FIRED IT UP!!! MAK 4 CONTENT...

[Ventura]

Yo Cats,

Found myself with some extra time today - a rarity. And there I am, staring at this 'box' on the floor of my session room. The unplayed, unplugged, untouched Mako Mak 4. I wanted to wait to get 'er up and running with the actual poweramp and everything, patience... Well, so much for that - I fired 'er up through the stereo power section of my VH4S - perfect really, considering the dual outputs of the Mak 4. FWIW, my VH4S is running 40mA 6550's for its juice.

Alright - I'm not going to get into the nitty gritty of this preamp QUITE yet as it's not actually set up QUITE like it's going to be, things will change. I just couldn't wait any longer. Here's what I can say:

The Mak 4 is a helluva sweet piece of gear!! We all know it has four channels and is pretty large, so no need kicking a dead horse. Through the Diezel? Clean is spankin' clean and super sweet, love the fact the preamp knob doesn't chew it up, just increases its girth. The crunch channel?? Jaaaaaaaaaaaaayzeus, this one's got some play to it (bye bye plexi jones, ahem..cough...ahem). Super nice channel - seriously well voiced. Makoplex? WAAAAAAAAAAAAAY pissed off sounding, and excellent taper from marge to large - wicked wicked sounding channel. Dorado?? Off the f'n hook - BALLS OUT KAZY!!!

Alright - that's it. So far?? I've test driven in on my VH4S. So far?? It works. So far?? It sounds awesome. So far?? Super pumped I got it and I think it was a very, very wise decision to pick this puppy up as it'll be offering me what I need in many departments.

Expect clips, video and full reviews once I get the rest of my rack gear - in addition to my Zoom H4n (coming from the States, bloody customs.... ). I'll need a good 20 hours on this puppy, after that?? I'll know what to tell you, but for now?? Andrew - BEAUTIFUL JOB BRADDAH!!!!

There it is, expect Part 2 of 2 within a month...
V.

 

[sled]

I'm so tempted on the Mak4.

I absolutely love my Dorado. Such a great tone.

 

[Ventura]

Going through the VH4S, 6550 driven, going through a Diezel 4x12 loaded with G12K's, the Makoplex was wicked, and the Dorado un-f'n-believable. A little dry, but this is the 6550's speaking, and the somewhat stiff/dry cab. This is why I'm going with the Deliverance 4x12 cab, should sound nice to give it more grind and chew...

I'm not losing my mind, I am just amazed with this 4 channel little piece of wizardry. I'm diggin' it. What I can't get over is the price At the prices it's being offered, I'm amazed 'most' players who want variety and power and gain and metal tones (amongst several others, obviously) don't have one

V.

 

[threadkiller]

Glad to hear you finally plugged it in. Hope you get the rest of your rack gear in soon and can give it the full head to toe. I'm with you, this thing covers so much ground it's hard to believe it doesn't cost more, but I'm not going to complain. I've got a feeling I'm going to be on the crunch channel most of the time with my cover band. Can't wait to get mine in. I don't have any way to record here other than a camcorder so I doubt I make any clips. Look forward to your full review.

 

[Ventura]

Glad to hear you finally plugged it in. Hope you get the rest of your rack gear in soon and can give it the full head to toe. I'm with you, this thing covers so much ground it's hard to believe it doesn't cost more, but I'm not going to complain. I've got a feeling I'm going to be on the crunch channel most of the time with my cover band. Can't wait to get mine in. I don't have any way to record here other than a camcorder so I doubt I make any clips. Look forward to your full review.

The Crunch channel is ultimate - I mean, I really bought this thing for the Dorado/Makoplex channels, that was it. But the Crunch is serious tonal love - I'm surprised and stoked!!

I think you'll be pumped when you finally run yours... I am stoked to get my rack rig set up, but like I said, today was a gift of 'free time', and this preamp is wickedly sweet!! The tone is serious biz... Unique, full, distinct and rich. Not to mention, this puppy opens up nicely too - can't wait to drive it with near 200W of power

Peace,
V.

 

[JTyson]

I'm interested in these things, but I cant understand why people are flipping them so fast What I have heard so far sounds fantastic, and at that price, you cant go wrong
Congrats man, must have some clips

 

[Ventura]

I'm interested in these things, but I cant understand why people are flipping them so fast What I have heard so far sounds fantastic, and at that price, you cant go wrong
Congrats man, must have some clips

It's like this with everything man - and the lower the price, the easier they are to let go under the assumption they'll be easy to re-purchase. You know how it rolls, a lot of cats buy stuff, in their mind - they get it - and are instantly blessed with being better, more proficient professed players. Then reality kicks in, they get the gear, and they play the same shit through it as they do all their other gear, and they tire of it quickly. Honeymoon phase over??? Off it goes for sale... Easy come ($1000 or thereabouts), easy go ($800 or thereabouts).

