Soldano vs Friedman vs Mesa Triple Recto vs Mesa Mark V vs Marshall

[@tool69tool69]

3:25 soldano 5:10 fried 6:35 rec 7:49 mark v

[@tgchan]

9:44 MARSHALL

[@fromaggio7654]

the soldano was cleaner in the low end, almost the same spot as a orange rockaverb

[@philsmith3019]

My ears say Soldano, my pockets says Marshall.

[@chrisschneider5480]

SLO sounded best!

[@mlsoundlab]

Sure seems that way. Next idea - can the other amps sound like Soldano?

[@hotroderdk]

@@mlsoundlab the old 2 channel Rectifiers can get close...somewhat. My Rev C Recto gets really close. I'll be interested to see if your Rev G can get there too! VERY cool videos!! Please keep them coming!!

[@mlsoundlab]

@@hotroderdk I think Vintage mode on the Red channel should be close!

[@hotroderdk]

@@mlsoundlab That's exactly how I got my Recto to sound like my SLO! Just have to use both Pres controls to really dial it in close ;-) It gets pretty darn close.

[@123lowp]

No, the Mesa Triple was definitely better and I am not a "Mesa guy".

[@lordviewer7305]

Man the Rectifier sounds so raw and savage. This is a great video!

[@onlytherighteousprevail6956]

Loved the tone, but I come every once in a while for the riff. Congratulations, I think it's the best riff (to my taste) that I have found from a random guy on youtube.

[@stigmatvm228]

SLO followed closely by the Mark V.

[@jayd417]

None are the best! It's what tone color you favor......😉

[@AndiKravljaca]

As soon as the playing started (I had another window open), I was like 'I know that tone, that's a Soldano'. And it was. Absolute king of tone.

[@charlesmartel8112]

I agree - Soldano is the best !

[@7xchad]

They all sounded good, but this context makes me really appreciate my own Mesa Rev G much more. Been lusting after Freidman, Bogner, and Soldano, but the Mesa still holds it's own!

[@hmtp177]

Thumbs up for not usind a OD pushing them, like you sait it defeats the purpose.

[@TVoltG]

I have had all these amps. Loved them all. My favorite amp was a Mesa Tremoverb that was stolen years ago. My current favorite amp is my JCM 2000 DSL 100. A total workhorse that covers so much. Funny you should say that cabs are more important. I agree. I have 4 different 412 cabs with different speakers in each. I usually run two cabs when I play. My main two are Marshall straight cabs loaded with Creamback 75's and Greenback 25's in one. Mesa V30's and Greenback 25's in the other. Together they fill out everytime. My Mesa "Stock" RK 412 is a real gem as well.

[@acegibson9533]

The Marshall JCM2000 are the best value for your dollar (Euro). They are dirt cheap.

[@Sanjarih]

After a lot of demos, research and auditions, I decided to plunge for the Mark V a year or so ago, for my very first high end amp. It delivers the exact type of Rhythm and Lead tone that I was looking for and honestly, I don't regret it for a second. Now I am saving for a Freidman BE-100 and a Fender reissue 65 deluxe reverb to cover all my tonal needs for any genres.

[@brandontadday6288]

The SLO and Mark V are easily my favourites! Gotta love the sizzle and definition of the SLO and the sheer versatility of the Mark V. Too bad I will most likely NEVER see myself making the kind of money to justify buying a Soldano.

[@ericwilliams7374]

Actually, it all boils down to personal preference, what style of music you play, and how you tune your instrument. With saying that, quite a few amps are modelled off of the Soldano SLO, because it's a monster of an amp......and why not!! Thanks for posting.

[@saminekunis8680]

I so have to agree that the JCM 2000 is the unsung hero especially then you remember that during the early Paramore albums they actually played the exact amp mixed with a Mesa Dual Rectifier Solo. The JCM sound reminds so of the songs ‘monster’’crush’& ‘careful’

[@GuitarsAndSynths]

Time for an update with the new Soldano SLO 30, Friedman JJ Jr, Bogner 3534, Marshall Studio JCM800 and Mesa Mark V 25 amps.

