Extreme gain modules

[NCdan]

Hello, all, I'm new here. I've always been a solid state user, but now that the MTS series has come out, the sheer versatility makes me want to switch to the tube preamps. I just need help finding the right modules. I play mostly what you'd call SoCal speed punk: early NOFX, Guttermouth, RKL, etc... I need to know which modules provide absolutely face melting gain with minimal lows. I'm using a MXR 10 band after a Rocktron Rampage distortion, and I turn the lows down on the distortion, and then I nuke the subs and attenuate the lows on the 10 band. You know, classic speed punk sound. So, which modules, if any, can provide that "waaaaaaaaay too much distortion" sound with the ability to turn the lows waaaaaay down?

Also, I'm confused about which clean to get. I'd like something big, but not boomy. Keep in mind that I do quick changes from ridiculous gain to pristine clean, so I need something that won't sound too shrill on a very bright bridge pu. Thanks. I'm really looking forward to getting the rm4 preamp and modules !

 

[axecellent]

I'm pretty sure the highest gain thing out there is the Ultra series (og/XL/Lead). Those will provide you with all you face melting needs.

The low end can be controlled by swapping a single cap. You can do this yourself (if you are good at soldering) or have someone do it for you. If you want someone else to do it, I strongly suggest Pete (okstrat on this forum). I have a couple of his modded modules and they are quite a bit better than stock.

As for clean, if you want some 'character', I'd go with the Blackface. However, if you are looking more for an almost solid state 'pristine' type of clean, I would go with the Clean module.

BTW, welcome aboard!

Thomas

 

[NCdan]

Thanks, axecellent, this is exactly what I was after. Now I'm pretty sure I'll go with the ultra for my bread and butter distortion channel, probably the regular ultra, since it has the "tight" low end. I hadn't considered chaning caps, although, I do guitar tech work so I assume it couldn't be that difficult :?: (famous last words). By "character," are speaking of gain, or maybe just the "warble" tubes can produce clean? I'd prefer a clean channel a bit more inspiring than solid state clean (I consider ss to be a bit bland), but above all I'm looking for more of a "beautiful" clean channel, something that will cover "ska clean" well. Thanks again.

 

[crankyrayhanky]

How does that Lynch stack up? Does it sound dated, considering the Dokken years were many moons ago?

 

[muzapstar]

just ordered xtc, ultra, and kh-3 and 2

 

[NCdan]

How is the Kirk Hammet clean channel: KH1? It says it remains clean even at high volumes; how does it compare to the blackface as far as pristine clean goes?

 

[Mailman1971]

The only module I have used that has WAYYYYYYYY too much distortion was the EG5 by Egnater. That thing is out of control!
Just my 2 cents

 

[GtrGeorge!]

I,too, love a good ska sound. I use the Deluxe module for that ...and It works MUCH better than a bland SS circuit. Those have no MEAT at a high volume.
The Deluxe module is essentially a 1965 Fender Deluxe Reverb...probably THE BEST,BEST,BEST small amp EVER.
I owned 2...they are awesome. But at $1,600 each....that adds up.
The Deluxe mod get it right for that quicky-quick ska sound (Sublime "Santeria" etc etc).
oh and btw: welcome to MTS-World....
throw these guys a donation, this is a great place to find useful info that would save ya a lot of time and trouble....like my advice :wink: which is useful. Take a listen to my clips at
myspace.com/georgebarrysolo
no ska, but a bunch of clips that show I know how to make this thing called music.
GtrGeorge

 

[GtrGeorge!]

btw: if you are using a really trebly bridge pickup..it might not be possible to go to a good pristine clean sound so easy. Listen to me on this one,
a pickup is a pickup....they have a certain sound and switching modules can make a BIG difference in distortion (or clean) but if the underlying sound is an ice-pick...well, its still gonna be an ice pick. The only difference is whether its a Distorted ice pick or a clean one.
make any sense? I hope so...
Now, alot....did I say alot...yeah,alot of this comes down to taste...but you may need to consider a different pickup if theres a whole lotta ice-pick going on. What are you using now?
Just sayin...

 

[NCdan]

Hi, GtrGeorge!, for pickups I'm using a custom designed Ballurio p90 in the bridge and a Rockfield vintage alnico II humbucker in the neck. Without getting into too much detail, the bridge p90 uses neodymium magnets and is brutally overwound, but not enough to push the Blackface into distortion without the gain cranked. Simply because the p90 is so overwound, the icepick, Telecaster bridge pu sound isn't there, but I do need to roll off the highs on the Blackface quite a bit.

Hi, Mailman1971, the reason I chose the Blackface is for clean headroom; the deluxe sounded a bit too dirty from the samples I heard, but then again, I haven't actually tried one.