HIGH-GAIN "Lunchbox" Amp Shootout! (Mesa, Peavey, Marshall, EVH etc.)

[@SonicDriveStudio]

Thomann Affiliate: www.thomann.de/intl/index.html?offid=1&affid=3210 Sweetwater Affiliate: sweetwater.sjv.io/k0mGvx My personal Thomann recommendations: thmn.to/thocf/cv37zixo68 My webstore for Captures, presets etc: ko-fi.com/sonicdrivestudio

[@DocB_488]

Something about the Rectifier tone just hits the spot for me, with Engl a close second!

[@zakkman]

Isolated same cab: 19:54 - peavey 20:01 - mesa 20:08 - engl 20:14 - marshall 20:21 - evh 20:28 - prs

[@xSilencex_]

La mayoria tiene una esencia algo similar a exepción del Mesa que su diferencia es muy notoria y el EVH Pero Peavey y Engl me gustan! Sobre todo ENGL.

[@jpistolas]

My list too.👍

[@slash196]

The MT15 is not only my favorite of the bunch, it somehow has a really distinct character that stands out, even among such a diverse crowd of legendary amps.

[@jaymiggs2738]

I feel the same way…there’s something about 6L6’s in a high gain amp that makes it stand out

[@RomanChugz]

I agree with you that it's the best, but honestly it's 95% dual rec and 5% special sauce. In a blind test I wouldn't know the difference

[@SirLoinMagroin]

Solid choice for the money too.

[@thisguy2973]

Ola Englund demoed it and wound up not needing a boost since it already sounded boosted.

[@Plan-B]

The 6505 is impressive I must say! I think it sounded the best, specially in the mix.

[@novanbimo]

Low & high gain best

[@jackbootshamangaming4541]

Yea, beats even the 5150III IMO here

[@Siam_Thai.]

The only problem with the 6505 mini amp head is that it overheats like it's about to explode!

[@jameshernandez1006]

I took the wooden part out of mine to help with ventilation! Doesn't get as hot anymore​@@Siam_Thai.

[@lga774]

from Japan I'm sorry if there is something wrong because it is an automatic translation I was hesitant about choosing an amp for practice at home, but this video became the decisive factor and I bought the 6505MH Japan Edition. Thank you for the very helpful video! !

[@EnterTheDedolino]

Your content is insane, dude...the playing, the production, the effort you put in to make all this, jesus.

[@MrMann-gt1eh]

My heart still goes out to Mesa. I’m on my phone listening to this through my stereo, not looking at the TV and every time that Mesa comes on it’s incredible. Honestly really enjoyed the PRS too! Marshal has a lil too much sizzle for me. The PRS MT-15 had a great tone that sounded like it’d be agreeable to all ears. Jesus dude, I just realized I’m not even subscribed to you. Been listening for years now. Like and subscribed!

[@jayriver1644]

Love this video, the quick isolated clips at the end between these were great. Also loved how I could compare how each sat in the mix. Listening to this with good headphones helps a lot too. Kudos & thank you!

[@pauliestorm]

Peavey - Prs - Mesa. Was disappointed in the Marshall and the EVH. I have the prs and rhe Peavey is coming soon. Great video presentation as always!!!

[@elgatorockanrolero5282]

Hey man, how would you compare the PRS with the Peavey? I'll buy my first amp and I can only afford one, so it's much appreciated if you can give me your honest feedback. Cheers.

[@hyperbolekid]

At this point I have been watching you so long I own most of these bc of you and so get to enjoy your settings and IR decisions. You have top notch content and perform close to neutral and very educated tests/shootouts with great explanations of what you are doing and why. Keep it going!

[@borhksalduero9259]

PRSMT15,MESA and PEAVEY are my favs here. Amazing work with the music, the bass sounds HUUUUGE!!! Good comparison mate!!! Love it!!!

[@HeavyInHawaii]

When they were going through the same cab at the end, The PRS and the ENGL were my favorites.

[@ivanlubinski6626]

Great video. Especially the ending where they go back to back, and then with same cabinet.

[@juliansedor7101]

The Mesa and the Marshall win for me. Both sounded phenomenal.

