I am amazed at how close the tones are! The V: 25 is slightly more compressed and the V seems to be slightly less compressed with a little more of that low end “sag” thing going on. Great demonstration!
Love how you guys show the full capabilities of these amps through full mixes. The problem with most amp vids on RUclips is they're using a single mic and one take and the result sounds nothing like it would in a mix, or even to your own ears. Kudos.
Ugh, every demo I've heard/seen of the Mark V 25 is instantly GAS inducing. Haven't heard it sound bad, which I'm not sure is even possible. Fuck buying a car I'm getting a Mesa!
Comparison does not get any better, incredibly well done. And also 25 sounds amazing despite the size. Listened with monitor headphones noticing only slight less lower end and maybe 25 is more saturated? Thanks to the great guitar player, what an amazing consistency.
I have the 25 and must say its amazing...take your time and get to know it. It is not an amp, its an INSTRUMENT! Don't just play through it at gigs then store it while you play a crap amp for rehearsal and practice at home. Play this amp everywhere you go, learn its features, experiment, and your sound, playing, and appreciation will evolve quickly! ...and you will be rewarded with an amazingly satisfying tone. Remember less is more with Mesa. Unless you are a metal guy keep the gain below 12 o'clock. I play in a rock-blues-americana style band and this amp is PERFECT! Enjoy!
Nofarewell i just got mine last week, played it with the band on sunday through a 1x12. The amp really does cut through and i saw in another vid that it is made to run a 4x12 cab. We rehearse in a good sized church and it cranked loud enough. I used the fat setting on channel 1. Awesome tone for rock. I am amazed that it's only 25 watts. The guy gave some good advice about learning how to tweak it and use it as an instrument. He is right.
The question was not restricted to the 4X12 thing, but as you can see, you don't have to worry as I got my answer 2 months ago. So the real question is why did you feel the need to ask your unnecessary question?Btw a live gig and properly driving a 4X12 is not the same as what happens in this video, and the same question was asked before mine so I don't see the butthurt here.
Thank you for the no post processing tone. Love to hear how these amps actually sound. Most vids have way too much post processing and you don't really get a feel for the true sound of the amp. Superb tone and great jam dude. Thanks.
Hardly a difference to my ears, both amps sound amazing. Definitely leaning towards the 25 right now though, cheaper and smaller which both fit my living situation really well right now haha
+Perry D You won't be disappointed! A year on and I'm loving this thing still - never selling it, I have my dream tone! The difference in tone is completely insignificant in my opinion. You'd only need to go for the 35 or the Mark V if you needed more features and more clean headroom.
SilentCityStudio I'm thinking of getting a pedal for this to make up for the lack of a third channel, any recommendations? I'm considering the Tonburst by Mesa
+Perry D I don't personally use any boost/distortion pedal with this amp other than a delay, as it satisfies all my requirements. The newer Mark V 35 has all the features of the 25 but with the extra solo channel, so maybe that's worth a look? Pete, playing in this video, likes to use a T-Rex Engineering overdrive. It's the Michael Angelo Batio model. He seems to enjoy using it, but I've not heard any other boost being used with that amp to be honest.
Listened to the video on studio monitors in a treated room. There is only a very small difference. The Mark 25 has a very small bit more low mids and slightly less deeper lows that make it sound slightly more hollow than its big brother, but it's nothing that couldn't be eq'd out (either post or with an eq in the loop) or heck maybe even on the amp itself with no extra gear in 5 seconds, considering the amps' controls were only "visually" matched. I'm amazed at how close the amps are. Would buy a Mark 25 over the real deal after this video.
Indeed! We achieved an almost identical tone in the studio by lowering the 750Hz slider and boosting the 80Hz slider on the EQ section of the Mark 5 25. Couldn't tell which was which in the studio control room. Equally some post EQ processing can match the tones very well.
Barely any difference, the Mark V has a bit more low-end and sounds a tiny bit fuller. I think only trained ears could hear such a minimal difference though.
I must say, this video, along with a few others, and John Petrucci's tone on the self titled DT album, sold me on the V. I must have watched this video 50 times, your tone here is to die for. I'm now a member of the Boogie cult lol I'm in love with mine
It's been a long time now since I have heard this comparaison, and now I am a mark5 35 owner. Today I have listen it again with good headphones, and with my eyes close... Impossible to tell the difference, and when I Thought I heard something fuller, I checked the video but I saw the smaller one... This is a great demonstration, of what the 25 is capable of... Then I've been using a 35 (extreme mode) in different gigs live, (in a metal band) and the beast came out ! The other guitar was on Diezel Einstein 100w, and as the public said, we had a fucking great sound ! Thanks to the sound engineer too. If some people think this amp need more gain or low end they definitely need to know how to dial in an mesa amp. Or in some case try another set of tubes (sometimes some of them aren't really good, even if they came with the amp)
Thanks for the comment! Yes, the difference really is negligible! I remember when we set this up before recording the video and we had the tone's matched before we visually matched the tone controls. I couldn't tell the difference in a blind test. We had the EQ set a little different initially. A little more 80Hz, a little less 750Hz. Voila, Mark V.
