New M4 owner.....Lots of questions!

[vinni]

Hi,
Just received an Egnater M4. It's completely loaded with EHX 12AX7's.
Modules : Twin / Bman / SL / SL+

My questions :
Those two tubes on the back....what's their function. What tubes are the best for these positions?

What tubes do you have in those modules? and why?

I use PRS Singlecuts (old model) exclusively.....I tried to add a strat. But I only carry one amp.
And to make the strat sound good I had to alter the settings on the amp. So I never took a
strat to gigs. Is it possible to set the A and B channels on the modules so that both types of guitars sound good?

What poweramp do you use with the M4 and why?

Vinni

 

[mboogman]

Welcome to the family! The M4 is an awesome piece of equipment.

To start, I always just use the standard Sovtek 12AX7WA's for the two tubes on the back. I know one of the two is the input stage, the second, I'm not sure of.

As for the modules, I typically get comfortable with the stock Sovteks before changing. This way you can get a base line of what the modules sound like, and how they work for your playing style, and the fine tune with different tube choices. There are dozens of "which tube" threads here that can provide way more information than I ever could. A quick search can have you reading for days.

As for setting channels A and B for different guitars, I guess that's really up to you and how you decide to set up your channels. In my experience, I haven't had any trouble going from Humbuckers to single coils with any of the modules, but that may just be because when I swap to singles, I want that overly bright, bitey kind of sound.

One of the great things about the M4 is that it sounds great through many different power amps. I've run it through the power section of my Mod50, the solid state power section of my Gerlitz Revelator, an ADA Microtube, and a Mesa 50/50 power amp, all with great tone. I once even hooked it up through the power section of my wife's Mesa buster bass (200 watt 6L6 goodness!) and it sounded incredible! I've also heard the Mesa 20/20 get's good reviews for a lightweight tube power amp.

 

[guitarslinger]

tubes in back = 1 = input stage. 2 = output buffer. (I think) I use a NOS RCA 12AX7 on the input, and a NOS GE 12AT7 on the output.

I use a variety of power amps.

Rivera TBR-3
Rivera TBR2SL power section
VHT 2150
Rocktron Egnater Velocity Valve
Power section of Egnater Seminar Head

 

[Buckeyedog]

Hey Gene, how is that Rocktron Velocity power amp?? I'm keeping an eye out for my new M4 as well.

 

[Klark]

Pickup changes are what I had to do to keep from changing settings in between guitars. My stock Fenders were way to thin, and my stock Gibsons were way to fat, so I searched for better sounding, more midrange accurate pickups. Now I don't move a single knob between guitars.

I've use the VHT 2/50/2 and loved it, until I bought a Randall RT2/50. I've tried a few other since buying the RT and have yet to find anything to replace it. Don't think I will either, it's just too versatile, and sounds damn good.

 

[vinni]

Thanks guys for your replies...

Pickup changes are what I had to do to keep from changing settings in between guitars. My stock Fenders were way to thin, and my stock Gibsons were way to fat, so I searched for better sounding, more midrange accurate pickups. Now I don't move a single knob between guitars.

I've use the VHT 2/50/2 and loved it, until I bought a Randall RT2/50. I've tried a few other since buying the RT and have yet to find anything to replace it. Don't think I will either, it's just too versatile, and sounds damn good.

What is it that you like the Randall more ?
Do you use it in stereo?

Thanks,
Vinni

 

[bj4rd]

i have tried a randall rm100, randall rm20, rebel 20, and vht 2/50/2 as power amps with an M4. i liked the vht 2/50/2 the best out of those. it is a reliable and good sounding power amp.

as far as preamp tubes go, you will have to experiment. overall i like tung sols when i need clarity and no microphonics. jj give a bit of a darker sound. 5751 can be used sometimes for less gain. i think one of the tubes in the module is more for gain and the other is more for tone but i'm not sure...some other people here may know.

 

[guitarslinger]

Hey Gene, how is that Rocktron Velocity power amp?? I'm keeping an eye out for my new M4 as well.

The Velocity Valve is a freakin' best. 8 6L6's. Warm as hell. Loud as shit. only two rack spaces. If you can find one, it's a steal. It doesn't weigh as much as my Riveras or VHT either, which is a plus.