I had the 2:90 first so I obviously was biased towards that. I knew "that feeling" and power it gave.
When I hooked up the Matrix I was a bit underwhelmed.
I did some reading and did the following:
- Put the Matrix volume (only using it in Mono, so just using 1 channel) at around 2 oclock. Control the volume/output in the AXE.
- I first used Output 3 but I found that is was lacking something. (Most likely just user error). I changed it to Output 2 (+4dbV in the setup menu, Sum L+R) and connected it with a XLR to the Matrix. That definitely gave everything a boost! Output 2 at around 9pm gives a out a good punch. At 10 o'clock my room starts shaking.
- changed the SPEAKER tab setting. Since I use a 4x12 Oversized Mesa straight. I selected the USA 4x12 Large curve! If you do not set this correctly it will start "buzzing" (low frequency feedback kind of).
- Also, a PEQ right before Output 2 is a must! Low frequencies block 80hz, High frequencies blocking at around 10kHZ. This cleaned up the signal quite a bit. I was hearing a specific kind of fuzz. I also added an additional GEQ ( 5 band Mark) to fine tune output 2. This also helps a bit. (Since I mainly dialed in my amp for FOH/Headphones).
- I made a separate path (this time with Output 3 => full clockwise into the 2:90) with an PEQ and GEQ.
Here is an impression, this was recorded with just my Phone (nothing else on hand) and mind the sloppy playing. I just quickly recorded a loop for testing.
Link to video (Google Drive):
I'm still not sure which I will keep. But I got the Matrix relatively close to the 2:90 so that the pro's definitely start outweighing the cons's. (Less weight, less maintenace cost, less fragile, reliable,..)
Hope it gives you some insight!