[@KipCount]

Never heard the ENGL before this and it's easily my favorite. I've got a new amp on my radar! Would love to hear the ENGL up against the Friedman JJ Jr and Runt 20.

[@domizidor]

go for it. I got this one and its absolutely amazing amp. With first channel you can get really good clean and crunch tones and second is pure distortion mayhem. + all the features makes it very usable at home or studio.

[@MikeHolliman]

Great shootout!! I really am loving what I'm hearing out of the Peavey 6505mh, PRS MT-15, and the ENGL. All great amps!!

[@SonicDriveStudio]

Thanks! They're all great indeed!

[@eccentricgentlemen]

That’s my preference as well.

[@Highrollinhunter]

The mini rectifier was my favorite of all of them because it's the ultimate 90's and early 2000's Metal guitar tone and it has that chug that I love like the real 100 watt Dual Rectifier.

[@TheChugMonkey]

You can go wrong with any one of these amps. Great video.

[@petaralargic]

Such a killer video... incredible work, man!

[@bradovard8657]

I was very surprised at the clarity of the 6505 at 21:56. It's very different from all the other amps here. I'm liking the MT15 as well but for the music I play, I think I need a 6505.

[@PHELCAN]

Really loved the sound of the EVH, has an aggressiveness that doesn't sound too harsh and hyped, sat in the mix incredibly well

[@briankennedy9040]

Very little low end chug though. Definitely does well in a mix though.

[@natethompson1257]

The 5150 LBX was so close, but I personally thought the Marshall DSL20 was the most brutal for high gain. Solid demo Jon! Keep up the fantastic work.

[@Soldano999]

Yep i keep noticing the DSL series in videos and every time they aound the best to me. Ola did a DSL1 demo that was absolutely savage.

[@sfishy5540]

I have the LBX2 and I noticed a huge difference in tone with the one I have when I got it, because most videos online had the LBX1, so I did some research at that point and there seems to be quite a big difference. I think he should try out the LBX2, or maybe even do a shootout between the LBX1 and LBX2, would be very interesting to see how big the difference is, as I think most people expect its just a slightly update version of the same amp. I also have the DSL20HR (the only 2 valve amps I have) and the EVH sounds WAAAAY better through the same cab. So maybe thats just settings or guitar or something else, but maybe the LBX2 is just massively superior to the LBX1. Thought this info might be useful if you looking at these 2 amps. I know there is even an LBX-S now, not sure how that sounds personally but from research online people say its closer to the LBX2

[@tetanusforbreakfast3500]

you should hear the Blue channel of the EVH LBX. it has more note separation and more defined gain structure.

[@JohnnyRaven69]

That Marshall suprised me! Great sounding amp!

[@Matt-pk6vp]

Great shootout! I like the 6505mh and the Fireball 25, but in this comparison the IRT 15 studio was missing. Good idea the section through same cab! I'd like to hear a head to head between the IRT 15 and the 6505mh.

[@12breacher82]

ENGL and MT15 stood out the most, but the Peavey was impressive too! I own a DSL and use different settings so I get mine sounding better to my ears. In general the big tube lunchbox heads have better tone to me.

[@bagusmusicallo]

Wow amazing, ENGL is the Winner for chug😊👍🏻👍🏻 thanks for the video, your effort is the best of the best dude.

[@kathleenandbruce]

To my ears the Engl and the MT15 sounded the best. The Engl was a little more rounded but the MT15 has a grit and growl that just speak to me. I'd be happy with either of these 2 amps, but I already own a MT15 and can't afford the Engl. So there you go I'll be happy with my MT15 and know that to me it sounds just right.

[@rosskrause3926]

I got a MT-15 when they first came out..I did not like the volume pots taper..either quiet or loud and I think the effects loop didn't like any of my Reverb pedals so traded it off..now I could finally afford the Engl and expecting it in 2 days.. Yaaahh !!

[@krisrhebergen]

Biggest letdown is the mesa. Engl was as good as I expected. The Prs I like better in some of your other vids. The peavey is so consistently good that it would have to be my top choice for my dollar. Marshall second and prs third. I just cant justify the cost of the engl right now but id love to have it.

