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What I would suggest is that if the problem is related to changing the power output setting, simply set it up at home using the 100W output.
I notice this even with my little Vox Mini5 - it has lower power settings as well (0.1W and 1.5W). It alters the sound much more if you switch to those, rather than just turning the MV down on the 5W setting.
"Take these three items, some WD-40, a vise grip, and a roll of duct tape. Any man worth his salt can fix almost any problem with this stuff alone." - Walt Kowalski
"Only two things are infinite - the universe, and human stupidity. And I'm not sure about the universe." - Albert Einstein
The only substantial change I made from Friday's gig was to boost the gain quite a lot, which seemed to make the EQ controls less twitchy. It's way more gain than I'll ever use so I'm riding the guitar volume a lot, but with the 250k log pots I use in everything it's do-able.
The neck pickup tones were still a touch boomy with those almost pasted-on low frequencies, but I can honestly say the bridge pickup tone sounded almost as good as anything I've had live, with any amp.
This was with the master almost all the way up on the 50w setting.
I've just tried the same settings this morning at home except on the 0.5w setting, and on the 50w setting with the master lowered and both sound absolutely lame. Shame really, one of the reasons for me going digital was to have consistency across all volume levels, but never mind, I have enough patches to be able to save home and gig settings.
I'm getting there basically, we'll see what the next gig brings.
@ICBM I will get around to trying the Mitchell Donut one day, but my Mitchell hot cross bun seems to be working pretty well
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IMgFDnxkRkQ&feature=push-u&attr_tag=JsuDH1AIaarWHjt6-6
That explains a lot about a certain other video comparing different manufacturers' modellers.
For years, the best sounding most versatile gigging rig I've ever had is my original 'Blue' Vox Valvetronix AD120VTX, AD212 extn cab (with the cab that's 4x12"!) & VC12 floor-controller - unlike the later 'budget' versions, this was purpose-designed as a gigging amp and because the valves are in the power-stage it really does respond & sound very close to an valve-amp (eg it reacts to speaker impedance just like an all valve amp). And it's damned loud too!
But the problem is the weight! I simply can't schlapp it around any more in/out cars, up/down stairs - the (2x12) combo is 58lbs, the extn cab is 43lbs and the VC12 is 12.5lbs - so that's over 110 lbs plus cables/speaker leads. I just don't do the 'bigger' gigs anymore that I used to and (ridiculously) it's now confined to home as a 'practice' amp. Nowadays I'm using a Vox Tonelab LE/SE through the PA (or the amp at rehearsal rooms). But even the TLSE is a heavy bugger and I'll probably sell it and just the TLLE.
However, it would be nice to find a lightweight, loud and great-sounding amp that has floor control for gigging, that will give me a consistently good tone, and I could also put direct through the PA. The 1x12 50w Katana is only around 25.5 lbs, the 1x12 100w is 32lbs, and GAFC Footswitch is only a touch over 2lbs. So the total 'rig' at 34lbs is easily manageable, even at my age and with a bad back.
I have got to go try one - I think Soundgarden in Barnet may be my best bet.
All originals with one cover song by the Strokes.
He played lead using my guitar fitted with Oilcity Scrapyard Dogs into TU3, SD1, DS1, BD1 then Katana 100w 1x12. He ran Master on full with 50w power option and he was miked. Modulation was via Katana using the GF foot controller.
His lead singer/rhythm guitarist played an Epiphone Les Paul into a borrowed Fender FM212. Also in the band was a keyboard player, Bass and full drum kit.
Sound is subjective but they sounded absolutely terrific to me. Fair play to the sound guy as he mixed them superbly.
Room had a low ceiling and was packed around 100 people.
Superb night and they are a very talented band.
Just updated the firmware. Seems there was a v2.02 update to fix a few small issues with the update in October.
I think a lot has to do with how players play. I had a similar experience to the OP and gave up, but the Katana's sound good for most people and to be fair, I've no doubt I'd think the same about listening to somebody else play them.
To me for gigging it's a no brainer, for an extra £50 and 5kg, I'd go for a used Hot Rod Deluxe (like the one in the classifieds), which to me sound instantly good. Clean channel set at 5, OD pedal, simple. But that's all they do.....Wheras the Katana is much more.
One thing I would say, is give the Katana 10 gigs for the speaker to break in and see how it goes.
Yeah that's my view as a working muso, the 100 watt Katana isn't much cheaper than a used quality valve amp which as you say generally sound great with no effort at all. I picked up a nearly new Hot Rod Deluxe for £360 and pretty much loving that