TheRedDevil
Inspired
Dear members,
since 30 years I work on the my favorite AC/DC Angus Young sound based on plexis. I always prefered the Live at Donington 1991 sound and learned from this forum / japanese magazine article
https://www.acdcfans.net/forum/comments.php?DiscussionID=9446&page=1#Comment_574591
that Angus and Malcom used a Mesa Boogie Studio Preamp and Mesa Boogie Simul 295 Stereo power amp for the live album (see the input cable and switch position of the amps). 1996 again plexis like today. A member of this thread was so kind and gave me the original article picture in much better quality:
I would like to ask for your knowledge and help to find the correct settings and at the end one preset, that represents the tone of Angus Youngs rack based on the Axe FX III. I'm not a Mesa expert.
For motivation: Refer to this guy who made it with SoloDallas IR of a Marshall 4x12 w/ G12M-25 speakers, two SM57 microphones as the mic selection for the IR and the real amps - Should be easy for AXE FX III, or? ;o)
I already learnd, that the "USA IIC+ (MESA/Boogie Mark IIC+)" together with the Mesa EQ seams to work at best because of the near year of manufacturing of both amp types. Mark IIC+ from Jan. 1984, Studio Preamp from Aug. 1988, Mark IV from May 1990 (too late).
https://mesaboogie.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/218914817-When-was-my-amp-made-
https://wiki.fractalaudio.com/wiki/...st#USA_IIC.2B_.28MESA.2FBoogie_Mark_IIC.2B.29
Today on stage he uses Greenbacks and in a special cabinet under the stage possibly the G12V speaker. From a friend of mine (working on the sound since many years) and my personal experience I'm sure, that Angus used Marshall Vintage G12V speakers in these days, which are more or less equal as Celestion Vintage 30 but with a bit more treble. I think the Mesa cabs on stage were just used by Malcom. See the position of the cabs is different on the sides of the drums (high/low).That's why I use the York Audio MV30 IRs to achive the sound
https://www.yorkaudio.co/product-page/mrsh-412-mv30-dual
I mixed it together with some Greenback IRs from YA and Solodallas. But I also used similar Fractal IRs in my preset.
Currently I select Shure 57s for the IRs, but I know that AC/DC uses Audio Technica 4047/4050 on stage today. In these day, I don't know.
For the power amp I think Angus used the Simul Class mode based on EL34 and 6L6s tubes for 4 cabinets (see labels: 2 cabs per power amp "volume knob") with 95W per (2x) channel.
https://stringedguitars.com/2021/02/17/mesa-simul-295/
https://mesa-boogie.imgix.net/media/User Manuals/Stereo Simul 295.pdf
For comparision isolated tracks can be found at YT: https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Angus+ACDC+live+at+donington+isolated+track
1) Do you think the USA IIC+ is the best selection for the studio preamp?
2) Which model would you select based on the settings on the picture?
2a) USA IIC+ (MESA/Boogie Mark IIC+) - Lead Master Pull Bright off, Pull Deep off
2b) USA IIC+ BRIGHT - Lead Master Pull Bright on, Pull Deep off
2c) USA IIC+ DEEP - Lead Master Pull Bright off, Pull Deep on
2d) USA IIC+ DEEP BRIGHT - Lead Master Pull Bright on, Pull Deep on
"The main controls are Volume (pull: Bright), Treble (pull: Shift = Fat), Bass (pull: Shift), Middle, Presence, Master rhythm (pull: Deep), Lead Drive and Master Lead (pull: Bright)."
"The key to a good Boogie sound, IMO, is the Fat Switch. This is the Treble Pull Shift on the IIC+ and the Pull Fat on the Mark IV. Mesa knew this and the Lead 2 modes on the Triaxis all had the treble shift engaged by default."
https://forum.fractalaudio.com/thre...-usa-iic-and-iic-mesa-boogie-mark-iic.115442/
IIC+ knobs example:
Well, if "Treble (pull: Shift = Fat)" then 2a) with FAT switch on should be right, or?
3) Which amp settings can you see on the pictures and do you think I should transfer these settings 1:1 to the Axe FX III amp settings? Which AXE FX settings would you use?
