You're EQ-ing Your Amp WRONG! UNLOCK Your Amp!

[@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 Thanks for supporting the channel!

[@MR-wp5dz]

One thought on the Boogie: the EQ knobs are a 'pre' EQ, meaning they're shaping the tone of the guitar before it hits the preamp, and the slider controls are post preamp. Also, turning down the bass via pre-EQ as the gain goes up is also kinda Boogie basics

[@heftosprod]

Does the signal not need to have early stage of preamplificarion to even be eq-able?. Sure you can continue to gain it up after the EQ but I think more amp designs than boogie do this. Just looking at a basic boogie preamp schematic seems to show a very fendery input design then into another gain stage, then the tone controls.

[@dannyd.8860]

@@heftosprod Yes, guitar signals are weak, so they have to amplified to be able to do anything meaningful with. The input stage on tube amps requires about 1.5V (give or take, depending on bias) to even begin to clip. The hottest humbuckers pickups I've measured are about 1V peak. IOW, the input stage of a tube amp is not distorting (at least not the sense that guitar players think of distortion). Boogie mark series amps are indeed hot rodded Fenders. As MR said above, the passive EQ affects the character of the overdrive (tight, flubby, etc). However, most amps use post preamp tone stacks. Vintage amps that need to be cranked to get good crunch (Plexi's for example) benefit from the EQ methodology that applies to mark series amps. This is due to the circuitry after the EQ is being driven hard into clipping (notably the Phase Inverter and output tubes). Hopefully that helps clear things up.

[@JimijaymesProductions]

Also boogies (depending on model) have quite different frequencies for the knobs compared to other amps and compared to what you think. Like the recto treble is basically a high mid control.

[@JamesSClapperton]

Good to know. I’m not a mesa guy, and the toe controls have always frustrated me when trying them.

[@callumvernon7053]

The most important thing people can learn is to use their ears. Do what SOUNDS right not what LOOKS right. There’s no right or wrong when it comes to audio

[@dappawap]

true. Then pull off knobs and put them on to look right

[@callumvernon7053]

@@dappawap man knows.

[@whatarefriends4]

The way Eddie Van Halen did it is always right😂

[@riffmcnasty8713]

Extremely underrated comment right here, sound is in our DNA and what better tools than to learn by ear and develope your own style

[@grayaj23]

The method I've used is to start with everything at zero. Then turn up the treble until the point where it starts to open up -- which is different for every amp design. Then edge it up to where it's slightly "too much" and note that point. Then return it to zero and go to the next knob and do the same. Then set each knob at the "too much" point and adjust down. EQ by subtracting, not adding, is the point. I have no idea if that works for other people, but it has worked well for me.

[@SonicDriveStudio]

Whatever works for you! With some amps the EQ is highly interactive, for example the sound of all the other controls might change if you adjust the treble control

[@ky9999]

This method is very useful for amp sims imo. But for real amps, i always treat the eq as a ‘fine tune’ kind of thing, i always start at noon, play with the cab mic placement, then fine tune using the eq. But yeah, the method you mentioned is very useful for amp sims, as sometimes the digital knobs can be very sensitive

[@SonicDriveStudio]

@@ky9999 true, sometimes with virtual amps the controls are more sensitive! Good point!

[@guitarlair]

I saw an interview with Zakk Wylde where he says smth similar but starting from max, dial all the knobs at max and then start dialling them back until it sounds good.

[@rangerdoc1029]

I'd do the exact opposite. Start at max. Depending on the amp, that may drop the impedance on the last gain stage bleeding the minimum signal to ground.

[@lodougherty]

Sometimes on my Dual Rectifier Multi Watt, I'll run the Bass at noon, to 1, Mids maxed, and 0 treble. Gives it a very unique tone.

[@nathanielcava4128]

In my limited experience with mesas I find they aren’t the easiest to dial in until you learn the overall workings of the amps. The triple crown however sounds good and is the easiest to dial for me.

[@kennyparker8644]

That’s really unique I’ve ever seen

[@chaddiusthewise527]

“bUt tHaT wONt SoUnD gOod”

[@davu9027]

DUDE i literally discovered the same thing a few days ago and i thought no one knew this amazing trick. It gives it so much character especially if you put the presence at like 1/2 o clock

[@lodougherty]

@@davu9027 Adam Tanbouz from He is Legend runs his life sound that way, and it's just gnarly in the best way possible.

[@lichen8855]

When trying to dial in an amp, its also helpful sometimes to understand a bit about about the design of the amplifier. In most guitar amplifiers the EQ section is placed after the distortion section in the preamp. Unless you use an overdrive or other tone shaping tool in front of the amplifier, the amp will have basically the same distortion characteristics regardless of how you set the EQ. The EQ will just allow you to emphasize or de-emphasize what is already there. The Mark Vs main EQ is pre distortion which means you can really shape the character and response of the amp much more than with just a post distortion EQ.

