Mesa Boogie Mark Five 25 vs Rectoverb 25

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[@joshgiesbrecht]

For a smaller time KZbinr, you have great reviews. You explain, but don't babble, you play very well, and you do amazing A/B comparisons which some people just dont do! Keep em going man loving your vids.

[@ransombaggins9301]

💯 And now it's 2020 and all of Phil's hard work and everything you've noted above have proven themselves. His channel has only gotten better and better.

[@chrisplummer]

So incredible.. The Rectoverb's Clean distortion is better than most amps main distortion..

[@deanmlshredder]

Yeah dude. Was messin withnone in thw music store. You can get a pretty tight high gain soumd jist by cranking the preamp on ch 1. Spanks my blackstar in the o.d. channel

[@armyofazra1922]

I watched this video when I was deciding which amp to buy. Mark V25 was my choice. As many other buggers around, I am grateful for your effort to make this video because the wrong amp in Mesa range means a lot of money. I have no regrets what so ever with my choice. I use it in studio, home and gig with it. Again than you very much.

[@stevehogan8829]

I started out liking the Recto better, but after a week of listening to you several times and others out there I think I like the 5: 25 more. Now I need to find a used one at a decent price. Thanks Phil, great comparison

[@dangerearthquake]

Even for a room mic demo you've really captured what these two heads are about. I own a Rectoverb 25 and I've been thinking of pairing it up with a Mark V 25 in stereo for a while and this video has me convinced they will compliment each other really well. Thanks for this demo!

[@Hello-dy1gh]

Thank you, love the Mark V 25. Incredible practice amp just like you "said"! Perfect for the bedroom application with all the Mesa Boogie tone and attribute's! You could gig with as well in smaller venues.

[@kickblake]

Thank you for playing the same riff for a fair comparison.

[@quinker6569]

Damn, I was really hoping to play my new Rectoverb at Midnight!!

[@samgarrison6300]

The treble is a gain boost on the mark not the presence and you probly shouldn't dime either one if don't like replacing tubes. Nice amps though. Cool you got both.

[@tylerw9984]

try the recto in the vintage mode...one of the best tones I've ever heard coming out of a rectifier...

[@joshgiesbrecht]

Mark V sounds heavier and scooped to shit in OD mode. I love the sound of the rectoverb, played one today and am in love with it

[@BCTGuitarPlayer]

The Nameless: Exactly! And as Phil said: with a 7 band EQ you can make the Recto sound nearly the same. The last thing you want is overlapping tones from two different amps or what would be the point of two different amps! Mesa designs them differently for several reasons...different people use/prefer different sounding amps.

[@joehahn8817]

I've had a Recto-verb 25 for a coupla years now. I have the head with a 1×12" Mini Rectifier cab. I recently purchased a 4×12" Egnater Vengeance cab. HOLY MACKEREL!!! It brings out every little nuance of that harmonic richness that we all love our Mesas for. I think with the addition of a decent EQ pedal I'll be able to get tones that I've only heard in my dreams. The Recto-verb 25 is perfect for me. If I never get another amp for the rest of my life I'll be glad this is the one I got "Stuck" with!!!lol

[@tubeampsrule1]

I have a mini recto and you have me thinking of getting the mark 5:25 now. They pair up well.

[@Myung13]

Yay for Dream Theater.

[@bobboitt3126]

Loved that deep tone with the Mark5 in fat mode!

[@jbognap]

IMHO, Mesa shoots themselves in the foot on many of their amps by putting 2 great sounds on one channel and not being able to footswitch between them.

[@BCTGuitarPlayer]

jbognap: but you can with the RV-25 and it comes with the foot switch for that. Unless I’ve missed something on my own amp...

[@vincelupone]

@@BCTGuitarPlayer He's talking about Clean/Pushed and Modern/Vintage not being footswitchable. It's even more apparent on the Mark V amps because they stack 3 sounds Clean/Fat/Crunch and Mark IIc+/Mark IV/Extreme on each channel.

[@MrSpeed-lt8gr]

I agree. I would love to foot switch between the clean and crunch setting of channel 1. That crunch sound is just AC/DC all day long.

[@trav13371]

I remember the best tone I ever had was when I had my Dual Rec and a PRS Custom 24. Regret was felt after I parted with those two.

[@MrSpeed-lt8gr]

I hope you get a chance to get those pieces of gear again. It’s a heart breaking thing when that happens. I’m thankful that I’ve recently been gifted with a Mark V combo amp. I got rid of my dual rectifier because my ex wife always complained about my guitar gear. Dumb decision. Got rid of my Gibson Les Paul for the same reason. I hope to replace that Les Paul one day.

