Matchless HC30 + ESS 112..

[cinealta]

Originally Posted by CJ1973

Just got a Sampson Era head and cab for the studio. So excited!

Killer! You struck gold. Have heard these amps recorded many times at Westlake and old Sony (Santa Monica) through Neve pres.

You really need to turn these up to get that full buttery, smooth, tube saturation. Sounds great clean and loud too.

[CJ1973]

Originally Posted by cinealta

Killer! You struck gold. Have heard these amps recorded many times at Westlake and old Sony (Santa Monica) through Neve pres.

You really need to turn these up to get that full buttery, smooth, tube saturation. Sounds great clean and loud too.

Thank you!!! I'm so excited!!!
I think I just need a guitar splitter now...
Would you know what mics were used? No APIs? I have a couple of neves and thinking micing with my Beyer M88 or MD421 or a 57. Love the M88 tone though. I have an M160 that I could also with a few condenser options but think the M88 could be the one here as I love it's tone..would love more input on any other ways to record etc this guy.
Ie. Iso size or room size even...
Thanks!!

[LARRYROSE]

I Have a 1994 hc 30 head, sounds great. I set mine up with 2 5y3 rectifiers to soften it a little and drop the voltage. Sounds great, I have had problems with microphonic tubes in the head but I guess that is a problem with a lot of el84 heads and ef86 pres. It sounds best with 2x12 celestion alnico speakers. I run mine with a vintage vox 1965 cab with 2 alnico vox silver speakers

[Moonbaby]

Be careful of those old Silvertones! They have a bad habit of dropping trannies - power and output - due to the cheap nickel cores that rust badly. Those amps were built really cheaply, no surprise there, but they can be a real money pit to keep running.

[cinealta]

Originally Posted by CJ1973

Thank you!!! I'm so excited!!!
I think I just need a guitar splitter now...
Would you know what mics were used? No APIs? I have a couple of neves and thinking micing with my Beyer M88 or MD421 or a 57. Love the M88 tone though. I have an M160 that I could also with a few condenser options but think the M88 could be the one here as I love it's tone..would love more input on any other ways to record etc this guy.
Ie. Iso size or room size even...
Thanks!!

I'm trying to specifically recall how the AE setup the Matchless mics to optimize the sound. There are a lot of general amp micing techniques but I know the AE's specifically played around with mic placement for the Matchless. I'll see if I can recall.

I've only heard the Matchless, in person, through Neve pres. I'm sure there are a lot of records done micing it through API but I don't have personal knowledge of that sound.

The sessions I was at, the Matchless was in the live room (big rooms) both at Westlake & Sony. The amp was turned up loud and the guitarist was in the control room.

I'm sure it was a two mic setup but I can't recall exactly, off the top of my head. Possibly close and room (not too far off though). I'll try and ask around. I'm sure there are some Nashville cats who mic it all the time who could give some good specific advice.

I got you covered on a high-end guitar splitter.

[CJ1973]

Originally Posted by cinealta

I'm trying to specifically recall how the AE setup the Matchless mics to optimize the sound. There are a lot of general amp micing techniques but I know the AE's specifically played around with mic placement for the Matchless. I'll see if I can recall.

I've only heard the Matchless, in person, through Neve pres. I'm sure there are a lot of records done micing it through API but I don't have personal knowledge of that sound.

The sessions I was at, the Matchless was in the live room (big rooms) both at Westlake & Sony. The amp was turned up loud and the guitarist was in the control room.

I'm sure it was a two mic setup but I can't recall exactly, off the top of my head. Possibly close and room (not too far off though). I'll try and ask around. I'm sure there are some Nashville cats who mic it all the time who could give some good specific advice.

I got you covered on a high-end guitar splitter.

Thanks so much. I appreciate it. I will check out the options for sure and look forward to touching base soon!

[CJ1973]

Originally Posted by LARRYROSE

It sounds best with 2x12 celestion alnico speakers. I run mine with a vintage vox 1965 cab with 2 alnico vox silver speakers

Thanks. I will definitely experiment with those options with different sessions. I do mostly pop and the guitars are more an added flava so I am hoping that this, along with a DI through maybe a Sansamp and using Amp/Pod farm would give me enough tonal tools and variations. I have a handful if EHX pedals so hope that would work in the chain too.
Any distortion pedals recommendations for this amp would be much appreciated!

[CJ1973]

pretty excited..

[cinealta]

Originally Posted by CJ1973

Any distortion pedals recommendations for this amp would be much appreciated!

I wouldn't really go for a distortion pedal, in front of the Matchless, because then you wouldn't really hear the Matchless' overdrive & saturation. I would recommend a good gain pedal to hit the Matchless front end a little harder and drive it into various saturation points earlier. Just off the top of my head, a Fulltone OCD overdrive pedal may pair nicely.

[DerekJ]

never, ever sell

[CJ1973]

Originally Posted by DerekJ

never, ever sell

You mean this amp and cab?

[DerekJ]

Originally Posted by CJ1973

You mean this amp and cab?

yes

[CJ1973]

Originally Posted by DerekJ

yes

Would you have much experience using it or any hints? Would appreciate any ideas on recording with it, positives negatives, do nots etc.

[DerekJ]

Originally Posted by CJ1973

Would you have much experience using it or any hints? Would appreciate any ideas on recording with it, positives negatives, do nots etc.

I had a DC-30 for a long time. It was one of Sampson's early samples. I played a Gretch, SG, Tele, and Strat through it, played it pretty flat, but adjusted according to the guitar, pretty much. Just don't play it too loud and enjoy what is probably the awesomest of the most awesome amps of all times!!! Good for you man!