[@mrcoatsworth429]

This is very true! I got one of my favorite tones from my JCM 2000 (high gain channel) with the treble at 0, mids and presence at full, and bass around the middle. Volume quite high and gain low. Totally insane in the minds of some people. But who cares as long as it sounds the way you like it?:)

[@psb962]

One thing to know with a traditional bass/middle/treble tonestack design is that the treble control moves the center frequency of the middle 'cut'. So you can experiment with the treble to get the middle cut right where you want it.

[@DonnieDistortion]

I may be wrong but my understanding is that on most guitar amplifiers, EQ controls are passive just like the Volume and Tone knobs on a guitar, while the controls that affect the power amp such as Presence, Resonance, etc. are shelf boosts. That means the "technically correct" way to dial a guitar amp would be to start with the EQ controls fully cranked and the boosts controls at 0, then start by removing what you don't like in the tone by turning down the EQ controls, and then finish by adding what's still missing with the boost controls. Maybe that's why so many vintage Marshall users say that their amp sounds its best when fully dimed?

[@SonicDriveStudio]

That is correct. However, there isn't really a true correct way. I'm just trying to bring the point across that you shouldn't be afraid to dial in amps to more extremes if it sounds good. But you brought up a good point for sure!

[@DonnieDistortion]

@@SonicDriveStudio That's why I put "technically correct" in quotes. ;) We tend to be too conservative when dialing an amp or even a pedal, and a video like this one was much needed for the guitar community!

[@adam_wynne]

The JCM 800 really taught me this lesson. Specifically the Studio Classic. I absolutely adore that amp but DAMN is it ever the audio equivalent of hanging out white sheets on a sunny day 😩 Treble and presence around 1/ 2, mid at 6/ 7, bass at 7/ 8 and Master & Pre-amp at 7 (attenuated!) with a clean boost. Absolute bliss 👌

[@markdavies2115]

My old jcm 800 50w mv settings were mid and treble and presence on full. Bass about 4. Angled guitar 4x12 cab, straight bass 4x12,sm57 on each.. Could actually kill people from 50 paces.. do not try this at home.

[@adam_wynne]

@@markdavies2115 Well I’m staying at my girlfriend’s at the moment so I’ll try it there 😉 I just this morning tried it with bass & treble at 7 and mid & presence dimed. Holy fuckin’ mother of thrash 🔥 Almost unbearable stood directly in-front of the speakers but off to the side I was absolutely in heaven (or hell I guess?). Gonna swap out the V30s for something a little warmer soon in hoping I can get a slightly smoother more “80s” lead tone. Such an ace amp though. I can’t believe I ever sold my first one!

[@SonicDriveStudio]

READ ME: Some notes just to clarify some things that have come up: - The title to the video wasn't meant to be taken very literally. I'm not saying "you're all doing it wrong all the time" etc. I guess it's meant to get your attention and since you're reading this I guess it worked :). If you watch the video you'll see what I'm talking about. It's just some food for thought and perhaps a different/fresh perspective. - Of course every amp is different, that's the whole point. Use your ears. There are NO rules! Try to find what sounds good to you. - Speakers, pickups, guitars, pedals etc. etc. Also have an impact on the tone, of course. - The settings in the thumbnail and in the video are just an example. Don't be afraid to experiment and find what works for you. These are just some settings that work well for me on these particular amps and I thought they were a good example of amps that benefit from more extreme settings. Have you ever experienced this? What's an amp that you're tried that needed extreme settings for it to sound good? Cheers everyone!

[@alanbrungtr]

Brother, what audio interface You use ?

[@NOPPYify]

I’ve seen so many guys all over the world that goes bass - max. mids - 0. Treble 1 o’clock on a peavy 6505

[@albertorockmaster1836]

you know, I almost fucked up jajaja, a friend of mine offered me a Mesa mark v 90 combo por a good price, but I didn't know this valuable info, I started dialing in with all the pots at 12 o 'clock, it wasn't a good tone, I was about to Pass on this deal, but then I watched JP videos on Mark v and his JP2c, matched his extreme EQ settings and wow I loved it, so i bought it and couldn't be happier with it, I noticed this info important, there are some Videos from some guitar players that tried this amp with no extreme settings and sold it, big mistake, there is one that called Mark v disappointment watching the video you can tell that he didn't tweek jaja

[@dametalone]

My Marshall DSL100HR (ultra gain od1). I thought it sounded "thin" for the longest time until I dimed out the bass (depending on the guitar) and the mid controls. I also turned down the treble to around 3 oclock and turned up the presence (i guess this is common on marshall amps)

[@smeemusic]

Luckily for me I don't have to work too hard for good tones from my amps as I have awesome cabs to choose from. I personally struggle more with clean tones. Have trouble getting those big chimy clear tones. As for mid and high gain, I got that under control all day long. Rather, my cabs have that under control. With a good cab, most of the work is already done. Jon can we do this with some cleans? I know its not the channels claim to fame but I'm sure some of us could benefit greatly from learning your approach to cleans.