[@BoozyBeggar]

An easier way to convey how your knobs are set is by using a clock's hour hand, since just about every potentiometer starts at 7 o'clock and ends at 5 o'clock, so if it's in the middle, it's 12, if it's pointing straight right, it's 3 o'clock, etc. Pretty handy system I think.

[@jeffdo1974]

Nice review! Mark 5 sounds incredible. I have the Rectoverb and 100% agree my MXR EQ takes it to the next level

[@markevans3665]

Tried both, rectoverb for sure

[@BCTGuitarPlayer]

Another great quickie, Phil. Thanks👍

[@DannyCruzCreations]

I've read all the comments. It's crazy how polarizing these can be. Some love one, some love the other. I'm leaning Mark 5.

[@billykos1554]

I just bought my 1st boogie Mark 5/25 and I would say and only my opinion that I would go with the Mark. Seriously it's the most versatile amp I've ever played and i.ve been playing for 40 years. The sound your hearing on the demo is not very good. It may take you a month or so to learn how to dial in your own favorite tones but once you do you will find this amp to be incredible

[@jetrecords11]

Gotta thank you .... Well and John petrucci ... Mine just came and I'm in love .. Btw my gate works super well in the loop knocks the hum of the high gain right out when you stop playing , I only got to play it at low volume so far and it's the first time I've played a mark series , but to me it's like if my 6505+ and my roadster had a kid lol ...nice wide separation of the bass and treble with immediate attack ... Very 3 d sounding as well ... Can't wait to bring it to practice .

[@Feckerhead]

Just picked up the mark V 25 head. Amazing amp almost got a series 2 rectoverb 50 watt head instead. Our don't think you can go wrong with either choice.

[@johnnyz1969]

Thanks for the demo, I'm seriously considering the Mark Five 24 for my next head. I have a Splawn Quickrod that sounds great but is 100 watts and loud. I want something that sounds good at lower volumes.

[@phillloyd8108]

Fuck yeah, love the Mark. Would be cool to mix the two.

[@bluesman209]

If you're considering a Mark V 25, watch the Andy Timmons-Doug West video. You will no longer be thinking about it, you will be running to find one. I couldn't believe how amazing these are until I got mine. Through my Port City 212 OS it is absolutely incredible. I don't know how they got something so small to sound so big and the cleans are beautiful!!!

[@russwilson2305]

+bluesman209 Correct re A. Timmons. Gawd.

[@ИринаМерзлякова-ы4б]

I still prefer Rectifiers.

[@rangerdoc1029]

Proof that nothing else chugs like a Mark

[@pdbordelon]

Excellent- have the Mark 5/ 25 and love it - helps to hear and see these demos, thanks!

[@yotatech]

Great video, thanks for sharing. Looks like we have similar tastes, I have several PRS SEs, and one core model, a 2013 408 MT. I just bought the Mark Five 25 a few weeks ago along with the slant and regular Mini Rec 1x12 cabs. It truly is a great sounding amp.

[@mackmayhem9878]

Damn the Mark V’s metal tone sold it for me. I want an amp that will do metal and sparkly cleans with the press of a button. I think i found my amp.

[@IggyBing]

Hi - sorry, but which one did you say could be played at midnight? Only the Mark V? The Mark seemed very compressed tonally while the Recto seemed more open... its easy to compress an open signal but am not sure how I might decompress the Mark tone... unless there's a simple switch on it for that? Either - thanks for the great A/B demo.

[@toadamine]

Rectoverb sounds awesome! Mark V sounds like it's under a thick blanket.

[@pythefirst]

Very helpful. Have got a Rect-o-verb but am a little disappointed with it's high gain metal sound. Even added a Bognor Exstacy Red to the clean channel to try and sort it, but I still don't think it reaches the Mark Five. Maybe an EQ is the way to go.

[@chrisplummer]

I'm trying to decide if the Rectoverb will work for me. I went from a Dual Rec to a 6505+ 112 because the Dual Rec was too much but I got the mesa itch..

[@millershane71]

Thanks for pointing out the volume jump on clean channel crunch setting. When I first got mine I thought there was something wrong with channel 2 because I would go from ch 1 crunch to ch 2 cII+ and the volume difference is massive. You have to turn channel 2 up to like 6 to match ch 1 crunch on maybe 2. Also what is strange about this amp is that I think the best gain channel (for me anyhow) is on the clean channel, which means I will have to dial in a clean tone on the gain channel, ch 2 in order to really utilize this as a 2 channel amp. Very bizarre. Mesa should have separated the Crunch mode from the clean channel. The Crunch setting is killer. I thought from watching the limited demos on youtoube that I would like the CII+ channel the best, but no way. That ch 1 Crunch is the shit. Super tight low end. But .... you can't utilize the clean settings via footswitch. John should have called me before they released this. Anyhow, loved your video review. If I can put two sticks together I will try to make my own demo/review. Cheers!

[@MTopMetal]

Greetings...Lookin at getting either a PRS Archon or Mark V 25 for studio use.....Which do you prefer and why? I'm currently using a 100W Dual Rectifier and a 100W EVH 5150III....

[@dasmodul]

Awesome review Phillip. Is it possible to get a Hughes & Kettner Tubemeister Deluxe 20 or 40 and compare to these two?

[@TheAndrewben10]

Good Stuff Phillip. Thanks for the help.

[@guitar4jesus7777]

Can you A:B Mark 5 25 vs Express+ 5:25?

[@DSilvergun]

Ever compare the Mark 25 head to the Mark 35 head?

[@codybaggett9741]

@Phillip McKnight How do you feel about the Mesa Express+ range?

[@agustinsegovia6523]

awesome review since i am considering the mark v or mini rectoverbe, just a question is it possible for you to do a review of the mark v with the mesa throttle box? i have the throttle box (without the eq) and just would like to see the sound possibilities of the mark v with the throttle box from boogie. Thanks!

[@Chris-cf2kp]

They really go toe to toe in many respects both of their distortions sound great. The mark has more bite to me, the verb is a bit rounded. I have a 5:50+ which is sortof a frankenstein of these two amps. I'm considering going for the verb. Different tubes though, and the Mark GEQ is great.

[@chaynethompson]

Mark V midnight jam sessions lol

[@PatrickAshe41]

I've had both the Rectoverb 25 and MV:35. Both are great, but after selling them and getting a TA-30, the Rectoverb is the one I miss. I disagree a little that the V's can sound like it, at least if effects are involved. Vs are very tonally diverse, but seem designed to be more self-contained. My effects (Wampler distortion, EH MM, Analog Man chorus) just seem a little richer on the Rectoverb's clean channel than the V's. Could just be my ear or my individual amps, but I just found the Rectoverb easier to get intended sounds, even though the graphic EQ on the V is a huge plus.

[@lucasnicolascrosato7561]

Did you ever noticed a "pop" when switching channel for the first time after turn down the amp?

[@udertyrat]

Nice job. How does the 5:25 compare to the Mark V? Thought about getting one for a backup. Have a Carvin V3m (nice amp) but I don't like biasing tubes, even though I've done it with that amp. Great job on the video.

[@paulwatson9217]

Which can be played at midnight? Lower volume it wasn’t clear which amp you were referring too.

[@bimguff]

A year late, but... He was referring to the Mark V. He had his hand on the rectoverb when he was saying "this one is too loud". I have the Rectoverb 25 - you CAN play it super quiet but it sounds a little fizzy and you gotta really finesse the volume because it suddenly jumps at around 1.

[@Roomfulofgear]

really in love with the Rect-O-Verb 25. Will probably purchase it this weekend, and I'm super excited!

[@larrytate1657]

Did you get one? If so how you like?

[@Roomfulofgear]

Larry Tate hi man, yeah I got one in the end! Okay so I love the amp overall, it's got so many great features and it is super flexible. My only gripe is that at lower volumes it can sound rather fizzy, and you need to find the time to pair it with the right cab. So far I've found that it sounds best with a British made 1X12 4 ohm celestion V30 installed inside a blackstar HTV112, but YMMV. In my mind this guy needs to go through a proper mesa boogie 4X12 cab, or perhaps a Marshall 1960 4X12. My get-around is to use a Joyo British sound pedal in the Effects loop: with the treble and mids at 12 o'clock, and the bass set around 2:30-3 o'clock, it just makes the amp come alive no matter which cab you use, and smoothens everything out. I do get the irony that I am using a $50 pedal to enhance a really expensive amp, but, whatever works right? I also swapped out the V1 and V2 preamp tubes with TADs and the power tubes with JJs.

[@larrytate1657]

Nice!! Cool how you can change tube type with Mesa.

[@Roomfulofgear]

Yep, recently swapped out the V3 and V4 positions with Tung Sols and this amp is now almost too aggressive for my classic rock sensibilities when pushing the gain beyond 2 o'clock in channel 2. I can get my Les Paul (w/ PAFs) to feedback when the master volume is at 9 o'clock!

[@JosephCee]

Both amps are very impressive and sound amazing. The Mark 5 sounds better but I want the Rectoverb cuz it looks like a mini Dual Rectifier.