[@UncleYoshi]

Miko is the Kobe Beef of Amplifiers! Thanks for the comparison of these awesome amps. 👍

[@marcomoscoso7402]

When that last JCM2000 djent part arrived, woah, I enjoyed those seconds so much

[@cal4488]

Pro tip: Put some KT77 tubes in that JCM2000 and it will add the chunk and punch of the boogie while keeping the beautiful british breakup of the signature Marshall sound. I honestly can't find another rig that competes with the tone. Really great video! Appreciate the content

[@jsd1982]

Yes! 100% agree with your stance on cabs > amps and no boost pedals. The cab dominates the tone especially when you're comparing similar sounding amps. Pretty much the IR defines your tone these days since it's a proxy for a cab, so it's super important to get a good quality IR and/or a good quality cab and mic setup.

[@SirVicc]

The SLO is the all time greatest high gain amp. Amazing. The JCM 2000 came in a strong second for me, regardless of price, which is a bonus. Never was a Mesa guy, and Friedmans always sound like a blanket is over it.

[@henrymoss5272]

"Like putting ketchup on Kobe beef"... Genius. And so true. I don't ever want to hear a demo of a $2000+ amplifier with a $99 drive pedal in front of it!!!

[@jcalla28]

You REALLY should make an amp pack of the Soldano! And I agree 100% regarding using boost pedals on high quality amps which already have their own distinctive sound.

[@mookytc]

Beautiful amps! The Plexi sits "quietly" in the corner as well :) Great collection!

[@rangerdoc1029]

The 300 pound gorilla in the room.

[@wheresallthezombies]

All sounded awesome but the Soldano is insane. The Friedman is amazing but sounds more “refined” than the SLO. The Marshall might’ve been my favorite though. The boogies were ridiculously good too though. They’re all different enough to own. \m/

[@Nikolashiin]

Love them all! :)

[@luisscreamer8551]

Great Video! , What is the tuning of the guitars?

[@willtato8778]

I'm really into the versatile idea of the Mark V. I'm in love with the Marshall's sound (thinking of a new dsl100hr), but really like the versatility and form factor of the Mesa. How close can you get the Mark V to sound like a DSL? Thanks

[@mlsoundlab]

The Mark V is probably the best and most versatile amp in the world. I have to make a video about how to make it sound like a bunch of other amps. :)

[@James-Hetfield]

@@mlsoundlab still waiting for this :)

[@thrasher10000]

Damn it, I used to have the JCM2000 but never tried settings like that. I’ll just have to find another!

[@bradhill935]

I'm not a fan of boost pedals...takes away the tone. Cabs/IR's are my main focus in getting great tone, glad to hear you think the same way. Everyone wants to sell you the latest & greatest amp..but i can pretty much make then all sound the same using the same IR...& make then sound worse by adding a boost pedal :-)

[@Cymbaline713]

They all sounded great but I prefer the Friedman.

[@matthewtorossi8909]

Great video. Thanks so much for sharing you. Kind of hit all of my points that I would be doing. I would definitely not be using pedals through these amps and your spot on about the cabs. It would’ve been great if you could’ve plugged in your 71 Marshall with an attenuator to compare the tonal difference. Keep rockin. 🤘

[@nickx1754]

Nicely done, sir! Thank you! Good comment on tube screamers.

[@siwy666]

Hi Mikko! Great video and sound as usual :) what do you use for a reactive load?

[@mlsoundlab]

Thank you! I'm using a real cab as the load for ultimate realism. ;)

[@rickfeith6372]

That Rev G sounds lovely. No surprise, that's a terrific vintage year with notes of caramel and toasted honeysuckle with a long citrus finish. The Marshall though...damn...was not expecting that.

[@123lowp]

The Triple Rev G (late 90s) is the best version of the Rectifier. The Rectos went to shit with the 3 channel version soon after in the early 2000s. I've owned both.