[@smeemusic]

Learning how to dial in a solid tone has been one of my most powerful tools in the studio. Its just as important as mic and cab choice and placement. Very well done with this video. Not too in depth but not too vague either. Just enough info here to get ppl thinking and trying stuff. Nothing here but awesome!!!!

[@markwflyge]

I didn’t even watch the video yet and just by the thumbnail I’m like yes! Also as you get louder you need a lot less treble than you think you do.

[@davidcastonguay2927]

Really good video! Those kind of side-by-side comparisons are so good, cause, when you are dialing your amp, the transitions may be quite subtle. But putting two setting this way, we can appreciate how clear those amps sound in a mix. Good job man.

[@kadestorm]

I actually like the Fireball’s noon voicing for certain styles, but there’s a lot of range between the EQ dials to create fairly versatile tones across the board and of course, as per this video, that very upper mid-focussed and present tone that epitomises the amp’s name. I think that one of the potentially ultimate ENGL amps could be the core Fireball design but with the tone shaping options of the Powerball II.

[@SonicDriveStudio]

Getting a Powerball soon. I'm so stoked!

[@kadestorm]

@@SonicDriveStudio Great to hear. I’m sure it can be an excellent addition to your collection. My own experience with the Powerball II was very positive, especially in terms of the tone shaping options, I just found the Fireball 100’s overall voicing and gain structure to be more aggressive and to my liking.

[@paradox7743]

Agree but if you want to stand out in the mix throw a Equalizer into the FX loop. I'm using a simple MXR 10 band Eq and you can dial in anything you want n still get that Massive Holy Shit Distortion/ Keep Rawking it...

[@KarstenJohansson]

Black Sabbath was born out of that muddiness, too. It really depends on what you want in a mix. I tend to make my "background" instruments more muddy and the fore stuff gets brighter treatment. But if you want those ultra-tight palm mutes, then you have to go away from the noonish mentality in nearly every case.

[@FendCore]

It'something I've experienced on lots of amps. And there is an electronic explanation about this: as far as majority of tone stack consists into take frequencies away, to crank tonestack just let all the frequencies pass thru. A cranked tone stack should be considered as a starting point when dialing up your tone!

[@singleproppilot]

Correct. Most amps use passive EQ, which only cuts. Full up on each band lets the most sound at that frequency through. The Mesa would be the exception to this, as they use an active tone stack which can either cut or boost, so middle of the knob’s range should be your starting point.

[@nedim_guitar]

The first one sounded fine to me in song context. But when it was played back to back with better EQ settings, the difference became very apparent! When we tweak our tones, we need to have a starting point, but then always get it into full band context and check it out!

[@dylansalcedo2797]

These are the videos I wish I had when I first started. It took me years to figure this out and glad that your making these videos man. Even for me they are still helpful.

[@Andyanddiana467]

Great video. If you think this is an issue with guitars players, try out some bass amps - some bass heads, like GKs and Hartkes, need drastic looking EQ settings to really sound their best.

[@deans.4705]

I'll admit, as a bedroom player I'm guilty of playing an amp so that it sounds good by itself. Not too harsh and warmer. I need more videos like this. I have a few modelers and in all honesty I have no idea what the real amps sound like. Come mix time, I'm awful and end up eqing the bananas out of things.

[@troyfrink]

I want to say I really appreciate you using different camera angles on the Engl.

[@johanhasan4707]

As a mark v:35 owner, I totally agree that the mids knob on the second channel is very subtle. At one point I thought it was faulty lol. And yes, don’t be afraid to turn all the knobs, and slide the graphic eq, as far as required 🤘🏼

[@PatatoKeftes]

Well EQing an amp is much more complicated than just not staying at noon. EQ settings can be pre or post gain depending on the amp That means that you might be turning your treble up but nothing happens, because it is getting compressed or the frequencies you want may have been clipped by a pre EQ distortion. The first thing ANY experienced amp user (especially when it comes to gain tones) will do is find the volume and gain levels where the tone stack will not be deprived of its functionality. Another important thing is to find a spot in the room where you get the full sound of your amp. Standing directly in front of it will not give you a good representation of what the amp is putting out. Sometimes that phenomenon feels like the amp responds well but sounds bad. Yeah its a complex thing but for sure those knobs are there for a lot of reasons, room acoustics, cabs, speakers, type of guitar etc etc.

[@leolopez3153]

I have been playing for 30 years and holy crap I’ve been doing it wrong 😩. Thank you so much. I just dialed in my tone for both DI and Cab and what a difference!

[@davel_ggw]

Great examples here! While not as extreme as a Mesa, or even the Fireball, the Bogner Ecstasy 101B is another one that takes some fairly aggressive EQ moves to really bring out the clarity and top end and radically change the sound, at least on mine. And considering that I have seen some people complain about it being too dark (which it is with everything around noon), I assume that mine is not unique.

[@seanmackay6739]

I believe on those the treble knob is tapered such that at noon it’s like a Marshall treble knob at 9:00. Which is why they sound dark all knobs at noon.

[@allonhover]

Agreed! I’m curious though what sounds Jon would come up with when taking a 101B for a spin🤓

[@Bjornsguitarspecials]

Thanks to your Helix videos I am not afraid to dial in some extreme amps settings anymore😂. Love this video as well🤘🏼

[@rayzeus]

The Bogner Uberschall is definitely an example of an amp you need to dial in with your ears and not your eyes. Some of the knobs react very differently than on other amps, which leads some people to have a hard time finding their tone with the amp.

[@jonathanguerrero7394]

For sure, since the presence control is more for the higher mids.

[@rayzeus]

@@jonathanguerrero7394 yeah, and the treble knob doesn't do too much until 3 o'clock, and the starts generating a ton of treble after that point.

[@anthonydavella8350]

I have the Mesa 25, always thought it was ok, nothing great. Your video helped me and within 5 seconds it sounds so much better. Thanks again from an old newb

[@reinkaoz666]

I'm 38 been playing for 25 years... never ever understood the scooped mids thing. great vids btw

[@thelongplaylp]

Finally, a video to puncture the "all knobs at noon" / "all knobs at 2 o'clock" myths!

[@stephengabree]

Back in the 80s Leslie West played through my late 70s Marshall JMP 100 2 input master volume Amp and he ran bass,mid and treble on 10 with the presence off, pre on 4.5 and Master on 6 ( loud ). Of course he sounded great. I tend to reduce bass and slightly boost mid and treble which sits in the mix well.

[@ebatgmail]

Generally speaking, tone controls on guitar amps are passive, which means that they can only subtract volume (unlike audio amps where controls are active and can also add volume). Passive controls turned fully clockwise permit the signal to pass unchanged, turning them ccw they lower the volume of that frequency.

[@mountainpeakcloud8442]

Great video, very useful! Would you consider doing a videos based on dialing in the Friedman JJ Jr? That’s such a unique sounding amp, which I feel warrants a video to showcase just how dialing it in in different ways can make the most out of it.

[@mr.e8432]

I saw another KZbinr talk about how a lot of tube amps are subtractive only EQ. So setting all the knobs at 5 is really turning everything down. Having bass, mids and treble set at 10 is actually the neutral spot. Don't know if this is true as I only currently own one amplifier but I cranked all my knobs to ten and it actually did sound a hell of a lot better. Then I started dialing in a tone from there.

[@gtrman69777]

I've heard the same thing. There is no wrong way to dial in your tone. Some amps sound great no matter how they are set and some amps will just sound like garbage if it's not the right amp for you Just spend some time with the EQ and see what works for you. Don't forget about the controls on your guitar as well.

[@mr.e8432]

@@gtrman69777 Tones pots on guitars don't add treble or bass to your signal, they only attenuate what the pickups are putting out. Makes sense that guitar amplifiers would work in a similar fashion.

[@JethroBoDean]

So what you have for the most part are passive pots there are active pots well let's just say to be stacks but passive circuits block there counterpart frequencies lets say you crank the bass it isn't adding bass its subtracting treble any way of you have active controls the you are adding bass when you turn it up and so on most of the time they are passive in amps and guitars

[@ot4kon]

not quite. There is a flat setting in almost all Amps but is not always putting all knobs at 10, For example in a classic Fender Tone Stack the Flat Eq is Bass and treeble 0, and Mids 10. You can test it. Download the Duncan Tone Stack calculator for windows and test different tone stacks circuits. Try the fender Flat setting. you can see a graphic.

[@JohnWiku]

@@ot4kon that's the flat setting indeed, but look at the huge insertion loss to get there!

[@ImYourOverlord]

Very different world from bass guitar (I come to guitar from a bass guitar background), where it's preferable to keep close to flat amp EQ, adjusting to the space you're playing in, and sculpting tone with your instrument and any effects you might have. I'm enjoying getting familiar with the electric guitar side of things, and videos like this one are very helpful in guiding me to getting the most from my gear. I'll apply these ideas with my new (to me) H&K Tubemeister 18. Thanks so much!

