Mesa IIC+ Coliseum Clip

[Racerxrated]

It's not so much the brightness but more the raw/aggressive gain structure. The Treble being before the overdrive means that it acts as much like a gain control on the lead channel. And the Presence up higher gives you that bouncy/raw character. But this is coming from an SRG owner so they might just be different animals.

Yea. What I’m asking is without paying to attention to where any controls are set and just listening, is it lacking aggression or brightness/rawness. I don’t think so but we’re all different. What I want to capture more of is the size/footprint.

That bounce is less inherent in the K. The power section is much more immediate and just straight to the face.

The higher the power, less the bouncy feel. That's been my experience with my first, an SRG; two HRGs and now the Coliseum. It's still there, but just a bit less of it. The SRG was my best overall tone of the 4, but the others still have amazing tone. The Coliseum power section when pushed just lays waste to the others with the end result being so hifi/3D at volume, it raises the hair on my arms it sounds so good. If you don't really have the opportunity to push the master on these amps then I'd recommend finding an SRG. If you can turn up, even if it's for a short time then the Coli is worth every penny.
I always pull vol 1, maxed, treble pulled, maxed and pull deep, with the other pull brights engaged. V shaped GEQ, and presence usually between 7-10. But when I crank it up I drop the presence down to 3-5 as it gets much brighter with volume, like most amps. Clips don't reflect the harmonic swirl that happens with these amps, hard to describe but it's there. They are tons of fun to play.

Well put and lines up exactly with what I’m learning about the K.

You savages and your maxed gain

I forgot to mention my lead drive is fairly low, like 3 or so. But I like a little boost in front for some upper mid bite..not like a Marshall but it adds some in.

 

[Exo-metal]

Exactly how I treat my bitch and she still puts out like no other?

 

[Racerxrated]

Exactly how I treat my bitch and she still puts out like no other?

 

[GJgo]

I've found that while Marks can get you the best ever tone in the room when playing by (with?) yourself, they are a challenge to get that same tone in the band mix & quite difficult to get the same tone recorded without a shitload of post. Every time I record a song with any Mark I inevitably spend 1-2 hours turning knobs & cussing trying to get a recorded tone I'm happy with. And then I end up settling & fixing it in post.

I still remember when I was in "all C++ all the time" mode & took one of them to a band rehearsal for the first time, I was shocked at how at full scoop the amp still sounded boxy & not as metal as the other guitarist's solid state amp & modeling pedalboard.

Out of all the Marks I've had only one (the B+ Coli) did it for me in the band mix and only one (the C+ SR) did it for me recording. To be fair I didn't have a chance to try the IVa or the JP in either of those settings. To be honest that factory SR was the best natural tone of all the IIs I've had, but the Coli is just a destroyer of worlds. I've debated trying to buy the SR back, or maybe getting a IVb. Or just being done.

I totally get that the Wizard & SLO have the same "recording fail" phenomenon. I can kind of hear it in the clips. So, with those I like to focus on what I hear in the gain structure because that comes across fine- it's the body & 3-dimensionality that does not record well. I'm still interested in a Wizard some day but I just can't see the SLO gain structure for metal. TBH I've never liked the brown sound though.

The C+ KRG is without question the king of the Mark hill. The K power section is so emotionally amazing that my B+ ultimately displaced all 4 of my IIC+. The experience that I've had sums up like this- Marks are the hot chick that you keep dating even though she's kind of psychotic. It's a roller coaster.

 

[Racerxrated]

I've found that while Marks can get you the best ever tone in the room when playing by (with?) yourself, they are a challenge to get that same tone in the band mix & quite difficult to get the same tone recorded without a shitload of post. Every time I record a song with any Mark I inevitably spend 1-2 hours turning knobs & cussing trying to get a recorded tone I'm happy with. And then I end up settling & fixing it in post.

I still remember when I was in "all C++ all the time" mode & took one of them to a band rehearsal for the first time, I was shocked at how at full scoop the amp still sounded boxy & not as metal as the other guitarist's solid state amp & modeling pedalboard.

