All user reviews for the Mesa Boogie DC-5 Combo

Features already mentioned elsewhere.
50 watts.
Channel 1 clean with a second crunch when you crank up the gain
MESA distortion channel par excellence!

UTILIZATION

It's very easy to dial in if you know that you have a "hidden" channel by using the gain knob on the clean channel.
The EQ is indispensable to get a good sound. An advice: Take it easy with the BASS pot on the distortion channel, especially if you EQ afterwards, because it loses a lot of energy.
From very clean to very distorted, suitable for JAZZ, BLUES, ROCK, METAL, and beyond that I don't know.

SOUNDS

It's great for the different music genres I play.
The sound is crystalline with a single-coil, but becomes VERY DYNAMIC with a good humbukcer.
I play a JAZZ EPIPHONE EMPEROR JOE PASS (Montgomery sound at will) and a LAG IMPERATOR equipped with dual switchable Saymour DUNCANs.
I love all the sounds this amp provides and have NEVER ADDED a distortion pedal (it doesn't need it). On the other hand, I use a FENDER pedalboard on the FX loop for delay chorus.
Digital pedals should not be placed between the guitar and the amp because they distort sound.
True, the amp is powerful, but it sounds fine at "low" volumes (I play in a rehearsal room not in my room).

OVERALL OPINION

I've been using this amp for 5 months and everything is great.
I bought a BLACKSTAR at the beginning of the year and I'm very happy. Since MESA is so expensive I never thought I would be able to buy one, but then I bumped into this "barely used" secondhand one.
It was a good deal, because the sound of this amp is timeless and if you take good care of it it can still last many years. Years ago I had a MESA BOOGIE preamp, so I know the brand well. I only regret it being so expensive.
Does it make any sense to talk about value for money with this brand?
I would definitely buy it again. And I also take the opportunity to say that no matter what guitar you use, this amp will do it justice.

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

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

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 easy to use once THE sound has been dialed in. Mesa offers a template guide for the different styles. Taking that as a starting point, it's easy to make corrections so it sounds the way you want it to. The two channels are well-thought out and offer two different footswitchable distortions. Afterwards it's better to adjust the volume on your guitar to achieve the desired tone. I, personally, use an SG standard, which allows me to switch between 3 volume presets. Combined with the two amp channels, I get a broad enough palette to not have to touch the amp settings during a concert.

Having to carry 66.1 lbs around is quickly compensated as soon as the tubes warm up.

SOUNDS

A striking memory I have of the first time I plugged in my guitar was thinking "So this is how my guitar sounds!" That's the impression you get from this amp, the clean sound takes the best of what the guitar has to offer.

I'm a big fan of DreamThreater and we sometimes try to rehearse some of their songs. The DC-5 undoubtedly excels in such exercises. However, we are a very eclectic band and we also love to play blues, metal, pop rock, reggae. The warmth of its sounds is perfect, whatever the result you're looking for. The clarity and roundness of the sound offers a range of possibilities that goes from a warm, embracing sound to a harrowing one, without compromising on quality.

The power has never been insufficient and even when pushed to extremes it still delivers on quality, I would even say that the sound benefits at higher volumes.

OVERALL OPINION

I bought this amp secondhand a couple of months ago and I have never regretted anything, except not having bought it earlier. Actually (many will bash at me for this), I previously had an 80W Marshall and now have the impression of having moved on from a toy to a real instrument. After having tested different brands with names such as junior blues, deville, deluxe, etc., I recommend everyone to consider a secondhand Mesa Boogie before forking out 1000 bucks in a new amp, even if you aren't considering the mesa sound in particular. Once the beast is tamed, it will offer you a rare pleasure when playing.

I have the Combo version of the DC5. The Dual Caliber (DC) series isn't in Mesa's catalog anymore, which is a pity, because it was good stuff.

Tube preamp (12AX7) + tube amp (2 x 6L6, 50W).
The watt rating is correct, it is very powerful.
- front panel: 1 guitar input, 1 footswitch input (fooswitch included),
- back panel: effects loop (send+return) with wet/dry mix. 1 auxiliary speaker output

Two totally independent channels (rhythm, lead), each with the same controls:
- gain, treble, mid, bass, volume, presence, reverb.

Common to both channels:
- 5-band EQ (see below)
- master controls

A switch allows you to activate and deactivate the EQ: The EQ has a very big influence on the sound. A push/pull on the gain button of the rhythm channel allows you to boost the sound of the channel. The footswitch has two switches (clean/rhythm and EQ on/off)

Mesa loudspeaker (12''). Solid construction with the weight to go with it (66.1 lbs). Careful with your back, get a cart.

UTILIZATION

Relatively easy to dial in (two channels) with a couple of extras:
- clean channel boost
- EQ on or off.

You need to pay special care to the frequency settings: They have a huge impact on the sound and the distortion (oh, yeah!). I don't know if that's usual for Mesa amps, but the little documentation that comes with it is very clear in this regard. And it can be easily heard.
The use, or not, of the EQ (footswitchable) has such an influence on the sound that it's almost like having a third channel.

Due to the particular possibilities it offers, dialing it in can be more delicate and less intuitive than on similar products.

