Preamp for Mark IV R3 tone?

[UsrName]

Hey all! I've been playing the Mark IV for a few years now, but I recently got an itch for a Marshall. It's not that I don't love my Boogie, I do, but there are times where I need that Marshall crunch and that's just not the MkIV's thing. I love the tone of the lead channel, but really could do without the others. Is there a Mesa preamp that will give me the tone of R3, or a MkIIC+ or MkIII lead tone. Just looking to get something similar to the MkIV's third channel with EQ capability. It seems kind of waste to just use the one channel of this fine head. Should I go with a Studio preamp or Quad or Triaxis or what? Does the Triaxis do both Mark and Recto tones like I've heard? This would be cool.

Thanks for any help you could give, much appreciated.

 

[MetalMatt]

I felt the same way with the Mark IV, the only channel that did it for me was the Lead channel.

The Studio and Quad share the same channel, a "Mark IIC" mode (closer to a C+). The Studio is a great sounding preamp. It's Mark IIC mode sounded better than the Quads, but the Quad won my heart because of its flexibility. With the Quad you get 2 channels and 4 modes. On channel one you have a "Mark IIC" (more C+) and on channel two you have a "Mark III". Both with clean and lead modes. R2 is a big improvement over the IV. Which is no surprise because the R2 on a Mark III is awesome. Lush reverb (two reverb tanks), great cleans on R1 not steril like the Mark IV cleans, Two awesome lead channels L1=smooth and liquid. L2=raw and aggressive. The tightness and articulation you would expect form a Mark. This is all based on my opinion, so take it for what you will, but I hope I answered part of your question.

Never played a Triaxis, so I can't comment. On paper it looks fantastic!

 

[UsrName]

Thanks for the reply Matt! I've been checking out Studio clips all day and I'm really digging what I hear. One more question:

How exactly would I use this with a Marshall head as an added channel?

 

[UsrName]

Bump. Should I do it?

 

[MetalMatt]

I'm not sure about a Marshall, I never owned one :?. I plug my Quad into my Road King's power section from time to time. The "how to" method from the manual.

NOTE: USING THE ROAD KING AS A POWER AMP ONLY
It is possible to use the Road King’s power section as a stand alone power amp for use
with external preamps, as half of a stereo power rig or, as a slave for another Road
King in larger venues. Here’s how;
1.) Connect your preamp signal to the EFFECTS RETURN jack of LOOP 1.
2.) Select LOOP ACTIVE on the Rear Panel
3.) Use the OUTPUT control as your power amp level control.
4.) Adjust the PRESENCE control of the Channel you are using to taste.
5.) Select a Channel and a power setting in that Channel.

I see no reason why you can't try it in the loop of a Marshall. Unless someone else chimes in.