How does the M4 compare to a Mod50?

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qwerty

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Might sound like a noob question but thing is I tried running the signal from my Mod50 loop into the powerstage of another amp and thought it sounded really good. Definately a different flavour. So my question is if the M4 would sound the same or if there would be a difference in tone. My experience of preamps are that they seem to lack some balls but I might be wrong with the M4. Any experiences or thoughts?
 
IMO, the M4 sounds the same as the send of the MOD50. I am currently running the M4 into the power section of the Mod50. To me, the modules sound and feel like they are installed in the mod50, itself. Aeroic posted a video of how the M4 sounds through a Ceriatone, and to me it sounds better than any standalone poweramp demo I've heard so far.

Opinions vary... But, I am very happy with the addition.
 
Thank you, Chris! That was what I wanted to hear.

One more question, how does the Randall poweramp compare to the Mod50 powerstage?
 
I never tried the RT 2/50 (I assume that's what you are referring to). However, I think the sentiment here is that is sounds great and has a different feel than the Mod50. I wrestled with selling my Mod50 when I acquired the M4 because I didn't want to give up the extra modules and I wasn't happy carting around a second rack for the M4 and effects... In the end, I chose to keep the Mod, and add the M4 into the setup instead.

I really like the Mod50 as an amp. Alot of people have moved away to Bogner, CAE, Voodoo, M4/RT, etc. I am sure they can post their experiences with likes/dislikes. To me, the advantages of the Mod50/M4 combo are:

1. 6 module slots, midi controlled that sound and feel like they are playing through mod50. This eliminated overdrive pedals in my case (I am not a super high gain player). I use a DLX, VX, EG3/4, SL2x. Just bought COD. Hunting around for a SL and a 2nd VX to complete it. To many options at a gig! :rock:
2. The parallel loop and slave output. You don't need a minimix, or the like if you want to run delays and reverbs in parallel. You don't need a line out box if you want to run W/D.

Disadvantages:

1: you need a switcher. I am using a voodoo lab pedal switcher
2: you need to carry a second rack. I built a new head enclosure for the amp with a 5 space rack on top. It adds 8 inches in height and 2 inches in depth. But, it works perfectly, weighs less and is much less bulky than a 3rd party rack/head case.
 
When i had an M4 (single channel version) I ran it into a Randall RM50B. Great power section IMO. Never tried the Randall RT2/50, which I am sure is good. I just love the 50 power amp. I'm sure a Renegade wouldn't make a bad power section for a M4. For that matter I think the Rebel 30 could probably hold it's own pretty well.
 
I've been using my M4 with my rebel 20 for the last 6 months and have been loving it. I originally thought this was a temporary set up until I got a power amp, but I love the tone and have become partial to low wattage amps. The flexibility of the M4 along with the variable wattage and tube mix of the rebel gives you a lot of options. At the moment, I'm not really motivated to change anything (except add new modules) unless of course egnater comes out with the 1U power amp. :rock:
 
Yea, I have been saying here for quite a when Bruce and company can finally produce the E2, that it coupled with a Rebel 30 could be done for me. It would be lighter than the MOD 50 set up, two channels of dual channel module tones (EG3X, B'man) added to the great mid grind Marshall tone in channel two of the Rebel and then the Rebels stellar clean tone in channel 1. Add my pedal routing system with midi selectable Xotic BB, Fulltone Fat Boost, OCD and Zen Drive, put some delay and chorus in the loop and ... game over for me. I don't mind the smaller power section at all and in fact I find the tube mixture of EL84 and 6V6 quite satisfying, especially in the small clubs I am mostly plying. When I get a big out door gig, there's my MOD 50 ready to go.
 
Chris R":2093i3gp said:
I never tried the RT 2/50 (I assume that's what you are referring to). However, I think the sentiment here is that is sounds great and has a different feel than the Mod50. I wrestled with selling my Mod50 when I acquired the M4 because I didn't want to give up the extra modules and I wasn't happy carting around a second rack for the M4 and effects... In the end, I chose to keep the Mod, and add the M4 into the setup instead.

I really like the Mod50 as an amp. Alot of people have moved away to Bogner, CAE, Voodoo, M4/RT, etc. I am sure they can post their experiences with likes/dislikes. To me, the advantages of the Mod50/M4 combo are:

1. 6 module slots, midi controlled that sound and feel like they are playing through mod50. This eliminated overdrive pedals in my case (I am not a super high gain player). I use a DLX, VX, EG3/4, SL2x. Just bought COD. Hunting around for a SL and a 2nd VX to complete it. To many options at a gig! :rock:
2. The parallel loop and slave output. You don't need a minimix, or the like if you want to run delays and reverbs in parallel. You don't need a line out box if you want to run W/D.

Disadvantages:

1: you need a switcher. I am using a voodoo lab pedal switcher
2: you need to carry a second rack. I built a new head enclosure for the amp with a 5 space rack on top. It adds 8 inches in height and 2 inches in depth. But, it works perfectly, weighs less and is much less bulky than a 3rd party rack/head case.
Click to expand...

