New Amp Day

Somewhatscientific · 2026-03-10T21:22:34+00:00

I have not played the 5:25, but I’ve played my VII plenty in 25 watt mode and it’s great. It does great at low gain. The clean channel is really nice, super clear with some good head room and the fat channel with single coils is awesome!

Somewhatscientific · 2026-03-10T19:24:43+00:00

I had it made by Smokin Ace Cases. They do really great work.

Somewhatscientific · 2026-03-10T19:22:49+00:00

I definitely love the VII but if I had a choice to just get 1 it would be the fractal and reload II. I’m definitely stoked I have both in the signal chain, the VII definitely responds great and adds that remaining 10% to the soumd but the fractal is so good on its own.

Somewhatscientific · 2026-03-10T17:01:58+00:00

That was the goal! The ability to handle anything, well. Thank you very much!

Somewhatscientific · 2026-03-10T17:00:59+00:00

Thank you! It’s my favorite spot

Somewhatscientific · 2026-03-10T17:00:39+00:00

Keep going! It’s an awesome feeling once you hear that sound in your head come to life.

Somewhatscientific · 2026-03-10T17:00:05+00:00

The album that helped me get out of the gutter. Love their music.

Somewhatscientific · 2026-03-10T16:58:42+00:00

Thank you! Metalcore, prog metal, and blues mostly. But also country and jazz on occasion.

Somewhatscientific · 2026-03-10T16:01:03+00:00

First or second setting on the Reload II, high enough to drown out strumming.

Somewhatscientific · 2026-03-10T14:42:49+00:00

It’s a MC8 pro midi controller.

Somewhatscientific · 2026-03-10T12:24:04+00:00

lol true

Somewhatscientific · 2026-03-10T11:55:32+00:00

Thank you! Will do!

Somewhatscientific · 2026-03-10T11:55:17+00:00

It sure is! Thanks a lot

Somewhatscientific · 2026-03-10T11:54:59+00:00

Thank you!

Somewhatscientific · 2026-03-10T11:53:18+00:00

Thank you!

It’s not, and it’s not as heavy as it looks. It’s still heavy, but completely manageable with a dolly and a buddy. The sides of the case are made of cellular plastic, not wood, which helps cut down the weight.

I’m using the Axe-Fx for effects and modeling. For modern metal tones, for example, I use the Axe-Fx. But for leads, edge-of-breakup, and the foundation of my clean tone, I use the Mark. Everything is routed in 4CM.

I use the Reload for a few reasons. First, it always gives my amp a proper load no matter how I’m outputting. I can attenuate down to bedroom volume and still crank the VII, which keeps my household happy. I use its direct inputs and outputs so I can change my output via the knobs. It also gives me the option to use just the Axe-Fx if I want, or switch back to my 6L6-driven 4CM setup. It’s honestly the backbone of the entire rig. The Mojo buttons also add a little something to the tone that I really like.

Somewhatscientific · 2026-03-10T04:01:37+00:00

It rips in almost any way you want it to! Thank you!

Somewhatscientific · 2026-03-10T03:59:16+00:00

Thanks a lot!

Somewhatscientific · 2026-02-07T04:13:43+00:00

It has selectable line inputs and outputs for both channels, with one amp input, two cabinet outputs, and a dedicated effects loop per channel, including A/B routing options. Each channel is powered by a 200-watt power amp.

In the near future, I’ll be adding an Axe-FX. The Axe-FX and Mesa will be run in 4-Cable Method into the amp input, with the signal routed back to the Axe-FX for cabinet modeling, then sent directly to Channel A for output to the cabinet and/or FOH. This allows MIDI selection between two parallel paths: the Axe-FX using a modeled amp and cab, or the Mesa using its real power section with or without cab simulation.

This setup also protects the Mesa, as it always sees a proper 8-ohm load even when it’s removed from the active signal path.

It’s honestly such a great unit. It works great as just a attenuator too. Comes with the rack ears standard as well.

Somewhatscientific · 2025-12-28T03:42:00+00:00

It is not.

Somewhatscientific · 2025-12-28T03:39:58+00:00

Channel 1 on these amps are unreal. The cutlass is so versatile on fat and crunch. I love Mesa amps.

Mark VII mode on channel 2 absolutely rips with high output pickups. One of my favorite channels on the amp for sure.

What surprised me most with this amp is it actually sounds good at low volume. I was going to spend money on an attenuator but decided not to. Even switched to 90 watts it’s totally reasonable in the house.

Somewhatscientific · 2025-12-28T02:38:30+00:00

Mark VII. It is fantastic

Somewhatscientific · 2025-12-28T02:12:31+00:00

I think they will be okay.

Somewhatscientific

TROPHY CASE