[@user-kl7ug9dr2k]

Its amzing when u finaly get used to the simplest marshall amp ,eg when u ear start to appreciate the the mid boost and contour also u learn to not push the gain too much aswell plus it brings the attributes out of certain guitars aswell...an SG sounds cool with a slight gain rathar than turning up to 10 ...u will enjoy playing for longer aswell

[@adventurefella]

Yup! The Orange Dark Terror - crank that shape knob to the right most of the way, then dial the gain right back to 12 o’clock ish (depending on your pick up output) then run a full level, zero gain tubescreamer in front for tight, percussive palm mutes…

[@RobSchauland]

Thanks for finally saying this. Pre KZbin no one ever considered leaving tone controls at noon on tube amps. Opened for Quiet Riot one time and Carlos’ tech ran his hand across the top of the knobs to dime everything. Lol

[@jav6665]

That first riff is sweet 🤘🏻 Keep up the great work!

[@brettmarlar4154]

I can't help but wonder how much that second graphic E.Q. is affecting the overall sound of the Mesa? Wouldn't it give more accurate results as to what is being affected if it were either disengaged or set flat?

[@Claimjumper55]

He mentions that he left the 5 band EQ out of the equation so I'm assuming that meant it wasn't engaged.

[@logandowdy9887]

YEP! Thats very close to what I do! Lows loke half, mids 3 thirds, highs all the way up

[@ianbooth4010]

I do this with my Diezel Herbert. Mids almost all the way and the treble about 2:30 - 3. The Herbert can get lost in the mix if not dialed in right. The mid cut is cool only in the studio, when layering tones.

[@stevewilburn8068]

Great video! I tried cranking the middle and treble on a couple of Blackstars and they both sounded way better. I too have been guilty of starting at noon and not straying too far from there. Thanks for the tip!

[@pedrogarciarobleto]

Currently I EQ my Orange Crush Pro this way: Bass: 3, Mids: 6, Treble: 7. More bass would become too boomy, more treble gets too sharp for lead stuff, might work for rhythm, and regarding mids, I used to use more mids, but now feel 6 is the sweetspot, not too much, not scooped. I usually play Alt Rock/Modern Metal/Grunge.

[@MetalZoned]

I use something similar, is that with an OD going into it too?

[@pedrogarciarobleto]

@@MetalZoned When playing Alt Rock/Grunge, I use it without an OD pedal with the gain around 6.5 to 7. When playing heavier stuff, I use an OD pedal with gain on 7, it works without an OD with gain on 8 too, but an OD makes it tighter for those genres.

[@pedrogarciarobleto]

@@MetalZoned for reference, the OD I use for heavier stuff is a MXR GT-OD with Volume and Tone maxed and Gain dimed to 0.

[@spaceavenger54]

Just one little comment I'd like to add that I've noticed through the last 35 years of playing, you can set the EQ however you want it I have this thing sound great then you step off to the side of your cabinet two or three feet and the total sound changes drastically. No it's been a long time since I've actually played with a full stack and a real sound man, but I would sit my tune the way I liked it where I was going to be standing then go out and listen to it through the PA make sure I still liked it. Another thing for some of you guys who might be like me and I'm just messing this but my ears are totally screwed at this point I can set my amp up to sounds fine one day next day it sounds totally different to me hell it might even sound different to me a couple hours later all because of my ears are so screwed up. Just wanted to add that in there for anybody who might be suffering from the same problem, I don't think it's always your amp sounding different all the time LOL

[@shoegazeforever8810]

I own a Marshall Vintage Modern. The biggest mistake that guitarists make with this amp is not keeping all of the EQ dials at noon until they have learnt how to use the amp properly. Its EQ is only for fine tonal adjustments.

[@williamsimpson5507]

I feel like the Carvin Legacy is a great example of this. It's a pretty dark amp, so unless you want to get totally buried in the mix, you have to do some radical EQ moves! I usually have both the treble and the presence quite high on it.

[@johnkavaudio4695]

A/B comparison really demonstrates what you’re talking about 👍🏻

[@neoaureus]

Well…all depends on signal chain 1) get the sound you want out of the amp 2) choose mic that will be accurate 3) place it well 4) or use 2 mics 6) then record 7) add compression limiter 8) then start the mix 9) soft eq the track 10) get the eq of whole mix done 11) manage dynamics of mix 12) go back to track and repeat up to 12 many times till you get you want. That’s the way you will get what you want into the song.

[@Sandman60077]

Gain at 10 with a distortion pedal running into it set at 10 🤘 Then you want to take that sound and re-amp it through another amp with the gain set at 10🤘🤘

[@kellyhouseholder6737]

crazy how much difference this makes.. Great video and what a contrast of the A/B

[@SonicDriveStudio]

Thanks! Glad you like it

[@jacak47410]

"Orange rockerverb is a great example." I look over at my rockerverb. My settings are only slightly off from noon.

[@gvsd3]

Very helpful indeed, I don't own any tube amp, I only use digital multi effects, and straight to the PA in live situation, but here's the thing, adjusting the eq in your amp is indeed helpful in the shaping of your tone, even in multi effects it's very important, useful thing I recently discover to make sure your guitar not drowning in the mix or live situation is to dial your tone (especially the eq) side to side with a song, that way we can listen if the tone is clear enough or drowning (especially careful with the bass), and it work well for me, start the eq at noon and adjust from there while playing with a song/track, oh and for multi effects it's better if we use studio monitor for tone shaping, and sorry for the grammar english is my second language hehe...

[@koonsickgreen6272]

I really agree with your point. Especially using Mk V 35

[@chrishubbard9746]

Everyone who knows me thinks I'm obsessed with MIDs however when they hear my PRS MT15 live they understand that I flatten everything 😃 I run a boost in front and brighten treble post EQ but I have my amp settings bass noon, mids max, treble zero and presence max 😯

[@spiderfan1974]

Also set your amps eq at the volume you are going to be playing it at. If you are in a gigging band set your eq at a loud volume. Bedroom guitarists volume between two and 5. I set my volume and tone on the guitar at max put all the knobs at 12 o clock on the amp and adjust from there.

[@brinepacer]

This was great, you could really hear the difference, even through KZbin.

[@C-Ro]

I have never been afraid to use EQ. After all, in addition to the different parameters in front of the amp that I mentioned earlier, the overall setting still plays a role. Rehearsal room, living room, with the band or alone. I always screw until I am satisfied. Unfortunately, this is never the case, because even the ear reacts differently on different days.

[@snumen]

Awesome this is exactly how i have set the EQ on my engl powerball. Those amps need mids and highs

[@ericv7720]

On my late 90s Carvin MTS, for 100w mode I will boost the mids/highs and cut back on the lows, since I use 5881's biased on the cold side. In 50w mode, I scoop the mids slightly and boost the bass and treble, because that mode runs the power tubes much hotter and therefore introduces a lot of mids. So 100w mode b/m/t would be something like 4/7/7, and 50w b/m/t would be 7.5/4/6. If I get up to power tube clipping I might scale the mids back further.

[@techforge-Nate]

Thanks for the video John, couldn't come at a better time. I'm wrestling with a Powerball II and at times I have found the settings on treble and mid boost way up high and backed them off thinking I was doing it wrong. I guess the message is, if your ears say its fine, its fine!

[@Corey_G]

I like to noon the amps EQ, and then EQ in DAW etc.. Advantages - * What sounds good on its own may not sound good in full band mix * Not hard to remember your amp EQ settings if you set them to noon. * Not trying to fix a bad EQ imprinted on recording. That’s why I prefer doing a noon EQ. 😉👋

[@sseltrek1a2b]

this is absolutely the truth (every amp has an eq "sweet spot")...it's also always a good idea to boost your mids when playing with a band...

[@InternetTRex]

I didn't ever get good at EQ until I bought a Marshall Super Lead which pretty much only has one sound regardless of EQ at high enough volume. Made me realise how flubby, overly dark and inarticulate my other amps were because I was afraid to push the higher frequency settings!

[@miguelangelhdezhdez]

this is perfect! I Cracked the treeble on my markV and it feels like a different amp, thank you so much!

[@SonicDriveStudio]

Awesome!

[@Grasshopper567]

I did the same thing with a mesa lonestar classic. I also changed the stock cab to a much brighter shur 1×12. The shop owners were very surprised to see how such extreme settings can sound so good

[@macsarcule]

So many genres, it never occurred to me there was a desire to sound pissed off. 🙂 I learn something every day. 💜🎸

[@SonicDriveStudio]

Most definitely! :)

[@ogborg9479]

yes, thanks for educating us to turn eq knobs until the amp sounds to taste :))

[@blue_mountains28]

I had a marshall jvm 210h and used to run the bass on full, mid on half and treble on 3/4s on the crunch mode on channel 1. I did some slight variation of this with any marshall I had. Just sounded right to me.

[@LukeCannotSkate]

Same with my Laney, full Bass, mid 5, treble 4-5, set brightness with tone knob

[@calebneff5777]

To be honest I'm just amazed that you made an ENGL sound good. Every one I've heard in every other video on the internet was terrible.

[@gamjammallota78]

Nuts.!! Now you tell me. I've been taught since when I started in 1969 at the tender age of 12 that you turn everything all the way up to 10 especially a Marshall {11 or 12 on some amps} and just use your guitars volume. I got into a lot of trouble with my 100watt Marshall. My tech later told me it actually dissipated 134watts. Maybe that was why.

[@brutalslam8443]

Thank you for sharing this. I'm going to try your settings on my Fireball!

[@MrEvilb666]

Holy fucking shit ov hellfire and steel! I'm completely overwhelmed! Goddammit! I play the guitar for about 30 years now and never ever tried something like this. After I saw your video today I tried it with my Powerball 2 and Rectifier Solo Head and I'm only a huge WOW! This is incredible as incredible can be. Holy cow! 😅 Thank you so much for opening up my mind!

