I was thinking about the OD in the FX loop, was not sure if the line level would be suitable for something mostly meant for front end.
Based on the Dual and Triple Rectifier amps, I would agree and disagree here. Older models that had the means to switch between Diode vs Tube rectification, I would agree with the diode being better for most work. However, going to spongy power (variac on the MWDR) and using the Tube rectification has a unique sound on its own. I feel the MWDR does a better job at bringing out the harmonics more so than the Roadster. However, where it makes a difference is the preamp tube choices. Roadster is phenomenal with the old 1989-1991 Mesa 12AX7 (Chinese Beijing Square foil getter tubes, aka 6N4-J). Those preamp tubes tighten up the response of the Roadster, removes most of the swamp and makes the amp suitable to run with a 7 string guitar. No pedal required. The MWDR has a different preamp design and have not explored the potential of that amp yet. Did not feel the need but will get easily swamped with the 7 string. To me the MWDR is more of a hot rod compared to the Roadster. Roadster is better served up with a colder power tube like reds or yellows where as the MWDR is just fine with a hotter tube in the grey range.
Sometimes tube rectification tracking has its value and sometimes it does not.
The use of the 5U4GB tube in the Mark V90 never made sense but is required for the 10W power mode. It is there for a purpose. I never liked using the tube tracking on CH1 and CH2, all it did was drop the output levels.
So back to the BAD, only has the silicon diodes for its power supply, No 5U4GB tubes to deal with. That I can agree, one or two less tubes to deal with. If you need to explore the similar effect the Bad does have a Variac power mode which does bring the Bad crunch a bit closer to that of the Rectifier characteristic.
This morning I moved the other bad amp so I can run it side by side to the other. I wanted to compare the STR445 (JJ 6L6GC) with the STR447 (EH EL34). Much more low end, lower mids to upper mids with the STR445 tubes, it has a meaner voice to it than the EL34 tubes. Good overall saturation effect with the SRT445 greens vs the STR447 green + blue parings. Not sure if this musical content can be captured with microphones but I will give it a try and see how that turns out. Now that I have the stock tubes from the Mark VII loaded in the one bad, I will have to compare the Mark VII to it. I am curious how different it will be. I would not doubt there may be more gain on tap with the Mark VII but is there more gain? is it just a perceived effect based on sound levels or its there more gain or distortion since they basically share almost identical lead drive circuits (almost meaning I did not map out the dc blocking caps, cathode bypass capacitors, and control grid network between stages). The Mark VII (JP2C, and other amps with the GEQ) have the 5 inductors used with caps and resistors for the boost/cut of the tone at the notch frequencies 80Hz, 240Hz, 750Hz, 2200Hz, and 6600Hz. So why list this obvious mention? The Badlander has a single inductor of the same type used in a Mark amp, of which I would assume is for tuning purposes to address the vocal character of the EL34 power tube. No schematics so it is just a wild guess. Not used as a power choke as this is a small signal inductor. I could have looked at the label more closely but failed to do so.
I also have not found the Mesa 5BGEQ yet, got the empty box, just no pedal. Curious what that will sound like with the Badlander FX loop. I could use the Boss EQ-200 but that units does not have the same notch frequencies and the boost/cut is much greater than the Mesa GEQ. I hope I find it before I begin the comparison to the Mark VII. No need to swap tubes between amps as I did get more of the STR445 but in yellow bias color. Will also have to listen to the difference between the STR445 and the STR448 as I felt that had tube was similar but with more airiness to the tone. Curious to find out how the STR415 tubes will sound in the BAD. Not sure I want to pull them out of the JP2C at this time.
