Should You Boost A High-Gain Amp?

[@SonicDriveStudio]

Should you boost your high-gain amps?

[@x-Gingerbeard-x]

Yes... with a HM-2 to the max because chainsaw is life 😂

[@manos6426]

Yes sir!!!!!

[@baruchdor]

i use eq2 source audio in my effect loop...400-440hz big q dip even in my engl!!!i like it more then all the other options and its more like the diezel herbert mid cut, try it!!!

[@SuperJiggawhat]

It really depends on what you're after. I personally think Fluby amps sound sonically sound better once you boost them. The more modern amps are starting to sound like solid state amps with that lightning fast rectifier reaction. Just seems like too much of a good thing.

[@Psyraga]

I like high gain tones just shy of djent territory. So I use two TS9 boosts at 50% tone/volume and get great results from that. Also an eq pedal to remove bass depending on the amp

[@zantrex4]

Boosted Dual Rec is SUCH a great, timeless tone.

[@Soloist1983]

wish they had made the Badlander with that in mind, like a pre-boosted recto, instead they neutered the Badlander, took ALL the low end out and dialed the gain back such that you pretty much need an OD to even get into metal territory :(

[@OnyxSkiesXIX]

Call me crazy, but I think I liked the loose Retco tone the most here. Maybe it’s just the song but yeah, that non-boosted Recto sounded real good here!

[@jorgepoti1718]

Me too!!!

[@robertritzenthaler3775]

I’m of the shrinking minority who doesn’t believe more mids = better, so I’m inclined to agree with you. Modern guitar guitar players push the mids wayyyyy too much.

[@Saurion1]

Same, unboosted Recto is the best metal tone.

[@elgamal1982]

I liked the recto without the boost, usually I don’t like boosting amps with od’s but I may use an eq pedal to lower the low frequency a bit with amps like the orange.

[@edp5623]

Ive been a dual rec owner for about twelve years. I also own a marshall jvm410h, a 5150 iii, and an orange tiny terror Ive put countless hours of my life into playing around with these amps, my various boost pedals, and speaker cabinets The mesa unboosted is definitely sick. Guitar pickups make a big difference. I prefer the ts9 overdrive pedal, turn volume all way up, drive and tone all the way down. It adds tiny bite, and tightens the flub just a little. It makes certain riffs sound much cleaner. Its far less drastic of a boost than what hes demonstrating here.

[@ookookook]

Boosted recto is one of the best ever tones. Engl without a boost sounds great, with a boost too grindy for me.

[@adamstein9333]

Nailed it!!!! Thank You couldn’t say it better. Too bad rectifiers have the worst clean tone ever!

[@ArjanSnijder]

Engls sound great without a boost. i've used allot of engls. Never boosted them.

[@Durkhead]

Lol you should just get a boss katana for clean tones and rig a switcher

[@kikiphallin]

​@@adamstein9333 Unless you're using emg pickups or some other pick up that's just as insipid, Mesa have really decent cleans, I dare to say good depending on the setting.

[@edp5623]

​@@adamstein9333what dont you like about it? I like my rectos clean tone. Feels very full

[@djentlover]

Sculpting the eq and the level of the signal before it gets to the preamp is one of the most important steps of dialing the tone. It took me over ten years to understand this.

[@DaltonPeters1]

The boosted recto sounds so good

[@208414]

I'd bet that a blend between these two amplifiers would sound immense.

[@tomix1970pl1]

SDS makes all amps sounding well.And we can all say that he does it in his own style.

[@AdamDallas]

When I play, I almost always prefer the feeling of a boosted amp. However, listening back, I always find that things typically sound pretty great as-is without a boost. I would definitely boost a rectifier. That ENGL though.... That's one of the finest sounding amps I've ever heard plain on it's own. Seriously would love one of those.

[@Phil.Goodwin]

Holy moly, looks like the Mesa fan club in here. Recto sounds too scooped to me, harder to hear in a mix. Better with tube screamer mids added, obviously. The ENGL is certainly more modern sounding with exceptional detail and clarity; totally brutal and yet refined. I'm completely in love.

[@asherplatts6253]

The think your explanation of why bass cutting makes the low end sound better, has allowed me to use my amp's EQ, resonance, and presence, more effectively

[@07dhiraj]

Nice start of series named -:" How to dial your tube amp ?"🎉🎉😊😊

[@colebengston3963]

I love that rectifier sound so much! I’m more of a blackened death metal guy so I like that crazy “flubby” sound. Of course I have overdrives but even on my express 5:50+ I don’t need one.