Mesa Boogie Studio Preamp settings - I can see on Main amp
Input = used
Foot Switch = not used
Volume = 3
Master = 6
Treble = 6
Bass = 3
Middle = 3
Reverb = 0
Lead Drive = 7
Lead Master = 4
EQ Auto / EQ In = EQ IN
On / Standby = Standby
On / Power = On
Rhythm Bright Switch = Off
Lead Mode / Rhythm (FT Switch) = Lead Mode
Lead Fat Switch = On
Lead Bright Switch = Off
Output Level Ch A = 10?
Output Level Ch B = 10?
Labels: Upper Amp: SPARE, Lower Amp: MAIN
or
Mesa Boogie Simul Class 295 Stereo settings - I can see Angus Main amp
On / Power = On
On A / Standby = Standby
On B / Standby = Standby
A Level = 10
A Presence = 0
B Level = 10
B Presence = 0
Labels: Channel A for Cabs 1+2, Channel B for Cabs 3+4, Upper Amp: Angus Main Amp, Lower Amp: Angus Spare Amp
4) Which values would you use for the Mesa EQ for the Axe FX III? I think 1:1 transfer is not possible.
5) How to simulate the Simul Class EL34/6L6 mode with the IIC+?
Here you can read
" The original amp operates in Class-A (2 power tubes) or Simul-Class (2 power tubes in Class-A and the other two in Class A/B). It has been modeled in Simul-Class mode. Cliff: "If you want the sound of the non-SimulClass version set Triode 1 Plate Freq to 1350 Hz."
https://forum.fractalaudio.com/thre...-usa-iic-and-iic-mesa-boogie-mark-iic.115442/
Well, the AXE FX IIC+ power amp is already in SimulClass Mode.
6) Are there any other settings on the backside of the amps I need to pay attention?
7) Current status of preset (refer to attachment) - What do you think?
v0.1 2023-11-02: Amp Channel A: I used two Fractal Audio IRs, which sound pretty much the same like my YA/Solodallas IRs. I'm not sure about Gain/Overdrive, EQ values and IRs. I disabled Bright Cap, which was activated by default.
v0.2 2023-11-02: Amp Channel B: Gain/Overdrive 7, Dynamics Feedback 1, 1960AX speaker impendance curve.
v0.3 2023-11-02: Reduced cab 2 level to -0.45dB to get a bit more bass and reduced reverb time to 0.90sec. Don't forget low pass @75Hz e.g. for 12" FRFR speakers like my onces. For studio monitors I don't need it.
v0.4 2023-11-02: Added cab 3 for a fuller sound (Channel A)
v0.5 2023-11-03: Added cab channel for a fuller sound (Channel C). Still like alternative YA/Solodallas IRs but just a little bit more (Channel B)
v0.6 2023-11-04: Added cab (Channel D) based on Fractal and Solodallas IRs. Sounds a bit more like the newer studio recordings. More I/O Input Gain could be necessary to get the live sound (1.25).
v0.7 2023-11-04: Replaced some SM57 with AT4047 in Channel B & D.
v0.8 2023-11-06 I added additional Cab 1 Channel A with additional Fractal IR with more low end, independent of the recording. Try to disable reverb, too.
v0.9 2023-11-06 I added additional Cab 1 Channel B with additional Fractal IR with more low end, independent of the recording. Try to disable reverb, too.
v2.0 2024-02-24 I switched to Dyna-Cabs, reduced the 5Band Mark Output EQ settings, added a bit of amp mids and the Schaffer Replica as wireless simulation
Remarks: I use Gibson/Rocktile/J&D SGs incl. Gibson 57 Classic or Gibson 57 Classic Plus PUs for the test, Volume 8 until 10 (solo). Input 1 Level in I/O settings on 15%. . Treble PU on normal until highest height, try pole piece screwes head nearly complete outside of the PU on some SG. I/O Input 1 Gain 1, max 1,5. Rhythm PU a bit outsite the frame/pickguard, not too much, it influences the treble sound. I play on badroom volume level. My rig: https://forum.fractalaudio.com/threads/post-your-axe-fx-iii-rigs-here.136754/post-2475487 my EQs for F12/F12M speakers https://forum.fractalaudio.com/thre...on-1991-sound-with-axe-fx.199104/post-2478670
Thank you for your support!
