It is currently Mon Mar 16, 2020 7:59 am

All times are UTC - 7 hours



Post new topic Reply to topic  [ 4 posts ] 
Author Message
Post subject: What amplifier should I get? (MIII vs. X2 vx. X2HD)
Posted: Mon Nov 17, 2014 6:18 am
Offline
Hobbyist
Hobbyist

Joined: Mon Nov 17, 2014 5:56 am
Posts: 6
Hello everyone, posting for some advice.

First, some background: I used to play in a Christian worship/southern-rock band, used a 100W all-tube Peavey Windsor Half-stack. Moved on to a new church, no longer in a band, traded the half-stack towards a tiny Mustang II (I don't play live much; I mainly do recording). Suffice to say, I'm really, really impressed with this little, sub-200 dollar amp. It's a ton of fun, and it gives me some great tones both in my office and recorded.

So, I love it so much I'd like to get rid of it and get a bigger Fender amp! :mrgreen:

My budget is fairly low - 400 dollars, with an absolute max of 500 dollars. I originally thought about the Mustang IV, but it would probably be a bit overkill for my needs. I'm a bit technically inclined, so I've learned my way around the FUSE software reasonably well, and I'm fine with tinkering and fiddling on a computer.

First, I'm considering a direct upgrade to the Mustang III with the optional 4-button pedal. I figure the tone of the III should be superior to the II with it's extra 60W of headroom (the II gets pretty muddy at 40-50% volume, like most SS amps), it's larger, open cabinet, and Celestion speaker. Not to mention the added presets, the lovely LCD screen, and the ease of use afforded by the footswitches.

Secondly, I A-B'd my MII to a Fender Super Champ XD (which I understand the X2 to be mostly identical to with the exception of a few amp models, a tap button, and the outboard USB connectivity). LOVE THIS LITTLE AMP. Seriously, I was immediately able to dial in tones as sweet as my Peavey Windsor at a tenth of the volume. I was blown away by the headroom, too - the clean channel dirtied up and sounded gorgeous dimed out, and only the heaviest amp models began to muddy up at the 75-80% mark. However, my one concern is that recording quality may suffer because of the need to crank the volume to deliver the best tones (if mic'd). Does anyone know if the line-out works well for recording purposes? If it sounds pretty clear and authentic, I might go ahead and choose this.

Thirdly, for headroom, volume, and fullness of sound, I'm also considering the Super Champ X2HD head, and using the extra money I save from the X2 to purchase two 10" speakers and build a custom 2x10 cab. I've read about other users finding the 2x10 setup really firms up the tone and increases presence, which I imagine would be great for mic'd recording purposes. Of course, this is my most expensive option, and between the X2 and X2HD I lose some of the convenience of the 4- and 2-button footswitches (I imagine I'll have to build a stand and small shelf to keep my laptop plugged into the X2 or X2HD while recording).

So what do ya'll (sorry, Alabama native here :D ) think would be the best option for me here? Has anyone else who records used all of these amps and can give a better opinion about how these all do line out vs. mic'd, etc.?


Top
Profile
Fender Play Winter Sale 2020
Post subject: Re: What amplifier should I get? (MIII vs. X2 vx. X2HD)
Posted: Mon Nov 17, 2014 3:27 pm
Offline
Aspiring Musician
Aspiring Musician

Joined: Tue Nov 27, 2012 9:07 pm
Posts: 604
The X2 is tweak-able in Fuze, costs less than your budget top, and sounds fairly good. I have an X2 combo and it is well worth the money, although it is not going to be near as loud as your Peavey Windsor 100 watt amp.

_________________
dbm
If it sounds good it is good.
http://www.soundclick.com/bands/default ... tent=music


Top
Profile
Post subject: Re: What amplifier should I get? (MIII vs. X2 vx. X2HD)
Posted: Mon Nov 17, 2014 8:01 pm
Offline
Hobbyist
Hobbyist

Joined: Mon Nov 17, 2014 5:56 am
Posts: 6
Trust me, I don't want it to be as loud as the Peavey, haha. That's one reason I loved it - 15 watts is loud enough to play in a small setting but soft enough to allow those tubes to get cranked up and warm at home.

I think I've already got my answer, found a guy selling a decent 2x10 cab on CL in my area for a cool 65 bucks. Think I'll do that and the head together as a kind of one-size-fits-all rig solution for both home recording and for live play should the opportunity in my little town arise. :D


Top
Profile
Post subject: Re: What amplifier should I get? (MIII vs. X2 vx. X2HD)
Posted: Mon Nov 17, 2014 9:53 pm
Offline
Aspiring Musician
Aspiring Musician

Joined: Sun Feb 03, 2013 6:30 am
Posts: 375
You won't be sorry. I have the X2 combo, and love it. As you say, the sounds are great.
I A/B'd this and my MIII using the same models, and found the X2 to sound rather different- usually better! I suspect it's the tube power section making the difference.

I, too, am a lover of that clean channel! I can plug in my SG or Firebird, and just play and play... Otherwise, I'm on #4 (Bassman) or the Brit 70's model. Those are MY favorite models on ch2. As an apartment dweller, cranking it up all the way is a no go most of the time, but I have and LOVE the compressed/on the edge tone it gets on the clean channel! Particularly with a warmer sounding guitar, like those above.


I'm quite fond of the reverb, too.


Top
Profile
Display posts from previous:  Sort by  
Post new topic Reply to topic  [ 4 posts ] 

All times are UTC - 7 hours

Fender Play Winter Sale 2020

Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 2 guests


You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum

Search for:
Jump to: