander is one amp worth owning. It does have the DNA of the MWDR but different. Sure, there is no 5U4G rectifier tube to be found on the BAD. That feature I have recently discovered with the MWDR is key to harmonic bliss as is the spongy power mode. At least this harmonic characteristic can be found with the Badlander if you opt to run it in Variac power mode. I can get similar results with it in the Bold or full power mode too. It does not have the sub-harmonic low end as that was removed due to the change in the cold clipper circuitry. Instead of the 39k (SLO) cathode resistor, it has a 15k ohm resistor instead. This change in the cold clipper circuitry brings the amp much closer to the Marshall 2204 which is what the Soldano SLO was based on which sparked the Rectifier revolution and became an icon in its own right.

I am hooked on the Badlander such that I now have two of them. Still have my Roadster and Multi-Watt Dual recs. Actually I am now making use of the MWDR with the two BADS. I did also run the Roadster with this arrangement. Either will do just fine. However, I much prefer the MWDR with the V30 loaded 412 cabinet. When I got the first Badlander, first thing I had to do was compare it to the MWDR and the Roadster. Yep, even loaded the BAD with the STR440 6L6 tubes. TBH, the BAD is much better with the EL34 power tubes. It is more comparable to the MWDR running 6L6.

When the second BAD arrived, had to run this in a stereo setup. **** the pair of BADS is just overwhelming. I thought the two Royal Atlantic RA-100s were the deal in stereo but the 2-BADS are even better.

Since I only have two Mesa 412 cabs with the V30 speakers and lack of room as I have a full bass rig on the same wall and a huge drum set taking up the rest of the room, I had to compromise with the new BAD rig setup. I could get three 412 cabs in a row but that leaves little room for the door to open. The Vertical 212 cab is a good choice to run with the BADS and use what other amp as a center channel of sorts. I found the Royal Atlantic, Triple Crown and a Marshall Silver Jubilee worked fine but just did not provide what I was after when running all three amps at the same time. I really do not need to run another amp with the Badlanders as they hold their own. However, through trial and error the key to intense satisfaction was with the MWDR.

The Roadster did very well too. Darker than the MWDR but just as good. What works with the BADS as I am using the Mesa Switch track (has a mute feature) is either of the Dual Rectifier amps as they also have a mute feature. This lets me select BAD or Rectifier or all three. I found the clean channel set to drive on the MWDR to be compatible with the Crunch on the BAD. CH2 or CH3 blends well with the crush voice. Crush pulls in an extra gain stage so to keep things normal, the phasing is set for CH2 or CH3 of the MWDR in in sync. When I switch to crunch, just change to CH1 on the MWDR. A switch rig would be much easier to make this work. Midi even better as I believe I can set the phase of the switch track using midi (need to look into that). For now I can manage with the footswitches.

Now for the Magic, MWDR running in spongy power mode, using all tube rectification just brings out incredible harmonics. I am also using 50W with the MWDR on all three channels. The BADS on the other hand are running 100W, variac power mode. Since the Vert 212 will not push as much air as the 412 cab, keeping the MWDR at 50W is for balance. Dynamics are awesome. I can clean things up with by dialing back on guitar volume control and then spice it up with dialing it up. To me this is Mesa heaven. One of these days I may try to get a recording of this rig. Probably will not be easy as I do not have many mics to use for cabinet recording.

 

[jnoel64]

I deliberately bought the BL25 combo for a smaller amp to use at indoor gigs. For 25 watts, that combo is loud enough for outdoor gigs as well, but now I have the itch for a 50 watt head. Since I've never really been much of a Recto fan in general (as blasphemous as that sounds), the BL totally changed my opinion and now it rivals my love for the Electra Dyne and JP2C. Three distinctly different flavors makes it difficult to choose which one(s) to take to gigs.

The Badlander is just a pure rock machine.

 

[bandit2013]

Perhaps it is better to view the Badlander as a different amp than the Recto line. It is a little different. So far it is the only Rectifier amp I can use the 7-string without having to dial back the gain or dropping the bass and midrange to prevent mud fest. Never figured out how to run a 7 string with the MWDR or Roadster. Also, the hidden gem with the BAD is to run the crush voice at a lower gain setting, say around 9am to 10am. Around that point it will match the gain character of the JP-2C. The BAD is one of my favorite amps thus far. Not sure how I would like it better. I have the gain dialed up at the moment as I am in that sort of mood. Not sure which is louder, MWDR or the Badlander. Both can force me out of the room easily if I am not wearing ear plugs.

