Mesa Mark IV vs Triaxis 

I've owned my Mark IV for over 20 years and now I learn there's a CLEAN channel? What Wizardry is this?

That 'Lead Red' recto sound of the Triaxis is killer! The "nasal" tone you're describing at 07:00 is a direct result of that last LED (Dynamic Voice) being set high - you're '9' setting is extreme. With it, you're dialling in a pre-set 'V' scoop, so the higher the setting, the more the 'mid scoop'....the more nasal.

I've had both. Actually I've had a Triaxis/2:90 which were my first pro level gear, and used it for about 5 to 6 years. Then I became friends with someone that had a Mark IV, and I was blown away when I tried it. Luckily for me, the Mark V was released soon after and my friend wanted to buy it, so he sold my his Mark IV. I quickly sold my Triaxis/2:90 and couldn't be happier. The Triaxis is great don't get me wrong, because of it's versatility, but to me the Mark IV gave me the tone I was searching for in the Triaxis that I was always so close to get, but never could. I also think the Mark IV feels better to play. Another thing is that I hated the DV on the Triaxis; I would use it on 3.0 for my crunch, and on 2.0 for ma leads, because to me past 3.0 sounded really harsh and kind of "digital" for a lack of a better word. I now have a 4th Mark IV incoming after owning a Kemper Powered Head, because I had to sell my previus Mark IVs for different reasons.

I think if you bought the Mesa 5 band EQ pedal it'd be a lot closer, but as it stands, the Mark 4 is way more of a complete tone and less brittle

Leon I have a Triaxis and 2:90 and everything change when I added the Mesa 5 band EQ in the loop, now is perfect.

Very well done comparison! The IV sounds more raw to my ears and I would pick it up over the Triaxis.

The iv wins it for me.....can I have my amp back now though or are you holding it hostage!??! Ha ha!

On the distorted tones, I feel like the Triaxis has a little muddier tone whereas the mk4 is super tight with more clarity. Both great amps, regardless!

I used to crave for a Mark IV real bad back in 2005, but instead I learned about the Quad pre and bought it instead. I have not had any cravings for any Mark series since then. Awesome preamp imo.

I actually liked the clean sound better on the Triaxis and would gladly use it as a primary foundation of clean tones. The Mark IV's high gain tone sounded a bit more in-your-face and articulate, though the eq helped make up a fair amount of the difference.

Leon, this is a great video, but you're really missing out by not using the Triaxis with a 2:90. It really is night and day better than the 2:50 for the Triaxis.

I bought Mark IV last week. I still smile!

Currently using a Triaxis and had a MkIV back when they first came out, back in 90 or 91. The MkIV was absolutely savage but it absolutely ate power valves/tubes at a ferocious rate and performance would drop off to the point where I got really ticked off, so I sold it in a fit of "sod this" and avoided Boogies until I spotted the Triaxis in a shop, tried it, and had to have it. Doesn't really come alive until you push serious air though, and it's much trickier to dial in than the MkIV was. I used to run it in stereo into an ancient Marshall Series 9000 50+50 EL34 power amp, run hot, dimed, and out to two 4 x 12s. It was brutal and fun. The trend nowadays is for low wattage on stage unfortunately so I wouldn't get much work with that rig, so I used a 20 mono valve power amp and it's not the same at all. I even have an isocab but perish the thought. I run mine using a GT100 and the 4 cable method so I have the ability to put things in the loop but I don't think a graphic eq "preset" on a multi-fx is the same thing at all as the physical, nuts and bolts real thing.

You can buy a rackmount kit for the Mark IV. We need a Mark IV reissue with MIDI, double Graphic EQ, more usable channel 2 and maybe footswitchable mid gain/harmonics. Basically the same as what John Petrucci did for the IIC+.

Nice comparison Brah. Mesa’s have always been notoriously hard to dial in and being an owner of a Mesa Studio Preamp for 20 years, I have an insight into what you have to deal with, tone wise. My only advice, which you can take with a pinch of salt, is beware of boosting those 80/240hz graphic sliders. It’s usually a one way ticket to mud city. I always cut 5db at 240hz, 3 dB at 80hz , then use your rotary Bass/mid/treble pots to dial in your sound. Try it, you might be surprised what it can do!

Seeing them stacked on an amp head on it's side is making me so nervous 😂

you need the 2:90 and engage modern...then you'll see what the triaxis is really capable of...sorry but not crazy about the way you have the tri dialed in

Mark IV is an insane amp... my dream amp since younger days!

