I've engineered quite a few in this genre. The JCM800 model 1987 is a staple, so is the Orange.
If you get an Orange look very hard for an OTR120, it is the only one to get because once you hear that model you won't want the one you bought.
I've engineered many many recordings with the Orange, either as a main sound or as underlying fill. A great, great amp.
One thought on where tone seems to be going IMO these days.
Old is new again, many folks at the studio have been choosing the combination of the 74 Hiwatt gr103, and the Marshall shredmaster pedal. I mention this, because it has that cut that you like from the 2120 (I have compared them) and it records beautifully. Also, the Hiwatt is tough to beat for deep bell tone clean.
I know this sounds a bit hokey, but there is a reason the shredmasters are selling for big dollars these days. Ive tried this pedal with a dozen amps, but something about the Hiwatt really clicks with the shredmaster.
Lastly, and I'm sorry to be an ass, but I have had really hard times getting good tone through the Mesa 50/50. If you want to make some quick cash sell the Mesa 50/50, and buy a (I know!) Peavey (yikes!) classic 50/50 (8 el84s) for less than half the money. Again, sounds hokey, but the tone is there. Maybe some tape across the front panel "for your settings" would help live.
Here is an example that uses both the JCM800 and the Orange in just about equal proportion. There is also just a touch of Soldano Avenger up the middle for a little extra weight, but it's in very low. The clean is the 74 Hiwatt.
the_minus_scale-the_trouble_with_normal_new.mp3
-Casey