I finally got around to conducting an A/B test of my Carvin DCM200L vs MC-250. Some of these clips aren't the greatest, but all in all I think there is some decent material to compare the tonal essence of the 2 amps.
To my ear the Carvin is more articulate in the lows and mids, but has a tendency to sound thin in the highs. The MC-250 sounds a little muddier at times, almost like the difference between a single coil and humbucker, but really fattens the tone in a good way on clean highs. Compared to the Carvin the MC-250 imparts that mysterious "clean but dirty" vibe. After hearing this I think I'll use the "Bright" tone setting on the SMS when using the MC-250. I kept the guitar tone pot consistent at 8-ish but the Carvin could probably benefit from rolling off the tone to sound more like the McIntosh.
Notes:
The recording was done with a Tascam DR-05.
The test was conducted at a moderate volume
Troy post Wolf, Dimarzio Super II, SMS, JBL D-120 in Walnut Combo Box
SMS - typical Jerry settings with gain and output at 12 oclock, tone switch -middle
Guitar tone knob set at approx. 8
Boss Turbo OD-2 used on West LA Fadeaway
Boss Heavy Metal HM-2 used on Fire on the Mountain, Loser
To my ear the Carvin is more articulate in the lows and mids, but has a tendency to sound thin in the highs. The MC-250 sounds a little muddier at times, almost like the difference between a single coil and humbucker, but really fattens the tone in a good way on clean highs. Compared to the Carvin the MC-250 imparts that mysterious "clean but dirty" vibe. After hearing this I think I'll use the "Bright" tone setting on the SMS when using the MC-250. I kept the guitar tone pot consistent at 8-ish but the Carvin could probably benefit from rolling off the tone to sound more like the McIntosh.
Notes:
The recording was done with a Tascam DR-05.
The test was conducted at a moderate volume
Troy post Wolf, Dimarzio Super II, SMS, JBL D-120 in Walnut Combo Box
SMS - typical Jerry settings with gain and output at 12 oclock, tone switch -middle
Guitar tone knob set at approx. 8
Boss Turbo OD-2 used on West LA Fadeaway
Boss Heavy Metal HM-2 used on Fire on the Mountain, Loser
tommybo liked this
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