[@springbloom5940]

Amps all have a 'sweet spot'. You find it by bottoming out all your tone controls on a clean channel and sweeping each control the full range, back and forth. There will be a range, of about ⅓ of the control sweep that has the most effect on the signal. For example, your mid control, may have up to 70% of its change, between 4 and 7. Find the 'sweet spot' for each control and center the knob in it. Thats your 'noon' position to start in.

[@ktl4539]

BS. Start at 10 and reduce what doesn't sound good. Simple.

[@luiza177music]

This video is so important! it's so hard not to fall into this trap. And it just gets crazier when you factor in how the ear perceives frequencies as loudness changes. I have my Mini Recto's clean channel in fairly extreme settings (gain at 11:00, treble at 3:30, mid at 11:00, bass at 2:30, presence past 3:00), sometimes I might dial back the treble (decreases gain too) and dime the presence. The dirty channel, I almost always have the bass at 9:00. I've also found a great suggestion for a tone with mid and treble dimed and bass completely off, sounds pretty marshall-y in Vintage mode. It's like because rectos are known for being "fizzy", it feels wrong to turn the treble up so much.

[@ederiel]

Recently, in studio, we where tweaking a Peavey 5150. I found that the presence knob don't do much at lower setting, and all change around 8 ! 😮 And the change is big for just a little touch around that point ! So you remind me to re chek my own amp with this kind of extreme settings... Just to learn much about my gear. Thanks !

[@SonicDriveStudio]

Cheers! With my Peavey 6505 I usually really crank the presence and resonance too.

[@ederiel]

@@SonicDriveStudio Exactly, it change everything !

[@KodyXXVll]

I like the way the Fireball 100 sounds with the Mid Boost on, Bass at 3.5, Mid right in the middle, Treble at about 7.5-8, Lead Gain at like 2, Lead Volume at 3, Master at 3+, Presence at 4. Place a tube screamer in front of the amp, or a clean boost of some kind. I use both the Xotic RC Booster for clean boost, then the Xotic Soul Driven for the tube screamer boost, and man does it get fuckin CHUNKY up in here. I also engage the Bottom switch half the time because, just goddamn. This is the best amp I’ve ever owned hands down.

[@anthonysilva5312]

AFAIC , all these tones sounded great . It just depends on what suits the song. A “producer’s ear” is key here because a great sound in the studio (isolated) doesn’t mean it’s the best on the mix overall. Love your videos.🇨🇦

[@mjlagerwerf]

I did go the other way around........ I started with some extreme EQing (not in a good way) and now, I start at noon and listen what I hear, want to add or remove. Or, I turn everything down, start with the hi end and work my way back to the low end so I can hear what everything is doing.

[@bennyharderguitar]

My Super Kraken has all the EQ knobs are pretty much noon. It’s sounds awesome.

[@benjaminbovay10]

Great video ! Would be great to have a part 2 with other amp like the 6505, EVH, soldano... 🙌

[@juliansedor7101]

Dialing in Rectifiers eluded me for so long.

[@bigpiper2103]

My Mesa Roadster. It depended on the guitar, but I have always had to lower the bass at least to 9:00 and crank up the presence on the third channel at least to 4-5 PM. That improved clarity and added saturation.

[@CheenTube]

loving the riffs and the melodies 👌

[@shayanu1208]

The zero middle and bass on the Boogie is just wild to me.....And it sounds so good too....!! Is this some kinda trick!!! mind blown!!!

[@SonicDriveStudio]

It's radical but it sounds great! :)

[@jayseb]

@1:43 it felt just like the start of a Rammstein show... LMAO

[@XxtwichedxX]

It all depends on the genre of music you’re about to play and the pedals you’re running. Metal likes low mids and distortion, meanwhile blues likes high mids, low treble, and boost for extra clarity

[@sseltrek1a2b]

love your riffs on the examples...really cool...

[@jasoncravens1124]

Personally, playing death and thrash, I put bass/treble both to 75%. Then only 15-25% mid range. If your using this "all the controls at noon" idea, try turning the mids all the way down. You'll dig it, or at least you'll understand what I'm going for. 🎸

[@s.r.b.4582]

I love Load, what a cool album

[@YTPartyTonight]

If it's a bass amp, your tone and volume need to sit in a good place with your band and depending on the space then it's the opposite; start flat/at noon then make adjustments according to the situation.

[@chrisking6695]

I love how the Fireball sounds. I finally have to get one lol

[@SonicDriveStudio]

Amazing amp!