I read the description and some posts before writing this. It`s just my $0.02, but I find the 5:25 to be a little more sizzle/brighter, also a tiny bit more compressed than the Mark V, there is also a subtle difference in headroom as well. To me personally, the poweramp in 5:25 is already kickin` in some comp, but the Mark V sounds fuller and deeper. However the differences are only audible in the guitar only parts, in other parts i.e. in a band context, they sound identical. I`m impressed again by the 5:25 again...
Ok..wow. This is how to do a comparison! I have watched this several times and although the Mark V does sound a bit fuller, it is amazingly close. In fact, just listening and not watching, I could not tell when the amps switched. Great job on the video! Great job Mesa!...disclaimer...I own the Mark V 25.
Well played sir! Well played indeed. I have the Mark V 25 and I'm still tweaking my sounds. So very versatile with knobs that actually affect the sound ;)
It is amazing how close they got to the big guy! The low end is not that full of course, but it is really tight and it definitely has that same character.
ill take the mark 5 any day of the week since it has more of everything. when your spending that kind of money you might as well go all the way...................................................
25 sounds fantastic, though there is a notable drop in low end. I just never like the el84 voiced heads for aggressive stuff. It's still very impressive and not far off from the Mark V.
The differences can be just the way you dial it. Both sound near identical. If you gig, the 90w is a better option as you are sure you will have enough headroom while allowing you to switch at 45w or 10w as needed, or if you play outside you probably need those 90w. If you don't gig, get the smaller head since you will not need that much power and you'll save money
Juztin King The 90W has 6L6 tubes and more modes than the 25, so there are some significant differences, but obviously for some sounds, for recording, the 25 is enough. No real difference in this video.
I've seen this video so many times now. I have a Mark V:25 and have been thinking of upgrading to the larger Mark V. The 25 is so portable and convenient though. Still, I haven't determined if the 25 can handle a full band setting.
Pretty close. 90 watt has more low end definition, but the 25 also sounds great. If he ran the 25 on extreme mode he could get the low end frequencies a little closer. But he’d have to EQ it differently, so for comparison purposes I’m glad he ran both amps on Mark IV mode. I got the middle ground between these two amps-a Mark V 35. I love it sooooo much!!
Listening on studio monitors here... I am unsure whether the differences I'm hearing are really there or if I just think I'm hearing them because the amps on screen are changing. Looks like a Mark 25 is the one I'll get if I get one.
Had the comparison today, my 2010 bought MKV against the title brother MKV 25. The 25 comes pretty near in high gain, I mean nearly similar,gave me more fun in clean, I think due to the smaller power amp . For someone who wants a MKV and doesn't need the power of 90 Watts( What is pretty cool dough), the MKV 25 might be the better choice , especially because it will probably sound better in quite environments. I bought a 1x12 Wide Box for this amp, what is a pretty good match for my MKV either. When you have a Roady and 2 4x12 Cabinets an a 60yard+ Stage, go for the big brother. When you play in small environments and you like to play sessions, I think the little MKV might be the better choice with no competitors
+CoversOfTheGods they copied the settings to one amp to another, so i don't expect the knobs would react the same way but this is very close, so a little tweak to the 25 and will sound the same, that little beast is very impressive!
+MrMelodyCold Absolutely - drop the 750Hz slider a little, boost the 80Hz and 6600Hz a little and you're there! We actually had it set up like that before recording. It was uncanny how similar they both sounded. Still loving my 5 : 25 - getting a tonnes of use here!
Wow, so close, i don't trust my hears... No big difference like the mini recto and the big one.In the solo part, the Mark V is clearly above the mini which is, in rythm, a bit more focused. Really not bad at all. Thanks for this test very cool to have a rythm test part a solo one, and part without background to clearly listen the sound of the amp. Great !
So, I'm confused. How are you able to use a 25W head on a 90W cabinet? I'm seeing this all over RUclips. Is it just set to a lower volume? or am I missing something here? I thought pairing heads and cabs like this would destroy the speakers?
I am by no means an electrical engineer. But as far as I’m aware, it’s perfectly safe to use an underpowered amp to drive speakers with high power ratings. People do it all the time. There’s no worry of blowing a speaker or anything. Your only worry would be if it were the other way around, i.e driving underpowered speakers with an overpowered amp at full volume.
It's the impedance that really matters for the amp. All the cabs in the rectifier series are 8 Ohms, regardless of how many speakers there are. With Wattage, as long as the amp can't kick out more than the speaker can handle, you're good. You could put a powerful head through a cab with a lower rating, but I wouldn't drive it too hard!
That tone is shuge! On a blind test they would sound identical. I guess the 25 fills the mix a little less, low end wise. But they sound so thick it's not even funny. Great job!
Thanks! Those amps are incredible, my all time favourite. The cab sounds fantastic too: I made a tonne of IR's of that exact cab (Mesa Boogie Rectifier Slant 4×12) www.robhobsonproducer.co.uk/buy-impulse-responses/
I hate when people label a Mesa Boogie as a metal amp. Boogies are so perfect they can be whatever you need them to be. Take the rectifier for example, everyone thinks it's a metal amp and to me it's the ultimate blues /jazz amp..
Greasy blues, jazz and so much more are within the range of the recto cleans. To anyone thinking you cannot get that, and I mean this as no disrespect to SSV guy over there, go back and learn how to dial your amp in. You'll be happy that you did.
Well to each their own regarding the natural or inherent levels of compression found with the boogie cleans. I disagree that the presence of or lack there of depending how you look at it or hear, makes them unsuitable for jazz but then again, I don't know what amps you are specifically referring too when it comes to jazz stylization. I will say that your comment on jazz dabblers versus genuine jazz artists is a wee bit extreme there, seeing as I am familiar and acquainted with a few jazz musicians myself, some more serious then others but never the less, just interesting to hear someone make that automatic distinction between the two. Kind of funny actually. But again to each their own and I didn't mean to insult the world of jazz by suggesting a mesa could produce convincing and well rounded jazz tones :p
Ryan Dolecki Totally agree with you Ryan. I use my Mesa Mark 5:25 for playing classical guitar and jazz - I use a custom built Moffa Sweet Lorraine through the boogie and it sounds absolutely divine on the fat channel! Certainly no negative side effects from tube compression that I can discern. SSvplus seems to believe compression is a bad thing... but looking at the user's other youtube comments, they seem pretty negative about....well..... everything! I think life would be rather boring if you had to use a specific amp, guitar, strings, cables etc etc to play jazz, or any genre of music for that matter. Music's supposed to be an artistic/emotional form of expression isn't it? If you dig the sound, use whatever you damn well like! Rob
I couldn't have said it better Rob. I don't know what "gods gift to jazz" over here's problem is but hey man. You know what sounds good and you make it work. That's all that counts.
SSV guy! Well enlighten me then, what is it exactly that you play? That you recommend for people who have to hear you. I am kind of getting the impression that you're a professional, so please, do tell. Because if you aren't some insight bearing professional then there are a words and names we use to refer to people like you. Why don't you explain yourself if you're going to be taking the time to share your perspective because I am really curious now!
The 25 sounds a bit narrower. Low end, and Uppermids/top end isn't as full. Which isn't surprising given the drop in wattage, nor is it a bad thing. Makes it sound more focused. Both sound great.
Whoa, great video, great comparison! Perfect! Both are awesome amps, I do like the little 25. Not sure, but I thought, for my ears, that the 25 has a tiny less bottom, which does not mean that it's better or worse.
To me, the Mark V sounds like it has better note separation and has a bit throatier bottom end. Both sound fantastic but I wish the crunch mode was on channel two for the 25. D:
90w vs 25 watt.... is where most of the difference Im hearing seems to be, extra low mids and bass. If they were both in 10 watt I bet they'd be almost spot on (Keeping the amp in Triode on the big V)
The full 90w head has more openess and bass. The 25 is VEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEERY close, but it has slightly more pronounced upper mids probably due to the difference in volume and the way it makes the speaker move rather than the tone itself tho.
i just bought my mark v 25 watt with a 1x12 mini cab from mesa as a combo. is it normal that there's like a hum noise when u crank it uo a tiny bit even without the guitar cable?> not even passed 1 and sounds pretty obvious is very weird
I hardly hear any difference other than the expected compression in 5:25 for being smaller in power. I heard 5:25 ch. 2 extreme should match mark V ch. 2 but both being in mk IV mode I suppose it doesn't matter. I liked the comparison setup, seamlessly switching the amps during the same song, makes it very easy for the viewer.
Dude, is there tabs for this? Apologies if I am missing something, I'm on my phone currently. But I'm really digging this song and was curious if you would release the tabs. Amazing comparison by the way. Very fluent. :) Thanks.