 

[elvis]

Hey Bandit! Been a minute.

I heard the the Badlander is not a recto. Not sure how it got into this section of the forum

 

[afu]

I bought a Badlander 25. I had been playing a Splawn for over a year. The Badlander is much more of a raw, mid-forward, sound. It's a lot different than my 3ch Recto was, too. I always thought of Recto as smooth and refined, but the BL is the little brother that pulls knives on people and spits on the sidewalk.

 

[bandit2013]

Hey Bandit! Been a minute.

I heard the the Badlander is not a recto. Not sure how it got into this section of the forum

I was also pondering this but discovered otherwise. The circuitry is there. It just sounds different due to the change in the cold clipper circuit design. I guess one would claim the differences justify it being in its own category. It was MESA who linked it to the Rectifier lineup.

Sine it is different characteristic wise, no reason why Mesa could not have launched a new product line.

 

[elvis]

Clearly it was marketed as a rectifier. Does it give a good "gravel in the clothes dryer" sound?

 

[bandit2013]

That is a good way to put it. The BAD grind is impressive. Depends on what voice you are running. I will have to put some gravel in the dryer and compare as the laundry is in the same room as the gear. Think of it sounding like a grossly modified Marshall JCM800 (2204), only better. Very hard to put into words. You would have to experience it in person and decide for yourself.

I did go a bit off topic, but since there are some similarities of other amps mentioned below, I thought it was ok to leave in.

Say a Drop-D tuning. The BAD is bad (not bad but BAD-a$$) and the Roadster and MWDR tend to get a bit muddy if I try to palm mute. I do have a lot of love for the MWDR and Roadster. I just find the BAD is a better fit for me. However, I am using the MWDR at a reduced volume setting as it does not take much to enhance the sound at the center point between the two Badlanders. I much prefer the 412 cab with the Badlander but it sounds great with the Vertical 212 (reduces output for the room size). I run the BADs at 100W and the MWDR in spongy+ tube rectification with all channels at 50W.

I did have the Roadster in place of the MWDR for a while. That worked out great too. I may bring it out again. If I can get my hands on another Mesa Switch track I may bring the Roadster out, stack the 412 on top of a horizontal 212 and run that with the MWDR. Perhaps another Horizontal 212 so I can stack them and run the two dual recs without having too much of a tower. The horizontal 212 cabs are darker in tone than the verts. That would add some dimension. I still prefer the 412 cabs but do not have the room to set that up.

Amp stacking note: The traditional rectifier heads can be stacked on each other. Obviously, place the larger one at the bottom. This is the feature of the lay-flat strap handle. the BAD is similar to the TC and other amps as it has a thick handle. It you must stack, you need blocks under the feet of the unit on top or it will not sit properly.

The Roadster has that characteristic of the gravel in the dryer deal. Good for chugging and hammered chords but I found it not so ideal for lead or palm muting effect (depends on guitar tuning). It also has bad manners with 7-string guitars as it S**ts all over the place (muddy). Have not been able to tolerate the low-B string with the Roadster unless you drop the gain. Sub harmonic content tends to get in the way to make things challenging. Change in preamp tubes did make a huge difference, JAN/GE 5751 in V1. Sure, tired boosting with distortion pedal, it only gets worse. Awesome amp for normal tunings but on the muddy side when palm muting comes in, especially with Drop D. Perhaps I am doing something wrong. Roadster is still an awesome Dual Rectifier though.

Multi-Watt DR is not much different. Much brighter than the Roadster in all respects. Darker than the JP-2C in tone. Still has the same manner as the Roadster with the 7-string guitar. Kill the gain to get something that sounds good. No more gravel in the clothes dryer if you need to drop the gain. Any suggestions? I tried changing preamp tubes, did not make any difference.

