I would like to thank each viewer of my channel, I greatly appreciate your time to watch my videos and would love to hear from you about what would you like as new content or ideas!
I hit "pause" around 3:51, set my new IIC+ RI like your settings, grabbed my JP6 and just lost 60 minutes! Will continue to watch but going back offline to keep rockin'!!!
Hi, are you using any pedals ? Or just using the mark by itself. You have a pretty tight sound. Sounds good ! Also, what cabinet are you using. Any suggestions on building a good time. Thanks
@@troyshowalter8163 I am not using any pedal. The Mark IIC+ is tight unlike rectifiers. I am using a Mesa Boogie Oversized 4x12 with Celestion V30. Thank you for watching and subscribing!
@ i have a 4x12 over size cabinet as well. What are your settings on the back. I’m new with the mark 2 c + I’ve watched your video sounds great. I’m trying to get the sound you get. So pull the treble and the lead drive to increase for a higher gain ?
@ I suggest you set the video quality to 4K then pause the video and zoom in on the amp (if you’re on a smartphone) and see the settings and replicate them. Pull treble, and of course pull lead to be on the lead channel. Pull deep also.
This is by far the best demo of this amp so far thank you! I still think I prefer the JP2C but nice to have some great reference tones from the reissue to compare since I use the same cab. The JP2C absolutely needs external EQ to sound its best in my opinion, I run the Axe-FX III in the loop so I can use a multi-band compressor and parametric EQs, the 5 band alone is not enough for me.
@@bengoldstein964 thank you for watching and subscribing to my channel! I will be doing some A/B demos soon. I don’t have a JP2C at the moment (I played one), maybe I will try to borrow one at some point and A/B with the RI.
Has a slightly different sound compared to a DRG but close and really good sounding, can't wait to compare for myself in February. Thanks for another great video Tony
Yes. I changed the preamp tubes because I like this particular combination in Mark amps versus the stock Mesa-branded JJ tubes which have a darker sound.
sounds awesome man! You've got the EQ knobs set correctly for maximum chugability. The key is to approach the preliminary EQ (pre-preamp) as a boost pedal. Once Metallica figured out this trick on dialing them in in this way, they were blowing people's heads off.
@scription7277 it sounds a bit different. The OG DRG is smoother and has an addictive elastic feel to it. The RI has a different character and it’s awesome.
Ha you saw that is sounds better. Did you have the volume up, or just watch his hand? Just kidding 😂 I need my coffee. Sorry you have to deal with me this morning.
@ I hope to do my demo soon. I’m just an average Joe that would order it and have it. That way it would cover more than many of the population that wants this amp.
Sounds better than the JP I have, more like my VII and my early III/IV, had one of these on order since mid-October, still waiting on mine. Probably let go the JP once I get it.
@@Soloist1983 I have the VII. The RI is closer to the IIC+ than the VII. I will do an A/B against the VII soon in order to better assess the differences and similarities. The JP2C is behind the VII even. Not close to the RI.
Love my mark IV but do fancy one of these as it’s a bit more raw/less compressed and easier to approach given the more simple layout - will be watching reverb to pick one up for a bit cheaper when the rich older folks get bored of it 😂
@@miserychannel69 there isn’t a C++ mode but you can easily achieve this with a pedal like the Keeley Compressor. I did that and compared with the ++ mode on one of my DRGs and it works pretty well. Healthy New Year to you as well man! 🤘🏻
@mark_iicOK, now you got me wondering… how did you set the compressor in front of the iic+? More like a boost with little / no compression, or compressing the guitar signal?
@@Darrick-f9d the Mark pre-EQ (bass middle and treble) are pre-gain so they act more like a boost rather than an amp EQ. That’s why the 5-band EQ is the main EQ of the amp. But I agree that most amps should have a built-in EQ.
@@jonfai I was waiting for someone to notice!! Thank you man! I play in a Nightwish tribute band so I thought of including a small solo from Ghost Love Score into my demo!
Honestly, help me out. Is there a reason to have that middle frequency in the graphic equalizer when everyone drops it to the floor? It does sound awful when raised. I just think they should exchange that frequency for another frequency that is more usable. .
