Really thinking about a Matrix

[MarcoR]

I have the some gigs coming up and it's been a very long time since I had to haul stuff around. I scaled down my rig from a 10 space rack with RM4, M4, RT250, switcher and Furman to a 6 space with just M4, RT250, and Furman but man it's still heavy.

I really wish I could try the Matrix and see if I can get along with it. They've offered to let me try it and if it doesn't work out they would refund but I'd have to pay shipping to a US retailer. It's almost a no brainer except If I want to keep it I'd have to sell the RT250. It would have to be really good for me to do that.

To add to my GAS they've announced the 1500FXBD 3 channel power amp.
http://www.hugeracksinc.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=85433

 

[GtrGear]

Interesting video from Fryette:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YhA7sR6OpcM

On the other hand, does it make sense using a modelling preamp in conjuction with a tube poweramp...
If you like the tubepoweramp dynamics/harmonics/feel why not a tube preamp also?

Like to check the Matrix, but for now I guess it's tubes all the way or modelling all the way.

 

[MarcoR]

The Fryette looks very cool; I was following the progression of that amp on their facebook page.

I think an issue we all have is that for MTS, we don?t have a consistent standard for power amps used in the development of modded modules. So when the modder uses an RT2/50 for development and the end user is using a RM20 or the other extreme, a VHT 2/90/2, the results may not be exactly what the modder intended.

In most cases, it is just another version of good albeit different. I would imagine the modders would test with every power section they have available but then there would be compromise.

Imagine if we all discovered that Matrix had the magic bullet and it?s every bit as dynamic and warm as tubes but without the weight or maintenance and that was the standard the modules were developed with. Sure, there would be tube purists that would disagree but then were just back to ?another version of good?.

All that said, I still don?t know if I could get passed the fact that it?s a solid state power section even if it does sound good.

 

[Jaded Faith]

In all actuality, most users don't use the power section in a manner where that's a key variable in a mod sounding as its intended. A speaker has significantly more impact than the power section.

 

[MarcoR]

In all actuality, most users don't use the power section in a manner where that's a key variable in a mod sounding as its intended. A speaker has significantly more impact than the power section.

Absolutely, I agree regarding speakers but here I am focusing on this one of many variables, the power amp. I hear a difference using different power amps and even using different tubes in the same power amp. In most cases, I can adjust the eq of a module to find the sound I?m after with the tube amp I?m using... usually. I?m not sure where I?m going with this, I?m not trying to make a point, just thinking out loud I suppose. With that, sure, let?s say speakers do affect the tone more but can we also say the power section affects the feel more? If so, when you are designing a module, are you not trying to get the feel as well as the tone? That feel has something to do with how the preamp and power section interact, do they not?

 

[Jaded Faith]

To a degree all of you points are valid, carry some weight and are part of the design consideration. I personally put a heavier emphasis on feel, tone and ability to perform properly at higher volumes than 100% accuracy to the amp it's based on. It's never apples-to-apples when grafting the preamp of a subject onto a modular platform with respect to the results being spot on.

We just did the LA Amp show with two RM50 combos. One was loaded with Ruby 6L6's and a T75 and the other with EH EL34's and a Hellatone V30. Both sounded and felt quite different of course. The speaker lends the most to that, followed by the choice of power tubes. The balance shifts a bit as it's cranked up and both the tubes and speaker start to break up a bit. On day 2 we added an RM100 (E34L's) through a Mesa Recto 4x12 with V30's. That was never getting cranked to levels where the tubes and speakers start to break up (at least not in our booth without killing someone!), so the tone was fairly consistent on that rig all day.

As for interaction between the pre and the power amp, adjusting your preamp output levels will have more to do with that than any design decisions made on that mod. Try running your modules or RM4 outputs hotter and decreasing the overall on the Master of the power section. Then do the opposite, rolling back the module volume and cranking the Master on the power section. You are changing the interaction between the two and will likely prefer one approach over the other. Your application decisions are not my choice to make when designing the module. You have the tools, but how two different artists choose to use them makes them who they are and provides their different identity.

 

[MarcoR]

Thanks Rob! Good explanation with the preamp and power amp levels. I guess I?m in the camp that prefers preamp distortion over power amp and speaker distortion based on how I set the volumes up. Makes me think the Matrix might suite me more than someone in the other camp (to get back on topic).

 

[Jaded Faith]

Thanks Rob! Good explanation with the preamp and power amp levels. I guess I?m in the camp that prefers preamp distortion over power amp and speaker distortion based on how I set the volumes up. Makes me think the Matrix might suite me more than someone in the other camp (to get back on topic).

My pleasure and I believe you are probably 100% correct in your preference assessment. I'd wager about 85% of folks are preferential to preamp-based gain based on my interactions with players from all walks of life.

I did demo the Matrix while at the show. Their founder came over to me in our booth and was interested in working with me on designing a front end to pair with it. I was moderately impressed with it personally. Not really my thing, but it you were using an Axe FX and wanted a light/small rack it's probably a good choice.

 

[MarcoR]

I did demo the Matrix while at the show. Their founder came over to me in our booth and was interested in working with me on designing a front end to pair with it. I was moderately impressed with it personally. Not really my thing, but it you were using an Axe FX and wanted a light/small rack it's probably a good choice.

So you tried it with an MTS preamp? That doesn't give me high hopes especially since I'd be using it with your modules and NOT and Axe FX.

It would be very cool if you worked with them though!