TT50 quick review

Received my TT50 head just before Thanksgiving, and I'm happy to report it is one fine tone machine. I also play a three-channel Mesa Boogie Mark IV, and have been feeling lately that it's simply too powerful for my needs. In order to get any power tube bark it's necessary to greatly reduce the Channel volumes which thins out the sound. It is possible to run different (lower) power section configurations, but I think the amp sounds best at full power. I was hoping the 50 watt TT50 would enable me to get more from the power section, and so far I believe it does.

Clean: I dialed a warm yet "spanky" clean tone; very "organic" and neutral. Very useable, although I rarely have cause to use it. Great for any sort of pedal.

Channel 2: Simply amazing, and worth the price of the amp. Very versatile with a broad tone palette, from clean to edge-of-breakup to full-on crunch. I like Orange amps but find them a bit of a one-trick pony, though a very pleasant pony! Channel 2 can get all those creamy, crunchy Orange sounds and then some while maintaining note definition. Lower the guitar volume and it cleans up nicely, like a good tube amp should. I prefer it with Bright engaged but Modern off, Treble around 2:00 and Mids and Bass around 12:00.

Channel 3: Another very versatile channel that picks up pretty much where Channel 2 leaves off, although there are some great mid-gain sounds here as well. The big question for me was whether the TT could somehow replace the legendary Mesa Mark IV Lead channel. While the TT comes up a bit short (no surprise), it does have a very pleasant character all its own. There are plenty of switching options which I've barely explored. This channel takes pedals very well, and is a kick-ass lead channel in its own right. I don't play metal, so it's more than adequate for my needs.

What I'm enjoying most is the ability to run the power section at 6 or 7 and really feel the power tubes working. This is something hard to get from a Mesa without being too loud, at least for my purposes. So far I'm very impressed with the TT and plan on keeping it.

Cheers!

Frank

Hi Frank,

How do you manage the relation between channels volume and master? Do you prefer low channel volumes and crank the power section or...?

BTW I have a TT50C too and it´s incredible!

Thanks and cheers!

Flavio