since 30 years I work on the my favorite AC/DC Angus Young sound based on plexis. I always prefered the Live at Donington 1991 sound and learned from this forum / japanese magazine article
https://www.acdcfans.net/forum/comments.php?DiscussionID=9446&page=1#Comment_574591
that Angus and Malcom used a Mesa Boogie Studio Preamp and Mesa Boogie Simul 295 Stereo power amp for the live album (see the input cable and switch position of the amps). 1996 again plexis like today. A member of this thread was so kind and gave me the original article picture in much better quality:
I would like to ask for your knowledge and help to find the correct settings and at the end one preset, that represents the tone of Angus Youngs rack based on the Axe FX III. I'm not a Mesa expert.
For motivation: Refer to this guy who made it with SoloDallas IR of a Marshall 4x12 w/ G12M-25 speakers, two SM57 microphones as the mic selection for the IR and the real amps - Should be easy for AXE FX III, or? ;o)
I already learnd, that the "USA IIC+ (MESA/Boogie Mark IIC+)" together with the Mesa EQ seams to work at best because of the near year of manufacturing of both amp types. Mark IIC+ from Jan. 1984, Studio Preamp from Aug. 1988, Mark IV from May 1990 (too late).
https://mesaboogie.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/218914817-When-was-my-amp-made-
https://wiki.fractalaudio.com/wiki/...st#USA_IIC.2B_.28MESA.2FBoogie_Mark_IIC.2B.29
Today on stage he uses Greenbacks and in a special cabinet under the stage possibly the G12V speaker. From a friend of mine (working on the sound since many years) and my personal experience I'm sure, that Angus used Marshall Vintage G12V speakers in these days, which are more or less equal as Celestion Vintage 30 but with a bit more treble. I think the Mesa cabs on stage were just used by Malcom. See the position of the cabs is different on the sides of the drums (high/low).That's why I use the York Audio MV30 IRs to achive the sound
https://www.yorkaudio.co/product-page/mrsh-412-mv30-dual
I mixed it together with some Greenback IRs from YA and Solodallas. But I also used similar Fractal IRs in my preset.
Currently I select Shure 57s for the IRs, but I know that AC/DC uses Audio Technica 4047/4050 on stage today. In these day, I don't know.
For the power amp I think Angus used the Simul Class mode based on EL34 and 6L6s tubes for 4 cabinets (see labels: 2 cabs per power amp "volume knob") with 95W per (2x) channel.
https://stringedguitars.com/2021/02/17/mesa-simul-295/
https://mesa-boogie.imgix.net/media/User Manuals/Stereo Simul 295.pdf
For comparision isolated tracks can be found at YT: https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Angus+ACDC+live+at+donington+isolated+track
1) Do you think the USA IIC+ is the best selection for the studio preamp?
2) Which model would you select based on the settings on the picture?
2a) USA IIC+ (MESA/Boogie Mark IIC+) - Lead Master Pull Bright off, Pull Deep off
2b) USA IIC+ BRIGHT - Lead Master Pull Bright on, Pull Deep off
2c) USA IIC+ DEEP - Lead Master Pull Bright off, Pull Deep on
2d) USA IIC+ DEEP BRIGHT - Lead Master Pull Bright on, Pull Deep on
"The main controls are Volume (pull: Bright), Treble (pull: Shift = Fat), Bass (pull: Shift), Middle, Presence, Master rhythm (pull: Deep), Lead Drive and Master Lead (pull: Bright)."
"The key to a good Boogie sound, IMO, is the Fat Switch. This is the Treble Pull Shift on the IIC+ and the Pull Fat on the Mark IV. Mesa knew this and the Lead 2 modes on the Triaxis all had the treble shift engaged by default."
https://forum.fractalaudio.com/thre...-usa-iic-and-iic-mesa-boogie-mark-iic.115442/
IIC+ knobs example:
Well, if "Treble (pull: Shift = Fat)" then 2a) with FAT switch on should be right, or?
3) Which amp settings can you see on the pictures and do you think I should transfer these settings 1:1 to the Axe FX III amp settings? Which AXE FX settings would you use?