There is a point I am making by referencing the 7-string guitar. Since it may as well be part Bass it does have its place in the heavy arena. What amps work extremely well with the extended range guitar? JP-2C is one of honorable mention. The other three amps that are even better with the 7-String in the Mesa offerings (that I have): Triple Crown, Royal Atlantic RA-100, and the Badlander tops it off. I used to believe the RA-100 was king. It was for a while, now the Badlander took its place. No need for any GEQ in the FX loop either. The BAD is tuned well, it has a good refined sound, not fizzy and you do not need to run it at intolerable volume levels to push the power tubes into saturation. Sure the Dual Recs have great potential at stage volume. The Badlander is no slouch in that department. If you need that volume level, Roadster, MWDR and Badlander will deliver (will require ear plugs). The RA is not far behind. JP-2C not quite as loud, and the TC-100 can't deliver the stage volume as it seems to have some limits.

 

[elvis]

I like a lot of different amps with my 7-string guitars. It helps a lot to boost with something like a Dirty Tree to clean up the lows.

 

[Willy_Wonka]

I have a Badlander 50 head. Like it a lot but it’s not classic Recto. It’s got some modded Marshall DNA. Definitely suited by the EL34s.

But it’s sort of in an identity crisis. Between a Recto and a “British” amp.

Sounds silly to say but it’s almost “too” tight.

 

[bandit2013]

I see what you mean.

Has anybody compared the Badlander 100 to the Badlander 50? Sort of make me wonder if there are any differences like there is with the TC-100 and TC-50 excluding the multi-soak feature. TC-100 is not as dry, tight as the TC-50. Also has more bottom end to it.

Next time I visit a music store that sells Mesa, I would like to compare the BAD50 to the BAD100 out of curiosity.

 

[afu]

I see what you mean.

Has anybody compared the Badlander 100 to the Badlander 50? Sort of make me wonder if there are any differences like there is with the TC-100 and TC-50 excluding the multi-soak feature. TC-100 is not as dry, tight as the TC-50. Also has more bottom end to it.

Next time I visit a music store that sells Mesa, I would like to compare the BAD50 to the BAD100 out of curiosity.

It's pretty normal for a 100W amp to have more bottom when compared to a 50W of the same kind.

 

[bandit2013]

I knew that but how much different would the BAD-50 compare to the BAD-100 in terms of tightness.
Considering the TC-100 has a bit of looser feel than the TC-50 as it is much tighter. I would say in terms of sound quality it is dry toned compared to the TC-100. So the difference in perceived tightness in tone would be the more saturated low end of the 100W compared to the more balanced 50W. Difference in power and output transformers, more so the output transformers as they are not typically the same (is the case with the TC100 vs TC50). I like both so it matters not. I do not feel the BAD is tight but to others it may be. Obviously not as loose as the MWDR or Roadster. Not as tight as the JP2C either. Matters not.

 

[bandit2013]

I have cycled all of my amps on the 412 in the center of the two BADS. the MWDR or Roadster added in some character but was not making full use of the amps potential. The low end was too dominant when bringing up the master volume. I have not run the Royal Atlantic much but now am hooked on it, again. At least with that amp the hi gain is in phase with the crush voice, the lo gain is in phase with crunch and it just sounds great. Blends well at gig volume levels or even reduced volume levels.

Too bad I have no room for the other RA. If I was able to manage that I would need a second Mesa Switch track which I am patiently waiting for production to restart on that item. Was considering setting up the RAs in another room. I am surprised how similar the RA is to the BAD but yet slightly different. I tried the TC-50, it did not seem to work as well. The TC-100 would not be much different, just more low-end saturation but still would have less dynamic characteristics. I can get Mark-ish Recto like tone from the RA on the red channel (hi gain). Sure, the TC has some similar sounds to the RA but lacks the dynamic range for my playing style. The RA loaded with a few NOS preamp and power tubes has yet to be surpassed. The BAD is very close without the need for NOS expense. Stockers in the RA tend to be harsh (STR447 EL34) and the preamp tubes get a bit muddy on the red channel. NOS preamp tubes: RFT 12AX7 in V1 and Ei CV492 and JAN/Phillips 12AT7 in V3 with a Quad of Mesa STR442 NOS =C=EL34. Wonder what to do when those wear out? I have tried other tubes. Mullard reissue EL34 were not all that bad, a little better than the EH EL34 (Mesa STR447). I have some SED =C= 6L6GCs on hand, they sound similar in the RA as the EL34. May end up trying the red Base Mesa STR448 if they do not work out in the JP2C. Will have to try those in the Badlander too. I think I need more reverb. Cowbell does not work as a guitar effect but I do have one on the drum set.