[@hairywonder3]

@@123lowp Not true, the 3-channel multi watt versions are also excellent and sound closer to the Rev G

[@Bognerman14]

Love your video bro! I actually have a fully modified BFG Amplification Dual Rectifier from 2002. I had the old 2 channel and newer multi watt. This modified one is the best I have heard. It's just huge. He did a great job. Have you compared the DSL to the JVM? I am about to buy a Mark V, unless I find a used Fryette SiGX. Have you tried one? Finally, good point on cabs. My cabs are a Splawn 412 with V30/CL80, Bogner 212OS with V30/K100 and Stone Age 212OS with Redbacks. I also have some Lynchbacks sitting around and T75s.

[@tonio3375]

Have you ever gotten a chance to play the PRS Archon? If you have, what are your thoughts on it? I feel like its somewhere between the Friedman, a 5150 and a Recto and is probably the best. My opinion of course. Also, as far as ketchup goes, the Horizon Precision Drive is more like adding the curry to your chicken 😁

[@williambyrne6855]

Very informative. Thank you!

[@cornelius5595]

"Ketchup on kobe beef" I like that analogy lol

[@GregSummersMusic]

I want all of them. Great video and you speak truth on the importance of a good cabinet

[@hoobastanker9]

They’re all uniquely different! Love them all!

[@underpressureman]

Something sounds wierd or off with that Jcm2000. Sounds like the tubes could be nearing their demise. Are they quite used? Loved the Friedman! That amp looks awesome, they all sounded good though besided the 2000, to me anyway. Maybe I trippin, but I hear something that doesnt sound quite right.

[@michaelbarber590]

I like the sound of the Mark V and JCM2000 best. I've had both many years ago, but I'm pretty impressed with the PRS MT15, Soldano modded Jet City JCA22H and Marshall DSL100HR that I'm playing through these days.

[@jeffdell9472]

In this comparo, winner: Soldano

[@heyyuyeung8729]

There’s a reason the SLO is the holy grail of high gain, even 5150 and Dual Recs are “inspired” by the SLO

[@BSPotter]

fun fact, the SLO was "inspired" by a Mark series.

[@barano9729]

fantastic video man.

[@rodreyes8436]

As an owner of a 90 watt Mark V, I was coming here thinking I’d like that one the best. That wasn’t the case. I have no shame in that and loved the surprise that I like how the other amps sounded better. I love your approach to dialing in an amp. It helped me to tweak my Mark V and I love it even more. Based on your preference to dialing them in, I actually thought SLO was #1 for me and next was the rectifier. Keep it up man, I just discovered your channel not that long ago. I’m a big fan- got here from a post of yours on the Boogie Board.

[@TheRosswise]

Gotta go with the recto, but honestly you get any of these you are golden. Peavey 6505 is also a great option.

[@mlsoundlab]

Thanks dude!

[@123lowp]

yeah, the Triple Recto from the late 90s (dual channel) is the best Recto ever made

[@brandonkeller478]

A peavey 6505 could never even dream of being on the level of these amps. Their dynamic and frequency range is extremely limited.

[@798125]

I love them all! Each one is amazing in its own way.

[@johnwardle9667]

I really liked the chord loop you used for the test. If you give me any clues, that'd be ace. Tuning. Key. Chords. General idea. Anything. Loved the video as well. I'm high gain obsessed at the moment.

[@explodingheadtrick2350]

Sweet Lordy Lou! The presence of that Soldano...

[@hmtp177]

SLO 0:17 0:23 0:30 FDM 0:37 0:43 0:50 RCT 0:57 1:03 1:11 MRK 1:18 1:24 1:31 JCM 1:38 1:44 1:52 AWESOME MIKO! This riff souns so much like 90's dance music lol. Killer though! Would be very nice if you did the same comparison with solos as well. JCM is very poor in definition

[@jetsuicide7059]

How come you didn't push them till they almost feed back? Demonstrations of sustain

[@HDDREAMIN]

The Mark 5 kinda shines IMO. It really drives hard but doesn't muddy the shine.