I managed to get hold of a super rare dual graphic rack eq built by Mike b at mesa. Its the ultimate paring for the triaxis

I moved from a Mk4 to a Triaxis/2:90 setup, purely on the fact that this Triaxis setup was extremely well reviewed, and most importantly, 100% midi controllable (including G-Force fx) - not only patch changes but also parameter changes, so using a couple of expression pedals into an FC-200 would let me change G-Force delay mix, Triaxis Drive level, etc etc.

the gear acquisition syndrome anguish in this video is palpable! i feel for ya dude!

Another additional to the EQ on Loop, you can get the SimulClass 290 as you can use Triaxis to activate the 3 extra Amp Voicing on 290 - Deep, Classic and Modern. With make a comparison with MkIV again!!!

Interesting take. My first "real" amp was also a Triaxis (though paired with a 50/50 rather than a 2:90). When I got a Mark IV, I found myself preferring it because it sounded less compressed and more "organic". I eventually sold the Triaxis; then went got onto the Fractal bandwagon (AxeFX Ultra then II), which I feel can deliver fantastic Mesa Mark (and Triaxis) tones. Interestingly, the Marshall-flavored amps in the AxeFX in turn led to me getting a JJ and MetroPlex to achieve that particular vibe. Now I've come full circle, awaiting delivery of a new AxeFX III this week (and your videos on that unit's usability enhancements helped make that decision). Still have the Mark IV, though. :)

The Triaxis does have a Graphic EQ. It is just set to the 10 most commonly used settings as the Amp.

I preferred the triaxis in all of these it may be different in the room but i love it

you can also do the 4cm with your Axefx, and use the GEQ or PEQ

Leon, you NEED the mark 4. Don't deny yourself what inspires you. You only have one life to be the best you can be.

To me Triaxis>Mark IV for cleans, but otherwise the Mark IV takes it for crunch and metal tones.

This is why preamp has desapear since 10 / 20 years. I've had a triaxis late 90's and I sold it because of that kind of compression. A head breathe for me, more real, more smoother. Road King II is a beast for me. The best clean sound I've ever had.

Triaxis tone curves dry up while the mk iv can maintain a saturation in the 240 kHz. BUT, triaxis in a rack with a little bit of help punches really hard. Both racked with a good midi switch would satisfy the pallet.

Hey Leon, I have a triaxis with the non phat mod TX4 board and a simul class 2:90. If you can get this exact combo, I believe you would get what you are searching for in lead 2 yellow. You need modern and deep switches engaged on the 2:90 to get there. I must say though; I'm not sure why anyone ever talks about how awesome and totally crushing lead 1 red is with the TX4 board and a 2:90. It's a dual rectifier sound that outright kills for anything metal. I think it is better than the lead 2 sounds for heaviness smoothness and focus. Tx4, 290 and lead 1 red with bass 6, dynamic voice up around 4, drives at 6 or 7= ultimate shred!

Hi, I have a triaxis with 2:90 and I have a Mark IV combo too. I prefer the triaxis because of the midi capability and sounds different in live. I guess you cannot judge the sound comparison 0n those volume levels. Anyway I can tweak the the mark IV sounds using the triaxis. Good video always . Thanks and God Bless

I bought a Triaxis and couldn't fall in love with it. I wanted to. But I also used a marshall power amp so maybe that was the problem.

Rack mounted MkIV. I used to own such a beast. It actually exists and was a rare boogie made custom. Bought by myself on eBay around 04. Listed it for sale (dumb) and actually sold it to the original owner that found my eBay listing in 07. I then and now have a Triaxis and 2:90. Leon, sell the 2 50 and go for the 2:90. You’re missing out as they were made for each other. The modern and deep are preprogrammed in software to switch from the triaxis rear panel. Or you could do your own switching. I’m telling ya, the 2:90 circuitry will transform your triaxis. BTW check the triaxis manual for the dynamic voicing vs. graphic EQ chart. The .5 increments can get close to your frequencies delight. Oh and you could probably come out even. The 2:90 can be had for 600.00 US and your fifty probably the same. I promise you won’t be disappointed and you’ll save a bunch!

I would love to hear TY TABOR play with a Mark series. I know he went boogie during Dogman but it was a Rectifier head. -Chris (the band’s drummer)

Mesa make a pedal of their 5band mark series graphic, try that.

Great video, thank you for such an awesome comparison. I've had a Triaxis and 395, and then 2:90 for about 10 years, and the cleans and the Mark IV modes are always my favorites.

