Mesa Mk VII vs JP-2C

[Stratzrus]

For anyone who has experience with both, how would you compare the two?

I've been reading so many good things about the Mk VII that I've been considering getting one to replace my TC-50 but two things caught my attention.

The JP-2C has MIDI control of the switches in addition to channel switching, the VII MIDI only controls the channels. The JP-2C also has two sets of EQ sliders vs one for the VII.

One of my biggest concerns about the TC-50 is that the gain switch on the Clean channel isn't MIDI switchable. If it is on the JP-2C that would be a big plus for me all things being equal.

But I've gathered that the VII is easier to dial in. That's a major plus if true.

And of course last but far from least there's the question of tone.

Thoughts? Things I haven't considered?

 

[Mongillo19]

Paging @JiveTurkey

 

[Desertdweller]

You'll be happy with either. The JP2C is more streamlined, has an onboard TS style boost in shred mode. The VII has more modes, is simulclass, and has more gain on the knob but at the expense of not having an onboard TS. The VII has the cab clone IR on it as well and can be multi-watt selectable for each channel.

They're both cream of the crop types of amps.

 

[TubeStack]

... the VII MIDI only controls the channels.

Well, it also controls reverb, fx loop, and GEQ on/off, for sake of accuracy. But yes, it doesn't switch modes.

 

[SonVolt]

You'll be happy with either. The JP2C is more streamlined, has an onboard TS style boost in shred mode.

Why didn't they just call it "boost?" Shred mode sounds so juvenile.

 

[TubeStack]

Well, it also controls reverb, fx loop, and GEQ on/off, for sake of accuracy. But yes, it doesn't switch modes.

+ CabClone IR, I think? Haven't used that, yet.

 

[gearJunkie]

Those who have owned both, which venn diagram best represents the relationship between the VII and the JP2C? Is the JP amp a small subset of the VII, a large subset, or does it have its own unique voices?
View attachment 34727

If you are speaking objectively regarding unique tone options, #2 is probably most representative. However, if you are looking for that Petrucci sound, the JP2C is its own discreet circle.

 

[paisleywookiee]

If you are speaking objectively regarding unique tone options, #2 is probably most representative. However, if you are looking for that Petrucci sound, the JP2C is its own discreet circle.

I agree. Particular IIC+/Tr00ch sound? JP-2C. Overall versatility/features? Definitely the VII.

 

[Tanax]

What about the JP2C vs the IIC+ reissue?

 

[SonVolt]

looks like a boob

 

[6CA7-A]

Hey its a mRak V w/ 2 EQ's ----------

 

[spawnofthesith]

Hey its a mRak V w/ 2 EQ's ----------

But its not... like... at all tho

 

[6CA7-A]

 

[Orvillain]

Never played the Trooch one. I bet it is fucking sick. Sick as fucking fuck. Fuck sick sick fuck.

But also, I bet the VII is good too.

But also, Mark V is godamned heavenly, and now I'm a Christian.

 

[Deadpan]

I have a VII and JP2C, I plan to compare them. Working to find the best tubes for them.

 

[CorrosiveMatter]

I am no expert up front.

I have a Mark V and the JP2C. To me "the BooB" drawing above is accurate, they can both meet somewhere in the middle sounding close but if you flip all the sitches and pull the knobs the JP2C has it's own thing for sure. To me it's got a lot more high end and of course the gain with the shred mode and the pull boost is a fucking lot. I really thought I would pick 1 and sell the other but they are not close enough in tone for me to feel like I have duplicate amps.

I am an old man that went from playing a Gorilla amp when I was in school to quickly getting busy trying to make a living, getting married and having kids, and sold all my crap. Skip a lot of years and buy digital stuff because it's easier to get back into playing IMHO to buying a pile of tube amps in the last year. I don't know how to tweak things like most of you do so I am unable to really tweak these 2 amps to sound the same at all really, maybe some of you guys/gals could get them to sound alike but to me they are 2 differnt amps with the same knob layout with the same GEQ but they are 2 very different bases to start from.

my 1.1 cents due to inflation.

 

[Deadpan]

 

[Badonkey Kong]

Think I like the JP2c there (assuming it was the second part). Seems a bit smoother and balanced.

 

[Deadpan]

Think I like the JP2c there (assuming it was the second part). Seems a bit smoother and balanced.

I can see preference going either way with this one.

I have to let my ears adjust when switching between the two clips as there are some frequencies that bias my opinion when listening to one after the other.