[@jixxxxer17]

is the mark V 25 loud enough to play with other loud musicians who play too loud in the basement ? thank you !

[@LeoACarmona]

I'm a kinda versatile player. Which of those should I by? I think Mark is heavier than RectoVerb. Am I right? I'm not sure if Mark will fit in everything I'd like to play. Please comments. LC

[@DipendraBagchee]

Totally agree with you man! I have them both as well, but love the Mark for late night jamming :)

[@scottmatheson2390]

With the distortion dimed on the Mark 5 I'd need to wear a double layer of Depends to the gig.

[@dylancalkins5446]

Volume makes a huge difference. You are playing both at a low volume. Not got or bad, but take note

[@Matthew-px9nu]

Hi Phillip, do you like the EVH LBX better than Rectoverb 25?

[@ricroads6664]

So what aspect can you pinpoint to explain such a difference?

[@fubitz6496]

The buzz is a killer. damn i want to like these amps.

[@StaySharpFacas]

I have both, Im currently liking the Mini Rec more, the Mark V fells too stiff for my taste, too raw and dry

[@PhillipMcKnight]

I love both, but I agree I like rectoverb more.

[@StaySharpFacas]

+Phillip McKnight I'm keeping these, but using the rec more. Also loving the jmp1 and 9200. Best of both worlds

[@MayonesPlayer]

THAT CRUNCH CHANNEL :O omg was amazing!

[@PhillipMcKnight]

By far my favorite sound on the amp!

[@MayonesPlayer]

Phillip McKnight agreed! i orded my mk5 mini a couple weeks ago and a just paying it off, literally cant wait to hear it!!! i would put this in the prac amp family cause its a serious beast!!!

[@chaostan2518]

Nice review and comparison. Like Recto but Mark V do good job too.

[@1sheldon]

its difficult choosing one without trying... i want one for pretty much progressive metal, deathcore, death metal, melodic death metal... i feel like rect25 sounds better at those and has better distortion and low end, but the mk5 is so versatile and better at low volumes

[@AnderzaGuitar]

Would I be able to play the rectoverb at bedroom volumes. I currently have a 6505mh that plays fine at bedroom volume. Just trying to find a amp thats a little more versatile. I really dig the versatility and tone of the rectoverb.

[@rowang]

Zach Anderson Absolutely not. I had one for about 6 months and the channel 2 was awful at quiet volumes. Just a harsh, scratchy mess that was very unpleasant to the ear. It improved a bit by putting a eq in the loop with the volume way down and a tube screamer in front. Even with that though still got much more satisfying sounds out of thr10 Yamaha. Stick with the peavey or get a mark v 25👍

[@jetrecords11]

Great vid ... I have the rv25 combo .. It does very well at giging volumes ... How do you feel the sound of the mark does at higher volumes in the distortion settings ?

[@PhillipMcKnight]

The mark is just as loud as the rectoverb but you have to back the gain and presence controls off because you get power tube distortion. Like I said I really like them both. When playing loud I like the rectoverb a little more.

[@bischanney5812]

I am highly considering the Mark V 25. Can it get great tones at apartment level volumes?

[@bluesman209]

Bis Channey ABSOLUTELY! I own the V 25 and the big Mark V. If I could only keep one it would be the mini. It's really that good.

[@davematney1918]

+bluesman209 yep. i was in that situation and kept the mini

[@megahurtz30]

This is only with the camera mic, right?

[@Disabledguitarist1985]

Mark V is better for bedroom levels ?

[@AlmostLakai94]

Would a Mesa 2x12 Rectifier Cab be a good match for the Mark V:25? Or is there a different Mesa cab you'd recommend?

[@PhillipMcKnight]

That is a great cab. I Had the roadster 2x12 and it sounded fantastic. It is a smaller 2x12, but I believe they are very close in sound. I'm sure the Rec cab is a little bigger sounding. I think it would be a great cab for this head. If you get it tell me what you think.

[@AlmostLakai94]

I definitely will. I'm hoping to be getting the cab within the next couple of weeks.

[@tomforgetta]

Just received my Single Rectoverb head from reverb! Huge! It was shipped with the tubes removed, any advice for re install of the tubes?

[@PhillipMcKnight]

it is very strait forward. Make sure it is not plugged in and just make sure you can see clearly so you can push the tubes in with out bending the prongs. I wip the tubes with a clean cotton cloth after touching them. Other than that should be easy.

[@PhillipMcKnight]

Wipe not wip

[@tomforgetta]

Phillip McKnight thanks! Live the vids keep them coming!