Sorry I can’t help you justify not buying this amp but the mark lV is where it’s at man that crunch tone kills. Just sounds fuller and more warm and natural. Never have tried anything Mesa boogie always used Marshall stuff but they definitely spark my interest. I’ve been looking closely at the triple crown for a while now.

Cool demo dude ! But sorry , personally I prefer the Mark iv ; it's more open , in your face, more organic too. I found that Mesa's Mark series (especiallyiii and iv ) have one of the best gain structure and complexity on the market ... of production amps.

I've owned every Mark series amp but no studio preamp, no quad preamp, and no triaxis yet. If I were a gigging musician I'd bring along my Mark V 90 to every gig and know that I've got every tone I'll ever need. The Mark IV was nearly as good but there's some control sharing to contend with. The separate control set for each channel puts the V over the top. But the Mark III blue stripe has a savage aggressiveness that makes it my single favorite Mark.

As a proud Triaxis owner I can tell you that the Triaxis is basically worthless without a good external EQ in the loop. Dynamic Voice sounds terrible. Put an EQ in the loop of the Triaxis and you'll have a much closer fight. edit: oh, looks like you did that!

On the triaxis R1 (green), it's equivalent to having the bass knob pulled on the Mark IV. So, that's why the triaxis felt more full. Also, on the Mark IV, when you were laying clean, I think that you said that you had the gain at max. Then you said that you had the knob pulled to activate bright. If you've got the gain at max, the bright will have no effect because the bright cap simply allows the highs to bypass the gain knob. If you've got the knob at max, it's already bypassed (for all frequencies). Finally, your crunch comparison was cool. There is indeed no equivalent of the mark IV's R2 channel on the triaxis. Your demo clearly exposed that. Well done. FYI, I'm an owner of a triaxis and a Mark series amp, too. I, too, prefer the amp as opposed to the triaxis.

This title brings to my mind that meme with the little girl saying "why not both?"

Over the years, I’ve pretty much gone through most of the popular amps at the time! Most of them were disappointing! One trick ponies! Then I discovered Mesa Boogie Triaxis! Now that’s the versatility I’m looking for! If you want total versatility, then you need to marry it with Boogie Power amp and speakers! It’s the speaker and amp settings that give you that flexibility! Considering, Randall Smith, Jim Marshall, and many others took their basic designs from Fender! I have a Mk1 Triaxis and a Simul 395 into 2xMesa Boogie Half Backs! The top speaker is the C90 and the bottom an EV12L! Plus, the Presence controls also make a massive difference on the amps output! I’ve considered selling my rig over the years but when push comes to shove? Nothing comes close!

the Tri for me...only because of the programming capabilities, i would be able to get what i want with a click of a footswitch

You will probably think I’m crazy, but I’ve owned a triaxis 2 different times. Both times a sold it off and stayed with my modded Soldano SP-77 pre amp. Maybe because I did more “rock” than “metal”.....I felt like the Soldano was a little more dynamic. The Mesa seemed “all or none”. Still, a phenomenal piece of gear. 👊🏻

As i wrote in a different post i dont understand why mark iii is always jumped... Such a great and underrated amp

My goodness, why do strats just have to sound so good 😍😍

Finally bought me a iv, it cranks! Not the easiest to find in perth as im sure you know

If you haven’t recently brushed up on the manual of the TriAxis, the Dynamic Voice control blends the EQ’d tone with the non-EQ’d tone, besides the fixed pre-programmed shapes. Never fear you can buy a Mesa 5-band pedal if the Boss isn’t working out as well as you’d like. I use one of the EQs on my Quad Preamp in conjunction with the TriAxis, which is a beast by itself. Despite having the Quad and TriAxis, I bought a Mark IVb. Having analog controls and push-pulls, etc. was the deciding factor. That and rack gear is too cumbersome for the things I do. Awesome review on the Mark IV, BTW. Cranking the gain on the clean channel was something I never explored. Keep up the amazing work!

Great video. You might find the gap closes a little more if you run the Triaxis with a 2:90 poweramp (the deep and modern voicing switches are where the secret sauce is for high gain). I also back using a GEQ rather than the DV, certainly more flexible that way. The MkIV sounds great but for live flexibility loses out a little bit with it having no midi.

Leon, what a great video. Thanks for sharing. The Triaxis is awesome, but I just love what the iv has to offer. Absolutely brilliant. Thanks.