Out of all the Marks I've had only one (the B+ Coli) did it for me in the band mix and only one (the C+ SR) did it for me recording. To be fair I didn't have a chance to try the IVa or the JP in either of those settings. To be honest that factory SR was the best natural tone of all the IIs I've had, but the Coli is just a destroyer of worlds. I've debated trying to buy the SR back, or maybe getting a IVb. Or just being done.

I totally get that the Wizard & SLO have the same "recording fail" phenomenon. I can kind of hear it in the clips. So, with those I like to focus on what I hear in the gain structure because that comes across fine- it's the body & 3-dimensionality that does not record well. I'm still interested in a Wizard some day but I just can't see the SLO gain structure for metal. TBH I've never liked the brown sound though.



The C+ KRG is without question the king of the Mark hill. The K power section is so emotionally amazing that my B+ ultimately displaced all 4 of my IIC+. The experience that I've had sums up like this- Marks are the hot chick that you keep dating even though she's kind of psychotic. It's a roller coaster.

If you mean gear forum 'clips' then yes there aren't many decent SLO/Wizard clips out there. But plenty of pro records have them. Pretty Reckless have a great recorded Wizard tone; and Ratt/Warren Haynes/Lynch Mob plus others I forget have pretty nice SLO tones. But if we listen to clips of Coliseums they are Ok at best; but we know better since we own them.
But these issues are why I just don't care or judge any amp based on a clip. I've bought amps base on clips only to return them quickly; while other amps I've bought based on rep and damn glad I did.

 

[suhrimmetal]

I've found that while Marks can get you the best ever tone in the room when playing by (with?) yourself, they are a challenge to get that same tone in the band mix & quite difficult to get the same tone recorded without a shitload of post. Every time I record a song with any Mark I inevitably spend 1-2 hours turning knobs & cussing trying to get a recorded tone I'm happy with. And then I end up settling & fixing it in post.

I still remember when I was in "all C++ all the time" mode & took one of them to a band rehearsal for the first time, I was shocked at how at full scoop the amp still sounded boxy & not as metal as the other guitarist's solid state amp & modeling pedalboard.

Out of all the Marks I've had only one (the B+ Coli) did it for me in the band mix and only one (the C+ SR) did it for me recording. To be fair I didn't have a chance to try the IVa or the JP in either of those settings. To be honest that factory SR was the best natural tone of all the IIs I've had, but the Coli is just a destroyer of worlds. I've debated trying to buy the SR back, or maybe getting a IVb. Or just being done.

I totally get that the Wizard & SLO have the same "recording fail" phenomenon. I can kind of hear it in the clips. So, with those I like to focus on what I hear in the gain structure because that comes across fine- it's the body & 3-dimensionality that does not record well. I'm still interested in a Wizard some day but I just can't see the SLO gain structure for metal. TBH I've never liked the brown sound though.



The C+ KRG is without question the king of the Mark hill. The K power section is so emotionally amazing that my B+ ultimately displaced all 4 of my IIC+. The experience that I've had sums up like this- Marks are the hot chick that you keep dating even though she's kind of psychotic. It's a roller coaster.

If you mean gear forum 'clips' then yes there aren't many decent SLO/Wizard clips out there. But plenty of pro records have them. Pretty Reckless have a great recorded Wizard tone; and Ratt/Warren Haynes/Lynch Mob plus others I forget have pretty nice SLO tones. But if we listen to clips of Coliseums they are Ok at best; but we know better since we own them.
But these issues are why I just don't care or judge any amp based on a clip. I've bought amps base on clips only to return them quickly; while other amps I've bought based on rep and damn glad I did.

Never had the honor to play a 2C+... had a Mark III stripe... it had that nice very 'together' bottom end and whoomp... but it did disappear in a 2 guitar band.... and it was very sensitive as most marks are. Wizards are something you have to have to get it... some of the best tones Ive heard have been from Wizard back line.. as 'Racer' stated... the pretty reckless live was a standout.. but they are a 1 guitarist band... reminds me of a modern day Pat Benetar/Neil Giraldo... lots of killer rhythm and groove... but tone was fantastic. Also saw Damon Johnson open for Winery Dogs.... he was using complete Wizard stack and sounded great. And as far as recorded.... Hetfields best tone to date for we was garage re-re visited... and that was Wizards.. tho a shit ton of post and layering. A Wizard at volume is hard to beat... same with an SLO... but also same with a Plexi..... it all comes down to what threshold you have, I will say.. The Wizard I had was the best built and best strength of an amp Ive ever had. Rick deserves his place for sure.

