[noodles]

If you didn't get this from Mike, here it is again: read the manual. Like Drew, I wasn't fond of many of the demo settings, but the explanation of the preamp and eq stack really give you the understanding of how everything interacts with everything else. For example, the treble knob acts like a secondary gain knob in varying degrees, dependent upon settings. For the most part, the more extreme settings are used on the lowest gain mods.

Last but not least, the second high gain channel on the three and four channel amps has a far more aggressive presence knob. This is the channel everyone uses for rhythm, since you can get that "grind" out of it that is essential for metal. This channel will give you more perceived gain, which means you can sound like an amp on 10 with the clarity of an amp on 5. Be very careful with the presence knob on that channel, since fizz is one step away from grind. I really do feel that this is where Rectos get a bad rap--people crank that knob like it is a Marshall, completely destroying the balance of the eq stack. The first high gain channel is much warmer, making it ideal for leads, and as such, it is harder to get in trouble here. If you have a two channel Recto, this is the channel you have.

Having said all that, I have a Roadster, which is probably the darkest Recto they make. I've played plenty of old 2ch Duals, and in my experience, the Roadster sounds closest to the amps in the 200-500 range. Keeping that in mind, I generally dial in my rhythm tone (ch4 modern) as 11:00 presence, 10:30 bass, 11:00 mid, 1:30 treble, 1:00 gain, and my lead tone (ch3 modern) 1:00 presence, 12:00 bass, 11:00 mids, 1:00 treble, 1:30 gain. Relatively speaking, I use a lot of gain--I'm getting more gain than a dimed Marshall DSL 2000.

Spend a lot of time playing with every possible setting on the amp. Once you get comfortable with a good rhythm tone, dime the gain on modern sometime just to experience how horrible the amp really sounds that way. It is the a good reminder of the need for moderation. BE VERY CAREFUL with the treble knob on the modern high gain settings. Diming that knob is a sure way to blow tubes or cause damage to the preamp. The preamp is not designed to handle such extreme settings (remember, treble equals second gain knob).

[Edroz]

Originally Posted by noodles

BE VERY CAREFUL with the treble knob on the modern high gain settings. Diming that knob is a sure way to blow tubes or cause damage to the preamp. The preamp is not designed to handle such extreme settings (remember, treble equals second gain knob).

don't you think that's a serious design flaw on mesa's part? the potential to damage the amp with eq settings alone .

[eaeolian]

Originally Posted by Edroz

don't you think that's a serious design flaw on mesa's part? the potential to damage the amp with eq settings alone .

No, since the treble knob has to work correctly in ALL the modes, not just "modern".

[noodles]

Mesa assumes a certain level of intelligence from their customers. That is why "READ THIS BEFORE TURNING ON YOUR AMPLIFIER" is plastered all over the damn place.

[Drew]

Originally Posted by noodles

...but the explination of the preamp and eq stack really give you the understanding of how everything interacts with everything else.





Once you get comfortable with a good rhythm tone, dime the gain on modern sometime just to experience how horrible the amp really sounds that way. It is the a good reminder of the need for moderation. BE VERY CAREFUL with the treble knob on the modern high gain settings. Diming that knob is a sure way to blow tubes or cause damage to the preamp. The preamp is not designed to handle such extreme settings (remember, treble equals second gain knob).

It's more HOW the amp works that makes the manual so valuable, rather than "try this."



Also, I'll say that the dimed gain, treble, bass, and presence settings with mids on zero is absolutely comical sounding. I could see it working for a "white noise" endless sustain sort of overdub - think the closing chords to "Space Dye Vest" - but anyone who actually thinks that's actually a good rhythm tone is probably clinical.

[Apex1rg7x]

What if i dont have the manual? Seriously though i have a 2 channel and i get so frustrated because i can never dial it in EXACTLY where i want it and it pisses me off. I was thinking of selling it for maybe an ENGL but didnt know if that would be totally worth it. I would like to see different settings too and maybe try running an OD pedal as a booster.

[7StringofAblicK]

The OD pedal alone will help you change your mind. It will liven up a Recto big time

It all depends on what sound/tone is in your head.

[Hellraizer]

An OD is a must with the rectifiers IMO.

Originally Posted by Apex1rg7x

What if i dont have the manual? Seriously though i have a 2 channel and i get so frustrated because i can never dial it in EXACTLY where i want it and it pisses me off. I was thinking of selling it for maybe an ENGL but didnt know if that would be totally worth it. I would like to see different settings too and maybe try running an OD pedal as a booster.

I sold my Triple Rect. for an Engl Powerball and I was much more satisfied. Not saying I didn't like the Recto, I just like the Engl more.

[Metal Ken]

Originally Posted by Apex1rg7x

What if i dont have the manual? Seriously though i have a 2 channel and i get so frustrated because i can never dial it in EXACTLY where i want it and it pisses me off. I was thinking of selling it for maybe an ENGL but didnt know if that would be totally worth it. I would like to see different settings too and maybe try running an OD pedal as a booster.

1. http://www.mesaboogie.com/manuals/2chRecto.pdf

2. Change the V1 tube. If you got lame tubes in there, it makes it sound like crap on a stick. Change at least your V1, and if you like the change THAT makes, change the rest of the fuckers. I doubt its the amp, its old tubes.

[Xtremevillan]

Wait, how does treble = 2nd gain knob? So you shouldn't turn treble past a few o'clocks?