But ya, I'm saying this straight up, this is an awesome preamp. It's also pretty inexpensive, which makes it even more palatable. I've got some nice rigs, and this thing is on its own in the tonal department and I love how it sounds - it's modern, heavy, it's got a HUGE range in the EQ, for those wondering - there was nothing about 'noise' that made me raise an eyebrow (as per Andrew's recent tweaks); there's a lot of bass to the EQ, another tweak, and overall; the range/spectrum of this thing makes it pretty invaluable to anyone wanting diversity and unique tone.

And all this while driving it through the back end of a Diezel. The full report will be just that, but in the meantime, I'm pretty stoked to keep the red light on

V.

 

[GuitarGuyLP]

Glad you opened it up. I was just starting to get learn the controls, and I have been out of town all weekend, and I will probably not be able to play for the next week or so. This pre is a keeper, but I think that it is an easy item to flip with the low price, and some people might question it withe the low price, but the build quality is nice, and clean!!!! I can't see any reason to sell one unless you are not into high gain, or you don't want a rack. There are no other good pre amps in the same price range.

 

[Capulin Overdrive]

The question is , what sounds better, should I be selling my VH4 for one of these?

not just NO, but HELL NO!

 

[Ventura]

The question is , what sounds better, should I be selling my VH4 for one of these?

In your specific case, Reza, no. I know how much time you've spent engineering your rig around the V, and I know what kind of incredible tones you're getting from your rig. I'd say it'd be a lateral shift in gear, but a backwards step in having to re-vamp everything.

Now, if you were able to ADD the Mak4 to your existing set up, I think you'd be pretty blown away. I'd imagine some people may even be 100% completely satisfied with running through the serial loop of the V's power section as an additional 4 channels. If this is what you'd intend, I'd say dive in - zero hesitations. Even if you matched it with another poweramp to have a secondary rig within your rack, could be done.

I haven't explored the extent of this preamp yet - nor have I mated it with the Fryette 2/90/2 and Deliverance cab. All I can say is it's got some incredible tone and voicings when I ran it through the V. On its own and against the V, poweramp dependent I am sure, they'd be pretty heavy hitters in the same ring. But the Diezel has a signature tone that's unmistakable, and it's a tone I adore. The Mak4 and I still need to get to know one another, but its tonal range [thus far], while entirely different than the V or Diezel in general, is extremely high quality sonically and very wide. I can pick a Diezel, specifically the VH4(S) out of any blind sound test. Interestingly enough, of the tests that Mrevol has done along with other studio clips I've heard from Mak4 owners - I can easily pick out the Makoplex tone, and 7-8/10 times the Dorado tone - and both those tones are, IMHO, outrageously wicked. They're not like the others in the blind tests (Mesa, Krank, SLO, Marshall, 5150, etc) - there's something really 'sweet' and 'balanced' and 'pissed off' about them - and I've favoured them in every clip test thus far... With the exception of any VH4 when set up right to record

Peace,
V.

 

[Laura]

Every time I see a thread about the Mak4 it makes me want to buy one although I already own a Mak2 Dorado and a Makoplex. WTF?!?!?

 

[Ventura]

Every time I see a thread about the Mak4 it makes me want to buy one although I already own a Mak2 Dorado and a Makoplex. WTF?!?!?

That is a bit ineresting to say the least... Don't really know what to tell you, I guess, um, they're a space saver?? Kinda neat having 4-in-1??

V.

 

[bubbastain]

 

[Sixtonoize]

Killer preamp.

If it weren't for money issues (and really, an offer I couldn't resist), mine would still be the main part of my rack rig.

I think that the Crunch channel would benefit from a bright cap (or a different value if it already has one), but if you're looking for JTM45 tones, it NAILS them. I'm more of a JCM800 guy, though.

The Clean and Makoplex channels, IMO, are fucking amazing. Dorado is a little too intense for my style, though.

Still - the damn thing would be a steal at twice the price.