[@larrytate1657]

Mark 5 would be a lot more versatile than the runt 50?? I'm between these 2 amps. But want versatility and like the high gain on Mark 5

[@thesphericalguy9018]

The Mark V is much more versatile. Full EQ and 3 modes for each channel + the global EQ, can't beat that.

[@andriebayuajie6503]

My friend said mark v25 don't cut in the mix when in loud live situation.

[@cravenmorehead7610]

it doesnt at all, wont do loud hard rock live , forget metal

[@DannyCruzCreations]

But a Recto of this size will?

[@RyanCriscolo]

Hell ya dream theater!

[@123lowp]

great demo!!!!

[@sebadivito4000]

Great tutorial!! Thank you very much

[@Zhorellski]

Do u have the EQ on in the MkV?

[@jimmyjams1974]

Great comparison

[@liampellerin9696]

I recently tried a Mark V 25 at a friend's. It was quite underwhelming. I was expecting it to be like a punch in the face but it felt, imho, dry and lifeless. I couldn't get the eq right and what ever I did it sounded bad. I even dialled in Petrucci's settings, but it did not help. Does anyone have suggestion on how to work this amp better?

[@NuZTheRockerOFFICIAL]

Liam Pellerin tweak it.. you'll get great sound out of it only if you learn to tweak it a lot (not a plug and play amp.)

[@Rooster7six]

How bout a Minirectifier vs LBX vid!!!?? ;)

[@r.w.h4081]

Great job. This helped.

[@DarrenGWhite]

Wait, which one's no good at low volume? (I know it's been a long time and maybe you don't even remember lol)

[@Chord_The_Seeker]

Darren G. White He said in the demo that the Rectoverb doesn't do low volume well, but that the Mark V does.

[@DarrenGWhite]

Chord TheSeeker thanks! I think you're right.

[@rowang]

I had a rectoverb 25 and had to let it go for this reason. I have 3 kids in the house 12 and under who need to sleep so most of my playing was done at an average watching tv by yourself kind of volume and the overdrive channel in either vintage or modern was just plain awful at this level. I mean really bad. I mean blown out of the water by a thr10!! The clean and clean boost were ok, just not the overdrive. Do not, I repeat do not buy the little rectoverb if you like to play dirty and quiet. Very interested in a mark v 25 now but $2500+ here in Australia

[@currituck]

Wow that Mark 5 is ripping! It would be great for thrash metal. The recto is too flubby and bassy.

[@utmotrix]

Your microphone is not picking up a LOT of the high end. Makes everything sound the same.

[@ultimatemetalguitartones]

I really love the mark sound more! Check out my video here! kzbin.info/www/bejne/jHO7m2t3f5Zjbrs

[@MrRedCologne]

awesome review! thanks!

[@Allann882]

Mark five for gigs... opinions?

[@Airakobra]

+Allan Ardon Sounds killer, and it's very portable too. I definetely recommend it

[@Allann882]

+Daniel Pessoa Thanks for the answer, what about the volumen without cabclone equipment, it is enough?, I want to know how loud it is. Thanks

[@Airakobra]

+Allan Ardon It is quite loud, specially fully open on 25w mode with a 2x12 cab. If thats not enough you can always mic it and youre good to go. If you get the chance to pick up this amp do not hesitate.

[@Mumumumykul]

+Allan Ardon Lamb of God.

[@chrisplummer]

Great video.

[@holly-kf9rn]

great review, thanks

[@bryanlettow4389]

That recto-verb sounds too fizzy and un-focused.

[@AkiraSpectrum]

thanks for the video!

[@mmarrinan]

Mark V vs Archon?

[@RRoy83]

Owned both, Mark V all the way

[@AllGearNoSkillz]

Thanks for another great video!!

[@travisloria2337]

sick! both are great amps! I did a tone samples video of the mark v 25! check it out on my channel :) I use a 2x12 rectifier cab and an ESP KH-2.

[@bradhill99]

which one you prefer?

[@PhillipMcKnight]

I love them both, but for me Mark 5 wins

[@NuZTheRockerOFFICIAL]

@@PhillipMcKnight glad to hear that you like the mark v 25 more

[@BrazzyRosewood]

Who buys a Rectoverb Dual Rectifier to get a "Mark 5 Vibe"? The Recto destroys the Mark 5 in nearly every catagory except the 1970's style smiley faced eq.

[@chasingtone5748]

Rectoverb

[@ringo1234567]

rect o verb win

[@tylenolcoldflu]

Mark v is god

[@PsychoMantis308]

TYLENOL Cold Flu Severe no Lemmy is god