Andertons a bit behind on Fender HRD IV?

p90fool

I only use the clean channel, the other one sounds pretty vile.

It's not like switching to a second channel, it's like switching to a completely different amp, and a broken one with an 8" speaker at that. 

Using the clean channel flat out with a volume pedal in the loop to reduce output gives a lovely mild overdrive though, as deep and round as usual but less clanky in the highs. 

ESBlonde

I use the clean channel and pedals almost exclusively. I have used the drive channel and find that knocking back the guitars tone control a bit makes it sound and feel more musical. The more drive is fierce and I can't think where I might use that, less is more with overdrive for me.

If you want to have the amp give you continual dirt as your base sound, I would recommend either having a pedal that gives you that or trying a different amp.