[@johnsguitarmusicanddemos]

Man! I just love the sound of a Marshall🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘 This was an incredible demo/comparison video! Great job!

[@timz85]

Buttons for myself: Mini rectifier: 5:52 6:00 PRS MT15: 16:00 16:15

[@LucasLeCompteMusic]

The Marshall really shocked me how good it was. I had never really heard it before and it sounds great!

[@HeavyInHawaii]

Love your channel Lucas!

[@danc3746]

That Marshall is a hidden gem, especially for the price. I'v had mine for years and would never part with it.

[@toddmiller6386]

I think marshalls always sound good in recordings and in a mix because the mids. The other amps I would probably like better in the room without any other instruments.

[@Waggersxo]

I have the Marshall DSL, the MT15, and the 5150 iconic and the Marshall is always my go to head, I’m always blown away just how good it sounds. Whether that’s in a mix or just on its own

[@danc3746]

@@Waggersxo I think it's the best DSL amp out there.

[@BtR76]

Awesome. I’m probably biased as I’ve just received my MT15 after deliberating for some time. That thing cranked up through my Two Notes Reload (for attenuation) into a Zilla 2x12 is the small amp set up I’ve been dreaming of. I only wish I picked up the MT15 before now, it sounds so good and I can see my poor old 50w Rectifier gathering dust from here in!

[@SonicDriveStudio]

Can't go wrong with that amp!

[@kathleenandbruce]

The exact setup that I use to do silent recording so as not to disturb anyone.

[@PHELCAN]

All of these sound absolutely incredible

[@taokichavez9319]

The marshall DSL did it for me, closely followed by the mini rectifier, really nice shootout :D

[@JaimeNoro]

Exactly the opposite for me. Which leads to me to believe we're using very different sounding speakers or headphones. Not being ironic either, these things really do matter.

[@Soldano999]

We live in a world where cheap amps actually sound just as good as the expensive ones. That DSL was KILLER and so was the PRS.

[@jegl1012]

I know ..........same for me

[@SludgedB]

The dsl has a headphone out too, which some of the competitors don’t have. I play mine with headphones a lot.

[@thisguy2973]

The DSL is such an iconic amp. I love the way it sounded, and for me personally, I prefer this sound over the JCM800 boosted.

[@gymwalker]

I love the vintage smell of the engl

[@eric_casper5150]

The Engl and the Marshall sound great in the mix too my ears!!

[@discountpsyop]

Fantastic shootout!!! I absolutely love lunchbox heads and this was a great comparison.

[@BlackChromeJamTracks]

The Engl for the win, followed by the MT15 imho. Both were much clearer than the others, with out top end fizz. Great work Jon!

[@juantroya5865]

Great selection of riffs for the amps and a very positive aspect to put all the amps followed closely at the end of the video. Also interesting to see all the amps with the same cab simulator. Congratulations, is the best comparison video I've seen!!

[@LucasMastropasqua]

I don’t know how I didn’t watch this video when it came out but awesome comparison video man! I find it interesting how different people perceive tone, some people are saying certain amps and the same amps may be kind of uninspiring to other people.

[@jublaim]

My favourites here was: 1 Peavey, 2 EVH and PRS (tie). To me they had the punch combined with clarity. Awesome track!

[@21stcenturymetal31]

They are all great heads really hard to pick one over the other. I do happen to have the DSL and the LBX however you cant go wrong with any of them.

[@Soldano999]

It's not that hard to pick when two of the best sounding amps in the video are also insanely CHEAP

[@evancrocker5343]

Been looking for a second low-wattage head to pair with my DSL20HR as I love running a two-amp setup live and I think this has helped me decide on the PRS MT15. Great job on this, keep the awesome content coming bro!

[@SonicDriveStudio]

Cheers!

[@NOEFFECTS27]

Yep. Also in that position. I am between the PRS MT15 and Fireball 25. Although I have an attenuator I am unsure it can take the loudness of the PRS MT15. But really dig those 6L6 amps. They also complement well the Brightness of the DSL20HR

[@toddlampron5799]

The MT15 takes pedals like a champ also. Tones for days. I love mine and wouldn't trade it for anything.

