Mesa Boogie DC-5 Combo user reviews ( 9/10) - 10 user reviews

• 09/14/04

  MGR/i's review "Mesa Boogie DC-5 (dual caliber)"

  Characteristics

  Utilization

  Sounds

  Overall Opinion

  Purchased new in late 1994; around US$1200.
  
  
  
  Two channels and a footswitch (so I\'m not a boutique-purist-know-it-all-snob, big deal). The reason I bought it originally was the wide variety of tones, not least of which was the high gain second channel. Back then I was a teenage rocker. I\'ve broadened my horizons since then, but I still like to rock now and then. Anyway, channel two was blistering, and I had dreams of being the next Billy Corgan, washing the masses in sweet feedback, and then slicing their heads open with Pantera/Metallica-ish riffs. Like I said, I was young. So when I bought the amp, I didn\'t realize it didn\'t get very good clean sounds. More on that later. The footswitch is good. What else... oh yeah, the 5 band EQ is great, and the ability to pair it with either channel or both is also great. The push/pull gain knob on channel one increases the versatility. You can get some pretty raunchy sounds from channel one, and not just teenage-fantasy gain either. That\'s what the second channel is for. Whatever you want to play— blues, rootsy, straight-up rock n\' roll AC/DC style, alt.country fuzz— can be played just on that one channel. Between the EQ, the treble, mid, and bass knobs, and the push/pull gain control, you can dial in about anything you need. Also the master volume. Each channel has it\'s own volume control, and then there\'s one master volume. That\'s pretty cool too.
  
  
  
  The clean sounds, or lack thereof. If you can clean channel one up, it sounds weak and brittle. The reverb is weak as well. Good thing I don\'t use reverb that much. That\'s about it.
  
  
  
  I guess it\'s pretty good. I haven\'t had any trouble in 10 years, but I don\'t gig or anything. My brother used it for a few I think, and a friend of mine used it for one. It\'s fairly solid.
  
  
  
  Here\'s the thing— I usually play strats (a USA Start Plus from 1991 and Mexi-strat with wild, noisy pickups, also 91). The amp sounded great for me, and then one day I got a hold of a Les Paul (Studio Lite, mini humbuckers, solid mahogany carved top body, no maple, and the worst bridge ever made, a Steinberger floating dealy) that really brought the amp to life. The amp was rockin\' before, but now it\'s even more so. Way more so. I can only imagine the destructive powers of a really good LP, SG, or a PRS or something.
  
  
  
  This review was originally published on http://www.musicgearreview.com
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• 10/27/03

  MGR/Andrew Nicholls's review "Mesa Boogie DC-5 Combo"

  Characteristics

  Utilization

  Sounds

  Overall Opinion

  I traded my TC Electronics g-major effects unit for this combo. That guy was a moron.
  
  
  
  I like the built in graphic eq! So convenient! Mine was damaged and someone wired the pull knob in the boost position before I got it, so I haven\'t heard the unboosted clean channel. But I am planning on getting it repaired. But the 2 channels I have to work with now are great! I can get almost fender-y cleans if the gain is low on the clean channel, and I can really tear shit up on the lead, without the use of any external processors, pedals and the like. Again, mainly due to the eq.
  
  
  
  Hey... that rhymed...
  
  
  
  I don\'t like Mesa/Boogie because of their ridiculous prices. I lookedinto getting a foot controller for this thing, they want $45 american dollars for a 1-button! Screw that, I am now using my a/b box (was free whenever I got it...) with an insert cable. Works fine.
  
  
  
  It seems tough enough. It\'s in bad cosmetic condition, but this one is an old one. As soon as I take it in for a tune up I\'m sure it will rock once again.
  
  
  
  Mesa has got one hell of a libido. They should tone down on their prices.
  
  
  
  This review was originally published on http://www.musicgearreview.com
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• 08/24/11

  houbavst's review ( translated ) Improve this translation " powerful"

  Characteristics

  2 all-tube 6L6 12AX7 6, 50 watts more than 20 kg, reverb effects loop, 2 channel equalizer indepndants DISENGAGEABLE .... the total: compact and fits in the trunk of a small car. VERY POWERFUL

  Utilization

  just a sharp set: 2 channel to the very different equalizer is very effective. manual very well done.
  
  
  
  We can get a lot of different sounds. with eq debrayble was presqueun 3 channels.
  
  
  
  the channel can calir cruncher (it has a boost) boosted channel .... saturated "2"

  Sounds

  rock and punk rock: telecaster that goes very well with the channel saturated Start the huge clear, very dense on the PRS crunch.
  
  
  
  I prefer: the light is very clear silky, saturax which can be very bold

  Overall Opinion

  mate has been saying for three years and concerts: it is reliable, indestructible, heavy and strong, it does not flinch, and can sound clear at all times. mesa has an old old who has not aged a bit. not for the sensitive.
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• 05/01/11

  Grattouille33's review ( translated ) Improve this translation " Huge!"

  Characteristics

  Well, for what is the goal, I suggest you refer to other opinions, even at the site of mesa / boogie (there are online manuals: it is even better).
  
  In the subjective, me there all the connections I need, a power not know what to do (but controllable in the repeat, the more the sound is still good even if the output is on 2 ... ).
  
  For its size, it is really heavy, but it is less than my old amp (crate vientage club), so it's a good point.
  
  Well ... As there is much more complete as amp, although for me it's going well, I put 9.

  Utilization

  The setup is very simple, we know what are the knobs to their name, so no problem ...
  
  on the other hand, to equalize, their action is not necessarily the same as other amps ... It's much more efficient than a Marshall for example! Basically, each button interacts with others, resulting in a myriad of possibilities, but in return ... It may look far to find his sound - in my case, for a week for 1 or 2 hours a day!
  
  Also, I keep the 5-band EQ engaged all the time to saturation, because I think the sound is a bit flat without it. I dig the mediums there are many! - Back the high-mid and treble to bite, some serious punch.
  
  Moreover, attention: serious-added in this mode there are very punchy, they do not add no heat and do not make your sound a bit more "loosened" abuse would cause the sound to be too powerful rhythmic serious and not enough presence in the treble, both for small rhythmic solos. Instead, remove makes the sound fuzzy. So I made my choice: I added bass preamp to warm up in the sound, then I added a little EQ to the punch.
  
  Basically, well ... It's easy to find a good sound, because there are only sounds good, for cons, it must spend time to find his own sound.
  
  
  
  The manual is more than clear, it is clear! However, it is a bit long. Moreover, I advise you on models from the manual settings as a basis, then polish up afterwards.
  
  They say the DC-5 is similar to Mark IV ... The sound is not exactly like I say, the behavior of the equalizer is different ... Basically, do not you copy the sound of Petrucci in his new video for Mesa / Boogie!

  Sounds

  What I play, it's hard to describe ... Of hard-prog-tinged fusion, funk, and sometimes hard rock simple, and now ...
  
  Well ... We can get any type of sound, but basically I like to have clear sounds very clear and crystalline, and distorted sounds heavy, glossy, but also bold and accurate ... Finally here, you understand me ...
  
  Bin and voila! It found everything!
  
  Saturations, as I have settled, are soft, punchy, brilliant, notes are really defined, it sings, and the dynamic is enormous, super sustain, a sound that is not static, and notes that Talking ... You have to hear, absolutely.
  
  For cons, I'd rather have an EQ pedal for solos schedule, just to refine, and having to make as few compromises as possible (I remove the bass and adds a chouille mediums for soli ... here ), but I liked the sound is the basic equation to be perfect without the 5 bands, and this way I had 5 bands of the equation for the soli ... So 1 point less for that, but it was to split hairs ... Because nothing is perfect either, I put 9.
  
  So I like guitar an Ibanez RG 3120 with Dimarzio D-Sonic (bridge) and At-1 (neck), and I have full effect ... Finally, here is what is very important.
  
  In this amp, I like everything.

  Overall Opinion

  Well, it's been a month and some that I have, and I'm really happy ... I never enjoyed playing electric guitar.
  
  I tried many things, a Marshall JTM 60, a Marshall 30th Anniversary, an Orange AD-30, and others ... This is one I preferred by far.
  
  I love everything about this amp, except maybe the reverb a little discreet.
  
  Good value for money, without more (850 € for OCCAZ), but hey, the amp you love is priceless!
  
  With experience, I do not know is an amp that suits me for now, but if it is I love a lot ENGL, or other ... So the opportunity makes the thief, and I have this amp.
  
  I hope this review was helpful!
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• 10/29/10

  fab72's review ( translated ) Improve this translation " MArk"

  Characteristics

  amp any lamp, said all t cot technical
  
  Dual Caliber c'tait Channel 1 and Channel 3's Mark IV to the era with the equalizer on / off
  
  So

  Utilization

  rang and it versatile, but also complex rglages
  
  after 15 years I always looking for sounds, I always cheat but still sounds quickly
  
  comprehensive manual and informs you immediately that the complex will rglages to find THE sound

  Sounds

  it's almost a 4-channel equalizer with on / off
  
  more like any good amp lamp, the sound varies with the color of his branch of the guitar and rglages
  
  As I play with a team of LP EMG P90 switchable, depending on rglages my guitar, the sound changes drastically.

  Overall Opinion

  15 years already and all its lights, very little played in a group, I quickly became a dad, so I play low volume, but the lights are always nickel and its presents!
  
  Most is the range of sounds and the equalizer coming into a 4-channel
  
  the less I say that no single pdalier 3 switch for on / off the 3 rglages possible (channel, equalizer, rverb)
  
  
  
  Otherwise it's Mesa, has almost says it all and especially the small happiness
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• 03/10/10

  R3dlight's review ( translated ) Improve this translation

  Characteristics

  All were told: o)
  
  An amplifier before the age of modeling o)

  Utilization

  Simple setup, you turn the knobs ... AC and lights, watch settings are ultra sensitive and therefore offer a palette of colors really wide. The manual is still available on the internet and offers some nice adjustments elsewhere. The sound is from another world ...

  Sounds

  My amp is 10 years and I do not change. Perfect for funk, one can find its crystalline / clear the fender and versatility off-limits for rock / blue / jazz. I play it with a Godin LGX / Ibanez JEM / Fender Stratocaster etc. ...
  
  The guitars are becoming more and personality may express their character. In short, an amp you stick out in the eyes and ears! We can also make hot almost honeyed disto ... Honestly, in 10 years of use I have not experienced any possibility of the beast ... incredible!

  Overall Opinion

  I use about 10 years ...
  
  We realize also the quality of his group ... It is clear, defined, dynamic, precise, even among a hubbub.
  
  It is sold most obviously, but if you planned to buy one of your old OCCAZ and refourger Marshmal, go ahead, but go ahead even without trying ...
  
  
  
  The pros: rare amp, all lamps, almost magical
  
  The -: very heavy, consider buying a devil for a walk
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• 01/20/06

  cb41's review ( translated ) Improve this translation

  Characteristics

  Good connections and especially that of the lamps!

  Utilization

  Simple Config
  
  dual channel is in the name + reverb + pedals in switch
  
  the sound is big it's still the mesa!
  
  manual y 'is not really necessary unless there had never Amp

  Sounds

  Great clean sounds, it sounds round and warm
  
  the distortion I am not a fan (of all the distortion in genral I do not play in the clear)

  Overall Opinion

  I possde a decade and it has a trs good sound, the only problem is its weight.
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• 12/29/05

  le reverend's review ( translated ) Improve this translation

  Characteristics

  I have the Combo version of the DC5. The series of Dual Caliber (DC) is no longer in the catalog Mesa, which is a shame because c'tait good stuff.
  
  
  
  Pramplificateur 12AX7 + 2 x 6L6 amplifier lamps (50W).
  
  The Watts are the trs is powerful.
  
  - Front Panel: 1 guitar input, footswitch between 1 (included)
  
  - Rear panel: effect loop (send + return) mix with wet / dry. 1 x HP supplmentaire
  
  
  
  Two-channel totally indpendants (rhythm, lead) the same with each rglages:
  
  - Gain, treble, mdiums, bass, volume, prsence, reverb.
  
  
  
  For both channels:
  
  - A 5-band EQ (see below)
  
  - A master gnral
  
  
  
  A switch allows you to use or not EQ: trs big influence SETTING THE tone or EQ on the sound. A push / pull button rhythm channel gain can boost the sound on this channel: effect guaranteed. The footswitch has two switches (clean / rhythm and EQ / no EQ)
  
  
  
  Speaker Mesa (12''). Construction trs consquent solid weight (> 30 kg). Warning kidneys, prvoir smoothly.

  Utilization

  The configuration is relatively simple (two channels), but with the little extras:
  
  - Boost the clean channel
  
  - Start or not the EQ.
  
  
  
  We need to focus its trs rglages frequency drives: they have an influence on the standard and its saturation (h yes). I do not know if it's a gnralit Mesa amps, but the little doc that comes with the trs bte is clear on this subject. In addition, a very well defined.
  
  The use of EQ or not (possible footswitch) is so influential on the sound that was almost a case of three channels.
  
  
  
  Because of these possibilities particulires the rglage dlicat and may be less intuitive than some competitors.

  Sounds

  The clean sounds are clear, it looks like the Fender.
  
  The distorted sounds are such that the Mesa is waiting, I can not compare with a Mark IV or Rectifier (I never jou on Rectifier). The DC seems to be civilians, but may do in the style of music I play.
  
  
  
  Start with the clean sounds are cut for the blues: it is right, but if you want a little twist, a twist without problem. With a Gibson LP, everything is also possible: jazz, blues, everything.
  
  In Lead, a goes from almost no saturated saturation Mesa, but not extreme, and finally it seems to me. However, I think Metal is possible the above but it is not my thing, never did.

  Overall Opinion

  My first real amp real lamps, I m'tais pleasure: the pleasure is always at the end of the half-dozen years. I do not regret my purchase, and I had tried era amps, known and unknown, c'tait one on which I had the flash (for my hlas wallet).
  