Had Triaxis and 2:90 pared with 4x12 mesa cab for a few years, was heavy as good!

Trem O verb….still my fav Boogie amp

Ahhhhhh there it is!!! Thanks

Great video! It would be great if you made a video of Joe yo make a preset of Triaxis un the Fractal. But like real Triaxis, that is, without occupying the 5 banda eq of Mark 5. Grettings

Triaxis all the way on the first two. I agree with you about the third example - there's a nasally peak in there somewhere, that sticks out, but I bet it would sound awesome in a two-guitar setting/mix. I feel like it would provide some great separation and identity in a mix without being overpowering.

You could try the mesa 5 band graphic in a pedal. It's supposed to be identical to the graphic in the mark V. I don't know if the graphic has changed much between the iv and V. It might get you even closer than the boss pedal, as it targets the actual Frequencies from the mark.

And this is why i switched to amp sims, As a former owner of a Mark Iv B the new Amplitube stuff sounds almost spot on to my real life head. Also I play lots of different band covers so not trying to spend 2-3k per song i wanna play lol

Where's the triaxis vs Reaxis video? Nice!

I used to own a Mark IV and while the clean and lead channels were great, channel 2 was a dog. Also a very hard amp to tweak, the smallest movements make a big difference. I now have a Triaxis rig and find that I like it even more. Beautiful cleans, multiple excellent gain channels, and I can save the presets and not have to worry about endless tweaking. Also don't have an issue with the dynamic voice control, it works well.

Get yourself a dbx graphic EQ, like the 215s. That'll allow you to run true stereo, so you can tweak each side separately to get a cool frequency spread.

I would like to see a comparison like this between the Mark and a DC-5. I realy think that the DC-5 deserves at least one good demo on RU-vid. Anyone??

Great vid. Especially because I have both the TriAxis and Mark IV and stopped using the TriAxis after getting the IV, so I'm looking to sell it and your vid made me feel better by showing how they are redundant enough to not need both. The biggest benefit of the TriAxis is a bigger variety of switchable tones, but I've got an Axe-Fx for that. ;)

I like them both if you had the 90/90 power amp it has the tone switching thing in it that you can do half power for more gain and has a deep mode that can be switched in or modern mode that can also be switched in or any combination of the three. so when you switch the modern mode in it gives a brightness to the over all sound

Prefer the triaxis, just get an EQ with it.

On my playback, the gain structure is super close, I'd put a parametric in the Tri, the Q is the difference I am hearing. The Mark is brighter and more present.

great video. in this video the mark iv wins for me. in addition, I can also tell you that both myself and a friend I have played with have owned triaxis and 290 and a 20/20 for nearly two decades. A few years ago I sold my triaxis rig and got a mark v. to me the tone of the mark v is far superior to that of my beloved triaxis, as bad as it hurts to say it. well maybe not far superior, but it is fuller, more raw and the mid range sits on the mark v better. plus the tweed setting on channel 1 of the mark v may be the most underrated thing that has ever happened on an amp in my lifetime. here is where I think the triaxis shines........being stereo and having midi capabilities to store and switch presets. you sacrifice some tone for more flexibility. but for pure tone, the mark v does it for me......and in the case of this video, the mark iv would do it for me.

MARK IV has more fuller than triaxis more headroom...but both of them are great units...all the best Leon..

As ClamDigr mentioned, you could always add one of Mesa's own 5 Band Graphic EQ pedals to the TriAxis. I believe they're the same freq's as the Mark amps. That should do the trick. Also, I guess the increment settings on the TriAxis might make it more difficult to zero in than the amp.

If all you're doing is sitting on LD2Y, then good news! That's your Studio Preamp :) That's all I ever did on my TriAxis, though sometimes I'd bump into a Mk3 lead, but I can accomplish the same sound with the Studio Preamp and an OD.

Well done and thanks for using the Strat Today! As for gas help, go back to Frac! Believe it's capable of those tones ! Be Well Leon!

neither they're both just noise but, the clean sounds are great, use it for the clean sounds and use something else for the dirty sounds.

The preamp and stereo power amp are essentially the same thing. The both are made to high standards. I like the Triaxis better, because I like the control better and the Stereo power amp. I like running stereo.

OMG that Mark IV is THE SHIT!

Microanalysis, well done. We are looking closely at details here, splitting hairs. I just see the Triaxis as a much more flexible unit w/over a hundred storage locations. And there’s just something about the 19” form factor. 19” of ❤️.