I haven't had much luck with small versions sounding like it's big brother. These, however, sound very similar. Do they sound close to the same in the room?
Forgive my ignorance, but you CAN use a 25-watt head with a 100-watt speaker cabinet? Are there ANY warnings about doing this?? I have a 100-watt Marshall DSL cab and I'm looking at getting a Mesa Boogie amp head.
They might sound nearly identical in studio but in person the 90w wins hands down. More watts is always better if you can push the amp hard enough. I tried the 25w, 35w and bought the 90w since the bass response and feel is much better while having much more girth and balls to the tone. It's hard to beat the "real deal", but the smaller heads do a great job too. I wouldn't mind getting a 25/35w but I had such a great deal and ended up cheaper to go with the bigger one. The 90w is also a 3 channel, which is even better.
I have the normal mark v it's killer you can get it to sound close to a 6505 on the crunch chanel with gain and presence on max. I have both amps and did a comparison it blew my mind
I know this is an old comment, but could you PLEASE do a comparison video? That'd be awesome! Do you remember your exact settings to replicate a peavey? I've been wondering for months how they stack up against each other!
+Randall Jacobs Hey mate would love to but need a new pc to do it justice. I have 2 ribbon mics I use. one for mid and treble the other for bottom end. sounds truly amazing for recording. I'll let you know my settings soon. it depends on what you set the peavey to as well. I'm not big into compressed sound. more raw and angry:)
dude sorry for taking so long i finally have the pc to do this. the crunch is less compressed. i will start my own channel soon. i will also show how good a mf400 cab sounds. i wish they would still be made
I asked my girlfriend for a little head. She bought me a Mark V 25.
Marry her. I would. =D
Sounds like the best gf in the world. She’s a keeper.
You're a really fucking consistent player. It's pretty amazing to see
Pete is amazing! We only did 4 full takes, no punch ins!
That is INSANE! I hope to be that solid of a player one day
I am amazed at how close the tones are! The V: 25 is slightly more compressed and the V seems to be slightly less compressed with a little more of that low end “sag” thing going on. Great demonstration!
Love how you guys show the full capabilities of these amps through full mixes. The problem with most amp vids on RUclips is they're using a single mic and one take and the result sounds nothing like it would in a mix, or even to your own ears.
Kudos.
Sick tune, & both amps are close tone wise, but I enjoy watching the amps shrink and grow in the different shots lol.
If you like that, you're going to love the new video we've done! Should be up in a few days...
It's amazing how well the little one holds up! Awesome engineering from Mesa and great comparison on your side!
@SilentCityStudio Did you by any chance make impulses? :)
Ugh, every demo I've heard/seen of the Mark V 25 is instantly GAS inducing. Haven't heard it sound bad, which I'm not sure is even possible. Fuck buying a car I'm getting a Mesa!
I think antacids would be cheaper in your case, dude.
Comparison does not get any better, incredibly well done. And also 25 sounds amazing despite the size. Listened with monitor headphones noticing only slight less lower end and maybe 25 is more saturated? Thanks to the great guitar player, what an amazing consistency.
They sound really damn close to each other. The 5:25 is a bit brighter, but you can just dial more bass an voilá.
That little amp is a amazing. Best there is. Damn.
I have the 25 and must say its amazing...take your time and get to know it. It is not an amp, its an INSTRUMENT! Don't just play through it at gigs then store it while you play a crap amp for rehearsal and practice at home. Play this amp everywhere you go, learn its features, experiment, and your sound, playing, and appreciation will evolve quickly! ...and you will be rewarded with an amazingly satisfying tone. Remember less is more with Mesa. Unless you are a metal guy keep the gain below 12 o'clock. I play in a rock-blues-americana style band and this amp is PERFECT! Enjoy!
does this amp cut thru with live band? is it loud enough for gigs?
Yes the same question from me, can this amp drive a 4x12? If the answer is yes, then it's more than a nice choice
Nofarewell i just got mine last week, played it with the band on sunday through a 1x12. The amp really does cut through and i saw in another vid that it is made to run a 4x12 cab. We rehearse in a good sized church and it cranked loud enough. I used the fat setting on channel 1. Awesome tone for rock. I am amazed that it's only 25 watts. The guy gave some good advice about learning how to tweak it and use it as an instrument. He is right.
Nofarewell isn't the mark 5: 25 driving a 4x12 in the video? doesn't that answer your question?
The question was not restricted to the 4X12 thing, but as you can see, you don't have to worry as I got my answer 2 months ago. So the real question is why did you feel the need to ask your unnecessary question?Btw a live gig and properly driving a 4X12 is not the same as what happens in this video, and the same question was asked before mine so I don't see the butthurt here.
