preamp tubes for less fizz triple rec

[greg_moreira]

Hi guys.

Ive got a triple recto solo(3 channel) head, and I HAVE to get rid of this fizz! Actually, I just decided to try a maxon od808, and I do dig how it tightens up the sound, and I like the slight mid spike.....but let me tell you, this pedal has brought out a LOT of fizz on the top end. Even with the tone dialed all the way out...it sounds flat, yet still has some fizz somehow!

The amp has always had a bit of noticeable fizz in there, but not quite as much as when hitting the preamp hard by running this as a booster pedal. Ive got a few cabs lying around with various speakers, and the only one that tames the fizz happens to be the "most dull" of all of them, which I dont ever use live with my mesa anymore, because I just cant cut through the mix with the dull, bass heavy speakers. I suppose I could go for an EQ....but Id rather do it naturally with pre tubes if doable.

What are you guys using for standard production pre amp tubes to smooth out the top end? Also, do I really need to replace them all, or can I get away with a V1 only, or just a couple? What works for you guys?

Thanks!

 

[stephen sawall]

I have nothing but would like to hear what others say.

 

[ltd2recto]

jj ecc83s (or groove tube gt-ecc83, same tube) in v1 will help.

 

[fluff191]

I use JJ ecc83s in all positions, with the exception of an EH 12ax7 in V3. That's gives most amount of punch with the least fizz IMO...

 

[greg_moreira]

thanks guys. Have any of you tried the gold pin option EC83s? Just curious what that sounds like in comparison to the standard.

 

[JSutter]

Dood just turn up the volume. You have a 150 watt amp, stop wanking it in the bedroom!

 

[greg_moreira]

Whats bugging me has got nothing to do with bedroom volume... Not that this doesnt make it worse, but its not the whole deal. Im not even sure when the last time it was at my house and I attempted to play it at a reasonable volume truthfully. It stays in the studio/rehearsal space, and goes out for gigs regularly. The fizzy top is there at any volume. And actually, in terms of volume......I just played an outdoor gig saturday at our largest annual, local music fest. Its a big venue, so I was definitely leaning on it hard. The fizz just became more prominent after throwing the od in the mix. We had a rehearsal tonight for a show tomorrow, and Ive worked it out a little, but Im still fighting against it......

 

[tennisplayer]

MXR 10 band eq in the loop fixes it.

 

[greg_moreira]

you know, I was JUST about to start a thread about this very EQ! How does it work with the stock effects loop? I see a lot of folks mod the loop.....but if dialed in well, does it sit well with the loop as is? Thanks!

 

[TimeSignature]

The rec's will always have sizzly fizz. The only thing you can do is turn up the volume and turn down the gain, presence and treble. Ive mentioned this in other posts... if you lower the presence and treble too much the amp will sound muffled, almost like its underwater so be very careful.
I heard JJ's are a little better in terms of less fizz. My buddy tried it and it helped but the top end fizz still remained.
If you are using V30 speakers try using something with less top end like a Boogie 3/4 cab w/ C90's ... or a Marshall cab of some sort. Angle the speakers away from you!
I found that EQ's only killled my tone when I used them to combat the fuzziness problem. At best it masked the issue.
If you MUST have a rec try the older model rec's. They sound less fuzzy.
I had to eventually cut my losses and sell my Roadster.

Try a Mark series if you do not want fizz!

Good luck!

 

[greg_moreira]

Thanks again. I tell you, I was messing around tonight, and I played with channel 2 and 3, dailing the gain way back to around 9 at best(which was great in channel 2). Ive also got presence and treble rolled back to about 11, with mids cranked, and I was dialing in all my gain with the maxon od808. once the gain gets around 60 percent or better(on the maxon), it starts to compress real well, and also really start spitting out good mids. I was finding some of the best hard rock tones Ive heard out of this amp in a while! Only problem is.....used as a boost, the maxon tightens up the head a lot(which is good), but when the gain on the maxon is pushed....the bottom end gets sloppy. That overdrive distortion from the maxon just obviously isnt a tight type of distortion for riff work.

It sounded awesome for chording and solo work, but riff work left a little to be desired. I had no issues with fizz at this point, yet there were still enough upper mids to keep things bright also. So...I had THE tone that im looking for, with the exception of the flabby bottom introduced by the gain in the od pedal driven hard.

My goal here is to keep the od in front and run it as a booster to keep things tight, but then try and sculpt out just some of that fizz and lift the mids to try and replicate the tone I was having tonight.......but without the flabby bottom.

Hopefully I can make it happen full circle, and if I get there.....I'll be telling you guys about it!

 

[ibanez4life SZ!]

Maxon, Overdrive at 0, Level half to max (depending on taste), and tone probably somewhere aroung 11 o clock with your triple.

As for settings, be conservative with your treble and presence. Use you mids for that kick.

Another things to consider. If find that running EL-34 power tubes recesses a lot of the high treble, and really brings the midrange to life in a rectifier. Sounds like EXACTLY what you'd like to do.

Best of luck.

Eric