Believe it or not, many like to raise the 750Hz. The Mark amps have A LOT of mids by default, that’s why we, the metal heads, like to keep it the lowest possible, not to scoop the tone intentionally, but because the mids sound the way they should. I think the voicing of the amp needs to be changed so that the 750 becomes more usable but what can we say… this is a reissue and the original was built like this.
@@ThyFinalPain I got it locally. And no oscillation whatsoever but I don’t do extreme settings so regardless if it does it or not… if the setting is not playable, why set it in the first place. My settings are typical Mark IIC+ high gain, no issues at all.
Sadly their price in Europe are so high!!!! (4.300 Euros) To be honest I kind of "hate" this Mesa/Gibson super expensive way of marketing..... With that said, excellent tones.... and as always your videos sound excellent!!!!!!! Have a nice 2025, stay heavy.
Does this feel good under the fingers? I’m worried it might feel anemic and then have buyers remorse. I love when Amos just ‘feel good’ to play. …amazing play though by the way, just crushing tones here good sir! 💪😎👍
@@Basedboomerchadbear it does feel good under the fingers. It is not exactly 100% like an original IIC+ even though Mesa Boogie claims it, but you do feel string sensitivity better than on the JP2C, VII or V. Thank you for watching my video and subscribing to my channel!
@@Darrick-f9d in Simul-Class mode (75 Watts) or Class A (25 Watts). You can read the specs on Mesa Boogie: www.mesaboogie.com/en-US/p/Amp/Mark-IIC-plus-Head/2-MCP-AB
Everyone complaining about the first videos not sounding good but now they all sound the same. This is why I don't care for high gain amps... They have no dynamics .
Not bad, but nothing compared to your OG 2C+ vids. This one sounds stiff to play. That´s not the same as tight. Its as if it doesn´t saturate as enough as it should at those settings. Almost as if the amp itself struggles to respond to pick attack.
Could be the mic, but it sounds like “sell it to me”. Actually it sounds not too bad, but a little on the trebly side. Like it’s the IIC+ that it wished could have made the team. At 16:12 or so it’s getting better. But now we are just tone chasing all over again but worse. “We need an amp that sounds like an amp that sounds like the one Metallica played”. So really yeah this is a one trick pony. Guess they have been all along? Like when do we play “unforgiven” or “Nothing Else Matters Except my IIC+”? There’s probably already a video, but I’d like to hear it next to my Mark V or VII if I can get them from my collection of cinder blocks. Wonder what a 10 band EQ would do? Just because the OG didn’t have one doesn’t mean this can’t. We’ve evolved as humans. My ears have grown, I can hear different frequencies now. Or perhaps we are just biased because of all the chug videos these days? This amp you actually have to play some strings properly, and that’s scary. Luckily AI to the rescue! I dunno, I can identify with this amp, it’s lacking that “girth”’if you know what I’m sayin’. I would like to hear it in a Mix though. Tony, I know you can bring the Tone with your collection. Do a blind test, so we can just use one of our other senses? I play Sad But True often and that kinda was the icing on the deal breaker for me. Thank you kind sir for doing this. I do like that it’s finally a showcased amp that has its own unique voicing for birthday parties and such!
You were going in the right direction at first. Studio post production adds a lot to the tone of the amps that one will not get at home. The type of mic and how it is oriented in front of the speaker(s) changes the sound as well along with the type of speakers and the cabinet. You are going to have to try one yourself in order to make a determination.
I’m just an average Joe that would order it and be dissatisfied with it when they bring it home and not immediately sound like Metallica. That way it would cover more than many of the population that wants this amp. My video is my first or second time playing this in 2020 sometime. th-cam.com/video/cv_WmMCJuHg/w-d-xo.htmlsi=bHf9jaC5Clp_YEkr
I would like to thank each viewer of my channel, I greatly appreciate your time to watch my videos and would love to hear from you about what would you like as new content or ideas!
I hit "pause" around 3:51, set my new IIC+ RI like your settings, grabbed my JP6 and just lost 60 minutes! Will continue to watch but going back offline to keep rockin'!!!
