DC-5's are powerful enough, my DC-3 is unbelievably loud. Yes, I can get good cleans and good overdrive. On the clean channel, the Mid knob acts as a regular Mid knob from settings 1 through 3. From 4 on, it dirty's up the clean channel. I have my Mid set at 6, and it's the most awesome blues tones that I've ever heard. It's clean with a hint of dirt. Perfect. Plus, it depends what pickups you're using. Obviously single coils with be a little cleaner.