using the output knob on the Recto 3 channel for more gain

[bermuda_]

Hey guys!

I heard from many people on the internet, that it is possible to use the output knob on the Mesa Recto 3 channel as a way of driving the power tubes harder, resulting in a more gain saturation

If this is true can any of you guys tell me how I can do this?

Thanks guys :mrgreen:

 

[rjf]

You want more gain than what the preamp provides, with a Solo head? :shock:

Solo head rectifiers don't like power amp distortion, infact they sound like total garbage when you loose your headroom. Just take an attenuator, crank the output to 10, dumb it down on the attenuator's volume, and see how great it sounds....

Generally, amps that have a lot of preamp saturation don't like power amp distortion, the sound just turns to mush.

You'd be better off using an OD pedal in front of the amp for more gain.

 

[mikeweber74]

I find that cranking the output adds to the low-end thump. You can use the channel volume and output level to change your tone around. The channel volume seems to control the saturation and the output level will control overall volume and bottom end. I can get a nice bedroom level tone with my output level at noon and channel volume at 8:00

 

[bermuda_]

How do I activate the output control on the amp, so that I can use it with the master of volume on the amp channel :?:

 

[mikeweber74]

If you have the effect loop active, then the master output control should be active as well. When the effect loop is on bypass, then output level will be inactive.

 

[bermuda_]

Oh I see what you mean, but just out interest, for the best sound on the amp what settings should I adjust the send/ return controls to, that are located at the back the amp :?

Thanks :mrgreen: :

 

[mikeweber74]

I don't have my Dual Rec anymore but I think both setting are best set around 12:00. I'm sure others on here can tell you the best settings for that.

 

[94Tremoverb]

You can use the loop to increase the gain, but without pushing the power tubes harder - which is probably what you want, from reading your other thread. What you need to do is to engage the loop, then turn up the channel masters - and turn *down* the volume with the Output. You will then get extra distortion from the FX loop return stage. You can also turn up the Send level to give even more drive. I'm not sure this sounds as good as boosting the front end of the amp with a pedal - but you can easily try it.

Just be careful not to accidentally bypass the loop while you're reaching round the back of the amp to tweak the Send level with the channel masters right up, or you'll go Back To The Future .

 

[bermuda_]

When I turn the sent level up for more gain, do I then need to turn the return knob up or down then, to help balance out the volume of the output control :?

Also is there something wrong with my amp guys because, every time I play the amp with the loop bypassed on the amp.

It seems that whenever I leave the master amp volume on zero I get a lot of preamp distortion coming from the amp but as soon as I decide to crank the master amp volume higher, the volume of the amp does drastically increase, but all the preamp distortion just turns to mud. By mud I mean the cabinet sound as if a blanket has been put over it,

Is this normal?

 

[KH Guitar Freak]

You want more gain than what the preamp provides, with a Solo head? :shock:

Solo head rectifiers don't like power amp distortion, infact they sound like total garbage when you loose your headroom. Just take an attenuator, crank the output to 10, dumb it down on the attenuator's volume, and see how great it sounds....

Generally, amps that have a lot of preamp saturation don't like power amp distortion, the sound just turns to mush.

You'd be better off using an OD pedal in front of the amp for more gain.

Thing is, I doubt most people are going to crank it so loud to that point where you run out of headroom. Turning up the output knob sure adds more low end into your tone. Same applies for the other Mesa amps...

 

[94Tremoverb]

For the most gain, turn the Master, Send and Mix controls right up, and turn the Output Level down. This isn't really how it's meant to be done but the FX loop return stage will add distortion like that. If it sounds too muddy when you turn up the Output, try using one of the modes other than Modern and see what happens.

I actually don't think the Dual Rectifier really has *that* much gain - it's obviously a fairly high gain amp, but I think it's designed more for tone than pure distortion, and if you try to just max everything it really won't sound that good - which is true of most tube amps. If you want more distortion, you're actually better using a pedal in front.

 

[bermuda_]

Right I'll see if it makes things any better, if It doesn't I'll try and post some clips of the amp being played.

But, guys I thought tube amps always sound better with more volume, but with my amp , I have found when the amps channel master is at a extremely low volume my amp sounds great almost as if it has been boasted with an overdrive pedal, but once I crank when crank the amp master volume knob up to 9 o'clock or more, the amp does become a lot louder, but the tone of the amp just sounds like pure and utter garbage, sorry guys but it's the truth :lol: