6L6 vs EL34; What Sounds More Brutal? *Dual Rectifier*
HTML-код
- Опубликовано: 27 ноя 2017
- ♫ Become a Patron - / leontodd
♫ My music - ragdollrock.bandcamp.com
♫ Sweetwater Affiliate - imp.i114863.net/LPynEM
Gear I use to make my videos
⪢ Interface - imp.i114863.net/DVZQZy
⪢ Monitors - imp.i114863.net/DVZkQ2
⪢ Vocal Mic - imp.i114863.net/rnqGqG
⪢ Headphones - imp.i114863.net/9WjJA5
⪢ Picks - imp.i114863.net/LPyZnM
⪢ Strings - imp.i114863.net/qnL2AY
⪢ PRS Custom 24 - imp.i114863.net/ORvm9W
⪢ Izotope RX - imp.i114863.net/jWGOOn
⪢ Fabfilter - imp.i114863.net/Ao1EER
⪢ BOSS SD-1 - imp.i114863.net/vn9Z4v
⪢ Synergy SYN2 - imp.i114863.net/Gj4Z0m
⪢ Eventide H9 - imp.i114863.net/Vyv6bO
⪢ Midi Controller - imp.i114863.net/mgJ2XM
⪢ Rack Mixer - imp.i114863.net/XxvXLX
The links above are affiliate links. Should you click the link and purchase an item I earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you.
I am a Fractal Audio beta tester. Pronounced bee-tah.
Feeling social?
⪢ Follow me on Instagram- / leon_ragdoll
⪢ Join my Discord - / discord | Invite Code - knnMWCsPrS
⪢ My Cab IR's (Free)
tinyurl.com/3676d7uk
At times gear highlighted on this channel will be provided by the manufacturer, purchased at a discount or be made available to me on loan. In these cases you will see the "contains paid promotion" icon. 
Видеоклипы
Loving the contributions to this video so far. Listening back after a few months the 6L6's definitely do the classic Recto thing, but I'm taken by the character of EL34's as well. Hard to go wrong with either IMO.
EL34's are the best in my dual!6L6's are too bassie in my rectifier,I could never get a balanced tone.I was always fighting the knobs to find my tone every time I jammed.
It feels like the 6L6's create that wall of sound, you would attribute to a brutal metal tone. The EL34 just seem to top endy and honestly at times tinny with a fizz, definitely doesn't match the 6L6 for brutality.
What 6l6's you use?
I agree!Mullard el34's reissues are outstanding in my dual rec!Also 2 c winged 5u4g's and 5 mullard 12ax7 reissues!
Forgot to mention!
I really liked this demo! The EL-34s sound awesome, but I'm *thinking* the 6L6s might record better in a mix.
It's fun how all of us on the internet say "Oh, well, I personally prefer this tube for this application, but they really all have their place," and then Mesa comes along with a manual that says "We included a bias switch so you could run EL34s, but don't. 6L6s are objectively superior. #sorrynotsorry."
I feel like EL34s fit better into a busy mix, but I'm scared that if I put them in a Mesa, Randall Smith will manifest in my house physically and mess with all my EQ settings.
^^^ Greatest ever comment in RUclips history ^^^
He'll "Mesa" with your EQ... 😂😂🤷🏼♂️🤦🏼♂️
I love my Dual Rec with EL-34 ;) I definitely prefer these over the 6L6 !
And the new Badlander comes with EL-34 😎👌
THAT was a great comment!
much prefer the 6L6's, although the EL34 would be nice for those who want a tighter and more focused sound.
By the same logic wouldn't the looper also thin out the 6L6's?
Leon Todd assuming you didn't use it because there was only mention of it with the second demo bud
You can also turn the bass up a hair and get that bass back. EL34's have so much more dimension than the 6L6's.
EL34s for the lead guitarist and 6L6s for the rhythm guitarist
🤘
Weird i heard it differently, el34 sounded a bit wooly to me, 6l6 a bit more brutal and tighter. 🤷🏼♂️
The answer to most brutal is the SLO sitting screen right.
Is a HR100 not a SLO ;)
@@fabiolamanna HR 50. Lol.
0:25 6L6
1:07 EL34
Hero!
@@Twobarpsi 6L6s all the way !!
@@lucasich 🤘🤘🤘 hell yeah!!
I found your demonstration to be profound and interesting as it really exhibited the sonic differences between the 6l6 and el34 very accurately as many have also previously stated so cheers to that. It's worth noting that perhaps in a future installment you might go further in detail with dialing the amps individually to fully utilized the characteristics of both?
6L6 setup sounds so much better here, I had no clue it can affect the dynamics this way!
Good demo, just ordered some EL34s for mine after hearing this
Wow, this is really cool! The 6L6s sound fuller to me, but the EL34s probably cut through better in a mix?
Personally I liked the EL34's. But then again, I like Marshall's. So all depends on what you're going for
I agree. I'm also a Marshall man. This has me wondering what my old Boogie Mk. III would have sounded like with EL34s, if that were possible... 🤔
Very cool comparison. Thanks! 6L6 for me. That lil bit of hef in the low end is nice.
Excellent side by side, thank you for making this video. I have only played with 6L6 and the el34 in the upper frequencies sounds more expressive. Yes, a good time
Bite and clarity of the EL's appeals to me more.
Man the 6l6 sounds so Soundgarden. The tone! And fav band!! But I can help to love that mid range grid of the el34. Thank you for making this video. This gives me a lot of answers and it’s exactly what I thought it would be
Best video on the subject yet on RUclips... Simple and straight to the point. Thank you! 6L6 all the way!!! BRUTAL
Hello, Leon!! This was the first video that I saw from your channel and the sound of the Rect with EL34s struck me so much that I wanted so much to "have it". I don't know if it's possible for you to make an IR from this set up. If it is I woulbe so greatful (and I think a lot of subscribers too! :D)
Well done for the channel and the whole bunch of great tones you create off your gear! Keep on the good work and cheers from Brazil!!
Best regards!
This is why you get a Mesa with 6L6s and a Marshall with EL34s. It just sounds perfect 👌
that's my rig
William Pierce Like Adam Jones from Tool when he ran an old Marshall superbass with a dual rectifier, that distortion was so thick and juicy you can cut it with a knife.
El34 definitely. I feel like that tone will sound delicious in a mix. 6v6 sounded a little fizzy with not as much mids, it just sounds good on it’s own
Hey man, that sounds wicked ! I just subscribed ! Could you please specify which cab and mic(s) you used :) ? Thanks a lot !
I like em both. Great video!
The correct answer! They both rip hard.
6L6's in my 2006 dual rec with a Rivera RockCrusher set to studio and the amp output up and those tubes a cookin!!
just what one one think....6l6 more lowend and top....el34's more mids and less bottom...both sound great when out of the context of direct comparison....blended would really be huge!
You're right - blended would be ideal!
Want the punch of 6L6's and the focus of EL34's? Try KT88's...
or 6CA7's ?
mesa road king - problem solved, tonal bliss
I love the sound of my recto and Marshall TSL running in stereo. Huge sound!
all is as it should be! Thanks!
While watching press 4 and then 8 to switch back and forth and then 5 and 9...helps a lot.
6L6 for sure in this amp. All this "cutting through the mix" is bullsht. Mesas have more sculpting capability than Michelangelo.
Yep
nah I like it. It sounds tight af. The 6L6 sound woofy and shit
I would guess you don't actually mix & master that much. Even with an OD cutting out some of the bass, you still have to shovel the lows out of a 6L6 dual rec on whatever EQ you use in the DAW so it's not flubbing and woofing all over the place as it doubles up on too many frequencies with the bass. This is what pretty much every studio engineer in existence does with 6L6 dual recs.
I'm talking about playing live. Mesa's have incredible sculpting power. You really didn't say much other than generic "shovel the lows". If the lows aren't there there is no reason to shovel them.
@@supernoobsmith5718 mark series have good sculpting. Dual rec not so much.
This time I'll go for the 6L6. Definitely more brutal
Super cool!!! Would you share amp settings? was these tried with no pedals at all?
You never mentioned if the EL34 Recto was set to Tube or Diode rectifier setting. On the back of the amp it says EL34s should be used on the Tube rectifier setting but can you use it on the Diode setting? I would like to be able to use it on the Diode setting instead of Tube to keep it tight. Tube setting always seems to have more sag.
I was surprised by how much tighter the El34's sounded. I had it in my head there would be more compression and it would be less tight. I actually really like that tone. The 6L6's sounded MASSIVE but a LOT of low end and high end fizz and I'm just not sure that wouldn't become problematic.
so surprised on the clarity the EL34's create, would have to say I think i prefer it considering it'd sit better in a mix!
BareMetalMods now you understand why those Guns N’ Roses records sound like slash is turned up but Izzy it turned down!!
This video confirms my preconcipations about power tubes-6L6 just sounds so open and tactile,you can almost touch the sound.EL34 -midrange focus but lacks air.In fact in this examples sounds like two different amps.Great video!
One thing why love you video is than they stair to the point. Thumb up man. Further I don't have any knowledge of tubes so. I love the sound of EL34. 6L6 is more clean sounded through my spreakers monitor.
A set of matched 6L6's is a must
The EL34 have more mids so it will cut through the mix more and if you are after that scooped sound, you can always backoff some mids on amp. I would go for EL34. Thanks for posting the video! Great channel.
Totally agree ! I prefer the EL-34 in my Dual Rec, it sounds so great, is has that bite and the crunchy midrange !
@@jensloetzschputting EL34s in a recto should be illegal. Just buy a line 6 pod.
Hi Leon, Which brand of 6L6’s do you have in there. I have an old Laney Klipp with EL34’s that are lacking balls kind of what I hear in your video with them. I really like the sound of the 6L6’s and feel my amp could benefit with them in. Thanks
Leon Todd what type of tubes did you use? Were they the same in both amps? Pre and power? Mesa Tubes I assume i'm a lil late to the video lol
Great demo. I prefer the el34 sound much more. But then again, I'm a Marshall guy, so... Anway, great sounds from both amps any way you slice it.
What about a set of KT77s and get a great in-between sound of both the 6L6 and EL34?
I had a similar thought, but with E34Ls?
Both sounds is great!
Thanks for the comparison! I have a dual recto also and was curious. The EL34’s have a much tighter attack however sounds like you lose a lot of bottom end which is a characteristic I LOVE about my recto with 6L6’s. I’m sure they both sound amazing in person. Rock on!! 🤘🏻
The 6L6 is definitely the MESA sound; I prefer the EL34s.
King of Spandex: EL34s are definitely the sound of 80s spandex and leather wearing metal gods. There's an isolated track of Randy Rhoads doubling and triple duplicating an Ozzy song that really showcases the EL34 tone. He tracks identical, but has the tone different and some of the accent notes a little different and it is really good sounding.
Love the mid-range bit of the EL34s.. I would probably bump the bass control a bit with those ...but wouldn't really change anything else. :)
Thanks for the video, Glad I never changed my 6L6's out for EL 34's and after hearing this I wouldn't dare. If you want EL34 tone go get a Marshall or better yet get both and bi-amp the two.
What to get for bedroom playing in a Mesa? Single or dual? Heavy chug type playing. Not crazy volume. Please tell me why in detail. They are about the same priced used. Thanks
It’s like apples and oranges, personally to my ears the EL34s are a bit warmer sounding with a tad less bite than the 6L6s, however the 6L6s have really beautiful mids and lead tone. I honestly could play either one and be happy going through a wonderful dual rectifier.
6L6 for these older Boogies get the traditional tone. Which I prefer. To get that spectrum of balance across you'll need both amps (old Revs) with both set of tubes. But if you have only have one amp to work with go with EL34's. Let your bass player pick up that low end for you.
Could you tell me your knob settings? I play through a triple and always try to find a new different kind of tone!
Also it would have be great to know your signal chain and your amp settings
my votes for the 6L6. like the other comments say, nice low end growl and bite. kinda seemed to have a little more definition too, but eh
I prefer the El34s much more clarity! Can always add a little more bass! Or take some low end out of the 6l6's might also sound better! As the amp is set now El34's sound better!! Great comparison!
Surprised I dug the EL34s more, seems to tighten up the Recto sound.
And duuuuude. I appreciate your channel. Your videos really help showcase gear in a modern rock and metal context and it slays.
Hi. In this video you demonstrated blue red or white 6L6 ?
In this demo I like the EL34 tubed Recto more. Less flubby sounding and I'm a 6L6 guy.
Didn't think I would perfer the EL34's, but I believe I actually do after a listen... they sound more focused, and with less sagg to me 🤷♂️
EL34s not EL34"s idiot
Hi. On that amp, the 6l6's. Wonder how will sound with kt66's???
Hey Leon, were both amps using the same preamp tubes?
If I’m jammin in the studio with my buds and I’m the only guitarist, more bottom end is more fun, 6L6s 👍However, if I’m recording, definitely EL34s, especially when layering multiple guitar tracks.🤘🎸
Exactly my thoughts. Gotta stand out a little brighter particularly when laying down rhythm tracks, but man I like the 6L6 bottom bump 🤘
6L6 is my pick
I think I liked the tighter el34 myself. Glad to find this because I have a identical triple rectifier head. I love mesa for their tones and always so many options like mine has 3 tube types and a transformer and can use from 1 to all 4 etc and find your favorite mixtures in orange and red od to saturation.
Are the preamp tubes the same in both amps? Are the power tubes the same brand?
Pretty sure most metal dudes would say they prefer the 6L6. But the EL34’s align much better in my personal taste in tone.
EL34 reminds me of Adam Jones' tone from Tool, it sounds kind of crackly and brittle in the high end and I'd definitely say it would cut through better in a mix because of the more defined mids, but it doesn't quite match the classic metal sound of the 6L6's. They both sound good to me, it's pretty much up to whatever you prefer, I actually I like the EL34's more.
viktor knezevic adam uses 6l6 in both his diezel amps
how can you just change to a totally different type of tube? wouldnt this damage the amp?
What brand were the tubes? :)
The 6L6's version seems full sounding to me
Personally I like the sound of the 6L6 a little more.
Hmmm, i may try an experiment and do a youtube to mp3 on this video and put the two together panned and see what it sounds like,, LOL
i hear great qualities comming out of both, it is a matter of what your going for that dictates what is needed in a mix, but id be curious as to what they sound like together
Wow, those EL34s have so much clarity and midrange. Awesome.
👍EL34's👍(improved tone : less bassy mush)
EL34's sound way too nasaly for my tastes. 6L6's are the ticket !!
Love how people describes tones
What kind of speakers did you record with? It makes all the difference. Mesa usually pairs their 6L6s with Vintage 30s whilst Marshall pairs their EL34s with G12T-75s.
What tone settings did u use for the 6l6s I'm getting a head and just want help trying to find a tone I like
I usually go bass 2 mid 4 treble 6 presence 6
For me ...by far the 6l6s! Lot more massive.
I know it"s a matter of taste though.
Maybe the El34s suits better the lead players with their prononced midrange bandwidth.
6L6 big fat sound with deep bass and EL34 sounds more tight more compressed i prefer 6L6 tubes
Oh, man. Both sound killer.
My Road King has both 6L6s and EL 34s,and can be set to use either on a per channel basis. It can also use both at the same time,and the EL 34s have a pentode/triode switch as well.
Long live the KT77: lows and highs of the 6L6, mids of the EL34. Pin compatible to the EL34. :)
Been using KT77 for yrs.. every amp I have that is made for EL34 has KT77 in it
the flaw with this video is swapping over to the el34 with settings that were dialed in to favor the 6l6 making the el34 unfavorable in this video even though its the better tube when dialed in properly : with a mid scoop and added low end (whereas 6l6 already has scooped mids and exxagerated low end so you have to cut the bass and add mids which is why the el34 sounds worse and harsh here with the same settings cause its already mid forward and hotter in sound) . keep in mind the el34 is the tube used by meshuggah to achieve their ultra tight brutal low tuned tone which the 6l6 fails to achieve being looser and boomier. basically if youre swapping tubes you have to use the settings backwards, not the same. 6l6 requires bass cut added mids , el34 requires mid cut added bass. but when you do the el34 is superior being tighter and more aggressive for metal.
it's not a flaw. It's exacly the point. If he changes settings, both will sound good in their own way with no grounds for comparison. That's science right there! -D
Thank you for making this back-to-back comparison. I haven't heard the difference before and I've only used EL34 and EL84 based amps myself.
About my preference in a Recto, based on this video:
- 6L6 definitely is that 'classic' high gain Recto tone. There's an aggressive 'oomph' in the low end that could be considered a bit boomy. The top end is a bit fizzy.
- EL34 Doesn't have that low end rumble, but there's certainly a lot of growl in that lower midrange. I think increasing the lows a bit (instead of using matched settings) would get you a nice blend between these tones. The midrange is gritty/growly and there seems to be more saturation in general than with 6L6 tubes. The higher mids have a spike that stands out more than 6L6, but the EL34 amp doesn't sound as fizzy in the top end.
Have you ever used both in a mix? I know this video is from late 2017 but if you ever get the chance I would love to hear these amps in the context of a simple mix with drums and guitars added, maybe some vocals. My guess is that the 6L6 amp will need more EQ while you could probably drop the EL34 tone in there and get away with it right off the bat.
In the end I really love both tones. I'd love to have a 6L6 based amp at some point just so I have extra options, but I think my preference goes to EL34 in general. That being said, my main amp at home is actually running EL84.
Can you show yr Amp settings?
