Single rec preamp tubes???

[Doug_Les]

Hey guys, Im sure to some of you this is beating a dead horse but Im new to Mesa and tube amps in general. I got a single rec series 2 used, its in mint condition but I think I have a problem. I have a new set of JJ 6l6 and a new set of Mesa EL34 tubes, I've tried them both and I dont get the gain that I have heard other singles get. I have no idea on the age of the preamp tubes, could this be my issue?? I can barely get a "rock" style distortion out of the modern setting, and thats at a volume that will make your ears bleed. Im a metal guy, so Im getting an OCD pedal, thanks Fluff for the great vids, but this amp has to have more distortion than Im getting. Any recomendations for preamp tubes would be greatly appreciated, and could someone tell me what each preamp tube is for?? I tried searching the forum but couldnt find an exact answer, thanks a million guys, just trying to learn my Mesa

 

[bendo]

I hate to ask a stupid question, but what is your Gain knob set at? I ride mine around 3-4:00 on Ch 2 Modern and use the guitar volume to clean it up when desired. Most all of your distortion is going to come from your pre-amp tubes and your Gain control, not volume and Power tubes.

So I would start with checking your preamp tubes.

 

[Doug_Les]

Thanks, ya I tried the gain at all different levels. I'm thinkin bout gettin "Dougs" metal preamp tube set, any thoughts on this?

 

[UnderJollyRoger]

I ride mine around 3-4:00 on Ch 2 Modern

:shock:

My bandmate has a Single Rectifier, while I have a Dual 2010. We both haven't our gain set far beyond 12:00, and that should give you enough gain to play Metal ...

Anyway, I think you can't go wrong with Doug's sets. He also offers some sets especially for Rectifiers, so give it a try.

 

[benjamin801]

This really sounds like something might be wrong. What do you currently have in the preamp as far as tubes? This almost sounds like there's a 12AT7 or some other lower gain cousin of the AX7 in there somewhere.

 

[bendo]

I ride mine around 3-4:00 on Ch 2 Modern

:shock:

My bandmate has a Single Rectifier, while I have a Dual 2010. We both haven't our gain set far beyond 12:00, and that should give you enough gain to play Metal ...

Anyway, I think you can't go wrong with Doug's sets. He also offers some sets especially for Rectifiers, so give it a try.

I use stock Mesa tubes, so yes. (I refuse to use the Chinese Mesa's I think they sound like ****) Except for a JAN 12AT7 in the P/I. And, I don't generally run my Master very high. If I run my master higher, I run the gain much lower around 1:00, and take advantage of the power tube breakup. However, once the master gets above 12:00 the lower regions of the Output control are useless on ch2.

I have also heard good things about the Doug's set. But, I have never heard them myself, I prefer Mesa tubes. Probably one of the few.

 

[Doug_Les]

Thanks for the input guys, I have no idea what type of preamp tubes are in it now. Last nite I ordered a preamp tube set for the single rec from Dougstubes, cant wait to get them.

 

[VanWreckto]

I recommend some EH and Tungsol preamp tubes. They add a nice bite and offer clarity with the gain too.
I also boost my Single Rec. for metal tones as it yields better results then using the amps gain by itself.
Here's an example of my amps high gain tone.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7f5BkPQndXg&list=UU9DM2a0w9Hd3yCgaVmDocvw&index=3&feature=plcp

 

[Doug_Les]

Hey VanWreckto, if thats just the mesa gain with no effects i am getting nowhere near that, ur sound is what im lookin for, maybe with a little boost, im gettin an OCD as soon as they are in stock.

Thanks for the sound clip!!!!

 

[VanWreckto]

Hey VanWreckto, if thats just the mesa gain with no effects i am getting nowhere near that, ur sound is what im lookin for, maybe with a little boost, im gettin an OCD as soon as they are in stock.

Thanks for the sound clip!!!!

Thanks man, glad you liked it.
The amp is boosted with an OCD in that clip. The amp has a lot of gain, but is just isn't as focused and clear sounding without the boost.
I read your new thread, and it's good to know that preamp tube shipment worked out for you. Shake some windows and have some fun!

 

[Deathf***ingmetal]

I ride mine around 3-4:00 on Ch 2 Modern

:shock:

My bandmate has a Single Rectifier, while I have a Dual 2010. We both haven't our gain set far beyond 12:00, and that should give you enough gain to play Metal ...

+1!!!

I play Death Metal and I'm the only guitar player in the band. I set my Single Recto with Master on 12:00 and Output depending on the room and the rest of the band; gain on Channel 2, Modern setting, at 1:00 and to give the sound a little bit more bite and focus, I use an MXR GT-OD in front of the amp with Gain on 7:00 (no gain), Level 11:00 and Tone 1:00 and that's it. Enough gain and chunk for any Metal style, believe me.

 

[bendo]

I ride mine around 3-4:00 on Ch 2 Modern

:shock:

My bandmate has a Single Rectifier, while I have a Dual 2010. We both haven't our gain set far beyond 12:00, and that should give you enough gain to play Metal ...

+1!!!

I play Death Metal and I'm the only guitar player in the band. I set my Single Recto with Master on 12:00 and Output depending on the room and the rest of the band; gain on Channel 2, Modern setting, at 1:00 and to give the sound a little bit more bite and focus, I use an MXR GT-OD in front of the amp with Gain on 7:00 (no gain), Level 11:00 and Tone 1:00 and that's it. Enough gain and chunk for any Metal style, believe me.

Good for you. Mine sounds best where it is. I am glad your settings work well for you.