Triaxis versus Rectifier Pre Amp

[Markedman]

https://youtu.be/1Z-APcZLeIo

When channel one on the GCX is engaged, that’s the Triaxis.
First few minutes spent with the Recto, not dialed in other than quick dialed. It's in Vintage mode, TriAxis is ch.3 red.


New tubes is always something I do after I check the new amp out. I hear some crackling noises and some of the switches don't seem to do anything, and yes, I know the toggle switches are channel specific. When my Quad Pre amp gets back I'll take this unit in for check up/go over and I can be specific about what's wrong so the tech can address it.

I liked the idea of a lead boost or modern/vintage switching but the sound using the fx send sounds much less compressed so I'm using that which bypasses the master. (I changed back to "live" output.)

edit time; I spent a few hours messing around and found that the raspiness was caused by the power amp not being turned up loud enough. I used the clean channel for a while and it sounds real good and is definitely different than the TriAxis which is what I wanted.

So far I've been able to use the GCPro & GCX to change amps and channels, but I still wish there was a better manual or website. Voodoo Lab does have a forum but nobody responds at all. Thousands of views, zero replies and everyone is asking the same thing, "how the fuck does this thing work? Anyone?". Ever watch a VL how-to video? Even the guy doing the video doesn't know how to run one and has to take breaks to read the manual and even after that he doesn't have a clue how to operate it. I do like Voodoo Lab, they fixed two power supplies for free including shipping.

I ordered new MESA branded NOS Russian tubes from Nesstone, less than $70.00 for 6 including shipping..

 

[Markedman]

New video

https://youtu.be/xK_jrD0TeLA

 

[petejt]

You know what? I have had a Voodoo Labs GCX Switcher for YEARS, and yet haven't even turned it on yet!

I bought it so I could patch in effects and change channels on my MarkIV. But I didn't get a floor switcher or see the Ground Control Pro. Later on I bought a GigRig Pro-14 which I think has MIDI, but how I'm going to programme it to change MIDI channels alongside its own switching, I don't know. I've been content just tap-dancing with the MarkIV's own foot switcher and the Pro-14 for effects pedals, however I have not been playing live with all that gear either. Any small gigs with other people I just use one amp and a couple of pedals.

You've got some cool guitar tones there, in both videos.


My friend Monty-Jay up in Alaska used to have a GCX Switcher and Ground Control Pro. I think he sold all his gear when he had some money issues or something, then got involved with EMB Audio for a while when they brought back their rack-wah. But then that went quiet again. He's become a photographer now (also married I believe), so I just see his gig photoshoots online. I'll contact him if you like to see what he can advise for programming these pieces of kit, especially with the TriAxis and Recto preamp. I'm sure he used to have both. He's very knowledgeable about this stuff.

 

[Markedman]

Thank you. I hear the Recto tone in songs like Megadeth's "Holy Wars" now. It's like buying a new car and then seeing so many of the same type on the road that you never realized were there before.

I watched a few videos on cleaning the potentiometers and the new tubes will be here soon, both of which will help, I hope, with getting a smoother tone. This is my first non-Mark Boogie so it's been a learning experience with the rotary knobs actually making a difference and no GEQ to shape the tone.

The GCX is cool. I have ch.1 a mute, ch.2 pre amp switcher, ch.3 ch. 1 & 2 selector on Recto, ch.4 boost on recto, ch.5-8 will be Quad Pre amp Rhythm 1&2, lead 1&2 selectors. The TriAxis & 50/50 will be for back-up and a small practice/open mic rig.

 

[Markedman]

https://youtu.be/cpdFR3F2fc4

Clean tone and distorted

 

[Devin]

If that's the Triaxis starting at 1:26ish then I prefer the sound of the Rectifier preamp for sure

 

[Markedman]

I go back and forth between the amps. When the red light for ch.2 on the GCX is lit up, it is the TriAxis. You can see the light going on and off.

I recieved my tubes today and I put them in the Recto and warmed the amp up for about 20 minutes and started playing. Slowly the volume dropped until it was super noticeable so I shut it down. I took the new tubes out and inspected them for any signs of malfunction and put them back in. It still was quiet so I put the old tubes back in and the amp sounded fine so once again I put the new tubes back in and it sound weak again so I put the old tubes in and started changing the tubes one at a time and the first one didn't have a good volume level, old tube back in and it sounded fine. They are the same tubes except for the color of the writing.

Tubes by John Bazzano, on Flickr
Tubes by John Bazzano, on Flickr

 

[petejt]

^^Have you been cutting up garlic in parsley before holding those valves?

 

[Markedman]

The tubes I bought must be MESA rejects. They all measure less than 70 on my tube tester with one at "Weak" 40. I am pissed off at the guy and told him so. I also tested a bunch of tubes that are in my possession and had a few Amperex, Jan Phillips, SPAX, etc. that measured 90+, so I used those and I'm happy to say the pre amp sounds much better.

The latest video where I am much happier with the tone I’m getting

https://youtu.be/gyIFYKqCfAQ