Thank you for the no post processing tone. Love to hear how these amps actually sound. Most vids have way too much post processing and you don't really get a feel for the true sound of the amp. Superb tone and great jam dude. Thanks.
As I said above - you did watch the WHOLE video, right?
Congrats, this is a very SMART and effective comparison. Cool track as well. Cheers
Hardly a difference to my ears, both amps sound amazing. Definitely leaning towards the 25 right now though, cheaper and smaller which both fit my living situation really well right now haha
+Perry D You won't be disappointed! A year on and I'm loving this thing still - never selling it, I have my dream tone!
The difference in tone is completely insignificant in my opinion. You'd only need to go for the 35 or the Mark V if you needed more features and more clean headroom.
SilentCityStudio I'm thinking of getting a pedal for this to make up for the lack of a third channel, any recommendations? I'm considering the Tonburst by Mesa
+Perry D I don't personally use any boost/distortion pedal with this amp other than a delay, as it satisfies all my requirements. The newer Mark V 35 has all the features of the 25 but with the extra solo channel, so maybe that's worth a look?
Pete, playing in this video, likes to use a T-Rex Engineering overdrive. It's the Michael Angelo Batio model. He seems to enjoy using it, but I've not heard any other boost being used with that amp to be honest.
SilentCityStudio cool, I'll check out the 35 if i can find one as just a head, thanks!
+Perry D Agreed. I have the mark v head. If this amp was out before I purchased the mark v, I may have bought the 25. message me with any questions.
Killer comparison! Great, consistent playing.
Listened to the video on studio monitors in a treated room. There is only a very small difference. The Mark 25 has a very small bit more low mids and slightly less deeper lows that make it sound slightly more hollow than its big brother, but it's nothing that couldn't be eq'd out (either post or with an eq in the loop) or heck maybe even on the amp itself with no extra gear in 5 seconds, considering the amps' controls were only "visually" matched. I'm amazed at how close the amps are. Would buy a Mark 25 over the real deal after this video.
Indeed! We achieved an almost identical tone in the studio by lowering the 750Hz slider and boosting the 80Hz slider on the EQ section of the Mark 5 25. Couldn't tell which was which in the studio control room. Equally some post EQ processing can match the tones very well.
@@RobHobsonProducer That could have been great as an additional video, just saying :p
Awesome comparison. Great video!
Mark Five 25 actually seems like a perfect gigging solution. It's compact and delivers a massive tone.
Barely any difference, the Mark V has a bit more low-end and sounds a tiny bit fuller. I think only trained ears could hear such a minimal difference though.
100% I own the MKIV and what I hear is maybe a little less weight from the 5:25 but man....most ppl would never notice it.
I must say, this video, along with a few others, and John Petrucci's tone on the self titled DT album, sold me on the V. I must have watched this video 50 times, your tone here is to die for. I'm now a member of the Boogie cult lol I'm in love with mine
both are great, and either way, the people in the crowd that aren't tone deaf with thank you.
Mark V 25 it is! I'm floored by the sounds coming out of it. I don't need much, and this amp has all I'll ever need
They sound the same except the big mark has more headroom as its supposed to
Good comparison, thanks man !!!
One of the best videos i've ever see!!!
I love Mesa Boogie so HECKIN MUCH
Fantastic job
It's been a long time now since I have heard this comparaison, and now I am a mark5 35 owner.
Today I have listen it again with good headphones, and with my eyes close... Impossible to tell the difference, and when I Thought I heard something fuller, I checked the video but I saw the smaller one...
This is a great demonstration, of what the 25 is capable of...
Then I've been using a 35 (extreme mode) in different gigs live, (in a metal band) and the beast came out ! The other guitar was on Diezel Einstein 100w, and as the public said, we had a fucking great sound ! Thanks to the sound engineer too.
If some people think this amp need more gain or low end they definitely need to know how to dial in an mesa amp. Or in some case try another set of tubes (sometimes some of them aren't really good, even if they came with the amp)
Thanks for the comment! Yes, the difference really is negligible! I remember when we set this up before recording the video and we had the tone's matched before we visually matched the tone controls. I couldn't tell the difference in a blind test. We had the EQ set a little different initially. A little more 80Hz, a little less 750Hz. Voila, Mark V.
SilentCityStudio approximately how much did you boost the 80hz slider to match the mark v?
Fantastic demo, thank you for taking the time to put it together, it's very helpful!
outstanding ..good job and sounds as good as you can get for the net..ROCK On!
The 90W appears to have more low end
Holy crap, this is by far the best tone I've ever heard!
