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

Thomann Affiliate: www.thomann.de/intl/index.htm...
Sweetwater Affiliate: sweetwater.sjv.io/k0mGvx
My personal Thomann recommendations: thmn.to/thocf/cv37zixo68
My webstore for Captures, presets etc: ko-fi.com/sonicdrivestudio
Thanks for watching this high-gain lunchbox guitar amplifier head shootout/comparison! In this video I just used one guitar and one style, so one tone per amp. The guitar is my ESP LTD NW-44 Neil Westfall (Bareknuckle Aftermath). Let me know in the comments what your thoughts were of this shootout!
Timecodes:
00:00 Introduction Please Watch First!
01:53 Peavey 6505MH
03:18 Peavey 6505MH Isolated
04:23 Mesa Boogie Mini Rectifier Twenty-Five
05:49 Mesa Boogie Mini Rectifier Twenty-Five Isolated
06:56 ENGL Fireball 25
08:22 ENGL Fireball 25 Isolated
09:28 Marshall DSL20HR
10:54 Marshall DSL20HR Isolated
12:00 EVH 5150III LBX
13:26 EVH 5150III LBX Isolated
14:31 PRS MT15
15:57 PRS MT15 Isolated
16:49 AB Back To Back Comparison Isolated
19:52 AB Back To Back Comparison Isolated Same Cab
22:37 Conclusion
The signal chain:
- ESP LTD NW-44
- Amp Heads
- RedSeven Amplification Amp Central Reactive Load
- York Audio Impulse Responses
- Cubase 11 (Steven Slate Drums 5.5)
RedSeven Amp Central Reactive Load review: • AMAZING Reactive Load!...
York Audio Impulse Responses: www.yorkaudio.co/
Thanks for watching! Let me know in the comments what your thoughts are, please subscribe along with the bell and follow SDS at:
/ sonicdrivestudio
/ sonicdrivestudio_official
/ jon_symons
#metal #amplifier #comparison #shootout #luchbox #highgain #marshall #dsl20hr #mesaboogie #minirectifier #engl #fireball25 #prs #mt15 #peavey #6505mh #evh #lbx #miniamp #yorkaudio #redseven #ampcentral #esp #ltd #nw44

[@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!

[@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.

[@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

[@flprmn9448]

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

[@gamjammallota78]

Solid choice for the money too.

[@thisguy2973]

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

[@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!

[@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!

[@jpvvandermerwe87]

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

[@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

[@codyfoster17]

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

[@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!!

[@johnsguitarmusicanddemos]

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

[@ivanlubinski6626]

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

[@borhksalduero9259]

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

[@Gizmo-st1ky]

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

[@EnterTheDedolino]

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

[@PHELCAN]

All of these sound absolutely incredible

[@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!

[@Andrew-ry7iw]

Your riffs are always great

[@chugmonkey5033]

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

[@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.

[@OneInTheQuiver]

Thank you for making this!!!!

[@Wheresthepepsibismol]

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.

[@Tnevels]

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

[@warhoofd74]

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

[@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.

[@juliodefreitas157]

Awesome video and thank you for sharing ❤❤💯

[@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! !

[@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.

[@Alek_Archer]

Hi Jon! Great comparison as always!

[@johnfinlay4963]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.👍

[@HeavyInHawaii]

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

[@eric_casper5150]

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

[@sourcecompilestudios3554]

Engl and the Marshall I like the best out of these in the mixes, nice vid, great tones. \m/

[@bagusmusicallo]

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

[@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

[@PeterMoore350]

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

[@donerkebab1486]

Amazing. As usual ;-)

[@TheDVM1]

Man that Marshall sounds amazing!

[@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.

[@tgchan]

Amazing job. Thank you/

[@27retrodaze]

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

[@jublaim]

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

[@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.

[@stanstanly3812]

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

[@weareanimals5189]

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

[@Nyrlyat]

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

[@juliansedor7101]

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

[@gymwalker]

I love the vintage smell of the engl

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@kevinanthony3144]

that mt15 and dsl20 were friggen smooth damn

[@t.sewell1513]

The Mesa most definitely! To my ears it just cuts through so nice. The PRS would be 2nd for sure. Excellent video man!

[@agit-prop8193]

Totally agree. I'm surprised that the Engl is popular - it sounds the worst to my ear. Mesa and PRS sound the best to my ear. This is a reminder why there are so many amps.

[@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.

[@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.

[@70chevelless]

That mini mesa is awesome

[@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.

[@SarcasticComments23]

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

[@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.

[@theriffroom]

Thanks Jon now I have no idea what I want to get now. They all sound killer 😂

[@welmoeloraculo]

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

[@billzade4567]

God, I really want that Mesa Boogie Mini Recto!! I think blending that with a TH-30 or the Orange Dark Terror would just be sick

[@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.

[@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!

[@anthonygallo6319]

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

[@bluntforc3studios198]

The prs is filthy 🤘🏾🤘🏾

[@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.

[@Turbo-D]

i just love you 😂❤️

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@0Orion]

Awesome as usual. The only thing missing is the Boogie Mark 25.

[@amiresmaeeli967]

Nice

[@patfix]

I once had a 6506MH, never got it to sound this good though haha. Probably my favourite together with the MT-15. Really need to try that amp out some time.

[@mindfulgardener911]

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.

[@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.

[@MegaAndyGG]

That Marshall suprised me! Great sounding amp!

[@x-Gingerbeard-x]

Still the MT15 for me man! It just has BALLLLLSSSS and fits so well in a mix!

[@kevinkillsit]

The PRS and the Marshall were both my favorite.

[@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

[@seanhorodyski1517]

Peavey, definitely!

[@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

[@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.

[@satchfanboy]

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

[@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.

[@zzzaaannnn]

the marshall was a lovely surprise

[@Mark-yc7vx]

PRS definitely my favorite. Surprised at the peavey untill the one poster put the times down so we could click around to hear them back to back in any order,the Mt 15 stood out as my personal fav.

[@Gizmo-st1ky]

I’m the mix, I loved the Engl, isolated I loved the Mini Rec

[@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

[@MarcusKimballmusic]

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

[@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 :)

[@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.

[@marbesto]

The Mesa and the Marshall sound so brutal

[@gamjammallota78]

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.

[@shadilamesbutr8239]

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

[@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