After 10 years with my MKIV 1x12 EVM combo, I recently got a wild hair and sold it to my bandmate so I could try other things. I got a Dual Rec 4x12 half stack that isn't pleasing me. I might go for a Dr. Z Maz 38 because it sounds so straight and unfiltered -- like the IV without the loop or EQ, but even more immediate and responsive. I'd mostly (80% of the time) play the IV R2 at mid-gain and I figure I can get clean on the Maz by backing off the guitar volume, grit naturally, then lead sounds with a pedal.
I mostly used my IV's R2 channel at mid-gain, just enough so digging in would crunch it up, but the harsh degree of its compression always kind of bugged me. I assume it was from the power section since I had R2 dialed just over clean. I'd usually have the Presence Pull Shift pulled, Presence at 3-4, R2 Master at 4 or so, main Master at 4-5. Other channel Masters just up to where they were audible. Oh, and I use a hot Lace Dually bridge pickup mostly.
Any ideas for getting a more open sound? I've now read that the IV is an overall "compressed" amp (of course all tube amps kind of are). Different, higher-output power tubes? Lower main Master and higher Channel Masters? Hi-gain, fast-response preamp tubes?
I'd just re-buy a MK IV if I felt like I could goose it closer to my ideal.
Thanks,
Orion
I mostly used my IV's R2 channel at mid-gain, just enough so digging in would crunch it up, but the harsh degree of its compression always kind of bugged me. I assume it was from the power section since I had R2 dialed just over clean. I'd usually have the Presence Pull Shift pulled, Presence at 3-4, R2 Master at 4 or so, main Master at 4-5. Other channel Masters just up to where they were audible. Oh, and I use a hot Lace Dually bridge pickup mostly.
Any ideas for getting a more open sound? I've now read that the IV is an overall "compressed" amp (of course all tube amps kind of are). Different, higher-output power tubes? Lower main Master and higher Channel Masters? Hi-gain, fast-response preamp tubes?
I'd just re-buy a MK IV if I felt like I could goose it closer to my ideal.
Thanks,
Orion