I read the description and some posts before writing this. It`s just my $0.02, but I find the 5:25 to be a little more sizzle/brighter, also a tiny bit more compressed than the Mark V, there is also a subtle difference in headroom as well. To me personally, the poweramp in 5:25 is already kickin` in some comp, but the Mark V sounds fuller and deeper.
However the differences are only audible in the guitar only parts, in other parts i.e. in a band context, they sound identical. I`m impressed again by the 5:25 again...
What an awesome amp is the 25. I have it and heck yes I just can't stop playing!!! This is the amp I would never sell. Period.
Ok..wow. This is how to do a comparison! I have watched this several times and although the Mark V does sound a bit fuller, it is amazingly close. In fact, just listening and not watching, I could not tell when the amps switched. Great job on the video! Great job Mesa!...disclaimer...I own the Mark V 25.
Well played sir! Well played indeed. I have the Mark V 25 and I'm still tweaking my sounds. So very versatile with knobs that actually affect the sound ;)
Mark Five 25 is awesome! Great job man!
Excellent comparison....it serves the purpose of the video. Continue making videos...
The Mark V seems to sit in the mix a little better, it just sounds like the Mark 5: 25 but more "open" sounding. Both sound great.
It is amazing how close they got to the big guy! The low end is not that full of course, but it is really tight and it definitely has that same character.
ill take the mark 5 any day of the week since it has more of everything. when your spending that kind of money you might as well go all the way...................................................
I'd love to see a new version of this comparison with the mark v and the newer mark 5:35
+Robert Dowden Would love to do one! I can't imagine there's much in it between all 3 amps, Mesa have done an outstanding job with the 25.
I have the 35 with recto 212....love it! Great amps... :)
Brilliant video; really useful and well put together.
absolutely brilliant video! thanks a very very very lot!!! :-)))))
25 sounds fantastic, though there is a notable drop in low end. I just never like the el84 voiced heads for aggressive stuff. It's still very impressive and not far off from the Mark V.
The power of Boogie! No EQing in post and it sounds fucking awesome!
The differences can be just the way you dial it. Both sound near identical. If you gig, the 90w is a better option as you are sure you will have enough headroom while allowing you to switch at 45w or 10w as needed, or if you play outside you probably need those 90w. If you don't gig, get the smaller head since you will not need that much power and you'll save money
Juztin King The 90W has 6L6 tubes and more modes than the 25, so there are some significant differences, but obviously for some sounds, for recording, the 25 is enough. No real difference in this video.
Awesome comparison! I think musicians on a budget will be quite satisfied with the Mk V 25.
I've seen this video so many times now. I have a Mark V:25 and have been thinking of upgrading to the larger Mark V. The 25 is so portable and convenient though. Still, I haven't determined if the 25 can handle a full band setting.
Thanks a bunch for this comparison!
Pretty close. 90 watt has more low end definition, but the 25 also sounds great. If he ran the 25 on extreme mode he could get the low end frequencies a little closer. But he’d have to EQ it differently, so for comparison purposes I’m glad he ran both amps on Mark IV mode. I got the middle ground between these two amps-a Mark V 35. I love it sooooo much!!
For having test both of them, the only difference is on the clean sound. Except that, they sound basically the same and both are great!
This literally just sold me on a 35 vs 90. Jesus.
Your back will thank you!
Very nice job capturing both amps! The only difference I can notice is the Mark V being a bit fuller sounding than the Mark 5:25
this..makes me wanna cry....so damn good
Listening on studio monitors here... I am unsure whether the differences I'm hearing are really there or if I just think I'm hearing them because the amps on screen are changing.
Looks like a Mark 25 is the one I'll get if I get one.
Ridiculously good video and comparison Rob. You happen to know his model of guitar Peter used in this video?
Had the comparison today, my 2010 bought MKV against the title brother MKV 25. The 25 comes pretty near in high gain, I mean nearly similar,gave me more fun in clean, I think due to the smaller power amp . For someone who wants a MKV and doesn't need the power of 90 Watts( What is pretty cool dough), the MKV 25 might be the better choice , especially because it will probably sound better in quite environments. I bought a 1x12 Wide Box for this amp, what is a pretty good match for my MKV either.
When you have a Roady and 2 4x12 Cabinets an a 60yard+ Stage, go for the big brother. When you play in small environments and you like to play sessions, I think the little MKV might be the better choice with no competitors
Sounds hugeee!!!
The Mark Five 25 got a bit less low-mids. Thats actually the only difference i can hear right away.
Awesome comparison video though \m/
+CoversOfTheGods they copied the settings to one amp to another, so i don't expect the knobs would react the same way but this is very close, so a little tweak to the 25 and will sound the same, that little beast is very impressive!
