I'm up first
(EDIT: er, second it would seem - took me a while to write this sucker)
First of all, not 100% sure where you've heard that this is an amp that is typically blended... If you're concerned about the cut in a mix, believe me, the VH4 will do this with ease.
Now, let's discuss this amp... VH4S - specified, the Stereo model. I've owned both, and I currently own a bought-new 2009 VH4S loaded with fairly hot =C= 6550's and Chinese/Shuguang 12AX7's. Let's start with its pluses - and these are my opines and therefore, YMMV, but people worldwide who have this amp, mono or stereo, and think of this amp as a religion unto itself, can't be wrong.
First of all, I went with the Stereo version because I love the 2 x 50W power sections in stereo. I like the way they sound, I like the way they push, and I really REALLY love the true stereo panning capabilities of this amp. Secondly, there is not, nor of there be, a better FX loop in the world of amplifiers - period. It's an engineering feat to have created such an incredible loop - both the serial and the parallel. Hands down, fantastic. Then there's the MIDI controlled aspect of the amp - brilliant design, and exquisite simplicity. Then there are the channel inserts - very, very smart engineering on behalf of the designer. Think of these "inserts" as independent and discrete loops for each channel. I'm not joking, the engineering is wicked.
Now, the ever discussed and norotiously famed "Channel 3". Let's NOT talk about that channel...yet. First off, let's discuss 1, 2 and 4.
Channel 1: Brilliant percussive cleans, and it can dirty up ever-so-slightly with a good gain adjustment and even a clean boost in front. The amp is very receptive to the preamp glass used in the different stage sockets. You can get amazing punchy cleans with a nice tube in V1, as well, the powertubes, although not yet mentioned, can be toggled between 6L6 and EL34 circuits with a flick of a switch - NICE FEATURE!!! So Channel one can do whatever the hell you want. It's superb.
Channel 2: Everything from bluesy warms to crunchy aggro... It'll do fat hollowbody electrics justice and it will also do the opening riff to Tool's Aenima exactly (funny that, as that's exactly what that tune is comprised of - channel 2 on the V!!). This channel lives under the shadow of Channel 3, but that's just because Channel 3 has an ego - and for good reason - but we won't go there yet. So Channel 2, believe it or not, and there are other members who'll agree - is the magic sleeper on this amp. it does a LOT and does it REALLY well. As is, gain adjusted, or with a BB or Tim or Koko or Mk.4:23 or OCD - this channel can cover a LOT of territory, and will do so with that inexplicable "Diezel" tone...
Channel 4: Sick. Just off the hook - nu-metal, uber-metal, thrash, and everything else that mandates a sick amount of venomous bite while surprisingly maintaining ALL of the guitar's focus and signal dynamics. You show me another amp that has this much gain on tap, this much brutality, and still remain focused, heavy with low end, amazing punch, and gobs of the Diezel signature tone. Remember, all these channels have their own independent inserts. So, Channel 4 will melt faces - I use it for solos, I use it for sick cutting brootz, and I use it because I love the integrity it has even though it's off the hook with gain.
Those are the 3 red headed step children channels to the egotistical Channel 3. They are all bloody fantastic. Channel 1 can be a bit dark, some will say, but this can be modified with the right choice of glass in the pre's and even the powersection. That's the only thing out there I can think of saying.
Stereo - we've mentioned the other bits, now let's talk about pure stereo. In short, it kicks ass. Whether a stereo cab double mic'd, or a 2 cab rig - instant wall of sound, and one that'll leave yer knees wobbly and maybe even a bit moist in the undies. It kicks ass!!
Sooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo......
Channel 3: There's a reason everyone talks about this channel. It's the channel that delivered the Diezel signature tone to the world years ago, and continues to do so to this day. It's the ultimate channel of the amp, because it's the ultimate Diezel tone - nothing more, nothing less. It is pretty f*ckin' awesome, and rather than dwell on it, I'd say - for lack of all reason and sanity - this channel alone would be worth the price of the amp to many people out there. But don't construe this as some one-hit wonder amp... It's just that this channel is the shit. Period.
What else can I tell you??
Hope this helps.
V.
