MC I vs MC II

B

braintheory

Well-known member
What are the tonal differences between the modern classic I and II?

I heard the lead channels are identical and that the MC II has an FX Loop, and that the MC II's first channel has more gain and might be voiced differently. Anyone know? Which one do you like better?
 
I've never owned a Modern Classic I, so can't comment.

I think we need steve_k (Steve) and/or johnnyjellybean (Steve) to chime in, as they have owned both amps.

The latter Steve has had both amps at the same time and I'm sure has likely A/B'd them. He might be your best bet for a fullsome answer.
 
I demoed the MC and then bought an MCII. IMO the MC that I demoed was a little bright on the rhythm channel. This made it hard for me to get the two channels to balance out for what I wanted. I talked to Rick about this and he said he reduced the highs in the rhythm channel so the MCII and the newer MCs are not as bright as the one I tried. If that is the case, then I would "guess" that there is no real tonal differences between the two now if they were dialed in the same way. If you want the brighter rhythm channel Rick will make the amp that way for you as some people still like that better. I didn't notice any real difference in the lead channel tone between the two amps. The MCII "may" have more gain but I can't verify this as I didn't have the two amps at the same time. Both amps can now be ordered with effects loops.

However, the MCII has a gain for the rhythm channel as well as a bright control on the back. With these two controls (and the changes to the rhythm channel I mentioned above) I found it MUCH easier to get the two channels to balance out on the MCII.
 
drspearing":2jqknnj3 said:
I demoed the MC and then bought an MCII. IMO the MC that I demoed was a little bright on the rhythm channel. This made it hard for me to get the two channels to balance out for what I wanted. I talked to Rick about this and he said he reduced the highs in the rhythm channel so the MCII and the newer MCs are not as bright as the one I tried. If that is the case, then I would "guess" that there is no real tonal differences between the two now if they were dialed in the same way. If you want the brighter rhythm channel Rick will make the amp that way for you as some people still like that better. I didn't notice any real difference in the lead channel tone between the two amps. The MCII "may" have more gain but I can't verify this as I didn't have the two amps at the same time. Both amps can now be ordered with effects loops.

However, the MCII has a gain for the rhythm channel as well as a bright control on the back. With these two controls (and the changes to the rhythm channel I mentioned above) I found it MUCH easier to get the two channels to balance out on the MCII.
Click to expand...

Sent my older MC in for current updates and to have a loop installed. Part of the updates (which were free...only had to pay for the loop) is the bright control on the lead channel. Everyone thats ever heard my MC can't believe what they are hearing. The MC also seems to love real vintage greenbacks. I use mine with a 73 Marshall cab with the original greenbacks in it. Also...I can't imagine anyone needing more gain than what the MC puts out.
 
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