@@JBAubry I am glad you are inspired. Enjoy the good IIC+ tone, it’s addictive!
Sick. Awesome riffs. One of the best demos ever. Good job
@@Jimmydrumzz40 thank you for your comment and for subscribing to my channel 🤘🏻
Excellent play through. And THANK YOU for miking up a cabinet !
@@Ontariosound thank you 🙏🏻 I always prefer the real thing. No simulations, full power!!
@ Amen brother ! The albums we know that used this amp were recorded at high volume with microphones on cabinets. As God intended
@ absolutely! 🤘🏻
Sound so good. I love mine so far. I’m using the PMEQ in the loop and it really spices it up.
A parametric EQ in the loop of a Mark amp does a killer job. I own the Empress ParaEQ and use it when I need to fine tune certain frequencies.
I'm glad I passed through my Mesa phase and ended up with Plexi goodness.
Absolutely...I m glad I stuck with Marshall/Fender all these years so I can hear more of me coming through and less of a machine masking me.
you can't chug on those boomer amps
Well, I love my Marshall 800, but you can't chug like this 😅
Growing up is knowing amps are just preference.
Dang this Mesa Boogie sounds BOSS, So thick and fizzi.
Tony out here doing doing the Lords work
@@TheGrahamman84 hehe thanks man!
“He that shall cast the first stone has dibs on the amp as long as it’s within the return policy” I think that’s how it goes.
Hi, are you using any pedals ? Or just using the mark by itself. You have a pretty tight sound. Sounds good ! Also, what cabinet are you using. Any suggestions on building a good time. Thanks
@@troyshowalter8163 I am not using any pedal. The Mark IIC+ is tight unlike rectifiers. I am using a Mesa Boogie Oversized 4x12 with Celestion V30. Thank you for watching and subscribing!
@ i have a 4x12 over size cabinet as well. What are your settings on the back. I’m new with the mark 2 c + I’ve watched your video sounds great. I’m trying to get the sound you get. So pull the treble and the lead drive to increase for a higher gain ?
@ I suggest you set the video quality to 4K then pause the video and zoom in on the amp (if you’re on a smartphone) and see the settings and replicate them. Pull treble, and of course pull lead to be on the lead channel. Pull deep also.
@mark_iic pull deep ? Could you clarify
@ the “Master 1” control, you pull it upwards. This will increase the depth (more low end).
Nice ‘Sad But True’ tone
This is by far the best demo of this amp so far thank you! I still think I prefer the JP2C but nice to have some great reference tones from the reissue to compare since I use the same cab. The JP2C absolutely needs external EQ to sound its best in my opinion, I run the Axe-FX III in the loop so I can use a multi-band compressor and parametric EQs, the 5 band alone is not enough for me.
@@bengoldstein964 thank you for watching and subscribing to my channel! I will be doing some A/B demos soon. I don’t have a JP2C at the moment (I played one), maybe I will try to borrow one at some point and A/B with the RI.
Sounds awesome 🤩
On its own it sounds like a good amp, great demo as always worth the wait, now I'm interested to see how it compares to the old DRG.
@@fedrek01 thanks man, I will try to make a demo very soon.
@mark_iic I'm excited cause there is no comparison between DRG and DRG yet in the style I like.
And by the way you almost chugged after 13:54, I like it 😂🤣
That harmonic you hit, nice.
Has a slightly different sound compared to a DRG but close and really good sounding, can't wait to compare for myself in February. Thanks for another great video Tony
@@jacobcunningham4901 it is close when using the preamp tubes I mentioned. Thank you for watching man!
@mark_iicso it is brand new and you changed the tubes?
Yes. I changed the preamp tubes because I like this particular combination in Mark amps versus the stock Mesa-branded JJ tubes which have a darker sound.
ooooh here we go!
sounds awesome man! You've got the EQ knobs set correctly for maximum chugability. The key is to approach the preliminary EQ (pre-preamp) as a boost pedal. Once Metallica figured out this trick on dialing them in in this way, they were blowing people's heads off.
