Road King II muffled

[brsmith]

Hey everyone, I recently completely retubed my Road King II dual recto, for some reason it's sounding muffled and lacking high end when played at a low volume. I know these amps are not designed for this volume level and need to be cranked to really sound their best but seeing as how my band is on a "break" (practice space issues) I'm forced to play at home. What might be causing this issue? I'm ruling out tubes seeing as how they all seem to be quiet and functional, as well as brand new. Is it normal for them to sound this way at low volume? Could a boost or an EQ pedal help this situation?

Many thanks

 

[ChrisRocksUSA]

Needs moar volumes

 

[brsmith]

Needs moar volumes

Understandable, I just want to get somewhat of a useable tone at home. Figures I would start having band problems as soon as I picked up the amp :?

 

[UnderJollyRoger]

What cabinet are you using ? Maybe a smaller one would sound better at low volume ...

 

[domct203]

Hey everyone, I recently completely retubed my Road King II dual recto, for some reason it's sounding muffled and lacking high end when played at a low volume. I know these amps are not designed for this volume level and need to be cranked to really sound their best but seeing as how my band is on a "break" (practice space issues) I'm forced to play at home. What might be causing this issue? I'm ruling out tubes seeing as how they all seem to be quiet and functional, as well as brand new. Is it normal for them to sound this way at low volume? Could a boost or an EQ pedal help this situation?

Many thanks

What you are experiencing is somewhat normal. IMO an EQ pedal in the loop for low volume playing is the way to go, this way you don't have to mess with the amps EQ.

Your choice of preamp tubes can also effect the high end response. Does the amps still sound the same at band volume after the tube swap? Do you recall the amp sounding muffled at low volume with the old preamp tubes? Are these MESA branded tubes we are talking about or some other brand?

Dom

 

[brsmith]

Hey everyone, I recently completely retubed my Road King II dual recto, for some reason it's sounding muffled and lacking high end when played at a low volume. I know these amps are not designed for this volume level and need to be cranked to really sound their best but seeing as how my band is on a "break" (practice space issues) I'm forced to play at home. What might be causing this issue? I'm ruling out tubes seeing as how they all seem to be quiet and functional, as well as brand new. Is it normal for them to sound this way at low volume? Could a boost or an EQ pedal help this situation?

Many thanks

What you are experiencing is somewhat normal. IMO an EQ pedal in the loop for low volume playing is the way to go, this way you don't have to mess with the amps EQ.

Your choice of preamp tubes can also effect the high end response. Does the amps still sound the same at band volume after the tube swap? Do you recall the amp sounding muffled at low volume with the old preamp tubes? Are these MESA branded tubes we are talking about or some other brand?

Dom

Unfortunatley I haven't had much chance to play it since the tube change (its a 212 combo by the way) so I'm not sure if it's a tube or hardware issue. I also had the amp have a strange issue with the rectification lights, I moved it home one day and noticed that the recto lights are not reflecting what is actually set. The at least one of the 5U lights are always on regardless of what the switch is set to (even with the rectifier tubes removed), I have't been able to find much on this topic, is this a common occurance? The poweramp tubes are Mesas but the preamps are Tungsol in V1 and the chinese for the rest (these here http://thetubestore.com/chinese12ax7.html ). I'm worried the amp might have been damaged in travel :?

 

[BoogieMan_SC]

...I also had the amp have a strange issue with the rectification lights, I moved it home one day and noticed that the recto lights are not reflecting what is actually set. The at least one of the 5U lights are always on regardless of what the switch is set to (even with the rectifier tubes removed), I have't been able to find much on this topic, is this a common occurance? The poweramp tubes are Mesas but the preamps are Tungsol in V1 and the chinese for the rest (these here http://thetubestore.com/chinese12ax7.html ). I'm worried the amp might have been damaged in travel :?

I'm positive I have the solution for your "linkage lights" problem. Just went through this:

http://forum.grailtone.com/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=57388

The little PCB board that the lights are on, which snap into place, just came loose. It also happened to me after moving the amp.

As for the "muffled" sound after having changed tubes...this isn't normal and is not because you have to "crank the amp" for it to sound good. The Road Kings are actually known to sound great WITHOUT having to crank them to do so. Check each and every tube again....meaning, pull it out and ensure that the prongs are not bent (especially on the pre-amp tubes). If one/some of the prongs are bent, it will still appear that the tube is seated...but some prongs might not be making proper contact into the socket. I bet this is what the deal is.

Post your results and let us know though. I know I've nailed your linkage lights "problem" though...guaranteed.

 

[brsmith]

Thanks for the tip on the lights, I will check that out when I get a chance. For some reason the amp brightened up a bit, maybe the tubes "broke in".

On a related note, is there different speakers in the roadking combo and the recto cabs? The rectos seem to have a more aggressive sound then my roadking...

 

[BoogieMan_SC]

Thanks for the tip on the lights, I will check that out when I get a chance. For some reason the amp brightened up a bit, maybe the tubes "broke in".

On a related note, is there different speakers in the roadking combo and the recto cabs? The rectos seem to have a more aggressive sound then my roadking...

The RK combo has MB's excellent C90 speakers....the recto cabs have V30's....I have a RKIIv2 combo sitting atop a 2x12 Recto cab...freaking awesome combination.

 

[brsmith]

Ahh, I seen where it said "Made for Mesa by Celestion". All I could really see is Black Shadow on them though. Nice speakers but I would like to try some other cabs.