Post by Snoop Droobie Doge Doge on May 2, 2017 1:20:07 GMT
So you would think after a few years of owning a 2203 I would've done this already, but I finally got around to playing with the low sensitivity input on the amp. A lot of people think the low input is just padded a few db but actually, it is almost like it's own channel.
What makes an early MV marshall different from a NVM 4 hole amp is that the MV amp has an extra gain stage in the circuit (since now it is only a one channel amp), which adds a butt-ton of gain that is bright and somewhat harsh. But the low sensitivity input on those MV amps actually bypass the added gain stage. And as it turns out that makes things a lot quieter when plugged into the low input.
In fact, as I just found out, you can crank the amp up at a volume that is still bearable and sounds a million times better than running the preamp gain high and master low on the high input. With the power section cranked up, and the input section much tamer, the amp is a lot more responsive to volume boosts, yet retains a really clear gain sound. It sounded fucking killer with my Soul Food on just to add volume and a bit of treble. It was almost like it was an extension of the amp, being run like that.
I got a bit curious after this and decided to plug back into the high channel, and I kept the master volume at 10, but rolled the preamp volume all the way off, and crept it up to taste. Again, it sounded a lot better but I couldn't really bear taking the preamp past 3 cause it started getting way too loud. Overall though, running the pre and master flat out on the normal channel with a boost actually sounded better. There was more bass and low mids and the gain was more controlled in a pleasing way. There was compression and punch at the same time. I'm almost tempted to say that the added gain stage in the amp is total overkill. Even though anyone using the amp with the master turned down the pre turned up probably wouldn't agree with me, because they'd be too busy wondering what it'll take to get the amp to sing.
I wouldn't be shocked if variations on my trickery here are possible with a number of other marshall amps, but the more gain stages your guitar tone has to pass through, the harder it is to actually get the power amp working.
I should also note, part of what got me curious is that I've been enjoying turning up my little Fender more lately, than trying to tame the Marshall. And I've also been looking at a lot of small amps. I should also, also note that my amp has two power tubes pulled. And the power tubes that are in it are pretty old and probably not quite as loud as a new set. But they do sound really good.
What makes an early MV marshall different from a NVM 4 hole amp is that the MV amp has an extra gain stage in the circuit (since now it is only a one channel amp), which adds a butt-ton of gain that is bright and somewhat harsh. But the low sensitivity input on those MV amps actually bypass the added gain stage. And as it turns out that makes things a lot quieter when plugged into the low input.
In fact, as I just found out, you can crank the amp up at a volume that is still bearable and sounds a million times better than running the preamp gain high and master low on the high input. With the power section cranked up, and the input section much tamer, the amp is a lot more responsive to volume boosts, yet retains a really clear gain sound. It sounded fucking killer with my Soul Food on just to add volume and a bit of treble. It was almost like it was an extension of the amp, being run like that.
I got a bit curious after this and decided to plug back into the high channel, and I kept the master volume at 10, but rolled the preamp volume all the way off, and crept it up to taste. Again, it sounded a lot better but I couldn't really bear taking the preamp past 3 cause it started getting way too loud. Overall though, running the pre and master flat out on the normal channel with a boost actually sounded better. There was more bass and low mids and the gain was more controlled in a pleasing way. There was compression and punch at the same time. I'm almost tempted to say that the added gain stage in the amp is total overkill. Even though anyone using the amp with the master turned down the pre turned up probably wouldn't agree with me, because they'd be too busy wondering what it'll take to get the amp to sing.
I wouldn't be shocked if variations on my trickery here are possible with a number of other marshall amps, but the more gain stages your guitar tone has to pass through, the harder it is to actually get the power amp working.
I should also note, part of what got me curious is that I've been enjoying turning up my little Fender more lately, than trying to tame the Marshall. And I've also been looking at a lot of small amps. I should also, also note that my amp has two power tubes pulled. And the power tubes that are in it are pretty old and probably not quite as loud as a new set. But they do sound really good.