@@mattvdh this is what many don’t understand yet on Mark amps, you described it very well! Thanks for watching and subscribing to my channel! 🤘🏻
Also, what are your back settings. Thanks
@@troyshowalter8163 I just set presence to 4. Reverb was at 0. No FX was connected.
@ thank you. Just seen this post of the back settings.
Great Playthrough! Based on the comparisons I have seen the reissue sounds even better than the OG.
@scription7277 it sounds a bit different. The OG DRG is smoother and has an addictive elastic feel to it. The RI has a different character and it’s awesome.
Ha you saw that is sounds better. Did you have the volume up, or just watch his hand? Just kidding 😂 I need my coffee. Sorry you have to deal with me this morning.
@@TheStinkyDinkyBand What no no! I mean comparisons. Like from Ola Englund and El dorado guitar.
@ I stopped listening to those guys. More than two people on the planet will be disappointed when they try to play jt.
@ I hope to do my demo soon. I’m just an average Joe that would order it and have it. That way it would cover more than many of the population that wants this amp.
Reminds me of the early garage days tone kinda!
Sounds better than the JP I have, more like my VII and my early III/IV, had one of these on order since mid-October, still waiting on mine. Probably let go the JP once I get it.
@@Soloist1983 I have the VII. The RI is closer to the IIC+ than the VII. I will do an A/B against the VII soon in order to better assess the differences and similarities. The JP2C is behind the VII even. Not close to the RI.
Love my mark IV but do fancy one of these as it’s a bit more raw/less compressed and easier to approach given the more simple layout - will be watching reverb to pick one up for a bit cheaper when the rich older folks get bored of it 😂
Excellent, I was waiting for this, Bro. Healthy New Year, cheers. \m/
Is there a C++ mode?
@@miserychannel69 there isn’t a C++ mode but you can easily achieve this with a pedal like the Keeley Compressor. I did that and compared with the ++ mode on one of my DRGs and it works pretty well.
Healthy New Year to you as well man! 🤘🏻
@mark_iicOK, now you got me wondering… how did you set the compressor in front of the iic+? More like a boost with little / no compression, or compressing the guitar signal?
I think more amplifiers should have extra EQ sliders cause it really can sculp a tone alot. Way to go Mesa.
@@Darrick-f9d the Mark pre-EQ (bass middle and treble) are pre-gain so they act more like a boost rather than an amp EQ. That’s why the 5-band EQ is the main EQ of the amp.
But I agree that most amps should have a built-in EQ.
Love the nightwish lead at 10 min!
@@jonfai I was waiting for someone to notice!! Thank you man! I play in a Nightwish tribute band so I thought of including a small solo from Ghost Love Score into my demo!
@ that’s one of the best metal ballads of all time.
@ I fully agree!
will you do a comparison with the og or even include a vii in the mix-thx
@@laffta6727 yes I will do more demos doing A/B comparisons against the original as well as the VII. Thanks for watching!
Honestly, help me out. Is there a reason to have that middle frequency in the graphic equalizer when everyone drops it to the floor? It does sound awful when raised. I just think they should exchange that frequency for another frequency that is more usable. .
Believe it or not, many like to raise the 750Hz. The Mark amps have A LOT of mids by default, that’s why we, the metal heads, like to keep it the lowest possible, not to scoop the tone intentionally, but because the mids sound the way they should. I think the voicing of the amp needs to be changed so that the 750 becomes more usable but what can we say… this is a reissue and the original was built like this.
Hi there, are you experiencing the oscillation “issue”. I just picked this amp up and it seems like it’s pretty prevalent.
@@MrBobo3630 I don’t. How are you experiencing it, what are your settings? Did you try my settings and still have the issue?
Cool. Where did you get one? Do you notice any kind of oscillation with extreme settings?
@@ThyFinalPain I got it locally. And no oscillation whatsoever but I don’t do extreme settings so regardless if it does it or not… if the setting is not playable, why set it in the first place. My settings are typical Mark IIC+ high gain, no issues at all.
@mark_iic There's clips with the oscillation issue and it's been talked about quite a bit, hence i was asking. How do you like it?
