Cameron "Atomica" vs. Friedman "Marsha"

[FAN HALEN]

Thank you for checking out this video comparing these two AMAZING Amps! Both Amps deliver amazing "brown" tone and warmth.

I tried to record the amps with the same EQ (however the Atomica has a little more low-end due to the "thump" dial). I recorded both amps on the high-gain setting (Atomica was plugged into "high" and the Marsha into "HBE") and used the effects loop on both amps.

For the effects I used a Strymon El Capistan dTape Echo/Reverb and a MXR Phase 90 EVH model and a MXR Flanger EVH model.

The cabinet is a Eddie Van Halen previously owned Flag Systems all Birch enclosure with three Scumback M75 65w Speakers and one Webber NeoMag (JBL clone) 65w Speaker.

The guitar is a GMW Kramer 5150 replica with a Seymour Duncan EVH or '78 PU

I recorded the amps using a Shure SM57 Microphone about 6" away in an effort to try to pick up both the Scumback M75 and the Webber NeoMag Speakers. I used a Line 6 UX2 and Mixcraft Software.

Please don't forget to "Like" FAN HALEN at https://www.facebook.com/fanhalen

Thanks!

-Derek
www.fanhalen.net

 

[IntenseJim]

Nice work.

They sound pretty similar to me in the few parts of the video I skipped around to. What setting did you have the Cameron diode clipping rear knob on?

 

[Jofipe]

Atomica sounded more up front. Friedman more chunky. Wonder how the feel compares.

 

[LukeCurd]

I listened to the whole vid. It seems you have some chops man.

A word of advice, the clip sound pretty crispy and ice picky. The mic placement I would say is the problem. The sm57 isn't great at a distance since you loose the sound added by the proximity effect. I would do another clip mic'd up close.

Also I think the gain is too high or pickup too hot. Strings are 9's i assume? It was just missing some body and warmth. Try the cj45 switch or just the Brown Eye. I would also like to know what settings you used. There is lots of presence and bite.

Welcome to the board and I don't mean to be harsh. I think your 90% of the way there. A few tweaks and I think it should sound pretty solid.

Luke

 

[MKibanez]

Prefer the Friedman.

 

[nitro]

They both sounded naselly.

 

[rupe]

Very similar...a live audience would never hear a difference. The Friedman sounded a bit more refined on the high end which I prefer.

 

[Bronco]

They both sounded naselly.

Agreed...nice playing though.

 

[nitro]

What are the amp settings,what tubes are being used.

 

[Kapo_Polenton]

Atomica sounded a tad fuller and more together. Less fizz. I liked them both and could go either way if i had the cashola to drop on an amp.

 

[joepete77]

In these clips they are close but I might prefer the atomica a touch more.nice chops and cool thread!

 

[bmf5150]

The nasally sound u hear is that line 6 recording preamp, I had one and all my amp recordings turned out same way, when I got my new preamp it was a huge difference!! It's the line 6 preamp not the amps!!!!

 

[nitro]

Ive heard both amps live and they both sound naselly.

 

[rupe]

Ive heard both amps live and they both sound naselly.

I own a Marsha and I wouldn't consider it nasally sounding...it has these things called tone knobs on it that allow the user to dial it in to their preference. It's not like a plexi where the knobs hardly do anything.

 

[Ventura]

Ive heard both amps live and they both sound naselly.

I own a Marsha and I wouldn't consider it nasally sounding...it has these things called tone knobs on it that allow the user to dial it in to their preference. It's not like a plexi where the knobs hardly do anything.

Point.

 

[nitro]

Really.. well if your looking for early Van halen(78-81)in my opinion Rockstah Mod5(Mark Abrahamin) is the way to go.Since his death the amps that he made and modded are going for sick money I was offered $3500 for the amp Mark modded for me and a friend that owns one was offered $3k.

 

[metalmaniac93]

Excellent chops!!!

Both sound great IMO and I own an Atomica. I also played the Atomica and Friedman BE-100 side by side and both are comparable, but the Friedman has a warmer sound on the high end and of course more options like a clean channel, etc. And both of these amps do not sound nasally live although it does in these clips.

 

[Ventura]

Great demo, thanks for posting.

Hard to say which I prefer as there were parts where I liked one over the other and obviously vice versa. Overall, the Friedman sounds smoother, and the Atomica a little more biting. The nasally bit is complete rubbish to me as in a mix, these tracks - either the Cameron or the Atomica - would fit perfectly well in the VH coverband context.

If I had to choose between one? I'd want the Marsha for tone, but the Atomica for adjustability. I think they could both get there, very well done...

 

[nitro]

"point",the amps in my opinion dont have the extended highend-brightness thats needed for early van halen,just my opinion....

 

[Anonymous]

Really.. well if your looking for early Van halen(78-81)in my opinion Rockstah Mod5(Mark Abrahamin) is the way to go.Since his death the amps that he made and modded are going for sick money I was offered $3500 for the amp Mark modded for me and a friend that owns one was offered $3k.

You should have taken the $3500. It is an easy mod that is well documented over at Metro. Mark's excellent VH-style playing and well thought out reverb setting are a large portion of what people hear in those clips he did.

Steve