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Post by mfirst on Jul 4, 2013 8:14:11 GMT -7
I'm now the proud owner of an Antidote. I've really liked this amp ever since it was released. I had spent most of my time on the vintage mode until recently. I really like the vintage mode it is very warm and complex. The note to note tones in chord playing is really awesome.
Since I got it home I sat it up in my basement rehearsal space so I could turn it up a little. I've still been running the airbrake at 2-3 clicks, and it works very well with this amp. When In the modern mode I'm really liking the EQ bypass. When I first hooked up the footswitch I wasn't sure if the bypass was for me. I thought it was too much boost. After spending some time with it I really like it! I've found the key is to set it up first. I've been running my volumes between 9-11:00 which yields a surprising amount of drive with the bypass engaged. After setting up a desired tone using the hi and low volume then put the EQ back in the mix and set the EQ section for the tone you want. I found running the EQ knobs as high as possible seemed to help with the difference in volume the bypass gives you.
I'm really stuck on the modern mode lately. I'm getting everything from hendrix-like cleans to pushed lead tones with the bypass. I've not been using any drive pedals in my basement, just a touch of delay, and I've got tone for days. I'm hoping everything translates well from the basement to the live setting. We'll see on Saturday.
As for cabs: I'm really liking the amp through my V30/H30 open back cab. I think that combination works well for just about everything though. It also sounds nice through my H30/Gold cab with is also a 2x12 open back cab. I'm really looking forward to running the Antidote next weekend. We have a one hour spot on a festival stage outdoors. I'm planning to use a 4x12 Marshall cab with Greenbacks for that stage. I'm eager to see how it goes. I'll be reporting on the results.
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Post by markT on Jul 4, 2013 11:03:25 GMT -7
Cool info I was thinking I would like the vintage mode best too. I have found the modern mode very fun...especially with humbuckers....AND with the eq bypass like you say. More Antidote love, come on!
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Post by doctorice on Jul 4, 2013 11:12:56 GMT -7
I found running the EQ knobs as high as possible seemed to help with the difference in volume the bypass gives you. The same is true with the MAZ series and, I would expect, the bypass-equipped Remedy. The tone stacks on these amps basically attenuate the signal in various frequency ranges, so maxing them restores most, but not all, of the front-end gain. Taking the tone controls completely out leaves 100% of the gain in all its glory.
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Post by Pete aka shouldb on Jul 4, 2013 15:06:11 GMT -7
I found running the EQ knobs as high as possible seemed to help with the difference in volume the bypass gives you. The same is true with the MAZ series and, I would expect, the bypass-equipped Remedy. The tone stacks on these amps basically attenuate the signal in various frequency ranges, so maxing them restores most, but not all, of the front-end gain. Taking the tone controls completely out leaves 100% of the gain in all its glory. certainly works that way with the Remedy - you can balance the amount of boost the EQ Bypass delivers by careful setting of the TM&B controls, up to a point.
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Post by doctorice on Jul 4, 2013 15:07:27 GMT -7
^^^
Thanks for confirming, Pete.
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Post by mfirst on Jul 7, 2013 7:43:52 GMT -7
Last night's gig with the Antidote went very well. I ran it through my 2x12 cab with a V30/H30. I had it set on Modern mode all night. After my home settings and then doing minor tweeking on the stage I ended up with the following settings. I had the presence off. Bass was almost cranked. Mids were about 3:00. Treble was noonish depending on the guitar. I ran only a touch of delay and let the EQ bypass work as my lead setting. I had both volumes set 9:00 to 10:00. I made slight changes depending on the guitar.
There is something about this amp and it's interaction with the airbrake. I had my airbrake set at 3 clicks the whole night. It was like it wasn't even there. I think it's just has to do with the power of the amp. I think I can feel the attenuation more when I use a smaller amp and try to attenuate it. with the Antidote, it was honestly like it wasn't even in the chain.
Even at my relatively low settings on the volume knobs, I had great drive tones with the eq bypass. The thickness just blows away the pedals I was trying to use. Les Paul with EQ bypass engaged... It was straight off an early ZZ Top album. I think we did half a dozed ZZ top tunes in our late night set. I was inspired.
I was also getting an excellent strat tone. The cleans were very hendrix like. We did several Hendrix/SRV tunes, once again, inspired.
The only thing I'm going to have to work out a little for next gig is my tele tones. I think I'll have to try to work up a setting with the vintage mode, or roll out more treble. I wanted to keep the EQ run high, which seems to help with the EQ bypass switching. I can't say it was too bright or harsh, but the bridge pickup on my tele was very punchy. With the bypass it worked great for rock tones though. Maybe a tweek of the tone knob will get me the rest of the way too, we'll see.
I'm still getting to know the Antidote, but so far I'm liking what I'm hearing. Next Saturday will be outside. The big decision between now and then will be 4x12 with V30s or 4x12 with Greenbacks. What do you guys think?
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Post by heynewguy (Ol’ Bill) on Jul 7, 2013 8:30:24 GMT -7
Bring both cabs Matt, and use a cabinet switcher.
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Post by brayks on Jul 7, 2013 8:50:54 GMT -7
Bring both cabs Matt, and use a cabinet switcher. .... and a lift truck.
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Post by heynewguy (Ol’ Bill) on Jul 7, 2013 11:00:35 GMT -7
Bring both cabs Matt, and use a cabinet switcher. .... and a lift truck. Matt's way younger than us Steve.
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Post by brayks on Jul 7, 2013 14:36:56 GMT -7
.... and a lift truck. Matt's way younger than us Steve. Oh now that's cold Bill. That's cold....
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Post by Maddog on Jul 7, 2013 18:22:17 GMT -7
Matt's way younger than us Steve. Oh now that's cold Bill. That's cold.... To be perfectly clear here, The Antidote sounds absolutely wonderful thru a seemingly small 1 x 12 Dr Z cab with a Celestion Gold....
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Post by mfirst on Jul 8, 2013 6:43:02 GMT -7
Oh now that's cold Bill. That's cold.... To be perfectly clear here, The Antidote sounds absolutely wonderful thru a seemingly small 1 x 12 Dr Z cab with a Celestion Gold.... That is absolutely true. From my experimenting at home, I think all of my Z speaker cabs blow away those two Marshall 4x12s when it comes to tone. I don't need 4x12 cabs, but I got them so cheap I almost have to keep them. If I'm gonna have them I figure I'll use one on a bigger stage just for the heck of it.
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Post by muzacman02 "Jamie" on Jul 12, 2013 15:06:37 GMT -7
Hey Matt CONGRATS on the new Antidote, I am GASSING BAD! for one, I don't know if I can Part with any of my Amps I have now to get one, well, If I could Play on one I might, it sounds Like My Dream Amp, Nice cleans and can Rock Too! I have a KT66 Amp But its totally Hiwatt Flavored , I love the Big Bottle Tubes They are So SWEET ! Post some pics, jamie
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Post by doctorice on Jul 12, 2013 18:18:17 GMT -7
Nice report, Matt. It's a great amp even at "low" settings of the volume knobs. I really like how tight it sounds, especially in modern mode.
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