InsideOut
Power User
sounds like a steve vai song...
Ok, we're rolling
sounds like a steve vai song...
I am only trying to understand, based upon the information thus far..
In the patch, which is supposed to be emulating a John Petrucci Triaxis patch (no?)
, a Recto Red is being used (as Triaxis Lead 2 Red? Was unaware that John used that, especially for rhythm)?
Then, if a Mark series were to be emulated, wouldn't a Mark emulation + tonestack pre choice be more appropriate?
Also, I noticed that the GEQ in the Amp Block is being used, plus a PEQ Block is utilized between the Amp and Cab Blocks; what is the reasoning behind this please?
Lowering low end prior to the preamp is classic. The Mark series is brilliant with its inherent (cap)ability for this, and many guitarists will utilize a pedal of some sort in front to achieve this (from EVH with an EQ pedal, to Jake E Lee with a distortion pedal set so as to boost a little while pulling some lows). A classic method is the inverted-V EQ pedal up front (though typically not a V, but more of a.. flattened, upside down U).
I can see trying to emulate the Triaxis as being a rough go, just as I feel that the JMP-1 (or any other strict preamp gear) could be rough to translate patches from-to. Without separate preamp and power amp Blocks (and power amp models!), it becomes a journey of.. "getting close." IMO.
John scoops his tone a hell of a lot more than I did in that preset. See the EQ at 2:40 in this clip, for example.
John Petrucci -- Mark V -- Settings and Tone Tips (Part 2) - YouTube
Re: this video, I can't help but noticing his settings which are really pretty close to what I started this thread off with, except for more mids in his tone which he then dramatically removes in the EQ. I feel vindicated. But it's a pyrrhic victory because all I want is good tone. I don't need to be right. Although it feels better than being accused of being a moron.
This may all be true. That said, I know neither Petrucci nor Loomis track with pedals.
yeah, i was gonna say earlier on that using recto red is not the right amp choice if you're trying to get a sound like the triaxis lead 2 red channel. better to start with the usa lead 2 and add in the "mesa" peq fx block inbetween the amp and cab. the triaxis lead 2 red was one of my favourite channels for certain things and i've tried to replicate this in the ultra. use a blocking peq before the amp to remove freqs below 80 hz (or a drive like the tubescreamer), keep the bass on the amp low and then add in the amount of thump you want from the peq inbetween the amp and cab. works pretty well. i listened to the clips and i'm not surprised that notes are "missing"...because there's nothing there to reproduce those notes...it's all been taken out.
I believe the low cut parameter on the amp block is a blocking EQ. It is done at the input to the amp sim.
First off, I don't think you're a moron and don't want you to feel like I'm accusing you of being one. So please don't read the rest of this post assuming my tone is condescending .
But let's clarify a few things...
The Mark series amps are a much more mid-heavy amp than the Mesa Recto Red used in your patch.
So JP adding that "smiley face" EQ is not comparing apples to apples when you add the same EQ curve to a Mesa Recto Red. They are two different amps.
Also, you had the mids in your amp set down to 1, a para-EQ with a mid-scoop of 6dB at 1khz, and finally you mic'd the cab with a D112 which is a super bass heavy mic. It also has a peak around 4khz to accentuate the kick drum beater. Check out the curve here:
So between your amp selection and settings, post-amp para-EQ block, and this mic selection you've effectively done 3 "scoops". There's hardly anything left in your tone around 1khz area which is a critical region.
I made modifications to your patch and was in the process of recording a demo comparison but I didn't finish before I had to come in to the office this morning to do "real" work . So I'll upload that tonight with the patch file and you can let me know if you think it is better or not.
One last point...
I've seen lots of interviews with Loomis where he mentions using a Tube Screamer into a Dual Rectifier for the precise reasons that nikki and I have mentioned - lower the bass BEFORE the gain stages and boost it after. Here's an interview where he confirms using that setup on both Dead Heart in a Dead World and Enemies of Reality (which I think we can all agree have some monstrously awesome heavy tones) Metal-Rules.com: Nevermore Interview with Jeff Loomis
yeah, i was gonna say earlier on that using recto red is not the right amp choice if you're trying to get a sound like the triaxis lead 2 red channel. better to start with the usa lead 2 and add in the "mesa" peq fx block inbetween the amp and cab. the triaxis lead 2 red was one of my favourite channels for certain things and i've tried to replicate this in the ultra. use a blocking peq before the amp to remove freqs below 80 hz (or a drive like the tubescreamer), keep the bass on the amp low and then add in the amount of thump you want from the peq inbetween the amp and cab. works pretty well. i listened to the clips and i'm not surprised that notes are "missing"...because there's nothing there to reproduce those notes...it's all been taken out.
I agree he uses it live all the time.
I can only repeat the following conversation:
Me to producer: "Should the gain really be that high? Seems like it will muddy it up." (note irony given this thread)
Producer: "Yes, it should be that high. Trust me. We want that high gain sound like Jeff's" (referring to his solo record and three Nevermore records which this producer did).
Me: "Doesn't he use a Tube Screamer and get gain from that, though?"
Producer: "He tracks directly into boogie, no pedals."
Probably means Jeff uses the Tube Screamer with Sneap, but he didn't use it for Zero Order Phrase, unless the producer was just lying to me.
Probably. Sneap has mentioned the TS use on his forum as well. I have no idea about Jeff's solo album. I just know his tone kills on the Sneap produced Nevermore albums and that is the setup he used.
haha chrisallen1988
i'm guessing you've probably seen these already, but lots of good "naked" petrucci tones here...
John Petrucci -- Mark V -- Settings and Tone Tips (Part 2) - YouTube