@ it’s a great amp. It’s different from the original (I’ll be doing a comparison demo soon). Very fun to play!
@mark_iic Sounds good.
Sadly their price in Europe are so high!!!! (4.300 Euros)
To be honest I kind of "hate" this Mesa/Gibson super expensive way of marketing.....
With that said, excellent tones.... and as always your videos sound excellent!!!!!!!
Have a nice 2025, stay heavy.
@@manos6426 thank you for watching and following my channel! I hope you’ll be able to get your hands on one, great amp for sure!
We pay high import taxes, only makes a rather expensive amp even more expensive.
@@JohnWiku I am aware of that, probably 500-700 Euro just because...
Does this feel good under the fingers? I’m worried it might feel anemic and then have buyers remorse. I love when Amos just ‘feel good’ to play. …amazing play though by the way, just crushing tones here good sir! 💪😎👍
@@Basedboomerchadbear it does feel good under the fingers. It is not exactly 100% like an original IIC+ even though Mesa Boogie claims it, but you do feel string sensitivity better than on the JP2C, VII or V.
Thank you for watching my video and subscribing to my channel!
Thumbs up,good job
@@bigmike9527 thanks man and thank you for subscribing to my channel!
How many watts?
@@Darrick-f9d in Simul-Class mode (75 Watts) or Class A (25 Watts). You can read the specs on Mesa Boogie: www.mesaboogie.com/en-US/p/Amp/Mark-IIC-plus-Head/2-MCP-AB
Everyone complaining about the first videos not sounding good but now they all sound the same. This is why I don't care for high gain amps... They have no dynamics .
Not bad, but nothing compared to your OG 2C+ vids. This one sounds stiff to play. That´s not the same as tight.
Its as if it doesn´t saturate as enough as it should at those settings. Almost as if the amp itself struggles to respond to pick attack.
@novemberzed9163 it actually responds well to pick attack. It is closer to the SRG or KRG Coliseum in terms of tone and feel, than the DRG.
Much more smooth sounding with the NOS tubes
@@thrasher10000 For sure!
Old tubes are just smoother sounding.
Swap tubes a test again, the new amp will be the smoother amp with old worn/broken in tubes instead.
Could be the mic, but it sounds like “sell it to me”. Actually it sounds not too bad, but a little on the trebly side. Like it’s the IIC+ that it wished could have made the team. At 16:12 or so it’s getting better.
But now we are just tone chasing all over again but worse. “We need an amp that sounds like an amp that sounds like the one Metallica played”. So really yeah this is a one trick pony. Guess they have been all along? Like when do we play “unforgiven” or “Nothing Else Matters Except my IIC+”? There’s probably already a video, but I’d like to hear it next to my Mark V or VII if I can get them from my collection of cinder blocks.
Wonder what a 10 band EQ would do? Just because the OG didn’t have one doesn’t mean this can’t. We’ve evolved as humans. My ears have grown, I can hear different frequencies now.
Or perhaps we are just biased because of all the chug videos these days? This amp you actually have to play some strings properly, and that’s scary. Luckily AI to the rescue!
I dunno, I can identify with this amp, it’s lacking that “girth”’if you know what I’m sayin’.
I would like to hear it in a Mix though. Tony, I know you can bring the Tone with your collection. Do a blind test, so we can just use one of our other senses? I play Sad But True often and that kinda was the icing on the deal breaker for me.
Thank you kind sir for doing this. I do like that it’s finally a showcased amp that has its own unique voicing for birthday parties and such!
You were going in the right direction at first. Studio post production adds a lot to the tone of the amps that one will not get at home. The type of mic and how it is oriented in front of the speaker(s) changes the sound as well along with the type of speakers and the cabinet. You are going to have to try one yourself in order to make a determination.
Sounds extremely trebble bound.
I’m just an average Joe that would order it and be dissatisfied with it when they bring it home and not immediately sound like Metallica. That way it would cover more than many of the population that wants this amp. My video is my first or second time playing this in 2020 sometime.
th-cam.com/video/cv_WmMCJuHg/w-d-xo.htmlsi=bHf9jaC5Clp_YEkr