Marshall Studio Series SC20H and SV20H heads are great for recording!

I was surprised testing these two mini JCM 800 and Plexi 20 watt heads for bass over a few weekends at my friend's recording studio. I plugged both heads into a nice 4x10 bass cab and wow they sound incredible! This is definitely for aggressive rock and heavy music. Think a nicely overdriven classic Orange or SVT with Marshall roar and you get the idea. I had amazing Motorhead, Converge, Don Caballero, and Jesus Lizard tones in minutes. This is not a clean tone, but these amps are clear and articulate. I am excited to A/B these Marshalls with my Verellen MeatSmoke and my live 4x12 cab when my band records in the fall.

 

I might be old fashioned but power tube break up and headroom just sounds great as is. But I always say go with what sounds best. The mics or what goes into the board don't care how you make it sound good. But I am a strange bird that always plays overdriven, so all tube is kind of the only game in town as far as I know.

 

Maybe it's about what mics pick up? Guitar amp tone, eq, compression work better perhaps? Not sure, but I've sometimes struggled recording SVT. Meaning translating the sound into a good recording. In a few months I'll record my Verellen Meatsmoke and I am super excited to A/B that with the Marshall tone. Hell maybe I'll mic both and blend them.

 

What was that JMP preamp?

 

I am a novice with recording, glad to work with a good recording engineer. But I've seen how different mics and placement make dramatic differences. My engineer also uses two different mics in different positions. So I rely on him for sure. One thing I hope to never do is claim I know things about recording and the more tech part of things here. There are some really knowledgeable people here, and that's a gift.

 

Thanks for sharing. I'll listen tonight. My band does Misfits covers for our Halloween shows. We play posthardcore kinda of like Drive Like Jehu, Jawbox, and/or Helms Alee. So it's fun to blast out some power chords, I do them on bass too.

 

No harm, no foul. Sorry for the misunderstanding. I am just being clear that I am not knowledgeable about recording and glad people like you are. And that Marshall studio heads are great for recording bass.

 

Bass sounds good here for sure! It sits really well in the mix. I can see what you mean about the pre-amp. I love the covers, you really do them well. We play "skulls" for Halloween, can't resist.

 

Lucky you! I'll see if they're coming to DC area. I like they're first 3 albums best. I can respect their new direction. They sound like they're into A Place to Bury Strangers (or the like). Helms Alee have some great bass playing and sound. That could be a thread itself.

 

Maybe use A/B pedal and record both at the same time? Nice options!

 

I hope your recording turned out well!