I thought Lead 2 Red was the red channel on the Mark III, no?
Sometimes mistaken as such, but I am pretty sure it was supposed to be a "modified + modified gain, lead-playing-grail" type mode. Lead 2 Yellow is the "If you cannot find a pristine Mark II C+ head with a GEQ" (IIRC?). Interestingly, the Lead 2 Green is crafted upon the Mark IV, while both Yellow and Red are the II (C+). IIRC, the Lead 1 Red is the only Rec emulation, and the only one to utilize the (smaller) secondary board in there. I have taken every one of my Triaxis-es apart
How can you not? Hehehe!!!
That said, I can perfectly replicate his tone from I&W and Awake. Use the same equipment, get the same tone.
Patches for the Axe for this era are, as always I believe, very much appreciated
While patches can never truly translate fully (different hands, different tone), I am a HUGE fan of interpretations, and the methods utilized in doing so are absolute gold.. or even platinum in some cases.. IMO, more so than the tone the patch will produce (for the crafter).
By the way, in recording my last CD the producer debunked a bit of that. He said that after years of putting mics off axis, using multiple mics, getting the room in there, etc. he found that one mic, placed as close as possible to the grill, about 2 inches off center of the speaker, replicates almost the exact same sound as "being in the room" (minus the room itself, of course). So it's not as far different going in. Obviously as has been discussed, other instruments, EQ in the mic, multitracking and mastering all have a big impact.
This is something I have struggled, and continue to struggle, with: That "live, in the room" sound. Drums are the most egregious offenders IMO. Well, not the drums, but the ability to properly "capture" them. Though I realize the futility of it, and typically do not even consider it consciously any longer, the possibility of it remains lodged in the "smoky coffee (and other refreshments) house" in my mind
I am not a fan of a single, close mic'd cab; IR reverbs, plus the number of simultaneously tracks we can capture now allows great flexability. Though... I will take a brilliant, inspired take over a well crafted (sonically) one
The USA Lead 2, insofar as it replicates the Mark V, is a good starting place, I think. The interaction of the EQ will take some tweaking but hopefully it will get there. If I get something workable with this, I may then go back and experiment further with the Recto Orange.
Not a put down in the least -- HIGHLY informative and constructive and helpful. Thank you!
I have been obsessing over the USA Lead 2 .
Glad my post was of interest
Really enjoying this thread!!!