 

[Wizard of Ozz]

I totally get that the Wizard & SLO have the same "recording fail" phenomenon. I can kind of hear it in the clips. So, with those I like to focus on what I hear in the gain structure because that comes across fine- it's the body & 3-dimensionality that does not record well. I'm still interested in a Wizard some day but I just can't see the SLO gain structure for metal. TBH I've never liked the brown sound though.

The C+ KRG is without question the king of the Mark hill. The K power section is so emotionally amazing that my B+ ultimately displaced all 4 of my IIC+. The experience that I've had sums up like this- Marks are the hot chick that you keep dating even though she's kind of psychotic. It's a roller coaster.

Not so sure about that. Plenty of great Wizard clips out there if you look. The SLO is a different beast altogether. Quite a few great clips out there as well. Best SLO tones for me are Warren D. thru a G12M cabinet on several Ratt tracks.

It also sounds like you are confusing the Wizard and SLO designs. The Wizard is steeped wholly in the Marshall camp... whereas the SLO is a different animal based on Mesa MarkIIBs and some modified Fender designs. The SLO doesn’t sound anything like any Wizard amp. Which is a good thing. I’ve had 3 different SLOs. Never kept any that long.

 

[Bxlxaxkxe]

Kinda funny how this topic is shifting to Wizard...ironic timing...

 

[suhrimmetal]

Kinda funny how this topic is shifting to Wizard...ironic timing...

Congrats Blake. If you're afforded the space and ability to get her past 10oclock on master... it will open up a whole new can of tone It just sounds soooo big and blooms. Actually nicknamed the Wizard I had at the time 'Redrum'... cause it murdered every other amp in the room Nothing quite like it when you can get some volume. Let me know your thoughts. Cheers

 

[Racerxrated]

Kinda funny how this topic is shifting to Wizard...ironic timing...

Congrats Blake. If you're afforded the space and ability to get her past 10oclock on master... it will open up a whole new can of tone It just sounds soooo big and blooms. Actually nicknamed the Wizard I had at the time 'Redrum'... cause it murdered every other amp in the room Nothing quite like it when you can get some volume. Let me know your thoughts. Cheers

True story.

 

[Bxlxaxkxe]

Kinda funny how this topic is shifting to Wizard...ironic timing...

Congrats Blake. If you're afforded the space and ability to get her past 10oclock on master... it will open up a whole new can of tone It just sounds soooo big and blooms. Actually nicknamed the Wizard I had at the time 'Redrum'... cause it murdered every other amp in the room Nothing quite like it when you can get some volume. Let me know your thoughts. Cheers

Haha thats hilarious and awesome about the nickname. I'll definitely hit you up after I get some significant time with it. I've got about 5 hours on it so far and am completely addicted. But that's happened with a lot of amps in the beginning - the real test is when the "newness" wears off. And when I get some significant time with it next to the drummer. To me so far it's like a badass 2203. Insanely stout and very honest/raw. I have a hard time believing this won't cut like a knife in a mix.

 

[Bxlxaxkxe]

Also, how the fuck does Adam Jones not have a Wizard in his set up. This amp sounds like it was made for him.

 

[Exo-metal]

PM sent

 

[Bxlxaxkxe]

PM sent

Yo just text me man

 

[Exo-metal]

This thread is so hot I thought it was just as fast?

 

[MetalHeadMike]

[/quote] I will say.. The Wizard I had was the best built and best strength of an amp Ive ever had.[/quote]

This echos my perception of these amps. Nothing I've owned has been built as solid...not even close.

 

[DeathbyButterslax]

Also, how the fuck does Adam Jones not have a Wizard in his set up. This amp sounds like it was made for him.

