Need help dialing in a good sound...

[Zinc]

Okay, this is what I got:

Mesa Boogie 50/50
Rocktron Voodu Valve
Alesis EQ
BBE Sonic Maximizer

I'm having a hard time getting a quality sound out this setup. I think it might be overkill w/ both the eq and the BBE, but the Voodu Valve has three more EQ's built in!

On the high gain configuration, you can adjust low, mid, and presence, w/ adjustable level and bandwidth...

Pre EQ has low, mid, and high, w/ adjustable level, frequency, and bandwidth...

Post EQ has low, mid, high, and presence, w/ adjustable level, frequency, and bandwidth.

Now all this is killing me. I've experimented with leaving the BBE and the Alesis out, but to no avail...I feel so lost as to where to start...
Is there some sort of procedure or system I should use to utilize all these functions, and dial in the right sound?

The sound I'm going for a very heavy, distorted sound probably with a slight to moderate mid-scoop. (I can't find a way to keep it heavy with a lot of mids, even though I'd like them to be there)

 

[Hard2Hear]

what kind of speaker cabinet are you using? It will have a huge effect on the heaviness of the sound.
I would 1. dump the bbe 2. dump the EQ. They are unnecessary on a guitar rig. Maybe a bass rig, but definately NOT on guitar.

H2H

 

[Hard2Hear]

Better yet, sell everything you listed there and save the money and get a Dual Recto. It looks like that's what you're wanting anyways. Might as well get that sound the easy way.

H2H

 

[BBB]

What H2H said.

In particular, I test drove a Voodu Valvea few years ago and found it couldn't give me a decent heavy tone. It's just not configured well for such a tone.

Also, I'm not a big fan of adding a BBE or excessive EQ to a guitar. They are like using duct tape to fix a poor original tone. Not that the Voodu Valve has a bad tone, but it doesn't achive the tone that you are trying to get.

And yeah. If you're looking for the 90's ultra heavy tone, get a Boogie. The Recto's get that ultra heavy tone. Even the Mark IV gets a great heavy tone. However, these can get expensive. One possible option is the Peavey Rockmaster preamp to replace your Rocktron. That will get you a dcent scooped out metal tone, but it doesn't have effects. At least you may get the tone you are looking for to start with and then can add effects as necessary. They're available used for $100-$175. Try to get one on eBay for under $150.


Matt