[@27retrodaze]

PRS MT-15!! One of my favorite amps of ANY size... 🤘

[@philipwacker4629]

Great video again! - Loved the same cabinet section at the end, really helped pick up the different characters. - Would have loved to see a H&K Tube or Grandmeister in there as well, maybe with power soak to 20W, just to see how it fits in there, as it is a lunchbox sized amp as well.

[@josephmckay8106]

Good video. I would say need to add a Revv G20 in with one of these videos. I was shopping for a lunchbox high gain and ended up getting that. I think it sounds killer and is a great bang for the buck.

[@Andrew-ry7iw]

Your riffs are always great

[@jpvvandermerwe87]

Great demo. Thank you very much for the much needed 'isolated riffs' ! Much Appreciated.

[@Tnevels]

Great riffage! Really appreciate your vids brother. Super helpful.

[@johnkirk6980]

The Mesa sounds the most open out of the amps imo though the high sizzle can be a bit overpowering, the DSL sounds great too, so does the peavey

[@focusonjunta]

Peavey and the mini rectifier were the two that stood out for me. Very different, but both would have their uses. Engl was the ‘honorable’ mention amp… The DSL was not having a good day - to MY EARS, and This is coming from a Marshall fan. Great comparison! Thank you. Cheers!

[@SonicDriveStudio]

The Marshall is a little bright in comparison. Maybe I should have dialed it in with less treble and presence... Oh well :)

[@cmartinrel]

Peavey sounded the best to me. Mesa was the muddiest imo. Great demo!!

[@VAL-EXPERIENCE-BAND]

Thanks for the awesome comparison video, that's very very cool and well made! I have to admit each amp has its own flavor and they all sound good....depends on taste I think.

[@tplms]

Great video, could you do a Helix tutorial for Mark Tremonti, Clean e Dirty tone? Thanks

[@mindful__gardener]

Be cool to see an episode of 2 lunch box's rigs together and see what ones sound good together for that stereo sound or wet/dry set up. Mesa and Marshall would be interesting or peavey and Marshall.

[@johnfinlay4963]

that guitar is sick. 🤘🏼. Surprisingly the PRS sounded better than i expected . But that rectifier just had me .. love your channel , just subscribed . 👍🏼

[@KillTheMetronome]

Great comparison! Loved the sound of the ENGL and the Marshall DSL20H was really surprsing considering it's probably the cheapest in the lineup. Any reason for inculding the ENGL Fireball instead of the Ironball SE? Do you prefer one over the other? I'd love to hear your thoughts as I've been thinking about picking up an Ironball SE. Want to try it first at a store once that's possible again.

[@SonicDriveStudio]

I recently did a comparison of those 2 ENGLs on the channel! Look it up!

[@KillTheMetronome]

@@SonicDriveStudio Great! will do, although now the DSL20H/DSL range in general has become a serious contender for my next amp as well... I play mostly hardcore/punk so this comparison vid was great, but the Marshall might be more versatile. Decisions decisions...

[@brrblack497]

@@KillTheMetronome I did a lot of research on the two and ended up getting the fireball 25. It seemed the Fireball has more headroom and a meaner sounding gain with the 6L6's and the Ironball seemed to be a bit tighter with EL84's, but both are monsters. Also, I got all the delays/effects and Two Notes IR pedal. But I still want an SE, so there's that lol.

[@Zwidawurzn]

I mean the Marshall DSL20H is a great versatile amp to use at home or smaller gigs but in the rehearsal room i found it lacks a little power. Maybe it's because i used it at 16 Ohm with some cheap random cab, and it still has the original tubes in it which probably could be upgraded. I mean i mainly use it at home and 20w is more than enough for that but for use with the band i'd buy the DSL 100w since it's kinda affordable aswell and the more powerful version will always sound bigger.

[@KillTheMetronome]

@@brrblack497 Thanks, yeah, why not both? :P

[@marks8437]

Nice comparison. I liked 1 Fireball 25, 2 MT15, 3 6505MH. Each have nuances that really stand out to my ears. Guess I'll have to buy all three! The Fireball edges out the others for me because it has brutal distortion and maintains clarity.

