Ive been using a Crate GX130-c for about 8 years now, through a full stack of 80s peavey 4x12. Id like to get another full stack, but, what type of amps would you guys recomend for running an A/B/Y setup? for two full stacks. I want an amp that will contrast the very bright sounds of the Crate. Something with tubes that create a very compressed tone, but is also distinguishably midranged. Just suggestions. Yes, i already know the Crate is a pile of shit...but i enjoy it.

hmm. You want something more compressed than a Crate? That might be tough. Tubes or solid state?

Tubes, jcm2000, how does ENGL sound? Are they usually Biased?

I play an ENGL Powerball. I love the thing, it was expensive as all hell though. Honestly though, if you get an ENGL there's absolutely no reason to run ABY with a Crate.

brian_dc said:

agreed, there's no reason to run anythign else if you're running an ENGL. i fI could afford one, I'd own one, but I'm piss poor.

I do very much enjoy my Triple XXX now that I'm more used to working with it.

you could also look into using a compressor or a compressor/limiter on whatever amp you decide to go with, that should aid in your compression cause, you just have to know where to run it for what you're trying to accomplish.

when I ran solid state/digital I use loads of compression to squeek more gain out of my amps, but with tube you want the resonance they offer. I'm no tube expert, but I've learned alot discussing with joshtruction, brian_dc and blue (the tone guru), to name a few off the top of my head. both of them are very knowledgeable, as are a few others on this board. so start picking peoples brains and figure out more of what you're looking for by listenign to them, then go out and remember to try everything

I'll go dig up my posts where I picked peoples brains and link 'em here for you.

brian_dc said:

there obviously is a reason if he wants a "unique" or "mixed" sound.


If youre on a tight budget and still love Crate, try out one of the Powerblocks. I have one, I put the gain to half way, the level all the way up and shove a distortion pedal infront of it (which boosts the overall volume at least 2 fold.)
They push out 150 watts mono and two 75 watt stereo channels. Theyre cheap too, 99 bucks new. Used around $75. The midrange is worth every penny since the price was cut in half.
Just give it a try

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Cra...rBlock-Stereo-Guitar-Amp?sku=487829

crate user said:

While this is true, I stand by my statement.

I ran my Powerball with a Dual Rectifier for a time because I thought it gave me a bit more mid cut. Recently, I've realized that turning up the mids a bit, using the "focused" mid mode and occasionally using an EQ pedal achieves this just as well. It was just too powerful of an amp to let get drowned by a lesser amp.

If he wants distinguishable mids, an ENGL may not be the best thing to mix with a Crate. The only battle I've had with my powerball has been trying to get it to cut through the mix well enough. I'm trying new tubes soon, hopefully that will make a difference.

A JCM might be interesting thing to pair with a Crate. Marshalls definitely have clear mids.

I hope Blue responds soon, because he actually used a Crate for a time. I have a sort of anti-Crate bias so I never really thought how to best complement the sound of a Crate.

yeah, i used a blue voodoo YEARS ago (easily 6). but he rocks the old cannibal corpse (tomb of the mutilated in a box)head, which i like a lot better.

are you on a budget?

haha, thanks for of your input guys, BrianDC and Blue. Keep that coming. Yes, this was the Cannibal Corpse amp choice for that record.
No Blue, im not on any budget, anymore. I play a gibson lespaul with p90s, which really help with what type of tone im going for. Im going to get another soon, a custom probably. What do you have in mind??

Just to say, ive got a pretty interesting soundsetup with all this, but, i would for sure be going for a better amp/cabinet setup. Maybe i will try running this 70s compressor ive got (dbx166) through the crate...?

Blue Voodoos are similair to the new Peavey Windsor model. There is soooo much compression at the 12ax7(pre) stage, that it totally ruins the cheap peavey from being considered. Blue voodoo is okay though, but like BLUE i prefer the shithead gx130c.

to "Crate User"... I hate distortion pedals. I hate mod amps. I want to creat just simple classic tones using compression / tubes. No matter what anyone says though, i want to try an A/B/Y setup for shows only. I wouldnt use two amps for recording simultaniously. I just need a nicer amplifier!

Yeah, you are right Dreaming... No need for a compressor with tubes. I fully agree just letting the onboard EQ to help you take care of that. I will be looking forward to more input from you guys.

ok, here's the two threads from when I was looking into buying a head and just getting general information from people with more experience then me.

this is the thread after I bought the head looking for insight & help setting it up.
http://www.returntothepit.com/view.php?formid=39671

and here's the thread looking for insight on stop boxes etc:
http://www.returntothepit.com/view.php?formid=39453

DreamingInExile said:

Im sure the amp settings that Tim Roth sent you didn't hurt either ;)

I'm a total gear whore. Even though I fucking love my Mark IV I'd still want a Powerball. And plenty of other amps.

Luckily my wallet prevents such things.

Sweet, im reading this thread now. Thanks Dreaming...

dj death said:

Are you fucking me?

Niccolai said:

I think he is. I seen it.

I think they both sound the same, the Blue Voodoo and Windsor,,,, Just the Blue Voodoo has way more drive at the gain stage. I cant stand either one.

You're hurting me with your words brother.

I'm definitely enjoying my Mesa Quad preamp / Simul 2:95 power amp.

Yeah, a mesa quad must be sweet. Stop teasing.

ebay or harmony central, dude. bide your time. godly tone can be yours, too.