+MrMelodyCold Absolutely - drop the 750Hz slider a little, boost the 80Hz and 6600Hz a little and you're there! We actually had it set up like that before recording. It was uncanny how similar they both sounded. Still loving my 5 : 25 - getting a tonnes of use here!
both are definitely sick amps. im thinking of getting the 25, cause it sounds kickass and is small.
I own both, and it's redundant . The MarkV/ 25 is a Mark V clone, just easier on the ears. Mesa, any Mesa is the rig for me!!!
wow nice vid, the 90 roar more, and has better low end, the 25 is amazing also, thanx for the vid
Wow, so close, i don't trust my hears... No big difference like the mini recto and the big one.In the solo part, the Mark V is clearly above the mini which is, in rythm, a bit more focused. Really not bad at all.
Thanks for this test very cool to have a rythm test part a solo one, and part without background to clearly listen the sound of the amp. Great !
So, I'm confused. How are you able to use a 25W head on a 90W cabinet? I'm seeing this all over RUclips.
Is it just set to a lower volume? or am I missing something here? I thought pairing heads and cabs like this would destroy the speakers?
I am by no means an electrical engineer. But as far as I’m aware, it’s perfectly safe to use an underpowered amp to drive speakers with high power ratings. People do it all the time. There’s no worry of blowing a speaker or anything. Your only worry would be if it were the other way around, i.e driving underpowered speakers with an overpowered amp at full volume.
It's the impedance that really matters for the amp. All the cabs in the rectifier series are 8 Ohms, regardless of how many speakers there are. With Wattage, as long as the amp can't kick out more than the speaker can handle, you're good. You could put a powerful head through a cab with a lower rating, but I wouldn't drive it too hard!
Thank you both for your informative replies!
Shockingly similar! That little 25 has big tone indeed
That tone is shuge! On a blind test they would sound identical. I guess the 25 fills the mix a little less, low end wise. But they sound so thick it's not even funny. Great job!
Thanks! Those amps are incredible, my all time favourite. The cab sounds fantastic too: I made a tonne of IR's of that exact cab (Mesa Boogie Rectifier Slant 4×12) www.robhobsonproducer.co.uk/buy-impulse-responses/
I hate when people label a Mesa Boogie as a metal amp. Boogies are so perfect they can be whatever you need them to be. Take the rectifier for example, everyone thinks it's a metal amp and to me it's the ultimate blues /jazz amp..
Greasy blues, jazz and so much more are within the range of the recto cleans. To anyone thinking you cannot get that, and I mean this as no disrespect to SSV guy over there, go back and learn how to dial your amp in. You'll be happy that you did.
Well to each their own regarding the natural or inherent levels of compression found with the boogie cleans. I disagree that the presence of or lack there of depending how you look at it or hear, makes them unsuitable for jazz but then again, I don't know what amps you are specifically referring too when it comes to jazz stylization. I will say that your comment on jazz dabblers versus genuine jazz artists is a wee bit extreme there, seeing as I am familiar and acquainted with a few jazz musicians myself, some more serious then others but never the less, just interesting to hear someone make that automatic distinction between the two. Kind of funny actually. But again to each their own and I didn't mean to insult the world of jazz by suggesting a mesa could produce convincing and well rounded jazz tones :p
Ryan Dolecki Totally agree with you Ryan. I use my Mesa Mark 5:25 for playing classical guitar and jazz - I use a custom built Moffa Sweet Lorraine through the boogie and it sounds absolutely divine on the fat channel! Certainly no negative side effects from tube compression that I can discern.
SSvplus seems to believe compression is a bad thing... but looking at the user's other youtube comments, they seem pretty negative about....well..... everything! I think life would be rather boring if you had to use a specific amp, guitar, strings, cables etc etc to play jazz, or any genre of music for that matter. Music's supposed to be an artistic/emotional form of expression isn't it? If you dig the sound, use whatever you damn well like!
Rob
I couldn't have said it better Rob. I don't know what "gods gift to jazz" over here's problem is but hey man. You know what sounds good and you make it work. That's all that counts.
SSV guy! Well enlighten me then, what is it exactly that you play? That you recommend for people who have to hear you. I am kind of getting the impression that you're a professional, so please, do tell. Because if you aren't some insight bearing professional then there are a words and names we use to refer to people like you. Why don't you explain yourself if you're going to be taking the time to share your perspective because I am really curious now!
The 25 sounds a bit narrower. Low end, and Uppermids/top end isn't as full. Which isn't surprising given the drop in wattage, nor is it a bad thing. Makes it sound more focused. Both sound great.