[@mooocows]

Played 5 of them and owned 3. Still have the Mini Rectifier. I think overall it sounds bigger than most and does clean and pushed very well. I think it sounds as good if not better than any amp there but when you boost it with a SD-1 it adds that notch to the midrange and really opens it up. I buys lots of amps but always go back to that.

[@wonkknows6407]

thank you for sharing this - i loved the sound of the mesa but also love mid range

[@jcmoore5819]

6505MH, MT15 and the DSL20H all stood out to me. The EVH just sounds like everyone to my ears. The 6505MH is similar to that vibe but it had something that the EVH didn’t.

[@Gizmo-st1ky]

How did you know that I needed this video!! You helped narrow down my decision!

[@Tiaslin]

For me, it's always MesaBoogie or Engl. The aggressive sub-tone "grind" is just...everything. Although I am also somewhat impressed with the PRS there

[@NotAnotherSatchFan]

Great video! Personally DSL20 and Mesa sounded a bit thin maybe boosting it would be better. Overall I like the sound of ENGL, 5150 or MT15... they just cut through mix nicely

[@AndrewP]

What a great comparison. I left the video playing in the background while browsing. Every time I was wondering "this sounds interesting, which amp is that" that was the mini mesa. Though I'd probably go for the MT15 since it still sounds killed but is cheaper, and they are easier to come across in EU.

[@X9Eric]

Great video. IMHO based on the riffs and amp settings in this video first place ENGL Fireball 25 and a VERY close second place is EVH 5150III LBX 2, and trailing just behind second in third place is the Marshall DSL20HR.

[@grafforlock]

I liked the MT15 first and then the Mesa and peavey. The mesa just had that big wide boomy sound and that high end sizzle

[@shadilamesbutr8239]

The PRS is my favorite amp out of all of them.

[@orchestrasingular]

Thanks … i have been pondering with this question and unbelievable but i loved the peavey

[@Alek_Archer]

Hi Jon! Great comparison as always!

[@anthonygallo6319]

Marshall too Sizly ,Engl fireball is my favorite!!! Engl is a beast!!!! I also own one with 2x12 Engl cabinet!!!! Love it!!!!

[@TheDVM1]

Man that Marshall sounds amazing!

[@PeterMoore350]

Great review video bro 😎 I really enjoyed the track you wrote for it too. Greetings from NZ

[@welmoeloraculo]

My favourite is the Engl. I like the dry midrange and the fact that doesn’t sound fizzy in the top end

[@stanstanly3812]

Thank you. All sound good but damn...that Marshall just roars.

[@ukasz-xn8kn]

This video is great. Really all those amps sound good and it is personall preference to choose one. I have small DSL, and i was thinking about upgrade to MESA or ENGL, but here I can hear DSL is still my favourite in this scale.

[@SarcasticComments23]

Wow that DSL20 was crazy. Never liked a Marshall amp before but I like this one.

[@kevinkillsit]

The PRS and the Marshall were both my favorite.

[@IamMusicNerd]

MT15 for me. It’s gain sounds as good as the EVH, but I like the extra flexibility of the added clean channel and separate EQs.

[@edjr_edmirjunior]

Great video! Very cool and weel made! In my opinion, the Peavey 6505 and PRS MT15 are the best for my ears. The Marshall didn't attract me, although I have the DSL1H and I like it. I'm a Rectifier fan, but the Peavey 6505 sounded more defined. But is my taste only. I prefer hearing directly from the amps, playing them.

[@transmundanemusic]

I think the MT 15 is pretty awesome, and I'm also a huge sucker for the EVH sound. I think it's the PRS name (not being known for amps) that makes people choose the others. To my ears, the MT15 is highly underrated when compared to the big amp names.

[@victorbernardo1358]

Another Great Vídeo! Your mixes keep getting better everytime! Especially comparing with the ones from 5 years ago (and they were already great!). Maybe i'ts time to do some new vídeos with mixing tutorials, with the new equipment/plugins for guitars, bass, drums and mastering! Keep it up! Cheers.

