Guys that pass on a IIC+ HRG RI are blowing it.

[Bxlxaxkxe]

I’ve had the HRG RI for three days now, and have been comparing it to my OG SG++, and it is indeed a killer.
The OG is considerably more raw, warm and vintage sounding, the RI tighter, punchier, juicier,
with more growl.
The RI is considerably more modern sounding, without the sterile, filtered tone and feel many modern amps have imo, while still being 100% C+.
Just like the Recto RI, Mesa knocked it out of the park with this one as well.
The PS is for my 72 SL, not the Mesas. Lol
View attachment 425384

Max depth. My man

 

[Techdeth]

THe HRG RI is FAR more dynamic, punchy, clear and organic than the JP.

The JP holds together better with a 7 string where you need it to be more compressed & flat.

The mic pics up a little of this, and there was a massive difference in the room.

I never liked a 2c+ . I’d take a mark 7 over it . I can not see what makes this amp so special . I sold mine . So it’s truly subjective . I mean if I used the same logic from my point of view I could say my Larry destroys these mesas . But I’d be wrong because many would still want their mesas .
Edit : I do think its a great amp but …the insanity is wild over it

 

[GJgo]

That comparison was close, JP-2C had less bite but fuller sound vs the HRG RI; less bass / more treble/presence on the JP-2C might change that?


More of a Marshall player than Mesa, so far haven't heard anything that makes me want to replace my JP-2C.

I like the smooth compressed glassy sounds vs raw for Mesa, but not playing thrash with it (I have Marshalls and Engl Artist Edition 100, Bogner Helios Eclipse for that).

Same reasons I like my Diezel VHX, smooth, compressed glassy tones.

I also don't use more than 6 strings, and only tune down a half step at most; usually in standard tuning.

The things that make these two amps different you can't negate by turning knobs. If a guy wants that modern compressed feel, the JP & the V are possibly better choices in the Mark world. If however a guy wants the vintage organic Mark II/III thing, the HRG RI is the only Mark to cop this since the OGs.

 

[Beyond Black]

The things that make these two amps different you can't negate by turning knobs. If a guy wants that modern compressed feel, the JP & the V are possibly better choices in the Mark world. If however a guy wants the vintage organic Mark II/III thing, the HRG RI is the only Mark to cop this since the OGs.

The HRG RI sounds modern in comparison to the OG, but as Jeremy said, it’s organic and in no way filtered or compressed. It’s a rude, raging aggressive beast.

 

[anomaly]

If I were to guess based on what I know, I'd guess the HRG RI is brighter, punchier and more dynamic.

DRG's are often described as being brighter than HRG's, I wonder why that is and not the other way around?

 

[anomaly]

The HRG RI sounds modern in comparison to the OG, but as Jeremy said, it’s organic and in no way filtered or compressed. It’s a rude, raging aggressive beast.

If it's a Mark, it's compressed, vintage or modern. Its just that the V and VII are even more compressed. They can be dialed back to sound more open though.

 

[MadAsAHatter]

I might be in the minority, but I'm just not jumping in on the Mark hype. Or maybe just choice overload and burnout.

Not knocking them. They're great amps and I love my Mark III. With multiple versions of the V, VII, JP2C, and now several IIC+ available. Not to mention all the III's and IV's still out in there. All with the same core tone, just nuanced seasoning. It's a bit much.

I guess on a good note that also means there should be a Mark flavor for everyone; unless you flat out hate Mesa.

 

[anomaly]

You know what I hear in the modern Marks that I don't hear in the vintage ones? More upper mids and treble content in say the 3-5k area. I hear it in the JP2C and the VII especially. The old ones sound very devoid in those frequencies which is why I think they are hard to record and why some people have issues cutting through with them. I think that is why Bob Rock added the Jose Marshall on the black album, just to add a touch more in the high end.

 

[anomaly]

I might be in the minority, but I'm just not jumping in on the Mark hype. Or maybe just choice overload and burnout.

Not knocking them. They're great amps and I love my Mark III. With multiple versions of the V, VII, JP2C, and now several IIC+ available. Not to mention all the III's and IV's still out in there. All with the same core tone, just nuanced seasoning. It's a bit much.