 

[Ventura]

FWIW, I was back at 'er today... Through the power section of the VH4S, couple things to note:

- it remained quiet today, even though I was dealing with 3x the volume of yesterday
- there is a hiss on idle when on Makoplex and Dorado, but nothing surprising, minimal really
- zero squeeling and feedback issues with the volume/preamp EQ up to fairly substantial
- excellent pick articulation, super fast tracking and TIGHT
- the Dorado channel is unto itself, one of the Top 3 Pissed Off tones I know and really, really am glad I now have (the other two being Ch.3 of the VH4 and the Ch.2 of the Herbert in metal mode). This is taking into consideration the Uberschalls I've owned, etc. Dorado is dry, tight, compressed, but really thick and colorful, it's not brittle, it's f'n SWEET!! And VERY pissed off sounding
- the Makoplex channel is brilliant, and up there with other Top Quality Contenders, not the same, but in the same league of quality and unqiue sound as my beloved 20thA XTC's boosted Blue and lower gain Red channels, as well as the VH4's Channel 2 when dialed in sweet (Reza...you know what I'm talking about here ).

So - still not the full rig, but cats, the tone I am sure ain't for everyone, nor was it meant to be. As many of you know, I'll take a unique tone and give it thumbs up before I accept and give credit to a generic tone or sound even if that generic tone or sound is good. I like character, distinction, and unique... And thus far, the Mak4 delivers 2 high gain channels that sound different from the rest, and sound very, very f*ckin good.

Crunch Channel on the Mak4 is a sleeper, it's super responsive to single coil versus humbuckers, pick attack, playing style, and detail. Really, a surprise I was NOT expecting... With the gain up there on this channel, ya, there's some great shit going on here - from breaking bluesy tunes to modern aggressive crunchy hard hard rock tones.

It's not ever going to replace my 20thA XTC, or my VH4S, or my other boutiquey builds...but it is going to stay because it sounds different than all of these, but it's a sound I really dig. It's so distinct sounding - really, what a trip

I know next session I play, or track I record or get out and gig with this thing, it'll turn heads. I know it... It'll be the "what the f*ck is Mo playing now?!?!? jesus, that sounds bloody good - where the...what the...how the... just LISTEN to that thing!! Musta cost an arm and a leg I bet!!".

Peace,
V.

For the record: Played through a '57 Goldtop Lester as well as my detuned (to B) ESP NT-II loaded with BKP PK's, the 4x12 G12K loaded Diezel cab, 6550 driven VH4S head.

 

[Capulin Overdrive]

I'm interested in these things, but I cant understand why people are flipping them so fast What I have heard so far sounds fantastic, and at that price, you cant go wrong
Congrats man, must have some clips

i flipped mine because it didn't have anywhere near enough low end for me. plus the thing came loaded with all JJ preamp tubes, it was pure doo doo before swapping some tubes.


i'd crank bass on the preamp and on my pedal, and still needed to add a sonic maximizer to get the thing to thump.


i maybe should have sent it back for tweaks, but it allready took way longer to get than it should have. i sure as hell wasn't in the mood to wait for it to get tweaked.

i've liked the Mako amps i've tried, but IMHO the magic isn't there with this preamp. maybe he'll eventually get it tweaked right. but for now i'd call it an oversized work in progress.


if you're in the mood for something deferent, and have a power amp laying around. a Suhr Line Out Box is a hell of a lot cheaper and more fun.

 

[Ventura]

I'm interested in these things, but I cant understand why people are flipping them so fast What I have heard so far sounds fantastic, and at that price, you cant go wrong
Congrats man, must have some clips

i flipped mine because it didn't have anywhere near enough low end for me. plus the thing came loaded with all JJ preamp tubes, it was pure doo doo before swapping some tubes.


i'd crank bass on the preamp and on my pedal, and still needed to add a sonic maximizer to get the thing to thump.


i maybe should have sent it back for tweaks, but it allready took way longer to get than it should have. i sure as hell wasn't in the mood to wait for it to get tweaked.

i've liked the Mako amps i've tried, but IMHO the magic isn't there with this preamp. maybe he'll eventually get it tweaked right. but for now i'd call it an oversized work in progress.


if you're in the mood for something deferent, and have a power amp laying around. a Suhr Line Out Box is a hell of a lot cheaper and more fun.

That sucks man, 1st impressions are hard to shift...

This thing's got low end. Lots.

And as mentioned, zero shit coming from the pre's... Not sure what's in there, haven't opened 'er up yet, but it's f'n sweet

V.

 

[bubbastain]

 

[Bevosss]

FWIW, I was back at 'er today... Through the power section of the VH4S, couple things to note:

- it remained quiet today, even though I was dealing with 3x the volume of yesterday
- there is a hiss on idle when on Makoplex and Dorado, but nothing surprising, minimal really
- zero squeeling and feedback issues with the volume/preamp EQ up to fairly substantial
- excellent pick articulation, super fast tracking and TIGHT
- the Dorado channel is unto itself, one of the Top 3 Pissed Off tones I know and really, really am glad I now have (the other two being Ch.3 of the VH4 and the Ch.2 of the Herbert in metal mode). This is taking into consideration the Uberschalls I've owned, etc. Dorado is dry, tight, compressed, but really thick and colorful, it's not brittle, it's f'n SWEET!! And VERY pissed off sounding
- the Makoplex channel is brilliant, and up there with other Top Quality Contenders, not the same, but in the same league of quality and unqiue sound as my beloved 20thA XTC's boosted Blue and lower gain Red channels, as well as the VH4's Channel 2 when dialed in sweet (Reza...you know what I'm talking about here ).

