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PurposeToMelody « Great amp! just not for what it costs. »
Published on 03/19/11 at 10:17100 Watts, Class A/B Power / 4x6L6, 5x12AX7, 2x5U4
Bias Select Switch (6L6/EL34)
Fixed Bias for Consistent, Maintenance Free Performance
3 Fully Independent Channels with 8 modes (Channel 1=Clean or Pushed, Channel 2= Raw, Vintage High Gain or Modern High Gain, Channel 3=Raw, Vintage High Gain or Modern High Gain
Independent Gain, Treble, Mid, Bass, Presence and Master Controls per Channel
Output Level Control (over all channels, when activated)
Footswitchable Solo Level Control - Patent 6,724,897 (over all channels, when activated)
Selectable Dual Rectifier Switch (Tube/Diode - Patent 5,168,438))
Bold/Spongy “Variac” Switch (Patent 5,091,700)
Assignable Parallel FX Loop w/Send & Mix Level Controls
Slave Out with Level Control
External Switching Jacks for Channels 1, 2, 3, Solo & FX Loop
5 Button Footswitch (Channel 1, Channel 2, Channel 3, Solo & FX loop)
Slip Cover
UTILIZATION
While the Mesa manual is VERY clear and easy to read, it doesn't matter how good you are, the active EQ and the ridiculous amounts of buttons, knobs, switches and other things makes this a hard amp to dial in no matter who you are. Especially if you're like me and come from a background of british amps. don't expect to EQ this like a marshall (treble roll off higher mids higher bass) and you'll be ok.
SOUNDS
Really only used this with my Les Paul and it sounds great. It does take a LOT of time to make sound great, and it is picky about speakers (its a V30 fan). I'm not gonna lie, this thing is just a pain in the rear to dial in. BUT once its there it sounds great. You want AIC? you got it. you want Blink182? you get that too. it sounds great, and it really accels at heavier stuff. Give it a guitar with EMGs in Drop C and it'll love you forever. The cleans are great also, very shimmery if you want, but once again it takes tweaking. I can't cover all the channels or modes, there is really just too much to cover with this amp and I really suggest you try it yourself if you can.
I do have complaints though. I feel like its really pales in comparison to the 2 channel recs from the 90s and early 2k. it sounds like a blanket is over it in comparison and honestly just isn't as raw or clear as the dual recs and it will cost you more new than a good used car.
OVERALL OPINION
I really do love the gain channel....with tweaking, its a great amp, but its not plug and play, and never will be. Overall I'd recommend it if you must go new, but I'd recommend a older dual channel recto over this. Especially for the money
I know my rating is low, and its not that its a bad amp its just that I feel I'd rather have others for the price.
Bias Select Switch (6L6/EL34)
Fixed Bias for Consistent, Maintenance Free Performance
3 Fully Independent Channels with 8 modes (Channel 1=Clean or Pushed, Channel 2= Raw, Vintage High Gain or Modern High Gain, Channel 3=Raw, Vintage High Gain or Modern High Gain
Independent Gain, Treble, Mid, Bass, Presence and Master Controls per Channel
Output Level Control (over all channels, when activated)
Footswitchable Solo Level Control - Patent 6,724,897 (over all channels, when activated)
Selectable Dual Rectifier Switch (Tube/Diode - Patent 5,168,438))
Bold/Spongy “Variac” Switch (Patent 5,091,700)
Assignable Parallel FX Loop w/Send & Mix Level Controls
Slave Out with Level Control
External Switching Jacks for Channels 1, 2, 3, Solo & FX Loop
5 Button Footswitch (Channel 1, Channel 2, Channel 3, Solo & FX loop)
Slip Cover
UTILIZATION
While the Mesa manual is VERY clear and easy to read, it doesn't matter how good you are, the active EQ and the ridiculous amounts of buttons, knobs, switches and other things makes this a hard amp to dial in no matter who you are. Especially if you're like me and come from a background of british amps. don't expect to EQ this like a marshall (treble roll off higher mids higher bass) and you'll be ok.
SOUNDS
Really only used this with my Les Paul and it sounds great. It does take a LOT of time to make sound great, and it is picky about speakers (its a V30 fan). I'm not gonna lie, this thing is just a pain in the rear to dial in. BUT once its there it sounds great. You want AIC? you got it. you want Blink182? you get that too. it sounds great, and it really accels at heavier stuff. Give it a guitar with EMGs in Drop C and it'll love you forever. The cleans are great also, very shimmery if you want, but once again it takes tweaking. I can't cover all the channels or modes, there is really just too much to cover with this amp and I really suggest you try it yourself if you can.
I do have complaints though. I feel like its really pales in comparison to the 2 channel recs from the 90s and early 2k. it sounds like a blanket is over it in comparison and honestly just isn't as raw or clear as the dual recs and it will cost you more new than a good used car.
OVERALL OPINION
I really do love the gain channel....with tweaking, its a great amp, but its not plug and play, and never will be. Overall I'd recommend it if you must go new, but I'd recommend a older dual channel recto over this. Especially for the money
I know my rating is low, and its not that its a bad amp its just that I feel I'd rather have others for the price.