Mesa Boogie Studio Preamp settings - I can see on Main amp
Input = used
Foot Switch = not used
Volume = 3
Master = 6
Treble = 6
Bass = 3
Middle = 3
Reverb = 0
Lead Drive = 7
Lead Master = 4
EQ Auto / EQ In = EQ IN
On / Standby = Standby
On / Power = On
Rhythm Bright Switch = Off
Lead Mode / Rhythm (FT Switch) = Lead Mode
Lead Fat Switch = On
Lead Bright Switch = Off
Output Level Ch A = 10?
Output Level Ch B = 10?
Labels: Upper Amp: SPARE, Lower Amp: MAIN
or
Mesa Boogie Simul Class 295 Stereo settings - I can see Angus Main amp
On / Power = On
On A / Standby = Standby
On B / Standby = Standby
A Level = 10
A Presence = 0
B Level = 10
B Presence = 0
Labels: Channel A for Cabs 1+2, Channel B for Cabs 3+4, Upper Amp: Angus Main Amp, Lower Amp: Angus Spare Amp
4) Which values would you use for the Mesa EQ for the Axe FX III? I think 1:1 transfer is not possible.
5) How to simulate the Simul Class EL34/6L6 mode with the IIC+?
Here you can read
" The original amp operates in Class-A (2 power tubes) or Simul-Class (2 power tubes in Class-A and the other two in Class A/B). It has been modeled in Simul-Class mode. Cliff: "If you want the sound of the non-SimulClass version set Triode 1 Plate Freq to 1350 Hz."
https://forum.fractalaudio.com/thre...-usa-iic-and-iic-mesa-boogie-mark-iic.115442/
Well, the AXE FX IIC+ power amp is already in SimulClass Mode.
6) Are there any other settings on the backside of the amps I need to pay attention?
7) Current status of preset (refer to attachment) - What do you think?
v0.1 2023-11-02: Amp Channel A: I used two Fractal Audio IRs, which sound pretty much the same like my YA/Solodallas IRs. I'm not sure about Gain/Overdrive, EQ values and IRs. I disabled Bright Cap, which was activated by default.
v0.2 2023-11-02: Amp Channel B: Gain/Overdrive 7, Dynamics Feedback 1, 1960AX speaker impendance curve.
v0.3 2023-11-02: Reduced cab 2 level to -0.45dB to get a bit more bass and reduced reverb time to 0.90sec. Don't forget low pass @75Hz e.g. for 12" FRFR speakers like my onces. For studio monitors I don't need it.
v0.4 2023-11-02: Added cab 3 for a fuller sound (Channel A)
v0.5 2023-11-03: Added cab channel for a fuller sound (Channel C). Still like alternative YA/Solodallas IRs but just a little bit more (Channel B)
v0.6 2023-11-04: Added cab (Channel D) based on Fractal and Solodallas IRs. Sounds a bit more like the newer studio recordings. More I/O Input Gain could be necessary to get the live sound (1.25).
v0.7 2023-11-04: Replaced some SM57 with AT4047 in Channel B & D.
v0.8 2023-11-06 I added additional Cab 1 Channel A with additional Fractal IR with more low end, independent of the recording. Try to disable reverb, too.
v0.9 2023-11-06 I added additional Cab 1 Channel B with additional Fractal IR with more low end, independent of the recording. Try to disable reverb, too.
v2.0 2024-02-24 I switched to Dyna-Cabs, reduced the 5Band Mark Output EQ settings, added a bit of amp mids and the Schaffer Replica as wireless simulation
Remarks: I use Gibson/Rocktile/J&D SGs incl. Gibson 57 Classic or Gibson 57 Classic Plus PUs for the test, Volume 8 until 10 (solo). Input 1 Level in I/O settings on 15%. . Treble PU on normal until highest height, try pole piece screwes head nearly complete outside of the PU on some SG. I/O Input 1 Gain 1, max 1,5. Rhythm PU a bit outsite the frame/pickguard, not too much, it influences the treble sound. I play on badroom volume level. My rig: https://forum.fractalaudio.com/threads/post-your-axe-fx-iii-rigs-here.136754/post-2475487 my EQs for F12/F12M speakers https://forum.fractalaudio.com/thre...on-1991-sound-with-axe-fx.199104/post-2478670
Thank you for your support!
Last edited:
I need every help! Thank you very much.
