Any tonal advantage to running 3 RM4s versus an RM1250?

[gag halfrunt]

That's pretty much it. I'm wondering if there is any tone reason to use 3 separate RM4s versus an RM1250.

I realize the RM4 is lighter and more portable on its own. But assume I will be using 10-12 modules all the time, and need them all in the same rack.

Thanks,

Bill

 

[drewiv]

That's pretty much it. I'm wondering if there is any tone reason to use 3 separate RM4s versus an RM1250.

I realize the RM4 is lighter and more portable on its own. But assume I will be using 10-12 modules all the time, and need them all in the same rack.

Thanks,

Bill

Short answer is yes. You can choose the power amp you want to run with your 3 RM4s.

I'm certain there will be a long answer on the way from someone.

 

[JayDA]

What are you using it for?

I like my RM1250 for what it is, which is a convenient way to switch between a bunch of different tones while recording or creating demos of things. At lower volumes I think it sounds fine, and I love it for exactly that reason.

BUT, that said....there is just no comparison to my RM100 or an RM4/Poweramp combo. I have used both the RT 2/50 and Mesa and VHT stuff with the RM4/M4 when I had rack stuff awhile back. Maybe a tube swap would help, but my RM1250 seems a little "flubby" at high volumes, and just weaker sounding in general for whatever reason. Add to that the fact that you only get a series loop, which kind of sucks....and I would say, for live use...go RM4.

Just my $.02....

 

[disk11]

You could do stereo with multiple RM4s.

 

[Mattfig]

You get to setup mods in banks and assign the appropriate preamp tubes for V1, PI, etc....For example, I have my clean RM4 that has tubes I have selected to work best with those mods...Same for mid and high gain...

The 1250 has always turned me off because there isn't a way to truly bypass it (to my knowledge) to use an appropriate power amp...That factor is also huge for me because my Marshalls need EL34s, my Mesas need 6L6GC, my cleans seem to like 6CA7s, etc...Of course, with the easy biasing- it's a breeze to change power tubes on the 1250...I just don't always have that 10 minutes to wait for a cool down and I've burned myself silly on hot tubes before so I handle them as little as possible as a general rule...

Downside to the RM4 route is having to buy and maintain more tubes and higher expense...Totally worth it for my situation but I can also see the appeal of the 1250 for most users....

 

[gag halfrunt]

Thanks, guys, for all the perspectives. It really helps.

 

[GtrGear]

My vote for seperated preamps.
I use 2 M4's with a Soundsculpture Switchblade.
You can pan M4#1 to the left and M4#2 to the right.
Or double it etc...
I use it for example Bman to the left and SL to the right.
Erect to the left and 1086 to the right. You get the picture.
Isn't possible with 1250.

 

[Philc]

well, good luck finding an Rm4 .. let alone 3. haha. These days you have to buy Rm4's on here and they are gone in seconds. I'd kill for one . . .



but price and availability aside, 3 Rm4's is far better than the 1250. So much versatility. You could two in stereo and mix amps for example ...

 

[nikki-k]

I have two RM4s right now, trying to decide which to sell. Will be including an RF4...