[@cyclonefan34]

I was never happy with my tone, realized I needed to use my overdrive pedals as a boost. That's the key to getting my fav metalcore tones! Thanks for the video!

[@deepend69]

I get this result from my rectifer by just switching my dimarzio tone zone to split north coil. I get the best of both worlds without having to add a boost. You still get the fat low end and a sharp attack.

[@solarfallmori]

Sounds so sick with the Yellow King 🔥

[@SonicDriveStudio]

Love that pedal!

[@solarfallmori]

@@SonicDriveStudio Yeah, I´m looking forward to get one 🤘

[@fleshbomb29]

I commented on the Instagram promo post earlier, with my blanket view on using these pedals, but you’ve done a great job putting the what and why on full display. Love it brother 🤘

[@PacMan592]

You literally read my mind with these video ideas.

[@Herrierecordsinc]

To add to the discussion, high output pickups can make a difference too.

[@taz3672]

I prefer the Mesa boosted over the ENGL. The boosted Mesa seemed fuller.

[@LTDJesse]

Exactly what I’m thinking

[@luiza177music]

Love the Dual Recto to death, flub and all

[@soundhealer8661]

To my ears and taste Mesa sounds best from drop D until drop A, and for tunings below that Engl all the way. By far my 2 favorites amps.

[@tj1486]

Mesas are for sure problem children and need some really hot pickups and/or a really hot boost to make it articulate, especially as tunings get lower.

[@guitartonetopia]

I’ve played many many fancy high end amps over the past 20yrs and a boosted recto is still one of the best 🍻

[@DarkSkarStudio]

That ENGL sounds amazing, but the Mesa sounds more open, specially with the booster, thank you!!

[@TheSoulflytriber]

Most important thing (for me) isn't low end in distortion but the mids. Overdrives are cutting low end but they also extremely boosting the mids. For example engl savage 120 and engl powerball has almost a same amount of low end but savage has more mids in distortion and it gives more bite. I also found that I love when amp has lot of mids but also the low end. This is the reason why I prefer more 3rd channel on powerball over the 4th. BTW boosted rectifier has more mids in the distortion than unboosted engl and for me it has more bite and punch.

[@Depurity]

Holy shit, I own both and liking the hair that the boosted dual recto has ❤

[@scarem84604]

This was a great comparison video! Rectos always sound so big. The funny thing is I actually really liked the loose sound in the mix. Sounded really wide and paired with the bass track in a good way. If I played a Recto I would use a boost but I loved both sounds. I owned an ENGL SE EL34 back around 2006. Loved the amp but I never used a boost. I didn't need it for what I played but could understand if someone wanted to use one for different flavors. Both amps sounded killer in the mix! Keep up the great work!

[@zunk4435]

I love my boosted recto, and I like to boost my lead tones since I use them a lil scooped

[@sheldonswan45]

They both sound awesome!

[@muzerino]

Goddamn! What a sick riff! If that was a song I’d love it instantly. Recto for me. Either loose or tight. 😎

[@lekkerblankastudio]

very informative! demos so good i got the king in yellow for 🎄

[@MarcusW87]

I use a Lichtlaerm King in Yellow to boost everything, my Powerball II included, especially on lower volumes.

[@OfficialDreamTheater]

Boosted Mesa sounds EXTREMELY aggressive and I love it. When it is boosted, the ENGL sounds nasally almost. Mesa has such a massive presence and stage with the boost.

[@williamcharnley5558]

Really found this very useful thank you - also, sick riff

[@williamcharnley5558]

On listening closely, I think what the SE FE does really well is it blends in with the snare really really well. When the snare hits, the guitar just makes it feels three times as wide. The boosted rectifier sounds absolutely gorgeous and almost does that, but because it doesn't quick poke the mids/lower mids, it almost forms around the snare instead of hitting with it. What the SE FE does for the snare feels like what good bass guitar does for the kick drum if that makes sense

[@ConstantineM]

You made a good point. It really depends. If you play some fast riffing with a lot of palm mutes, chances that you need to keep low frequencies under control are high. If you play opposite of it, well, you don't need to boost that much. But it really depends, again.

[@davidezaccagnini6392]

As always great usefull video! You are the best higain metal channel dude. Sound and playing amazing

[@SonicDriveStudio]

Thanks!