  
  
  The only real problem is that the DC-5 needs to speak volumes: low, the sound is still a little deaf in Lead (my problem in an apartment: on a scale of 1 10 I play with volumes 1 and Master 1.5 !!!). Now, everyone knows, lamps, need a heater to sing: it must stir the bowl 12''. And it is far too powerful for home use: low noise, the sound was not saturated the pitch.
  
  For cons, the time o I could push a little, a fuse, agmit is good. Mind you, I do not t flight: the seller had good prvenu he had potato.
  
  
  
  The verdict:
  
  Clean sounds down: attention addiction, you get used to the quality plbiens soon as we are.
  
  Saturated to play: you have to play with the volume, otherwise dcevant.
  
  In any case, try the SETTING THE littralement frequencies and to sculpt the sound to have fun.
  
  I use it with effects before the pre-amp or in the loop (Tonelab SE, was the fact).
  
  Two big problem remains: the weight, price (Mesa, it's expensive).
  
  
  
  The conclusion: advice for anyone who can play hard, have big arms and a banker who accommodating.
  
  
  
  <strong>Edit 11/12/2009
  
  I replayed last normal volume with my old DC5 (13 years) since yesterday admnag local for the winter.
  
  Boudiou, still as powerful. And finally a saturated its not metric: I can confirm, it takes volume to the machine is expressed on the saturated channel. No miracle.
  
  
  
  What a slap he put the old last night, but that damn good ... c'tait
  
  
  
  </strong>
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• 12/28/05

  fredzyk's review ( translated ) Improve this translation

  Characteristics

  50 W Combo
  
  Clear two-channel and a channel Satur + Crunch (in switch)
  
  All lamps (6)
  
  Rglage acute-medium-severe + very effective Equaliser

  Utilization

  Easy to use
  
  Good sound and versatile: ideal for jazz, Blues, Rock, Blues Rock and Hard Rock
  
  OK Manuel

  Sounds

  Good clear sound, clean and warm.
  
  Drive sound very good, different style (De Rollling Stone Gary Moore through Black Dez) through the equalizer and GAIN control.

  Overall Opinion

  I play it for 10 years. No problem. Lamps need changing every 7 / 8 years. Affordable and easy to find.
  
  Very versatile, allowing for very good clear sound and very good sound saturated with a wide variety of sound.
  
  Power: no problem (a potentiometer and two neighbors are already at home!)
  
  A little heavy to carry.
  
  I hesitated between that and the series of Fender Twin, but the Mesa Boogie and less bulky and has a wider range of its saturated. The clean sound is a little worse than the legendary Fender sound.
  
  Rapporteurs good money
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• 12/09/05

  Amelkin's review ( translated ) Improve this translation

  Characteristics

  50 watts, 6x12AX7
  
  2 channels, one with Pull Boost
  
  Graphic EQ
  
  Reverb
  
  Parallel FX Loop
  
  Headphone Out
  
  Recording Out w / Silent recording switch

  Utilization

  It is very simple to use once the sound parameter. Mesa offers a template guide for DIFFERENT styles you want. Then cel is from ais to correct for what you want. Although penss, the two channels offer the possibility of two distos diffrent with the foot switch, then it should rgler volume on the guitar to get the grain you want. I use a Custom SG Standard, which can swich of 3 pr-volume control. Combined with two channels of the amp I get a panel enough to avoid having to touch the amp SETTING THE concert
  
  
  
  Handling of 30kg bte rcompenseds soon as heat lamps.

  Sounds

  A vivid memory, and when I plugged my guitar on it for the first time a feeling came to me mind, "so it's the sound of my guitar rel". It REALLY gives the impression that this amp, the clean sound that reproduces the guitar better.
  
  
  
  I'm quite a fan of DreamThreater and we sometimes try to take back some of their songs. There is no doubt that the DC-5 excels in this type of exercise. However, we are an eclectic group and our trs DLIR spend as much by blues, metal, rock FM, reggae, ... The warmth of his passes beautifully whatever your exact manner. Indeed, the clarity and fullness of sound offers a range that goes from hot to dchirant coating without compromising on quality.
  
  
  
  Power is never taken into default and even a high efficiency is maintained irrprochable quality, I would say even the sound gets better high volumes.

  Overall Opinion

  Bought a few months ago on occasion this amp makes me regret a single thing not to have bought more tt. In Ralite (I'll put the world back) Prior possdant a Marshall 80W I now feel be pass the toy instrument. Test for some brands the name junior blues deville, deluxe, ... I strongly advise all before investing in more than 1000 euros a nine amp Whereas buying a Mesa Boggie secondhand because even if no grain mesa Whereas particular, After bte tames it will offer you a fun game rarely discoveries.
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