He had some in his Instagram not long ago

 

[Bxlxaxkxe]

Also, how the fuck does Adam Jones not have a Wizard in his set up. This amp sounds like it was made for him.

He had some in his Instagram not long ago

Went back and found those. Think those were Evil Joe's, but who knows. I'm sure they made an appearance somehwere on the record

 

[GJgo]

I totally get that the Wizard & SLO have the same "recording fail" phenomenon. I can kind of hear it in the clips. So, with those I like to focus on what I hear in the gain structure because that comes across fine- it's the body & 3-dimensionality that does not record well. I'm still interested in a Wizard some day but I just can't see the SLO gain structure for metal. TBH I've never liked the brown sound though.

The C+ KRG is without question the king of the Mark hill. The K power section is so emotionally amazing that my B+ ultimately displaced all 4 of my IIC+. The experience that I've had sums up like this- Marks are the hot chick that you keep dating even though she's kind of psychotic. It's a roller coaster.

Not so sure about that. Plenty of great Wizard clips out there if you look. The SLO is a different beast altogether. Quite a few great clips out there as well. Best SLO tones for me are Warren D. thru a G12M cabinet on several Ratt tracks.

It also sounds like you are confusing the Wizard and SLO designs. The Wizard is steeped wholly in the Marshall camp... whereas the SLO is a different animal based on Mesa MarkIIBs and some modified Fender designs. The SLO doesn’t sound anything like any Wizard amp. Which is a good thing. I’ve had 3 different SLOs. Never kept any that long.

I believe you, and I'd love to hear those samples. Rather than searching & not knowing can you post some examples of clips that aren't full of pedals & post?

 

[GJgo]

I've found that while Marks can get you the best ever tone in the room when playing by (with?) yourself, they are a challenge to get that same tone in the band mix & quite difficult to get the same tone recorded without a shitload of post. Every time I record a song with any Mark I inevitably spend 1-2 hours turning knobs & cussing trying to get a recorded tone I'm happy with. And then I end up settling & fixing it in post.

I still remember when I was in "all C++ all the time" mode & took one of them to a band rehearsal for the first time, I was shocked at how at full scoop the amp still sounded boxy & not as metal as the other guitarist's solid state amp & modeling pedalboard.

Out of all the Marks I've had only one (the B+ Coli) did it for me in the band mix and only one (the C+ SR) did it for me recording. To be fair I didn't have a chance to try the IVa or the JP in either of those settings. To be honest that factory SR was the best natural tone of all the IIs I've had, but the Coli is just a destroyer of worlds. I've debated trying to buy the SR back, or maybe getting a IVb. Or just being done.

I totally get that the Wizard & SLO have the same "recording fail" phenomenon. I can kind of hear it in the clips. So, with those I like to focus on what I hear in the gain structure because that comes across fine- it's the body & 3-dimensionality that does not record well. I'm still interested in a Wizard some day but I just can't see the SLO gain structure for metal. TBH I've never liked the brown sound though.



The C+ KRG is without question the king of the Mark hill. The K power section is so emotionally amazing that my B+ ultimately displaced all 4 of my IIC+. The experience that I've had sums up like this- Marks are the hot chick that you keep dating even though she's kind of psychotic. It's a roller coaster.

If you mean gear forum 'clips' then yes there aren't many decent SLO/Wizard clips out there. But plenty of pro records have them. Pretty Reckless have a great recorded Wizard tone; and Ratt/Warren Haynes/Lynch Mob plus others I forget have pretty nice SLO tones. But if we listen to clips of Coliseums they are Ok at best; but we know better since we own them.
But these issues are why I just don't care or judge any amp based on a clip. I've bought amps base on clips only to return them quickly; while other amps I've bought based on rep and damn glad I did.

The other day I finally got what I think is a solid recorded tone that's straight KRG. Or, my ears might just be burnt out. LOL it was about 110 dB in the room which is where the amp starts to wake up. I just have guitar & vocals tracked on the song so far but I can post a clip if anyone wants to hear it.