Re: Volume Pedal or OD/Boost Pedal?
If you don't want to color the tone, then no. The EP Booster is marketed as an Echoplex preamp (but it doesn't use a TIS58 nor does it run at 22volts like a real Echoplex preamp)... this will color your tone somewhat regardless.
You just want something truly "transparent" that gives + "x" dB gain (where "x" is a number... around +20dB max I would think would suffice).
Time for the solo, stomp on the clean boost. Back to rhythm, stomp off.
Sounds like the TC Electronic Mini Spark to me. It actually has the option to just increase the volume with the press of a button, and also serve as an OD. You have the option to have either one or the other. Pretty cool if you ask me.
you have 3 channels and an onboard eq in a mesa mark five. try working with what headroom your amp has on offer and reduce the stuff in your signal chain. Mesas have an incredible amount of versatility in their eq sections, but some of the hidden gems take a while to find. Turn off your tubescreamer until you have got a workable setup as far as channels and tones go, then it can just be icing on the cake.
Are your speakers v30s? They cut pretty well for leads.
I actually have quite a workable tone by itself, but I like throwing the OD in it to give me some extra bite and to tighten up the signal a bit. Yes, my cab has Vintage 30's in them. I'm not saying my tone doesn't cut already. In fact, the guys can hear me most of the time during rhythm sections, but when it comes to leads, I'm just not loud enough. I need more volume so that I can be heard, not necessarily because I need to cut in the mix.
Personally, I would try and work out a rhythm tone that worked for me straight into the amp, then use the TS-9 for leads. With all the EQ options on the Mark V, I'd at least give it a shot, then if that didn't work out I would look around for a boost/OD as I see fit. It wouldn't hurt to try this, in my opinion.
Yeah, but the TS9 is a mandatory pedal that I have to have on at all times, besides when I'm doing cleans and such. It's just such a huge part of my tone that I can't live without it.
TWA Triskelion Pedal. You can bump your mids or any frequency and it helps you cut through the mix. It also add incredible harmonics and touch sensitivity.
I'll be sure to check that one out, thanks for the suggestion!
Another way to get some volume is an EQ and/or clean boost in your FX loop , I would change the TS9 to max drive ,tone wherever you want it and gain at 25% or 9 o'clock or less. Your clean channel will be affected more in volume by boosts then the dirt channels. Set your EQ with a mid spike and evenly set the bass and treble for a "dry" cutting sound
I literally have my TS9 set exactly how you explained it, so that would only work if I didn't do that already. I use my 5 band graphic EQ all the time too. It's how I've been able to sculpt my tone the way I've been able to.
If you end up deciding to just get a boost pedal, you can't beat the MXR Micro Amp.
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/amplifiers-effects/mxr-m-133-micro-amp-pedal
But if you want to tailor the tone of your boosted signal (to make it thicker or more cutting as well as louder), then the Micro Amp+ is really great.
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/amplifiers-effects/mxr-micro-amp-guitar-effects-pedal
I've looked into the micro amp as well. I'm probably going to demo some of these pedals here in the very near future. Just got to get to a location that has them.