Hard to see in the video!
The way I hear it the EL34s have more mid and a more even sound. There's more to work with, so I think I like them best.
I don’t play metal, so I like the clean headroom of 6L6. It seems that you might be able to emulate the EL34 tones by dialing down the bass a bit and upping the midrange, plus adjusting gain and treble to taste.
Can you give your amp settingS? i cant see all your eq.
I love the road kings ability to combine the two - which is my favourite setting.
EL34 has more headroom, but 6l6 version are more brutal and direct
6L6's IMO, the recto loses what makes it a recto with 34's, it lost it's grind, low mids and 3D thickness. I couldn't pull them out of my amp fast enough lol.
Joe Korkis 6L6's give it an unmistakable character
that's exactly what I was thinking as soon as I heard the 34 version
What I did with 1996 Dual Rec is, I have 6l6's in the power section, but set on EL34 mode, the reason being is, that is sets the bias spot closer to as possible as where the tubes supposed to be biased at for a 6l6 tube.
Then power mode bold= tighter/fuller tone, and rectifier section set to hi power silicon diodes. That right there, will give you a much fuller well rounded tone out of any 2 channel rectifier head.
That is very, very interesting!
untoldguitarist Did you switch over to tube rectifier and spongy for this? If not, the 6L6s will be burning super hot. Get a Kill-A-Watt meter to measure the difference in dissipated power to confirm.
The 6L6 setting biases around -51v at the grid. Changing this as much as 5v can bias from cold A/B to hot sweet Class A.
The EL34 setting biases at approx -39v. If 6L6s are in there but the bias is set to EL34, they will idle at a power level beyond their rating (think Class A+) and severely shorten their life.
But hey, it's your amp so do what you like. This message is aimed for those less technical who should understand the consequences of your suggestion.
Cheers!
My word the 6L6 spoke to me instantly. However i am more interested to read the comments from others who prefer the EL34s regarding them being better in a mix/band situation. I play alone (always have) but definitely listen when experienced players give their input.
I doubt the amps had identical sounding preamps tubes to begin with? Would be nice to try switching the power amp tubes around and compare again.
I prefer the el34 its seams more defined and aggressive
el34 !!!
what guitar did u use?
I think it would be interesting if they made these where you could run KT88s.I love those.
El34 sounds more open sounding. I prefer
I preferred the EL34s. The 6L6s sounds great in the bedroom but i wouldnt dare use that tone at a gig.
EL34 in the streets, 6L6 in the sheets
lmao
I had the same thought... I would expect the EL34s to sit in a mix better.
I had the exact same opinion. I had a 6l6 recto and it was always having trouble keeping up with my other guitar players EVH 5153 in a mix...even with the mids cranked pretty high.
Exactly my concern as well, although I lack the experience to make a decisive and clean cut.
Just stumbled across this video. (Super cool vid, btw!) Former Mesa Mark/Simul-Class and Recto owner. Current Splawn Devotee. To my ears, the 6L6 provides that liquid (mistake-covering) compression that you’d LOVE while showing off in a music store. But that’s the exact same ‘squish’ that gets swallowed whole in a live or studio mix. The EL34s have that upper mid-range ‘bite’ that some fine harsh in a solo guitar application, but definitely helps the guitar cut through a full band mix. FWIW the Splawn Nitro has all the low end girth and thump that Recto players love, but with articulation and string separation that the Recto just cannot match - regardless of what Tubes it’s running.
It honestly sounds like they would complement each other in a mix
6l6 had more low end
Chris Meier you’re a guitarist not a bassist, leave the low end to the bassist haha
I see this said a lot, thing is. there is no bass on this demo. Set your tone for the situation, If its a lone guitar track why not have the most killer tone instead of imagining what it would sound like in a live or recording situation.
@@marcospintor1333 tell that to metallica on 'Justice for All' 🤣
Nate Dawg I prefer the tone of ride the lighting but since metallica didn’t have a real bass player at that time then the 6l6 will do 🤷♂️
EL34 ! 6L6 sounds like mud.
Recently found this gem of a video & comment section & went down the rabbit hole. I recently acquired a ‘92 Rev F w/ EL34’s. Sounds awesome but needs to be retubed. So I jumped over to eurotubes & bought the high gain integrated quad set: 2 EL34L’s & 2 6CA7’s which apparently both sound like hybrids of EL34’s & 6L6’s. I shall report back to the troops after it’s retubed & serviced (scratchy pots)
6L6 for me sounds more massive!
Did you use a boost for that?