4th gain stage testing - Ground Zero Detonator

[RedPlated]

Decided to start experimenting with a 4th gain stage on my Detonator mod. I've always leaned towards diodes over an extra gain stage for several reasons. The compression and feel of them is really nice when dialed in right. But playing with a gain stage was inevitable.

I set the stage so that it doesn't get dark or undefined when engaged. That can happen with extra gain stages. I'm pretty happy so far with the change in tone with the extra tube stage engaged. You just have to be somewhat reasonable as there's a ton of gain on tap already, with just 3 stages.

The extra stage is dis-engaged by pulling the gain 2 knob.

Here's an iPhone test clip at low volume. An 80's-ish type level of gain, nothing too crazy. This amp will produce a ton more gain, if desired. I start with the extra stage off and then engage it halfway through.

 

[Mikeyboyeee]

Me want one!

 

[IHateRap]

Sounds great.

 

[JerEvil]

Sick!

 

[Mr. Willy]

That sounds killer.

 

[RedPlated]

Thanks for the feedback everyone...

I'm really liking the increased harmonics and sustain from the extra gain stage. Working to balance the extra gain with the already huge amount of gain on tap is a challenge. So many ways to do it. I'm confident it will turn out great in the end. The diodes alone are great too though.

I found this clip on my iPhone. Was just screwing around with a drum track. This is the amp with diodes only. It's kind of hard to beat the sound and feel I've been getting from that circuit. Straight into the amp. No boost or pedals.

 

[thenine]

CHUUUNNNK!

 

[glpg80]

Sounds good!

I think I like the clarity and bite without it as in your previous clips. Tweaking is hard - you want to keep on but it can be hard to want to put pencils down ? It’s all personal preferences though, thanks for sharing and great job!

The three stage above with the drums seems to have a unique voicing of your own thing that others haven’t captured. The 4 gain stage sounds like a cranked JCM800 at low volume. Do you have a clip of the diodes and 3 stage through an attenuator versus 4 stage cranked through an attenuator?

 

[RedPlated]

Sounds good!

I think I like the clarity and bite without it as in your previous clips. Tweaking is hard - you want to keep on but it can be hard to want to put pencils down ? It’s all personal preferences though, thanks for sharing and great job!

The three stage above with the drums seems to have a unique voicing of your own thing that others haven’t captured. The 4 gain stage sounds like a cranked JCM800 at low volume. Do you have a clip of the diodes and 3 stage through an attenuator versus 4 stage cranked through an attenuator?

Thanks, I appreciate it. You make some great points. I'm really happy with the 3 stage circuit and would have no problem keeping it that way. It does a "thing" that's hard to attain otherwise.

Sounds like you've got a good ear. You're hearing exactly what the amp is doing, The voicing certainly is unique and I haven't heard it in any other Marshall.

I don't have any of those clips with an attenuator. I may try to make a similar clip with drums and same gain level with the 4th stage in. That would be interesting...

 

[SQUAREHEAD]

RP, love your stuff bro?
Your fingers really match the feel and tone of your mods perfectly!

 

[JerEvil]

Dude… seriously. That last vid sounds so rad!

 

[SpiderWars]

Thanks for the feedback everyone...

I'm really liking the increased harmonics and sustain from the extra gain stage. Working to balance the extra gain with the already huge amount of gain on tap is a challenge. So many ways to do it. I'm confident it will turn out great in the end. The diodes alone are great too though.

I found this clip on my iPhone. Was just screwing around with a drum track. This is the amp with diodes only. It's kind of hard to beat the sound and feel I've been getting from that circuit. Straight into the amp. No boost or pedals.

You're really getting some great tones. The 4th stage is tricky, it's so easy for notes to get smeared/blurred. Just a little too much blocking and it's almost like it gets less saturated.

 

[RedPlated]

You're really getting some great tones. The 4th stage is tricky, it's so easy for notes to get smeared/blurred. Just a little too much blocking and it's almost like it gets less saturated.

You’re absolutely right. It’s a fine line and a balancing act between too much and just enough !

 

[SFW]

Sounds good to me.

 

[FondledDuck]

Dude… seriously. That last vid sounds so rad!

That’s my amp bro! ?

 

[hopkinWFG]

Decided to start experimenting with a 4th gain stage on my Detonator mod. I've always leaned towards diodes over an extra gain stage for several reasons. The compression and feel of them is really nice when dialed in right. But playing with a gain stage was inevitable.

I set the stage so that it doesn't get dark or undefined when engaged. That can happen with extra gain stages. I'm pretty happy so far with the change in tone with the extra tube stage engaged. You just have to be somewhat reasonable as there's a ton of gain on tap already, with just 3 stages.

The extra stage is dis-engaged by pulling the gain 2 knob.

Here's an iPhone test clip at low volume. An 80's-ish type level of gain, nothing too crazy. This amp will produce a ton more gain, if desired. I start with the extra stage off and then engage it halfway through.

wow !!! crazy tone !! very tight clear aggressive high mids there !! any kerrang character in there or rather chewyness? lol

 

[Fusionbear]

Decided to start experimenting with a 4th gain stage on my Detonator mod. I've always leaned towards diodes over an extra gain stage for several reasons. The compression and feel of them is really nice when dialed in right. But playing with a gain stage was inevitable.

I set the stage so that it doesn't get dark or undefined when engaged. That can happen with extra gain stages. I'm pretty happy so far with the change in tone with the extra tube stage engaged. You just have to be somewhat reasonable as there's a ton of gain on tap already, with just 3 stages.

The extra stage is dis-engaged by pulling the gain 2 knob.

Here's an iPhone test clip at low volume. An 80's-ish type level of gain, nothing too crazy. This amp will produce a ton more gain, if desired. I start with the extra stage off and then engage it halfway through.

Sounds great! I hear a little pick click though. What type of pick are you using?

I think I met you once. Did I buy a Splawn Quick rod from you and met you in SJC?
I ended up running a 16 mile trail run that day in the Cleveland national forest. It was bloody hot!
That's why its still clear in my mind....lol...

 

[RedPlated]

wow !!! crazy tone !! very tight clear aggressive high mids there !! any kerrang character in there or rather chewyness? lol

Thanks, I appreciate it.

It's got lots of aggressive bite and a sharp attack on low notes. But still has a nice sag and feel. The low strings feel buttery under the fingers. Makes it a lot fun to play. That amp came out really great.

 

[RedPlated]

Sounds great! I hear a little pick click though. What type of pick are you using?

I think I met you once. Did I buy a Splawn Quick rod from you and met you in SJC?
I ended up running a 16 mile trail run that day in the Cleveland national forest. It was bloody hot!
That's why its still clear in my mind....lol...

Yeah that was me with the QuickRod! I remember that day pretty clearly. It's been a few years for sure.

16 miles is BEAST MODE!!

I almost always use a Petrucci flow 2.0mm pick. The larger reddish-purple ones. I love those.