How does the MI Audio Crunch Box sound with the MTS Series?

[funkywrench]

I've just spotted someone selling an MI Audio Crunch Box very cheaply local to me and I'm interested in picking it up.

Currently I have a Randall RM50 with Blackface and Plexi modules, as well as a Digitech Bad Monkey.

Since the Crunch Box is supposedly designed to emulate a cranked JCM 800 and I usually run the Plexi module at fairly high gain, I've starting thinking about trading the Plexi for a higher gain module and using the Crunch Box for my heavy OD/rock tones, and whatever high gain model for anything heavier.

Does the Crunch Box running through the Blackface module approximate the higher gain tones of the Plexi module? Are there any heavier modules that someone could recommend to take me past the level of gain of the Crunch Box? Any other opinions/advice on this idea of mine?

 

[eyeball987]

I have found that just about any boost sounds wicked good with the modules. I have also had great results using a dirt box in front of the cleaner modules for hitting the mid to high gain tones. I would buy it if I were you.

If you are looking at stock modules, the newer version SL+ is my favorite for high gain Marshall tones. Hit it with a boost and it is super sweet. For Mesa tones, it's hard to beat a stock Grail. Once you toss in the modded mods, all bets are off. I have not heard a bad one yet.

 

[VitaminG]

the Crunch Box really is a Marshall stack in a can. I don't have a Plexi to compare it to, but am using it just as you described for my Marshall-y tones with the RM100. It has plenty of gain on tap too. Although if you want modern high gain, you may have to rely on a different module - the CB has an inherent Marshall-ness to it.

 

[yigba]

IMO the Crunch Box can't touch the SL+. I was using a Reissue '59 Tweed Bassman with the Crunchbox and Bad Monkey in front. As soon as I got my Lynchbox combo I A/B'd the Crunchbox vs. the SL+ and there was no comparison. I am not a heavy distortion player at all.

I now goose the SL+ with the Bad Monkey and am in tone heaven. I use either the Blackface or the Tweed for my cleans.

 

[El-Kabong]

I use the Crunchbox sometimes with the Plexi module, it adds some really nice grind to the existing punch. Haven't really tried it with other modules tho.

IMO, the Crunchbox is badass deluxe. It's the thing I take with me if I'm gonna be playing through an amp I've never used.