[@JimijaymesProductions]

Without that graphic EQ on with that deep cut that all controls at noon would of sounded even worse, I can't believe boogie originally had mark series amps without the graphic EQ because after that tone stack and gain stages its only mids (on purpose) sounds like 3 tubescreamers through a cocked wah. The tonestack effects the feel and gain structure more than the overall EQ (graphic can do that) which is why unlike on some other amps the EQ controls really affect the dynamics and feel.

[@jakebenigni]

great job jon. yeah some bogners can be strange with the mids and presence controls.

[@andresilvasophisma]

Boogie Mark series amps are famos for not being usable with everything at noon for high gain sounds. You mainly dial the tone with the graphic EQ. Theres a very good video called something like "Treble dumping a Mark V 25", it's a good watch.

[@RobzFreak]

Yeah... I feel the same! Big thanx!

[@rk28984]

It depends on what amp you are using. My Orange Brent Hinds is perfect with everything set to 12 o'clock. When I use my Laney AOR I just max out all the EQ and also pull all the knobs, I only use my OD pedal for colouration. On my Amp1 I experiment way more as the EQ works differently. If I remember correctly most amps use a passiv tonestack that only subtracts from the original signal. So if you max everything it sometimes sounds the most natural to me.

[@SonicDriveStudio]

Yup, heavily dependent on the amp

[@jeremyasselbergs169]

Great info in this video. I only have one request...please stop telling people that they are doing things "Wrong". Music equipment is meant to be experimented with. In my humble opinion...nothing is "wrong" if you learn from it.

[@SonicDriveStudio]

If you watch the video you'll see what I actually mean. You don't have to take it so literally

[@BatEatsMoth]

At live volume it's a whole different game. Then it's about leaving everything at noon, rolling off on the bass and treble, or leaving them in the center and boosting the mids a line. That graphic EQ on the Boogie monster would be all center line. Those settings you're using sound nice at low volume through stereo speakers, but you're going to have some serious ear fatigue if you play a whole set like that. You want to be heard, but you don't want to drown out the bass competing in the same frequency bands. Likewise, you don't want to be competing with vocal clarity by cranking the treble. You gotta remember, most fans aren't going to be wearing hearing protection, and when you have it set up for their listening pleasure you're mostly going to hear mud through your earplugs. There's no way around that. At low volumes a concert mix drowns out the guitar. Live, it's a whole different story. Everything is loud and you can hear the guitar just fine because it sits properly in the mix if you keep the passive EQ somewhere around 12 o'clock. Volume boosts bass and treble presence over midrange, so you can't be cranking either of those bands or scooping mids when you're playing at 120 decibel peaks. Do you think Slash sounds muddy live? His preamp settings are 5-5-5. He relies on stomp boxes to shape his sound. How about Synyster Gates? His settings are 5-6-6-5. I've seen A7X live; the bass is louder than the guitars, but the guitars are still shrieking loud. Even with earplugs in, my ears were ringing the minute they started playing.

[@TheMasonator777]

He’s ultimately saying you should use your ears to EQ your amp, not the arbitrary numbers on the dial. He’s right. A Marshall isn’t a Boogie… it’s not even the same between different Marshalls. It’s not even the same in different rooms with the same amp. If you are using your eyes to listen… that is, in fact, doing it wrong. Now you have vindicated a title I hated. Thanks, lol.

[@BatEatsMoth]

@@TheMasonator777 That doesn't change the reality of anything I said. Anything past 5 on any passive preamp bass and treble, no matter what brand you use, will be too much for live volume. I've been playing live since the 80's; I know what I'm talking about. I've also seen bands live that try to set their guitar EQ that way; it doesn't work. If you play a venue big enough to require a house PA, cranked treble on guitar means the guitar channel volume will get mixed low to balance out the highs of the guitar with the rest of the band. Then, all you can hear is unintelligible fizz, because the bass and mids won't be loud enough to carry the guitar tone. Because the house mix is mono, it makes it even worse. Even if you're just playing through backline with drums, it's still going to be so loud that you'll either have to turn your guitar down to not drown out everybody else, or everyone else will crank their volume to be heard. Same problem: too much treble on the guitar = fizz in a band mix. There are lots of professional guitar players with touring experience on KZbin who have pointed this out. What sounds good in your room or in a recording isn't going to sound good at live volume; you're going to have to roll back on the bass and treble to make it work in a live mix. 5-5-5 may sound muddy on your desktop monitors or playing those amps in your bedroom, but it's fucking ear-shattering at 120 decibels. Even set like that, guitar will sound too bright and chunky; it'll sound scooped at high volume because volume increases bass and treble presence over midrange. That may work for rhythm guitar, but you either have to turn the bass and treble down lower than the mids or turn up the mids to get a sound that works for lead. Cranking the treble live is not a viable option in either case.

[@ktl4539]

Tone knobs at noon is NOT the "middle" or "flat spot" of the frequency spectrum. These are passive controls that merely short your sound to ground. Start at 10 and reduce the tones, if any, that are too loud.