[@williambyrne6855]

Cool comparison. I have both and generally agree. But we're both capturing into the load boxes (R7), and not a physical room/venue. And if I'm not mistaken, for the ENGL, SDS chose the tighter 6L6 tubes (as did I)

[@constantinranis]

On Testaments gathering all you hear is a guitar straight to a Mesa.. of course mixing and everything but still.. me my self I can't make a Mesa sound tight without a screamer in front.. what I mean is that a boost can make your life a lil bit easier in some cases

[@brandonbryson3317]

In my experience, always…especially in a live setting. Sounds so much more aggressive and cutting. Also, if you’re in a two guitar band and/or tune really low. Less important in a recording situation.

[@ArcticChonk]

I used to have a Triple Rectifier and I love the way it sounds with a boost in front. But it's kind of ridiculous when you have to spend over 2000 dollars on something that is pretty much useless without a 120 dollar pedal in front of it. It doesn't make much sense to me..

[@DeckardRJ]

The Mesa Marks are very tight. One of the tightest IMO. A good experience would be doing the reverse with tight amps so they can sound a little more like a Recto: puting the EQ with boosted bass frequencies in front of the amp. Very good video!!

[@kaidemen156]

I love them both!

[@TheDeedeeFiles]

Yes 👍

[@dannyllerenatv8635]

For rhythm tones, it's hard NOT to go ahead and boost the amp, especially with a TS or Klon-style OD. You tighten the low end, add some mid-range frequencies, and add some compression (in a good way) as well.

[@Soloist1983]

Your videos are always great! And I love the ENGL SE; had it for a bit, kept my Artist Edition but plan on getting another, with a snakeskin tolex, the SE is one of the best amps ever,, kind of wish it the IR loader stuff from the Ironball SE, that would be KILLER, but it's great as it is :)

[@adamstein9333]

The Rectifier is the best high gain for Me. The best amp and matching cab I’ve ever had by far. This is 25 years ago and I still cannot find the perfect rect o box since I’ve sold the monster. The clean channel is the worst unfortunately. It’s like they said whatever just leave it lol. I’ve had plenty of tube amps since (not close to as many as You of course) but have been happy with Orange Thunderverbs and Laney Ironhearts and have tried Every recto sim there is be it pedal or plug in. Rn I use a AMT R2 with tubescreamer, 7 band eq, into a Mooer radar thru powered cabs and monitors. I’ve always wanted an Engl or Randall/Synergy but with tech these days My rig in under 300 bucks for everything and You would be hard pressed to tell the difference. I’m ranting and not on subject but I never had to boost the rectifier though it really does tighten things up. I wish Mesa would release an IRX Friedman type pedal so My tone search would be over. Though We all know that’s bullshit right?lol Sir You are the best Demo/Reviewer/Player/Teacher on You tube hands down and that doesn’t come lightly! What is Your favorite Recto in a box or sim?

[@ragingskeptic9753]

I had an Engl Fireball 100 and a Peavey ValveKing 100. The VK100 on the high gain channel was actually tighter than the Engl.

[@DeckardRJ]

Suggestion: could you make a video using the Empress para EQ trying to match the sound of two amplifiers? I think using a 6505 with the Para EQ trying to achieve a Mesa Boogie Mark would be a great tonal experiment. Even if you can't exactly match the tones it would be a great experiment showcasing the power of an EQ in front of an amp. Cheers! Keep on the good work!

[@shreder75]

I used to be anti boost back when i was a stubborn ass. "I paid all this money for a high gain amp! I'm not gonna put a $30 sd 1 in front! " Now i boost all my amps: powerball, 5153, and laney 50 watt. Also, the Fortin Blade is very good for tightening up bass and making the amp percussive AF.

[@WombatStudioOrg]

I just recently picked up an R-033xxx Dual used and learned of the sought after R-016xxx versions; I've also read that putting the ten band eq in the loop was a "standard", but that's POST pre-amp distortion so that's like taking it out after it's been added? Also common is multi-amping using the Mesa for the smiley face tones and a Marshall for the mids and blending them together for one sound. In this video, to me the ENGL sounded "wider", so maybe there is a little more highs in it as well? BTW, the last 8 bars or so of this riff - Grrrr! You make all these heads sound great!

[@ChannelForty2]

Sick riffing brother!

[@RapierGold]

Excellent video

[@paulbradshawguitar]

great stuff Jon, love this sort of content, was just missing the boosted ENGL in the comparison for a boosted 'loose' amp vs a boosted 'tight' amp , to get a better idea i pretty much always use boosts regardless of the amp 😄 thanks

[@LucasLeCompteMusic]

I like my tone TIGHT so I run a OD into a boost (not joking) lol. Also the SE FE IS soooo good.