I guess on a good note that also means there should be a Mark flavor for everyone; unless you flat out hate Mesa.

I think it's more than nuance. I noticed a fairly big tonal shift going from III red stripe to a IV. What I noticed the most was how they sounded under a microphone... But you know, all high gain amps can sound similar with the same cab, speakers, guitar, pedals...

 

[GJgo]

DRG's are often described as being brighter than HRG's, I wonder why that is and not the other way around?

Perception I guess. I've owned a ton of IIs and IIIs in all configs and would not agree with this in general, though of course there are individual examples that may be since the OGs are all a little different at this point.

Triode is just soft & dark IMO.

 

[GJgo]

You know what I hear in the modern Marks that I don't hear in the vintage ones? More upper mids and treble content in say the 3-5k area. I hear it in the JP2C and the VII especially. The old ones sound very devoid in those frequencies which is why I think they are hard to record and why some people have issues cutting through with them. I think that is why Bob Rock added the Jose Marshall on the black album, just to add a touch more in the high end.

I fully agree. To add, IMO the JP & VII took the mids too far into honk where the HRG RI and Dual Rec RI NAILED the mids.

 

[Beyond Black]

If it's a Mark, it's compressed, vintage or modern. Its just that the V and VII are even more compressed. They can be dialed back to sound more open though.

Agreed. I should have said less compressed than most modern amps.

 

[Beyond Black]

You know what I hear in the modern Marks that I don't hear in the vintage ones? More upper mids and treble content in say the 3-5k area. I hear it in the JP2C and the VII especially. The old ones sound very devoid in those frequencies which is why I think they are hard to record and why some people have issues cutting through with them. I think that is why Bob Rock added the Jose Marshall on the black album, just to add a touch more in the high end.

I’ll second that. I have to set my OG SG higher in those frequencies to match the cut and ferocity of the RI.
The RI Recto also has naturally higher mids.

 

[Beyond Black]

I fully agree. To add, IMO the JP & VII took the mids too far into honk where the HRG RI and Dual Rec RI NAILED the mids.

Yes they did and both amps are juicier than the OGs as a result.

 

[MadAsAHatter]

I think it's more than nuance. I noticed a fairly big tonal shift going from III red stripe to a IV. What I noticed the most was how they sounded under a microphone... But you know, all high gain amps can sound similar with the same cab, speakers, guitar, pedals...

I fully agree. To add, IMO the JP & VII took the mids too far into honk where the HRG RI and Dual Rec RI NAILED the mids.

I'm talking core tone as in when you hear it you know it's a Mark series. You're not going to mistake it for a JCM800, 6505, or even a Recto. Past that is what I consider the nuances. Though nuance might be the wrong word to use.

 

[andrewd]

I fully agree. To add, IMO the JP & VII took the mids too far into honk where the HRG RI and Dual Rec RI NAILED the mids.

Is this not something that can be compensated with the mid dial and GEQ? Or is it the difference in the core tone?

I have an OG IIC+, and knock on wood, so far the tone controls and GEQ are enough for me not to check out the RI.

 

[GJgo]

Is this not something that can be compensated with the mid dial and GEQ? Or is it the difference in the core tone?

I have an OG IIC+, and knock on wood, so far the tone controls and GEQ are enough for me not to check out the RI.

It's a difference at the core, not something you can knob out. Especially in the JP.

 

[andrewd]

It's a difference at the core, not something you can knob out. Especially in the JP.

Time to bite the bullet and try one in nearest shop. Hope it won't lead to anything irresponsible

 

[GJgo]

I played the HRG RI again at 80s rock band practice yesterday (cycling through my cabs) and found a winner in the band mix. The GB cab I tried last week was a bit too much up against the other guy's 2205 & 1960AV cab and the 1986 1960B cab got a little lost, but yesterday the 2001 Recto Trad cab was stellar! This was by far the best Mark experience I've ever had in a live band situation- great mids, clarity, presence, just sat easily & commanded it's spot in the mix. Super happy with this.

 

[skoora]

For anyone feeling impulsive, GC used has a HRG for $2899 right now (saw yesterday)…