Some interesting information from Ceriatone's Nik Azam regarding the results of this video: "Some of the older amps have very high voltage. Some Super Leads were close to 500V B+. The preamps could also have higher voltages, whereas in lots of these hot rods, the voltages are lowered already, as part of the voicing. I think the preamp voltages have a lot to do with it. The Jose types are already 90-130V, whereas most Marshalls are higher. Definitely hard to capture, as opposed to have a vintage Plexi cranked up, and then using a variac. I think we have done one before, exactly like the Boogie, by having a power transformer with extra taps. So it was either 490V B+ as stock, or 360V (for about 75% from the wall). With the stock Super Lead circuit, the difference was very notable, definitely. I think it's also a function of the time - back then in the 70s, there were not that many pedals like now, and people had to come up with this sort of thing. Even basic things to us now, were magical stuff back then."
Ryan, your playing is always great, but, bro. You were on FIRE in this video. That Megadeth section was phenomenal. Love your videos man. Stay safe brotha.
To me the Variac sounded better than the tweed setting. I wonder if the extra transformer is effecting the sound? As another has commented, I have read contradictory things regarding tube life and vairac. Since mesa is not using an actual variac I don't know if there are technical differences in their circuit, and some people say a variac can prematurely damage an amp. What do you think?
This is fascinating! I've been simulating this by running a tube compressor VST on the in and out of my amp sims and it gets that chewyness, but it doesn't give it the right sound
great video, as always, keep the tech videos coming! btw I like what you're doing with the mark IV GEQ (750 hz down and 2200 hz high, 6600hz small bump if any) :)
Im a Peavey amp user I've used the XXX for years with the built in loose-mid-tight switch which honestly depending on your style of playing or style of music was very beneficial, playing rock set to tight playing death metal set to loose, now I'm playing on the Invective and it only has 2 setting full and half power full power sounds so much fuller with 6l6's. One thing you didn't even mention that different power tubes 6l6, El34, el84, kt88 all react differently to a variac and different levels of quality of tubes react differently to a variac there are literally thousands of combinations
Not knowing anything about electronics, transformers, etc. I didn't understand a word of what he was saying, BUT "Pissed Off Plexi" We should coin that phrase because that exactly describes Eddie Van Halen's sound on that first album.
Nice video try with greenbacks I use the vintage modern cabs with the Hendrix speakers with plexi head and variac at 90 volts with cascade mod on preamp tone is awesome
I figured you would be the one to ask as you are kinda the "Mesa Guy" (at least to me) on RUclips, I was wondering if you are familiar with the Strategy series of power amps and how I could use one in the fx loop of an amplifier to give it more headroom, I'm currently running a Randall RH1503 solid state head and want to use the 400 watt iteration of the Strategy, what effects in tone could that help or harm? I want to keep the Solid state damping but as with a lot of solid state heads more watts seems to be accepted as more better
It really depends on what you're trying to accomplish, as there's several ways to make this work. The speaker impedance curve will be main tonal impact you'll observe whether you run just the Randall's FX send into the Strategy or the the headphone out (probably not ideal as it may have speaker emulation baked in). Solid state power amps don't react to speakers in the same way, and you will perceive a more scooped tone with the Mesa as a result. Check out this video for more information if you're interested: ruclips.net/video/TM9yzbo4Kbk/видео.html Whatever you do, you won't be putting anything into the Randall's FX loop. You will basically be "slaving" the Randall into the Strategy. The question is, do you want to use the Randall's power section at the same time? That will ultimately determine the signal chain
My AC30 2010 seems to stop completely or cut the sound after while depending on where I’m playing specially if the electrical facilities are not the best. The variac would do the trick to keep the amp stable?
I was thinking about getting a brown box for my 68 50w marshall plxi . its bone stock and has no mods and all the guts transformers etc are intact and if i used said brown box i would have to have it rebias to 110 v my wall voltage is 123v isnt that right? this amp never goes out of my studio and ive never had a problem with it at 123v my tech looks it over every year what do you think ?
