V-twin rackmount and....?

[mesa_vht]

I have a V-twin and I was wondering if anyone could tell me if it would just be redundant to add a Studio or Formula? I'm not at all familiar with either pre's.

Thanks in advance.

Scott

 

[disassembled]

The studio is based off of the Mark IIC and the formula is based off of the heartbreaker. I dont' know what the vtwin is based off of so i don't know if it would be redundant or not. I like the mark series tone the best so i think you would be better off going with the studio and seeing if it could replace the vtwin.


Greg

 

[mesa_vht]

Sorry for not clarifying. I'm not interested in replacing the v-twin. I'm looking for additional tones that I wouldn't yet be able to get. I've considered a programmable eq, but even that's limited.
I think the v-twin is mostly like the recto's.

Basically, I'm trying to have 2 or 3 heavy tones. I can only get 1 out of the v-twin. It does great blues and cleans.

I really like the v-twin and am surprised they aren't talked about more.

I guess I could just get a studio and formula (when avail.) and have endless channels of tone.

I've used a VHT 2/50/2 for years now and that makes everything sound good (maybe better).


Scott

 

[disassembled]

You should also look into the Triaxis instead of having a bunch of pre's running. A 1 or 1/2 space effects processor and TA would make a great compact rack that has near endless tonal possibilities.

I have a TA with the recto board and it has 4 distinct distortion channels and really good cleans. It might seem out of reach now but from what you're talking about (getting two more preamps and switch between them) would probably cost more in the end. For effects I use a Boss SE70 half rack effects processor in the loop (which is programmable to be on or off) and it works wonderfully for me.

A lot of guys like the CAE SE+ preamp too but I don't know how it compares to mesa stuff.

You should check out hugeracksinc.com for some ideas on what would be best to run.


Greg

 

[18&Life]

You should also look into the Triaxis instead of having a bunch of pre's running. A 1 or 1/2 space effects processor and TA would make a great compact rack that has near endless tonal possibilities.

I have a TA with the recto board and it has 4 distinct distortion channels and really good cleans. It might seem out of reach now but from what you're talking about (getting two more preamps and switch between them) would probably cost more in the end. For effects I use a Boss SE70 half rack effects processor in the loop (which is programmable to be on or off) and it works wonderfully for me.

A lot of guys like the CAE SE+ preamp too but I don't know how it compares to mesa stuff.

You should check out hugeracksinc.com for some ideas on what would be best to run.

+1 plus I don't like v-twin ,to me his tone is terrible, it is the only thing I dislike from mesa,so triaxis will be your best choice ever :wink:

 

[mesa_vht]

You should also look into the Triaxis instead of having a bunch of pre's running. A 1 or 1/2 space effects processor and TA would make a great compact rack that has near endless tonal possibilities.

I have a TA with the recto board and it has 4 distinct distortion channels and really good cleans.

I have a Gmajor (main) and Dtwo (trippy fx). I think a Triaxis would be cool, too. What do you mean it has the recto board? Does that mean it doesn't have all of the Mark series tones? I don't know what recto board means.

Thanks for your replies too.

Scott

 

[disassembled]

You have to do your research about the triaxis to find which "version" is for you.

There are 2 software versions (1 and 2) and 4 circuit changes that affect the LD1 Red channel. The original version (V1) didn't have an extra circuit board for the LD1 Red channel but all 3 three of the following versions do.

The original V2 has what is known as the Recto Board non phat and is allegedly modeled after the original 2 channel rectifier's orange channel. You can make this sound very very RAW with a ton of bottom end which provides a very contrasting tone to the Mark series based channels (there are 7 other tones based off of the mark series).

The next circuit change is to the Recto board known as the Phat mod but I don't know of anyone that has said they really like it. I never used a phat modded V2 triaxis but it sounds like i don't want to from what people describe the tone as. The phat mod can be reversed though so it's not a big deal if you buy it and don't like it.

The latest and most current change to LD1 Red is known as searing boogie lead. Boogie stated that they don't have the parts to make the recto board anymore so you can't buy them new at this time. I have no idea what the latest LD1 Red sounds like.

During all of these changes the original channels made in 91 on the V1 Triaxis are all untouched so it doesn't matter which version you get the mark IIc+, markc iv, mark III, and mark I are all still there and the same.

The software V1 and V2 just adds continuous control of parameters with a midi pedal. This allows you to use 1 patch to go from clean to lead or crunch to warm by riding a pedal.


Greg

 

[mesa_vht]

Wow! Killer info!