[@romaddan1]

I would take any of them they all sounded great.

[@mlsoundlab]

Oh yes!

[@cirith100]

The dsl 50 is Jeff becks favorite amp and the one he has been using for awhile

[@madjack4691]

Hi mikko ! Did you try alnico creamback ? It sound thick !

[@mlsoundlab]

Need to do proper tests!

[@madjack4691]

@@mlsoundlab i wait for it !! 👍👍👍

[@Endstation93]

Subbed! Great Comparison :)

[@mlsoundlab]

Thank you. :)

[@wilhemheider]

Hey Mikko, when a Soldano Amp Sim with all the features??

[@clintn6677]

You are absolutely right about cabs and using a boost with amps. I have a Friedman and a KSR but as soon as I turn on the Maxon plus using the same cab they arent that far apart tonally.

[@Edika12]

Really nice comparison. But weren't the early DSL's that had a lot of issues with the boards? The new new ones have supposedly solved those issues, along with other issues these amps had. I really enjoyed the Triple Rectifier to be honest :)!

[@alveramps]

Man it's funny that the settings you use for the dsl are the same I use to use with my dsl40. I also had a dsl100 but this sounded very different. Thanks, already subscribed

[@IndyRockStar]

I have the BE-100 Deluxe. I think it's best amp around today. I'm in love with mine.

[@nickyounger1368]

There is something so special about the gain in Mesa Mark amps. In my opinion nothing touches it. Mark V all the way. By far my favorite. But, I’m incredibly biased.

[@88grinder]

**Impatiently waiting for the ML Sound Lab Black Friday sale...**

[@mlsoundlab]

Me too!

[@Bognerman14]

Have you tried a PRS Archon???

[@LoR2023]

Hey Mikko. Sounds awesome. Signal chain please?

[@mlsoundlab]

Music Man JP6 - amp - IR :)

[@LoR2023]

What are you using for load? Fractal X Load?

[@mlsoundlab]

@@LoR2023 In this one I used the Orange 4x12 as the load.

[@LoR2023]

Sorry, how are you getting DI then?

[@mlsoundlab]

@@LoR2023 Top secret. :D

[@EM-km8em]

A quick A/B comparison would have been the most helpful thing from the beginning.

[@ddzanovski]

Hey buddy. Would you sell the SLO? Speak soon! Regards.

[@wolfhorsky]

Great comparison and very very very nice riffage. Cheers!!! Soldano is my fav and then BE.

[@Shadowsreach1]

wow that was great! I had to say they are all good. I liked the marshall the best! Thanks man

[@cameronholbrook170]

Sorry for the boring answer but every single one of those amplifiers sound phenomenal. I wish you had a Diezel VH-4 to compare to them because that’s my favorite amplifier of all time.

[@kimmunchhenriksen]

What a great demo Mikko. Great sounds and great playing as always! Now I know why I keep bying all your IR`s - Because it sounds amazing :-) I think it could be lovely to mix the Mark V with The Recto ..... Midrage raw tone from the Recto surrounded by the recto´s bottom end and top end sizzle. Just an idea :-)

[@mlsoundlab]

That is the sound of Alter Bridge I think. ;) Tested and proven to work!

[@johnevered9640]

@@mlsoundlab Architects do exactly that too!

[@progrocker84]

Those amps blend really well. John Petrucci's tone on Dream Theater's Awake album is Mesa Mark layered with Recto. The direct mids of the Mark mixed with the high crunchy sizzle of the Recto sound great together.

[@Hoscitt]

Mark V 750 slider pulled all the way down, pre-amp mids dialed to zero and it still has more mids than the others in this demo! 😁🤘

[@blaine393]

Gotta say for the price gap, that Marshall has pretty hot value.

[@muncham]

Wonderful video, thanks man. I sold my Mark V years ago and I really regret it.