Whoa, great video, great comparison! Perfect! Both are awesome amps, I do like the little 25. Not sure, but I thought, for my ears, that the 25 has a tiny less bottom, which does not mean that it's better or worse.
By the way, I am not a metal player either, like others dudes here! :)
Nice video. They sounds almost identical. the only thing I notice is a little more low end on the mark v.
The 25 has fewer low mids, but not by much....
+Michael McGlynn must be the power tubes, even that can be emulated by two notes if necessary xD
just a slight difference and thats all tube.....both super nice
love my Mark V 25
Hey man, that's awesome video. Thanks. :)
To me, the Mark V sounds like it has better note separation and has a bit throatier bottom end. Both sound fantastic but I wish the crunch mode was on channel two for the 25. D:
I have the 25 and the 35 both sound the same. Of course the 35 is louder and has the boost channel. Both great heads built like tanks.
Killer amps and music!
Love this video! How would you emulate the bright switch on the v:25?
played one yesterday.. great amp
I found there to be a bigger difference in the cleans. Not in this vid obviously, but when I compared.
90w vs 25 watt.... is where most of the difference Im hearing seems to be, extra low mids and bass. If they were both in 10 watt I bet they'd be almost spot on (Keeping the amp in Triode on the big V)
Holy Shit that is impressive! great video and sound!
The full 90w head has more openess and bass. The 25 is VEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEERY close, but it has slightly more pronounced upper mids probably due to the difference in volume and the way it makes the speaker move rather than the tone itself tho.
This sound HUGE!
Amps are great but what guitar did you use? Did you change pickups or its original?
i just bought my mark v 25 watt with a 1x12 mini cab from mesa as a combo. is it normal that there's like a hum noise when u crank it uo a tiny bit even without the guitar cable?> not even passed 1 and sounds pretty obvious is very weird
I hardly hear any difference other than the expected compression in 5:25 for being smaller in power. I heard 5:25 ch. 2 extreme should match mark V ch. 2 but both being in mk IV mode I suppose it doesn't matter.
I liked the comparison setup, seamlessly switching the amps during the same song, makes it very easy for the viewer.
Ain't nothing wrong with that 25. Great job!
Dude, is there tabs for this? Apologies if I am missing something, I'm on my phone currently.
But I'm really digging this song and was curious if you would release the tabs.
Amazing comparison by the way. Very fluent. :)
Thanks.
tabs.ultimate-guitar.com/m/misc_unsigned_bands/crestfallen_-_dividium_guitar_pro.htm
There you go. Here is a version of the Tab.
And that's why you don't need 90 watts.
guitar tone sounds great without any processing
I haven't had much luck with small versions sounding like it's big brother. These, however, sound very similar. Do they sound close to the same in the room?
Forgive my ignorance, but you CAN use a 25-watt head with a 100-watt speaker cabinet? Are there ANY warnings about doing this?? I have a 100-watt Marshall DSL cab and I'm looking at getting a Mesa Boogie amp head.
Did the Mark V have 6l6's in it, and the 5:25 the standard EL84's? Expected them to soud way different!
Damn, I like the v:25 in the mix but the original sounds much better alone.
Fucking brutal! Sounds great
25 is slightly bright in the background when guitar only.
They might sound nearly identical in studio but in person the 90w wins hands down. More watts is always better if you can push the amp hard enough. I tried the 25w, 35w and bought the 90w since the bass response and feel is much better while having much more girth and balls to the tone. It's hard to beat the "real deal", but the smaller heads do a great job too. I wouldn't mind getting a 25/35w but I had such a great deal and ended up cheaper to go with the bigger one. The 90w is also a 3 channel, which is even better.
I have the normal mark v it's killer you can get it to sound close to a 6505 on the crunch chanel with gain and presence on max. I have both amps and did a comparison it blew my mind
I know this is an old comment, but could you PLEASE do a comparison video? That'd be awesome! Do you remember your exact settings to replicate a peavey? I've been wondering for months how they stack up against each other!
+Randall Jacobs Hey mate would love to but need a new pc to do it justice. I have 2 ribbon mics I use. one for mid and treble the other for bottom end. sounds truly amazing for recording. I'll let you know my settings soon. it depends on what you set the peavey to as well. I'm not big into compressed sound. more raw and angry:)
dude sorry for taking so long i finally have the pc to do this. the crunch is less compressed. i will start my own channel soon. i will also show how good a mf400 cab sounds. i wish they would still be made
The only difference is in the power tube section. The Mark V just sounds a hair bit bigger since it uses 6L6s.
When adjusting the EQ on the mark v 25 to more accurately match its bigger brother, how much do you move the eq sliders?