[@JohnWiku]

I boost my SD-1 with a TS, both set at the classic Vol 10, Gain 0 and Tone to taste. By boosting my boost, now I only need to set the gain on the amp very low, normally a bit before noon, the amp gets really percussive, tight and clear. I feel like increasing the gain on the amp, I'm always fighting the EQ and always brings up the noise levels!! I do this to every amp, it does work for me 😂😂

[@AlexSzokolyai]

Would love to have heard a Peavey in this comparison. I love cranking the mids on one of my Peaveys (actually cranking everything to like 7 or 8, Pre Gain at 4) and everything is both huge and tight. It sounds all filled up with that distortion, but there’s still good transient clarity and the chugs are great without being flubby. Can sound good with or without a boost. Interestingly, I find I never record with a boost, but when playing live, it is almost necessary sometimes, and sometimes it’s just a preference that matters little. I think maybe room acoustics have a lot to do with it?

[@yalkinyalniz5030]

Depends on the amp..... the Engl there needs nothing. Just perfect in every way.

[@LucasGonzalezA]

I don't have much of an ear for these things. To me, it's very hard to listen to the difference just by listening to the isolated guitar tracks of a "tight" and "loose" amp. When it's on a mix, with the bass taking up its usual low-end frequencies, is where the "tightness" of the guitar becomes more noticeable, at least to my ear. I liked the boosted Mesa over the ENGL.

[@ramonespinoza7661]

Loose low-end sounds great for slow palming, tight low-end is perfect for fast rithm, any way in my blackstar ht 40 mkll, with 5.5 in the bass knobin the modern overdrive voice, i use a overdrive in front, 4.5 in the tone and a 7 band eq in the loop, with - 5 db in the 100 mhz band

[@IdovShai]

Great one! thank you

[@amiresmaeeli967]

Nice video tanks

[@picksalot1]

I preferred the "loose" tone. I usually like the Engl sound, but in comparison to the Mesa Rectifier, is sounded like something important was missing. If the Mix is thick, the Engl would probably be a better choice.

[@cblizard6850]

I love mesa amps

[@robertdonosobuchner3129]

Great video as always. Both amps are sounding good. In this case I prefer the Engl amp. But I changed my opinion on the Mesa Boogie amp, there is something in the sound that I like. I don't know exactly what it is. Maybe I just have the sounds of the Archon and the Orange 50w mk3 in my head... 😉 I also think there are some options to add some cool effects to the sound of the Engl amp. This could maybe a problem for the Mesa Boogie amp, I think this could create a more muddy sound with a lot of effect pedals in the signal path. 🤔 I like to use different overdrive, distortion, fuzz, octave and suboctaver, chorus, phaser, delays, reverb... I think a more tight amp can handle effect pedals a bit better if you adding effect pedals... 🤔

[@RiffSaver]

Such a great content as always!

[@SonicDriveStudio]

Thank you!

[@lesterksi4521]

Depends on your amp and what sound u want. I don't need any for my Peavey 5150. Direct from guitar

[@stolenlaptop]

The interesting thing would be the go both way amps like the 5150s some modded marshallesque amps like laneys.. bado kadonk. These amps can take or leave a boost and sound pretty good either way. Rectos i think need the boost or don't sound agressive. Engls are pretty harsh amps and i think the boost doesn't do anything useful unless you're soloing rythm need not apply here.

[@tj1486]

Dirty tree all the way with a mesa, unless you have active pickups. Then you can get away with a softer boost ime.

[@anthonystark5412]

To my ear, it's not even close. I've mentioned before on FB that you're a bad influence. Whenever I start feeling like I can live without an ENGL, you do something like this. 😉

[@SonicDriveStudio]

Who would want to live without an ENGL? ;)

[@OTCRock4one]

Personally, having your amps go through your amplification amp central reactive load loader boxes etc…change the sound. I would love to hear you put a SM 57 to your speaker. I’d like to hear that hear that without bass guitar or drums!

[@methodinsane]

Love your channel. Trying to figure out where you're from. Europe for sure, despite the accent. Netherlands maybe? If so great country. Went there a few years with my wife and kids. Everything there just works better than here in Ireland. We went to Dunreill and took a visit to Den Haag. Lovely city. Great country. Great channel 😊

[@SonicDriveStudio]

Netherlands!