Thanks for that, bro.
Scott

 

[sixstringstevie]

Hi Scott,
Have you considered using a simple MIDI-switcher, e.g. Nobels MS-4 or similar, to operate the 6 jacks in the back of the V-Twin?

I use one to switch between Bright and Fat on the clean channel, Blues and Lead on the solo channel and whatever Mix I want. I never use the scooped mid clean and certainly not the crunch solo (horrible!). Running it through a Roland GP-100 gives me a way to boost the volume on my Lead sound (or whatever sound I want to outblast my band members with).

Of course you're not nearly as versatile as with a Triaxis, but it works for me. Which doesn't mean that a Triaxis isn't still on my wishing list, if ever I become a rich man...

Cheers, Steve

 

[mesa_vht]

Steve,
I have a gcx switcher. I could use that to switch channels (modes), but then I would have to eat up 3-4 switches which I'm trying to avoid. I have other gear that I'd like to use in those loops. A MIDI switching pre would be ideal, such as the Triaxis.

I have hardly any experience with the Triaxis, so I'm not sure what kind of tones I'd be able to achieve. The pre that I've wanted for a few years now has been the Egnater ie4. I keep coming up short on ebay or otherwise. So, what I thought I'd try was to get a few different single or dual channel preamps to have multiple tones/channels that way. But, then I would again have to use more loops/switches than I'd want to and may need another switching unit (gcx).

It seems that an ie4 remedy would be the more accessible RM4. I just cringe when I think of Randall though.

Thanks for responding Steve,
Scott

 

[disassembled]

Steve,
I have a gcx switcher. I could use that to switch channels (modes), but then I would have to eat up 3-4 switches which I'm trying to avoid. I have other gear that I'd like to use in those loops. A MIDI switching pre would be ideal, such as the Triaxis.

I have hardly any experience with the Triaxis, so I'm not sure what kind of tones I'd be able to achieve. The pre that I've wanted for a few years now has been the Egnater ie4. I keep coming up short on ebay or otherwise. So, what I thought I'd try was to get a few different single or dual channel preamps to have multiple tones/channels that way. But, then I would again have to use more loops/switches than I'd want to and may need another switching unit (gcx).

It seems that an ie4 remedy would be the more accessible RM4. I just cringe when I think of Randall though.

Thanks for responding Steve,
Scott

I tried out an IE4 and it doesn't compare at all to the Triaxis IMO. It has 2 good out of 4 channels but they sound WAY different than Mesa stuff. If you haven't tried the IE4 but you like Mesa tones then I don't think you will be happy. I tried for about 45 minutes to get 4 distinct good tones out of the IE4 but it just wasn't happening. The IE4 is geared at more of Marshallish tone but doesn't have the versatility or the tone of the Triaxis. I think they go for about the same price so if you can afford one you should be able to afford the other.

I would hate for you to but the IE4 just to find you like the vtwin better. The CAE SE+ and Triaxis would probably be your best bet for getting a good rackmount preamp.

Greg

 

[mesa_vht]

Greg,
What kind of music do you play and/or what type of tones do you like? Maybe examples of guitar players?

It sounds like the fat mod sucks. I haven't read anything good about it...LOL.

Scott

 

[disassembled]

Greg,
What kind of music do you play and/or what type of tones do you like? Maybe examples of guitar players?

It sounds like the fat mod sucks. I haven't read anything good about it...LOL.

Scott

I like everything really from Nevermore, malmsteen, DT, Shawn lane, gilbert, GnR, gambale, lit, STP, etc.

I like a smooth tone like the Mark series is known for. The IE4 doesn't focus on smooth so that's where the TA shines. The phat mod is reversible but the "Recto" channel is not a selling point for the TA IMO it's more of a marketing gimmick for Mesa to say they have all of their famous amp tones in 1 box. The problem with the Triaxis is that you need at least a month or two to decide if you can get the tone you like out of it because there are so many tones available from all of the parameters available. If you like the mark tones (Metallica, DT, Chevelle, Santana, etc) then you should look into a mark series preamp (studio, quad, triaxis) or at the Mark IV for a versatile 3 channel head. I just bought a Mark IV wide combo and will compare it to a Triaxis in a few months. I don't care for the Recto series too much so I don't feel the need to see how the triaxis compares to the orange channel of an old recto.

The Triaxis has been the best tone I have heard out of a pre and pairing it up with a 20/20 power amp makes for a lightweight compact rig that's loud enough to do just about any gig. I do have the 290 now but will be holding onto the 20/20 because I have a feeling i will use it in the future.

Greg

 

[mesa_vht]

Thanks for all of your input Greg. Much appreciated.

Scott