More transparent high gain tones?

[kramerxxx]

Is there a preamp tube that could be replaced in a modern Mesa amp that could slightly lower the preamp gain and make the general tone of the amp more transparent?

What I'm looking to accomplish is a simple 12ax7 change that would allow me to get great clean tones from the high gain channels by just backing off the volume knob on the guitar.

V2 or V3? 12AT7 in the PI? Suggestions?

 

[mrd]

That should do it. Look for a tube task chart to find out exactly which valve to replace. Or, try sourcing a clean NOS 12AT7 for V1. I did that on my tiny terror and it sounds just awesome.