[@guitarman7983]

Soldano and Mesa Rectifier kickass !! 🤘😝🎸🎶

[@FootstepsOfFear]

Thank you for the (last) words. Ts before higain and the importance of a (miced) amp.

[@Colin.W]

Man, that Soldano sounded good at the beginning for the riff you wrote. Very nice. Love Friedman though and I need that Deluxe.

[@gokhanelmas2820]

this soldano really sounds supreme. İmpressive! i heard very good thoughts on jcm 2000 from euge valovirta ( cyhra ) too. But 0 treble really interesting : ) i liked its sound as a second one .

[@jeffdell9472]

Mesa Triple is the obtainable top choice.

[@RadeMusic]

Great riff! For some reason I find it emotional, especially through the Friedman with the low end thump yet also the detail. The Rectifier a close second for me.

[@LaDrouille64]

I am comparing different DI kemper profiles throught my 4x12 Mesa boogie and my absolute favorites are : Soldano SlO 100, Friedman JJ JBE and mesa dual Rev F. All sounds amazing and differents: Slo is so unique in its tonal structure impossible to describe a very particular rich and gnarly sound. The Friedman sounds more mid focused and more vintage but lovely. The mesa has a little bit of the Soldano but with an enormous amount of low end. All 3 sounds really good and i cannot say which one i prefer.

[@ParaDeMamar]

For me, Rectifier is still The King!

[@thomasstankiewicz9730]

The rectifier wouldn’t exist without the SLO 😉

[@ParaDeMamar]

@@thomasstankiewicz9730 but it sounds better! ;)

[@deepend69]

Amen!

Friedman is beautiful!!!

[@Ymiraku]

yah ppl here must be deaf, Friedman roasted the competition

[@zbaby82]

I like hearing an amp demo without any effects or pedals.

[@deepend69]

Another thing this guy is nailing is when he mentions the importance of the speaker cabinet and speakers. A lot of players don't see the importance in that. A great amp needs great speakers. You wouldn't drive a race car with bicycle tires, would you?

[@roscoepcoltrane23]

I liked the SLO the best followed by the Friedman. I’d hook them together for a stereo rig.

[@duckydrummer6331]

Soldano and Marshall sounded similar, both were huge, dynamic, in your face but I would have to choose Soldano as the best but only by a hair over Marshall. Friedman and both Mesa’s seemed to lack something, maybe power? It’s like someone forgot to take the amp cover off.

[@NGS2410]

What song is that? Beautiful

[@GuitarsAndSynths]

I would get a new Soldano SLO-30 with Soldano 2x12 cab and die happy. The Soldano and VH4 sound amazing next to Uberschall.

[@djabthrash]

Great video, great tones. Dug that Recto a lot.

[@JasminMusic1602]

Point is...IR is what is realy important ! Amps are only small shades! 🤘🤘

[@derekwoods8199]

Great vid and comparison. Nice and objective and no cover up sounds. Now show us with the tube screamer haha! I like them all in their own ways.

[@JACKPAVAL]

Whatever, They all sound basically the same when you set them to sound the same ,,which is what it sounds like you did. So it doesn't really matter which one you get if your looking for "THAT " particular sound. .

[@ericwilliams7374]

True.... Also a lot of these amps are modelled off of the Soldano SLO, so they will have similar tone characteristics. Quite a few people don't know that. A good comparison would have been to show what all the amps are capable of doing. Clean tone to distorted tone, and so on. Still an entertaining video none the less.

[@anahowana]

I share the same position in regards to pedals and high quality amps

[@azlakki]

I have to ask , are these your dream sounds?

[@BillHesse]

Felt the Marshall was just a little shy on bass, but a great value for the tone!

[@mlsoundlab]

There are "reasons" for it. Mainly the issue is getting that high gain with tight bass. That's the hard part. This is one of those things that a boost pedal helps with. But.. slightly lower gain and more bass may work great.

[@mystdeisanto9647]

MkV sounds juicy...