Tube Power Amp for AXE-FX

[ibanez4life SZ!]

Thanks for all the input guys!

I did some more testing today...I ran the Axe through my QSC RX2450, Mark IV power amp (6L6s), and Bogner Rev 2 Uberschall power amp (EL-34s).

The QSC did fine at moderate volumes, but when really working up some volume, though the tone was still decent, the feel wasn't there.

The Uberschall power amp is actually my favorite. It sounded MUCH bigger, and felt better to me, than the Mark IV power amp. The sound was just HUGE. Though the Mark IV offered a little more clarity, in comparison, the sound was thin.

Given this, is there a rackmounted PA that can match or get close to the power section of my Rev 2 Uberschall? Other than the obvious tube difference, what sets it apart from the Mesa Mark IV power amp?

I was almost set on the Mesa 2:90..this experience with the Bogner is making my think otherwise...maybe the 2/90/2 will be it?

Let me know what you think!

Eric

 

[some dude]

The 2:90 is a Simul-Class power section... same as the Mark IV. It's meant to produces more midrange harmonic content... like the Mark IV.

The 2:100 is a Recto's power section. If you want something that's big like the Ubershall (which was supposed to be Bogners answer to the Rectifier) I'd probably start there.

 

[mortega76]

Wow... there must be something in the air because I wasn't going to post this here but then I saw this thread... I posted something "similar" on the Axe-fx forum and got some responses...

Here is the thread...

And here was my original post:

-------

Please don't take this as a stab at the Axe-fx... I only ask this because I want the best possible sound out of my Axe-fx... If by me voicing my concerns helps in any way shape or form to advance the "sound" of the Axe-fx for everyone then I'm glad I'm doing it... I'm a digital guy... and I've always believed that digital is the way to go...

I've used two different power amps... a Class H (QSC GX5) and a Class AB (Peavey PV1500)... I've done some A/B'ing with tube amps and a couple of times it has come up short and a couple of times it has "equaled" or "bested" the tube amps at the time... this last time I put it up against some tube amps it wasn't even close on the harmonic complexity that the tube amps possessed... call it noise, call it tube depth, call it whatever it is... it just wasn't there. It was as if a big chunk of the mid to mid/highs was gutted out... dynamics were nowhere close to the other amps in the room going through the same cabs.

I've asked a similar question in the past and I will say that the power amp modeling has made leaps and bounds over previous versions... especially with 7.xx, 9.xx and 10.03...

Lower gain folks seem to be able to get great tone out of the Axe-fx, and I've actually gotten some great punchy clean tones out of my Axe-fx... so I'm wondering if this affects higher gain amp sims more so than lower gain amp sims... Folks like Jay and Scott (lower gain to mid gain players) have had great success in A/B'ing their tones to tube amps with great success.

Are the amp sims being modeled at lower volumes? Are they A/B'd at ear ripping volumes to get good feel for how they compare to their physical counterparts?

Also, I've read folks here (and on other forums) who love the sound of their Axe-fx with the 4CM into the power section of a tube amp (or simply just get a tube power amp to drive their Axe-fx) have great success since earlier firmware versions since they are bypassing the virtual power amp section.

What are everyone's thoughts?

------------

P.S. To add to this, I'm really thinking of getting either a Fryette 2/90/2, Recto 2:100, or just a good tube amp (less than $800) and run it into the power section of the that amp...

 

[mightywarlock]

I just got mine today and it sounds ok through the 2902. haven't cranked it yet though, or made my own presets yet. so we'll see.
OLA...where's your tutorial on these!??

 

[Ola Englund]

Dude just get the one that's cheaper out of the two. I promise you it will sound good which ever you choose...

Coming from someone who I personally respect as being a terrific player and who's personally been through a LOT of different tube amps - this sort of testimonial is pretty critical IMHO. Your word is legend, Braddah...

V.

The thing is that you can tweak the Axe to sound good on most power amp, cab combination. Just if you know what you're doing. Put a Parametric EQ before the output and you'll be fine.

Of course if you have an awesome sounding tube power amp you don't have to do as much but still If you can get away with a couple of bucks inbetween I would get a cheaper one.

 

[Ola Englund]

I just got mine today and it sounds ok through the 2902. haven't cranked it yet though, or made my own presets yet. so we'll see.
OLAF...where's your tutorial on these!??

Are you referring to me or is there an actual OLAF around here?

 

[hydesg]

ive just gotten the Mesa 2:90 (though severely ruined, it works).

First impression is that, its missing some mids when the depth mode is engaged.
without the depth mode, the sound loses alot of body.

Most of the amp sims sound similar through this poweramp. I wonder if its the poweramp or my speakers (G12H30 speakers)

Note, I have defeated all poweramp sims on the AxeFX.

It sounds similar to my Carvin 1540L but smoother sounding.

 

[hydesg]

my Fryette 2502 should be coming soon, once Axepalace gets their shipment.

 

[mightywarlock]

Warlock your research with that power amp is critical
To helping me make my decision, please keep me in the loop..

I already told you to come over and check it out didnt i.

do it, and hear for yourself!

 

[mightywarlock]

Are you referring to me or is there an actual OLAF around here?

Yeah, sorry Ola. I meant you.

aren't you planning an Axe-FX tutorial for YouTube?

 

[Ola Englund]

Are you referring to me or is there an actual OLAF around here?

Yeah, sorry Ola. I meant you.

aren't you planning an Axe-FX tutorial for YouTube?

Ok I might have to kill you for putting that F behind my name.


And I got nothing planned for a Axe Fx tutorial atm. Maybe in the future. The tutorials are hard to make, I rather just do my amp tests .

 

[Mark Day]

Like Ola says the AxeFx sounds great with any decent SS amp or tube amp. I went with the SLA2 because it sounded good and it was VERY cheap light and 1 rack space....my back is killing me.

I tried a bunch of amps with it including the 2/50/2 and the Mesa 2:100. My favorite was the power section of my OD100 and the Mesa 2:100. If Im had roadcrew and a spare $2k(Canada) I would have gone with the 2:100. I can honestly get pretty close with an SS amp with the AxeFx.

Keep in mind that I used a Mesa 2:100 for a few years in a rig I owned and I really bonded with the tone and incredible headroom. I am also a guy that much prefers 100 watt over 50 watt heads as well. I like a lot of headroom on stage.

I have had some reliability issues with the SLA2 and I'm on my second one. This one has not given me any issues so far and I've had it for about a year.

Mark

 

[mattTHERIPPERsanchez]

how do you set the modes (eg. deep, modern) with your mesa 2:90?

Grab yourself one of these:

https://www.amazon.com/Boss-FS-5L-Latchi ... 0002D01Q8/

Then head down to Radio Shack and y cheap 1 female to 2 male 1/4" splitter The footswitch doesn't need a battery, unless you want to utilize the LED light. I have one coming to me for my 2:90, and I can't wait for it to arrive.