[@methodinsane]

@SonicDriveStudio awesome. You're a savage player and singer. The new tune is awesome. I'm not a prog metal fan but dude. Well done.

[@methodinsane]

BTW I picked up a TH30 after watching your vids. Got a great price second hand. Couldn't be happier.

[@SonicDriveStudio]

@@methodinsane awesome!

[@Muszu1234]

Maybe this is stupid what im gonna say but sometimes small things like pick shape can totally change and tighten up toneeven on loose amp. I know that this is only small thing in all tine shaping process bit sometimes results can be amazing. I love how mesa sound here. Im huge Engl amps fan but i can't tell wich sound better here. They sound different but equally good. It depends on your style and riffing.

[@Fede379]

OMG Mesa is awesome 🤩🤩🤩💪💪💪🔝🔝🔝

[@mrhyde2250]

Amp dependent, as is the pedal used. Marshalls really love an SD-1.

[@SonicDriveStudio]

Tone dependent, taste dependent, player dependent, song dependent, pickup dependent, pick attack dependent, string gauge dependent etc haha

[@deepghetto8968]

I prefer the shaped Mesa tone over the stock ENGL. The ENGL needs to be a bit dirtier.

[@paulrib86]

I❤ rectifier

[@honeybadger1810]

Both are different kinds of massive. Engl amps will always have that very filled out midrange, the savage and the SE have that higher mid focus, but mesa will always have that total untamed roar.

[@gergelyboros8138]

I think the loose amp sound is good for some heavy sounding mix, but inconvenient to play

[@Anvismi]

Excellent Rectifier tone! What kind of impulse is it on?

[@candydormizzi2500]

Always

[@BrianClem]

The engl was clear when played with the mix.

[@davidelizalde3844]

YEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS

[@DrDannyMannGuitar]

I like me a looser amp! Gives you more options

[@davidmercado1814]

Boosting also acts as a mini compressor that makes playing easier.

[@kagunmarx5914]

I like tight transparent tones

[@JohnFrancoNH]

Did both of these amps have 6L6s in them? I didnt catch the tube type used in this test. A boost mesa sounds almost identical to the ENGL

[@jusebacho]

Engl to me is so perfect amp

[@AdamYoudell]

Midrange on the recto is much more pleasant to my ears

[@SonicDriveStudio]

What midrange? (JK)

[@DownDeepFishing]

The mesa sounds better than the Engle in my opinion it sounds more meaner and aggressive with a little more low end attack.

[@patriknessboLemoran]

Imo the best way to boost / get the hi-gain sound u want is to use a EQ pedal. That way ypu can tune everything to perfektion! Also not all amps sound good with the level all the way cranked. Som amp imo sound better semi-boosted

[@SonicDriveStudio]

That works really well!

[@Mumumumykul]

you've sure been talking up that Founder's Edition a lot lately.. it sounds nice but i like the Dual Rec better 😂 definitely needs a boost though!

[@SonicDriveStudio]

I love that ENGL so much! It's in my top 3, so I can't help it haha

[@milsamilsa-is8uv]

Allways

[@ripzipripzip]

Is there a way to loosen up a tight tone? I Have an Engl and sometimes want that spongy gross low tone.

[@SonicDriveStudio]

Try putting an EQ in front and boost the lows

[@asherplatts6253]

The Mesa is still fizzier. Do you have any ways to deal with taming the fizz?

[@olonoli]

can boost an amp with a boss blues driver ? Or it wont work ?

[@MARK-LUCIA]

Hey man, great video. May I ask what exact impulse response from the recto pack you’re using? I just bought that pack and I’m a bit overwhelmed with all the choices.

[@SonicDriveStudio]

High gain mix

[@PoeticDirge]

Where would you say the Engl Powerball ll and the Engl fireball 100 are in comparison to these amps? More on the tight or loose end?

[@jewblin5305]

What do you think about glove od from electroharmonix as a boost for engl amp or is the classic tube screamer the best option for ever?

[@therileyobrien]

The moral of the story is guitar players shouldn't make sweeping generalizations like "this amp doesn't need a boost" or "this amp sounds better with a boost"

[@cleftturnip7774]

When should you boost a high gain amp is a better question.

[@mouseanalyse]

Question: did you use the tube Rectifier or the solid state Rectifier? I prefer the tube one, but the solid state option (back of the amp) tightens it up already a lot.

[@SonicDriveStudio]

Solid state