[@TrickyPickins]

The Engl, the Mesa, and the Marshall are my top 3.

[@weareanimals5189]

Thanks again for an awesome video! For me: Mesa Marshall Peavey Cheers

[@Jhoofnail]

Honestly can’t choose. Really wanted to get a mini rectifier at first but, heard the MT15 and thought it sounded fuller in other comparisons. This comparison however, they both sound really good in their own ways Arghhh

[@Soldano999]

And it's like 3 times cheaper too

[@kevinanthony3144]

that mt15 and dsl20 were friggen smooth damn

[@jasontrujillo2716]

I really enjoyed the Marshall, it seemed to be the most even sounding. Not too high or low and able to hear the notes on chords. Some others like the EVH and ENGL had a high treble sound.

[@KahnuevsKrake]

I own an MT15 and a DSL20 and I love them both. I used to own the Mesa, while the low end thump kicked like a mule, I found the highs a bit on the harsh side, so I got a Mark 5:35 which had nicely rounded off highs but I felt lacked that thump. When the MT15 came out I just had to try it, and it somehow managed to nail both the thump and leads, so I sold the Mesa to buy one! As incredible as the MT15 is, it's difficult to get any sort of gain from the clean channel for a more classic rock sound, so I got the DSL20 mega cheap on Reverb and it's also an incredible amp that covers the sounds that the MT15 doesn't do so well, plus that distinctive Marshall sound!! So I've got a dream team with those two.

[@OfficialSNMvids]

Peavey for the win for me.

[@countzero5150]

I was really surprised by the 6505mh. It really does capture the 6505 sound. It might have been my favorite of them all even though I own the dsl20 and the lbx stealth.

[@gastonpossel]

MT15, Fireball and 6505MH are my favourites.

[@SirLoinMagroin]

Great comparison showing the various facets of each amp. My personal preferences of the top three...just my personal preference of course, was #1 Engle, #2 Marshall, and #3 the PRS-MT. The #2 and #3 were actually more or less tied imho. I'd have a hard time choosing, yet you could nearly get both my #2 and #3 for what the Engle costs. If push came to shove though, I would get the Engle, it sounds just a bit more to my liking, even though it goes against what I consider a reliable design due to the extra amount of components, serviceability considerations, and longevity due to potential internal heat problems from a design standpoint {even though the front is fairly open} mainly due to how many and where the power soak resistors are located. Happy times removing the backdoor for tubes, etc. All three choices could gig better than any twin EL-84 model just due to headroom considerations.

[@billzade8158]

I like all of them, but for me I liked the Mesa the most, followed quickly by the Marshall. I wouldn't complain about any of them. I was surprised to find that I liked the 6505 over the 5150, but again, I like all of them.

[@darkizrod]

Even though I own an ENGL amp, I can clearly say that my personal favorite is 6505MH - the clear overtones in the chords is what I like. The Peavey transfers the sound very "audible" and "live" which imo is a must in the mix. Thank you for the review! ❤

[@clicheguevara9917]

I was not prepared to like the EVH that much. Damn. Any chance you tackle distortion pedals next?

[@jegl1012]

Great great video. The EVH was the worst. Top picks...Marshall and PRS. One thing to point out is that the ENGL and MB ares much more expensive than the others although the ENGL has some additional great features not covered in this video. I think the PRS is the best value: - Separate EQ controls/channel - Cool lights inside - Easier to bias due to external ports. - Great clean channel

[@kozbit]

Peavey - punchy. Mesa let other Instruments breath. Engl sounds too dark on this ir. Marshall - crispy. EVH has the best clarity on chords. PRS - balanced.

[@smallfish6355]

Imo one of the best ways to use the dsl20 from marshal is the green channel with the pre gain all the way up and a hard boost from a tube screamer. Makes the mids way bigger and it doesn’t feel so choked

[@Nyrlyat]

I'm always drawn by that Mesa sound. Surprised how much I liked the Marshall. And boy do I love that MT15

[@danc3746]

ENGL and Marshall, maybe because I have both myself, both are GREAT amps. I noticed your settings on the Marshall were basically at noon, I do the same, sounds great that way.