What voltage does mesa boogie amps use?. Is the amp switcheable worldwide?. The country where i'm at right now operates on 220V!. Do i need a transformers in case i'd buy one in the future?..thank you!
Would you say it was important during Eddie's time in the 70s because he didn't have the options of today. Ie built in, attenuators and distortion pedals?
Absolutely. Like Nik said in the pinned comment, amp circuits of that time often used higher headroom (i.e. higher voltage) circuits that were harder to distort at managable volumes.
@@PlagueScytheStudios I've had a duel rectifier since 1994. From when they first came out. Incased in leather. The first ones were. I never realized the spongy setting was a veriac! 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂
are the negative rumors about variac use true? I've been reading things that either starving your tubes or giving them more power fry them either way. I am hearing more bad things than good about variac use in terms of the damage it can do to your amp. Also heard that if you are to use a variac, you have to rebias the amp. I really want to use one because my amp is too damn loud! I have a marshall origin, so nothing vintage and brand new.
Some interesting information from Ceriatone's Nik Azam regarding the results of this video:
"Some of the older amps have very high voltage. Some Super Leads were close to 500V B+. The preamps could also have higher voltages, whereas in lots of these hot rods, the voltages are lowered already, as part of the voicing.
I think the preamp voltages have a lot to do with it. The Jose types are already 90-130V, whereas most Marshalls are higher. Definitely hard to capture, as opposed to have a vintage Plexi cranked up, and then using a variac.
I think we have done one before, exactly like the Boogie, by having a power transformer with extra taps. So it was either 490V B+ as stock, or 360V (for about 75% from the wall). With the stock Super Lead circuit, the difference was very notable, definitely.
I think it's also a function of the time - back then in the 70s, there were not that many pedals like now, and people had to come up with this sort of thing. Even basic things to us now, were magical stuff back then."
You have somehow managed to combine the both of my worlds, electrical engineering and guitar playing into one! Love your videos, keep them coming!
Ryan, your playing is always great, but, bro. You were on FIRE in this video. That Megadeth section was phenomenal. Love your videos man. Stay safe brotha.
Ah! Finally the Variac explanation I have been looking for. Thanks for this.
Your production is looking and sounding much improved lately, good work man! The extra work is definitely showing!
Man, that MK 4 sounds so good 🤯
A Variac can also help do some very incipient, simple troubleshooting
So far, 0 people thought they pressed the download button. Uncommon in other videos.
Good job.
To me the Variac sounded better than the tweed setting. I wonder if the extra transformer is effecting the sound? As another has commented, I have read contradictory things regarding tube life and vairac. Since mesa is not using an actual variac I don't know if there are technical differences in their circuit, and some people say a variac can prematurely damage an amp. What do you think?
I see an orange dark terror living on the top of that amp shelf....
That's a review that will happen at some point, I have gear pouring out of my ears at this point that all need an accompanying video.
This is fascinating! I've been simulating this by running a tube compressor VST on the in and out of my amp sims and it gets that chewyness, but it doesn't give it the right sound
great video, as always, keep the tech videos coming!
btw I like what you're doing with the mark IV GEQ (750 hz down and 2200 hz high, 6600hz small bump if any) :)
Im a Peavey amp user I've used the XXX for years with the built in loose-mid-tight switch which honestly depending on your style of playing or style of music was very beneficial, playing rock set to tight playing death metal set to loose, now I'm playing on the Invective and it only has 2 setting full and half power full power sounds so much fuller with 6l6's. One thing you didn't even mention that different power tubes 6l6, El34, el84, kt88 all react differently to a variac and different levels of quality of tubes react differently to a variac there are literally thousands of combinations
Not knowing anything about electronics, transformers, etc. I didn't understand a word of what he was saying, BUT "Pissed Off Plexi" We should coin that phrase because that exactly describes Eddie Van Halen's sound on that first album.
