I've been interested in the Marshall MB450H for a while, and one of the things I liked was the ability to switch between the modern channel and the classic (tube) channel. But lately I've been hearing that the modern channel is pretty much useless and impossible to find a good tone with. Is this true? Do any MB450H users actually like the modern channel (on its own)? Thanks.
Enjoy the benefits of a premium membership!
Upgrade Account
-
TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
Join free Log in
Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.
Marshall MB450H, modern channel
- Thread starter Waspinators
- Start date
hi ,yes i do love the modern channel but i use a bass driver,behringer bdi ,sansamp clone with a ricky 4003 n you get the classic overdriven ricky sound.everything at 12 o clock,drive and presence at 3 o clock,blend on max.channel appears to work best if using fx units .it works well with a mm as well but different settings on the driver though.the classic channel is a good un as well as long as the preamp valve is healthy.
very short n sweet answer,no not for me it could do with more development work at the source but with a driver it,s awesome,leaves the other channel dead in the water.maybe it has applications for other people but for me driven modern is the way to go.the classic channel is excellent in it,s own right.i,m glad the modern one is voiced as it is cause it does the geddy,bruce ricky thing with loads to spare.
I have a MB450H too, must say the Modern channel sound is just not really "my cup of tea" (putting it nicely).
Probably because i like the classic tube channel so much.
Probably because i like the classic tube channel so much.
Since purchasing my Pod XT Live, I've been using my Marshall rig as an overall balancer. However, here's my thoughts about using strictly the head and 410 cab:
Think of the Classic channel as your basic hamburger. The Modern channel is like the extras you put on it. Too much ketchup, mustard, and mayo and you'll end up wearing those sauces. Not so good. Same goes with this amp. The Classic channel (bare bones hamburger) sounds good all on its own. However, you want that extra "something" to give it more whatever.
On its own, I find the Modern channel a little too middy for my tastes (even when you add lots of bass). However, when blended with the Classic channel (I run about 7 class - 3 mod) it gives my sound that oh so warm tube sound with a bit of
I would try setting the tube channel the way you like it and then: a) back off all the tone related knobs about 1 - 1 1/2 dots b) set the Modern chanel with all tone controls at 0 or neutral, push blend and centre that as well c) play around with the modern channel's tone knobs and see what you like. Yes, this sounds like lots of (frustrating) work, but don't you think it's worth the effort to find out as much about your rig as possible?
Good luck, have fun, and go cook a burger!
Think of the Classic channel as your basic hamburger. The Modern channel is like the extras you put on it. Too much ketchup, mustard, and mayo and you'll end up wearing those sauces. Not so good. Same goes with this amp. The Classic channel (bare bones hamburger) sounds good all on its own. However, you want that extra "something" to give it more whatever.
On its own, I find the Modern channel a little too middy for my tastes (even when you add lots of bass). However, when blended with the Classic channel (I run about 7 class - 3 mod) it gives my sound that oh so warm tube sound with a bit of
I would try setting the tube channel the way you like it and then: a) back off all the tone related knobs about 1 - 1 1/2 dots b) set the Modern chanel with all tone controls at 0 or neutral, push blend and centre that as well c) play around with the modern channel's tone knobs and see what you like. Yes, this sounds like lots of (frustrating) work, but don't you think it's worth the effort to find out as much about your rig as possible?
Good luck, have fun, and go cook a burger!
So late that this thread was made the year I was born, but! I find that modern channel to be absolutely garbage for even clean tones. I get no clarity everything just sounds washed. If I turn up the bass, the sound will blow through the nearest wall, then up the treble and you'll catch tinnitus, and that mid knob is absolutely useless. So tldr I hate the modern channel!