I own a triaxis + 2:90. some considerations: - you need to use the 2:90 with deep and modern active in order to unleash the full potential of that beast! (improvement on the bass and highs, in order not to use DV that much). - my traxis DV is seldom used at a value > 3.5 on the lead modes, but even with that, it doesn't sound as nasal as yours, at least through my V30 4x12 cabinet. - last but not least, which tubes are you using on the triaxis? I would definitively experiment also here, especially in the V2 (Ld2 input) V3 (DV) and V4 (Ld2 drive) stages. This dramatically improved the sound for me, in both gain and frequency texture

Both bloody fantastic 😎👍🎸

I actually prefer the Triaxis rig for the heavier stuff toward the end and the IV for everything else.

I have a mark IV that I use pushed by a od 808x it’s a killer sound.

Leon get a Rane MPE 14 or MPE 28, it's a MIDI programmable rack EQ that will let you dial EVERYTHING that you want!!!

Sorry, I meant to say, nice touch with the EQ in the loop! Personally, I love the Dynamic voice in the Triaxis! It’s horses for courses at the end of the day! I confess, I’m a Tone Chaser, sure, but I’m chasing my own tone! It’s what works for you and what sounds good to your ears! If it sounds and feels good, it is good! You’ve got some nice kit there dude!

Stunning!

You might try changing out the 12ax7 in the first position on the Triaxis. Maybe a Chinese? They are typically a little brighter sounding than others. Might get rid of that nasally sound you don't like. Just a thought.

I would like to hear a Triaxis vrs the IIC+. People say you can't hear the difference because it is the identical circuit and card. These are my fav amps though along with the Soldano stuff.

*Yo, that is my favorite amp too! First time I played a MK-IV, I was like "WTH" LOVE IT! .......Well that and a Fender 59 Baseman Combo*

Both sound fantastic imho in the mix obviously no one would care but if you just can have one ....Mark IV for the win ..... in isolation Mark IV has the warmth in the Upper / Lower Mids that these racks can mimic but it takes so much time and know / how :) ...again just imho ...Cheers .

Yep ... The MK IV does it all. Has beautiful cleans, nice break up bluesy tones and Angry !! The whole nine. I own two of them. One of them is serial # 10. the other is a later model. # 10 just got back from Boogie from a check up.. They went through it and only replaced what was needed at a very fair price. Their customer service is top notch!! Just like their amps. # 10 is like new now. Should be a crusher for another 30 to 75 years or longer. These amps are tone tanks !!! By the way Leon that Recto Mark IV comparison was spot on.

Nothing beats Mark IV high gain. Unfortunately, I’ve never been able to pull anything but a “too clean” sterile lifeless sound from the clean channel.

That Mark 4 is sick I love it i have a Mark 2 B I love it Mesa Boogie Amps just kick Azz I just put some JJ Tubes in mine Rock on Down cool video.

Yeah! Awesome video! I used to have a Triaxis and now I´ve got a MarkIV/A. The Triaxis was really good, but NOTHIN´ will ever beat ma MarkIV! I loved the Triaxis, but the MarkIV is my hole amp-grail!

Curious how the Mesa 5 band eg pedal would sound with the Tri Axis.....

Frankly, Triaxis sounds more raw and beastly.

Compare a ld2 green is the way to get close to Mkiv.The circuit on the yellow for me,is somewhat tight that you can't efford on a iv.Under fingers speaking. Really good work Leon!

Why not both? 👌

Very very nice comparison!! I prefer Mark IV. I had triaxis/ 2:90 but I sold it. Now i have the Mark V. In my opinion the triaxis is more dark or closed. Whith less armonics. Im happier whith mark v. The cabinet i have is metalgrill halback 2 mc90 and 2 Evm12l in bottom. These cabs are more dark and with triaxis i didnt like this combination.

Saved a lot of TriAxis owners a lot of money. 😂 Never got along with the dynamic voice. I have the Mesa standalone graphic eq and the Empress. I’m set. ☺️

Killer double picking man!

FInd a TC 1140 rack mount Parametric EQ. I was gonna sell the triaxis until i made this paring.

The tri-axis has every sound from every MK series amp and more to boot. Read somewhere there's a Recto mod available for even more versatility. Add a 2:90 simul class power amp and you the ultimate in tone and a planet destroyer class chunk machine. 2:50 is ok but not all the way home. Also, no eq except a boogie should be used. Boogie eq's aren't exactly in the frequency range they're marked as even if we know better we're inclined to it use our eyes when dialing in our amps. It matters.