Nice video try with greenbacks I use the vintage modern cabs with the Hendrix speakers with plexi head and variac at 90 volts with cascade mod on preamp tone is awesome
I figured you would be the one to ask as you are kinda the "Mesa Guy" (at least to me) on RUclips, I was wondering if you are familiar with the Strategy series of power amps and how I could use one in the fx loop of an amplifier to give it more headroom, I'm currently running a Randall RH1503 solid state head and want to use the 400 watt iteration of the Strategy, what effects in tone could that help or harm? I want to keep the Solid state damping but as with a lot of solid state heads more watts seems to be accepted as more better
It really depends on what you're trying to accomplish, as there's several ways to make this work. The speaker impedance curve will be main tonal impact you'll observe whether you run just the Randall's FX send into the Strategy or the the headphone out (probably not ideal as it may have speaker emulation baked in). Solid state power amps don't react to speakers in the same way, and you will perceive a more scooped tone with the Mesa as a result. Check out this video for more information if you're interested: ruclips.net/video/TM9yzbo4Kbk/видео.html
Whatever you do, you won't be putting anything into the Randall's FX loop. You will basically be "slaving" the Randall into the Strategy. The question is, do you want to use the Randall's power section at the same time? That will ultimately determine the signal chain
@@PlagueScytheStudios Well, looks like I've got some studying to do. Thanks for the help, keep up the great work man
TAKE NO PRISONERS!!!!
My AC30 2010 seems to stop completely or cut the sound after while depending on where I’m playing specially if the electrical facilities are not the best. The variac would do the trick to keep the amp stable?
Is there away to attenuate voltage to power tubes but not to the preamp tubes?
I was thinking about getting a brown box for my 68 50w marshall plxi . its bone stock and has no mods and all the guts transformers etc are intact and if i used said brown box i would have to have it rebias to 110 v my wall voltage is 123v isnt that right? this amp never goes out of my studio and ive never had a problem with it at 123v my tech looks it over every year what do you think ?
What voltage does mesa boogie amps use?. Is the amp switcheable worldwide?. The country where i'm at right now operates on 220V!. Do i need a transformers in case i'd buy one in the future?..thank you!
From usa, yes
A variac does a similar thing to the sag function on pedalboard power supplies
How about input attenuation ... IE the 1 watt switch
It would be fun try use a variable frequency drive and a variac to drive an amp.
Would you say it was important during Eddie's time in the 70s because he didn't have the options of today. Ie built in, attenuators and distortion pedals?
Absolutely. Like Nik said in the pinned comment, amp circuits of that time often used higher headroom (i.e. higher voltage) circuits that were harder to distort at managable volumes.
@@PlagueScytheStudios I've had a duel rectifier since 1994. From when they first came out. Incased in leather. The first ones were. I never realized the spongy setting was a veriac! 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂
Variaced tweed on the boogie sounded like Dime.
Just got a single rec series 2 from Japan. Had to get a step down transformer so I could plug it into the wall ha! 100v😀
You might be able to rewire it for 120 v
What's that riff at 12:00? it's so familiar
Megadeth - Take No Prisoners
@@PlagueScytheStudios oh yes, now i feel dumb, listened a lot to rust in peace
If it worked for EVH, why do you not recommend doing it?
Where do I get a quality variac for my vintage amps?
are the negative rumors about variac use true? I've been reading things that either starving your tubes or giving them more power fry them either way. I am hearing more bad things than good about variac use in terms of the damage it can do to your amp. Also heard that if you are to use a variac, you have to rebias the amp. I really want to use one because my amp is too damn loud! I have a marshall origin, so nothing vintage and brand new.
Without the variac it has a bit more high end snarl and bite. Either way they’re both nasty and awesome, I prefer the full powered version.
these variac have trouble with their grounding TEST THE VARIAC FOR GROUND
ive seen your face before.... the bible?
jk man. love your videos. keep it groovy.
I caught George Harrison a few times.
hows my home state holding up with all the FUN going on over there now.