So - still not the full rig, but cats, the tone I am sure ain't for everyone, nor was it meant to be. As many of you know, I'll take a unique tone and give it thumbs up before I accept and give credit to a generic tone or sound even if that generic tone or sound is good. I like character, distinction, and unique... And thus far, the Mak4 delivers 2 high gain channels that sound different from the rest, and sound very, very f*ckin good.

Crunch Channel on the Mak4 is a sleeper, it's super responsive to single coil versus humbuckers, pick attack, playing style, and detail. Really, a surprise I was NOT expecting... With the gain up there on this channel, ya, there's some great shit going on here - from breaking bluesy tunes to modern aggressive crunchy hard hard rock tones.

It's not ever going to replace my 20thA XTC, or my VH4S, or my other boutiquey builds...but it is going to stay because it sounds different than all of these, but it's a sound I really dig. It's so distinct sounding - really, what a trip

I know next session I play, or track I record or get out and gig with this thing, it'll turn heads. I know it... It'll be the "what the f*ck is Mo playing now?!?!? jesus, that sounds bloody good - where the...what the...how the... just LISTEN to that thing!! Musta cost an arm and a leg I bet!!".

Peace,
V.

For the record: Played through a '57 Goldtop Lester as well as my detuned (to B) ESP NT-II loaded with BKP PK's, the 4x12 G12K loaded Diezel cab, 6550 driven VH4S head.

Cheers for the initial review V! That's a stock MAK4 you got correct? Good news on the noise issue, everything else is what I'm expecting to hear (and yeah, I believe the crunch channel w/wo boost was FastRedPonyCar's fav channel also, which is amazing considering how good the Makoplex/Dorado sound).

I can't see ANY preamp lacking low end going thru my Herbert honestly, the deep control is amazingly huge. I'm surprised you held off playing it for so long actually, mine will be in the box at my home for mere ms! I have a feeling the Dorado and Makoplex/Crunch will be perfect for doubling/layering huge guitar tracks.

Keep us updated V! Thanks man.

 

[Ventura]

Cheers for the initial review V! That's a stock MAK4 you got correct? Good news on the noise issue, everything else is what I'm expecting to hear (and yeah, I believe the crunch channel w/wo boost was FastRedPonyCar's fav channel also, which is amazing considering how good the Makoplex/Dorado sound).

I can't see ANY preamp lacking low end going thru my Herbert honestly, the deep control is amazingly huge. I'm surprised you held off playing it for so long actually, mine will be in the box at my home for mere ms! I have a feeling the Dorado and Makoplex/Crunch will be perfect for doubling/layering huge guitar tracks.

Keep us updated V! Thanks man.

Ya man, stock Mak4. Got some emails back and forth with Andrew about it, he wanted to know my thoughts and what it was all about. He said that the new revisions - the ones he's currently pumping out (mine included) had all the necessary tweaks and mods and upgrades and changes to rid the original issues that were found in the initial release. He also said he went through some serious painstaking tasks to get the best, most consistent, reliable, and noise-free 12AX7's possible. That's not to say they're not Shuguang/Chinese B's or C's or whatever, I haven't opened it up yet - but it is SAFE and with confidence that I say this thing is quiet and bloody awesome.

FastRedPonyCar does love the CRUNCH, and I can see why - it's pretty versatile man, I mean, it really is a HUGE channel. With the gain (preamp) cranked, it's got a Ch.3 VH4 vibe going on...tight, percussive, dry, but rich. And fair enough, the Plex and Dorado channels are just sick.

Funny you mention layering this pre... I bought mine and immediately ordered a Lehle S-go-S splitter - I think this amp coupled with the VH4S will sound stupid good, and the CRUNCH mated with the hot/boosted Blue of the 20thA XTC also pretty amazing for sure. But what I'm really happy with is that this thing sounds simply f*ckin' RIGHTEOUS as is and on its own!!

BUT!!!!!!!!!!!!! Being the anal OCD (CDO, actually, to keep it alphabetized) perfectionist that I am, I am NOT posting clips till I get the 2/90/2 and the Deliverance, as it's then and ONLY then, the sound I was hoping to put build in my mind, will hopefully become a reality (through some form of sonic and consumer alchemy... )

Peace,
V.