Using two heads at the same time

D

Derpottsie

New member
I really like the qualities of both the Mesa boogie triple rectifier and the Marshall dsl100H but I dont want to limit myself to one sound for live performances. The mesa is 150w and the dsl is 100w. Is there any way possible I can use both? Id really like to hear the two together because they're both my all time favorite heads and Ive shaped my sound around both over the years. Although I gave my mesa a rest for a while for bothering the neighbors reasons. Same with the dsl which is why I bought the dsl40c for home play. Any solutions?

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Re: Using two heads at the same time

The simplest solution is to use two cabs and an ABY switch to switch between the amps.

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Re: Using two heads at the same time

Demanic said:
The simplest solution is to use two cabs and an ABY switch to switch between the amps.
Click to expand...

A big +1 to that! A splitter pedal will make you able to use both amps (you do need 2 cabs as demanic stated) at the same time. You'll still be able to switch to one amp (of your choice) if needed as well, and those splitter pedals don't have to cost very much either. In my opinion a splitter box is the first thing you need to get!! I guess it's just what you need!
 
Re: Using two heads at the same time

Though you may want to spend a bit more and get one of the better ones. Otherwise you could have ground loop and tone suck problems.

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Re: Using two heads at the same time

You also need a phase revere switch on one of the sides just in case.

Radial Twin City works great in this application.
 
Re: Using two heads at the same time

I've done it two ways. Boss TU-2 with the bypass amp hooked to a kill switch. And the Morley ABY. The Morley was a little noisy, but I was playing punk/metal, so it didn't matter and it still sounded good. I think if you had a buffered pedal somewhere in front on it, there would be zero issues.
 
Re: Using two heads at the same time

There is a third way, I ran my FX loop OUT going to the input of the other amp. This actually worked pretty well, and it's similar to the way Neil Young does it.
 
Re: Using two heads at the same time

frostopsy said:
There is a third way, I ran my FX loop OUT going to the input of the other amp. This actually worked pretty well, and it's similar to the way Neil Young does it.
Click to expand...
This is how I thought about doing it but I wasnt sure if the different wattage outputs would be an issue. Of course Im not diming 100w and 150w heads since Im not playing huge arenas along with a p.a. system. Just dialed up enough to let the tubes sing and mic it the rest of the way

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Re: Using two heads at the same time

Go for it, I've never broken anything by using this method. Just start at low volume and work it up.
 
Re: Using two heads at the same time

Congratulations! You sir, are a prime candidate for a Mesa Road King II head and the RK 412 cab!

The cab is divided into open and closed back halves using both Mesa/Celestion C90 and V30 speakers. Two cabs in one!

The RKII head has four discrete preamp channels! And each channel has the ability to switch between different configurations, using both 6L6 and EL34 tubes. And different cabinets! That's right, mon ami...an amp with both Rectifier and Marshall tones in ONE AMP! Incroyable!

If you haven't played an RKII, it's worth checking out.

Other than a new rig, you would best be served by looking at the Radial Tonebone switch boxes. Radial is a Canadian company, and they specialize in guitar effects, routing solutions, direct boxes, and a wonderful catalogue of problem-solving boxes for situations like yours.

Good luck!

Bill
 
Re: Using two heads at the same time

Out of FX loop is probably NOT the way to do it - depending on the path.

Also - you may want the same cabs...otherwise amp x speaker type interactions.

And if you are using a chorus at all....win. Just use the chorus pedal wet/dry outs.
 
Re: Using two heads at the same time

Aceman said:
Out of FX loop is probably NOT the way to do it - depending on the path..
Click to expand...

+1

Running the Mesa into the Marshall's effects return won't give you both amps at the same time, it'll give you the recto preamp through the Marshall power amp (vice-versa going the other way). You need an A/B/Y splitter as has been mentioned previously. The Morley is a cheap option that might work; there are also amps that tend to fight with it. The same can be said for the Radial Big Shot or Twin City. The only A/B/Y that will definitely work with zero tone loss is something like the Radial Switchbone which isn't cheap.

Once you get the two amps running at the same time without phase or noise issues, you'll want to look into complimentary EQ so they don't fight each other. Since you're talking about a Mesa & Marshall, I'd start by aggressively scooping the mids on the recto while running a mid-boosted sound on the Marshall without too much bass or treble.
 
Re: Using two heads at the same time

dystrust said:
+1

Running the Mesa into the Marshall's effects return won't give you both amps at the same time, it'll give you the recto preamp through the Marshall power amp (vice-versa going the other way). You need an A/B/Y splitter as has been mentioned previously. The Morley is a cheap option that might work; there are also amps that tend to fight with it. The same can be said for the Radial Big Shot or Twin City. The only A/B/Y that will definitely work with zero tone loss is something like the Radial Switchbone which isn't cheap.

Once you get the two amps running at the same time without phase or noise issues, you'll want to look into complimentary EQ so they don't fight each other. Since you're talking about a Mesa & Marshall, I'd start by aggressively scooping the mids on the recto while running a mid-boosted sound on the Marshall without too much bass or treble.
Click to expand...
Exactly what I just did to the recto. Mids are almost completely off and ended up running through my cab with creambacks for added scoop. Marshall mids are quite spiked. I havent had phase issues yet but I havent cranked the amps up to showtime levels yet

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Re: Using two heads at the same time

Whenever I've run two amps together, I've set the amp tones quite differently. Basically using one for the base tone and the other to give it a slightly different flavor and bigger impact.
 
Re: Using two heads at the same time

I second, third or fourth the dual cab, isolated ABY path.

Boogie Bill's suggested Road King cab would be perfect, as would a Marshall 2x12 & Mesa 2x12, or if you are playing stadiums Dual 4x12s. ;) A splitter with transformer isolator and phase switch will guarantee you to have no phasing or ground loop issues.

Setup the recto for bass and cut, Marshall for mid range meat.... I do that with my Splawn and Road King. Fun!
 
Re: Using two heads at the same time

My last live rig was
Guitar > Radial ABY > 2W head + 5W head into dual mono 4x12 using speakers in an X pattern. Sounded killer!
(Current rig is a single 35W head into a single 2x12)
 
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