Chris,
So you are running the modules in the Mod50 & the M4 at the same time?
How do you do that?
Thanks,
Eddie
 
Hey Eddie,

I just sent out the Pedal Switcher for repair. But, when it comes back, this is how I plan on wiring everything.

When you want to run through the M4, turn on loop1, keep loop2 off. When you want to run through the Mod50, turn loop1 off, loop2 on. The output of the pedal switcher needs to be connected to the series return to bring the signal from the M4 into the power amp and complete the loop when using the Mod50. The M4 has midi learn. So, you can setup PC messages from 5-12.

My goal is to use 2 VX modules (one tweaked for clean, one for OD), SL, COD, EG 3/4, DLX. This way I can control 10 PC changes from a commander. Hope this helps.
 

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I do this as well with a Voodoo GCX/GCP. The MOD50 powers the M4 and I can use 6 different modules. I have it set up pretty much the same as what is described above. It rocks.
 
I have a very similar setup as well, but using the RG-16. Really dig the sound and flexibility. The E2 would be cool too and a smaller, lighter package...but, until it's a reality, the M4 is it.
I have the RT2/50 as well and it is a different vibe/feel than the Mod50. It's a tad punchier than the head, but the Mod has a sweeter sound to it, a little warmer, a little more sag or roundness or whatever you'd call it.
 
Chris R":18p1tu6d said:
Hey Eddie,

I just sent out the Pedal Switcher for repair. But, when it comes back, this is how I plan on wiring everything.

When you want to run through the M4, turn on loop1, keep loop2 off. When you want to run through the Mod50, turn loop1 off, loop2 on. The output of the pedal switcher needs to be connected to the series return to bring the signal from the M4 into the power amp and complete the loop when using the Mod50. The M4 has midi learn. So, you can setup PC messages from 5-12.

My goal is to use 2 VX modules (one tweaked for clean, one for OD), SL, COD, EG 3/4, DLX. This way I can control 10 PC changes from a commander. Hope this helps.
Click to expand...


Is this the switcher you are using? (sorry, couldn't get the image on here)

http://www.music123.com/Voodoo-Lab-Peda ... 4.Music123
 
Great diagram! I believe I can do something similar with my setup.
Read through the instruction manual of the GRX4 and it doesn't explain how to do something similar. I would call Mario at Axess Electronics, but it seems like they are out of business.
 

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Great diagram! I believe I can do something similar with my setup.
Read through the instruction manual of the GRX4 and it doesn't explain how to do something similar. I would call Mario at Axess Electronics, but it seems like they are out of business.
Click to expand...

Eddie,

You would need another GRX4 or the like by the amp. Then you would setup the amp/M4 like the diagram (don't use a buffered input). Does anyone make anything like the GRX4 or compatible with that foot controller? The Voodoo Lab switchers are proprietary (to my knowledge) to the Commander and GCP. I don't know if they can be controlled and the state stored by another foot controller...

Maybe CAE?
 
Chris R":1q73ronj said:
Great diagram! I believe I can do something similar with my setup.
Read through the instruction manual of the GRX4 and it doesn't explain how to do something similar. I would call Mario at Axess Electronics, but it seems like they are out of business.
Click to expand...

Eddie,

You would need another GRX4 or the like by the amp. Then you would setup the amp/M4 like the diagram (don't use a buffered input). Does anyone make anything like the GRX4 or compatible with that foot controller? The Voodoo Lab switchers are proprietary (to my knowledge) to the Commander and GCP. I don't know if they can be controlled and the state stored by another foot controller...

Maybe CAE?
Click to expand...

Voodoo Lab switchers aren't propreitary at all. They use CC messages 81-88 to control the GCX's. So any foot controller that can send CC messages on different midi channels are fine.

Eric
 
Chris R":2vhefu5h said:
Nice. Learn something new everyday :yes: .
Click to expand...

I use the GCX feature in my Ground Control Pro to control my custom CAE unit :). Bob just set up his CAE unit to use CC's 82-89. I only needed 7 functions...So i just turn on / off "GCX loops" 2-8.

2 turns on my M4
3 Turns on my Amp's preamp
4 turns on my Line 6 Filter Pro
5 turns on my Line 6 Echo Pro
6 Turns on my parallel MPXG2
7 turns on the tip of the TRS cable controlling my PT100 / 2555
8 turns on the sleeve of the TRS cable controlling my PT100

Eric
 
muudrock":36m8h32w said:
I have the RT2/50 as well and it is a different vibe/feel than the Mod50. It's a tad punchier than the head, but the Mod has a sweeter sound to it, a little warmer, a little more sag or roundness or whatever you'd call it.
Click to expand...
I had one of aeroic's Mod50's for a while, and I'll agree with muudrock. The Mod50 was a sweeter, more aged type of tone, with a great looseness to the feel. The RT was definitely punchier and tighter.

I quickly went back to my RT because it gives me the best of both worlds.. EL34 for certain tones, then switch over to 6L6's for other tones. No, the 6L6 side doesn't have that same sweetness that the Mod50 had, but the different was barely noticeable. I don't mind sacrificing that tiny bit of sweetness for a the big increase in versatility that the EL34 side gives me, and the size reduction and rackmount ability.
 
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