SOUNDS

The clean sounds are pure, Fender-like.
The distortion sound is just what you expect from Mesa, although I can't compare it to a Mark IV or a Rectifier (I have NEVER played with a Rectifier). The DC seems more civilized, but that may have to do with the music style I play.

Its sound is ideal for blues with a Strat: It's pure, but if you want to distort it a bit, it won't complain. Everything is possible with a Gibson LP: jazz, blues, anything.
In Lead, it goes from almost not distorted to the Mesa distortion, but not extreme, in my opinion. Nevertheless, I think you can play Metal with it, but that's not my thing, has never been.

OVERALL OPINION

My first real amp with real tubes, I indulged myself: It's still a pleasure after six years. I don't regret my purchase. At the time I had tried other amps, both well-known and not so, but this is the one that made my eyes sparkle (unfortunately for my wallet).

The only real problem is that you really need some volume to get the best out of the DC-5: At low levels the sound is a bit dull in Lead mode (which is a problem in an apartment: On a scale that goes from 1 to 10, I play with the volume knobs at 1 and the master at 1.5!!!). Everybody knows that tubes need some warmth to start singing: They need to move the 12" speaker. So it is too powerful domestic use: At low levels, the distortion sound is not up to the standard.
However, when I've had the chance to crank it up, it can really howl, it's good. I wasn't cheated by the person who sold it to me: He warned me that it was really powerful.

The verdict:
Awesome clean sounds. Try not to get addicted to it, it's easy to get used to quality.
To play distortion you need to crank the volume, otherwise it's disappointing.
In any case, you need to fiddle with the EQ settings and literally sculpt your sound.
I use it with effects before going into the preamp or in the effects loop (Tonelab SE, that does it for me).
It has two MAJOR problems: Its weight and price (Mesa is expensive).

The conclusion: Recommended for anyone who can play loud, who is fit and has a friendly banker.

Edit from 11/12/2009
I finally played at normal volume with my old DC5 (13 years) since I moved it to the rehearsal room yesterday.
Still very powerful. And finally a distortion sound that isn't skimpy. I can now confirm it: You need to crank it up for the amp to get the best out of the distortion channel. No surprises.

It really smacked me yesterday, but dang, was it good!

50W combo
Two channels. Clean and Distortion + 1 Crunch channel (with switch)
All-tube amp (6)
Treble-mid-bass controls + a very effective Equalizer

UTILIZATION

Easy to use
Good sounds and versatility: ideal for jazz, Blues, Rock, Blues Rock, and Hard Rock
The user's manual is OK

SOUNDS

Warm clean sound
Very good distortion sound, different styles (from the Rolling Stones to Gary Moore and Noir Désir) thanks to the EQ and the GAIN knob.

OVERALL OPINION

I've been playing it for more than 10 years. No problems whatsoever. Tubes need to replaced every 7/8 years. Affordable and easy to find.
Very versatile, it allows you to get a very good clean sound and a very good distortion sound with lots of variations.
Power: no problem (turn the pot to 2 and your neighbors will be knocking at your door!)
A bit heavy for transport.
I hesitated a long time between this one and the Fender Twin series, but this Mesa Boogie is less bulky and offers more possibilities in terms of distortion sound. The clean sound is certainly not as good as the legendary Fender sound.
Good value for money.

all-tube, two 6l6, six 12ax7, 50 watts, more than 40 lbs, FX loop, reverb, 2 independent channels, switchable EQ....and that's it: Not too bulky and it fits in the trunk of a small car. VERY POWERFUL

UTILIZATION

A bit difficult to adjust: 2 channels with very different personality, the EQ is very effective, useful user's manual.

You can get lots of different sounds, with the switchable EQ you almost have a third channel.

the clean channel can crunch (it has a boost), while the distortion sound distorts already when set to "2"

SOUNDS

rock and punk rock: Telecaster that suits the distortion channel perfectly, huge strat with the clean channel, PRS very dense with the crunch.

I prefer: the clean very clean and silky, the distortion that can be very fat

OVERALL OPINION

It has been my rehearsal and concert buddy for three years now: It is reliable, relentless, heavy, and sturdy. It never complains and can sound clean under all circumstances. An old traditional Mesa without a single wrinkle. sensitive souls should refrain.

For an objective point of view, I recommend you to read other reviews or to visit the mesa/boogie website (it has online manuals, which is even better).
From a subjective point of view — mine — it has all connections I need and such a power that you don't know what to do with it (but it can be tamed with practice. Besides, it sounds fine even when the output is set to 2).
It's really heavy for its size, but less so than my old amp (crate vintage club), which is a good point.
And well... Since there are much more complete amps, even if it's all right for me, I give it a 9.

UTILIZATION

This amp is really easy to dial in, you can easily tell what the knobs are for by their name.
However, the EQ doesn't quite work as the one on other amps. It is more effective than on a Marshall, for example! Broadly speaking, every knob interacts with the others, which gives you a myriad of possibilities, but on the other hand... You can spend lots of time looking for your sound — in my case, it took me 1-2 hours per day for one week!
I always have the EQ engaged when using the distortion because I find the sound dull otherwise. I cut the mids a bit — it has too much! —, boost the high mids and highs to get more bite and a bit the lows for more punch.
By the way, be careful: The lows boosted this way are very punchy, they don't add any warmth and don't make your sound more "loose," so abusing it will make the sound become very powerful in the low end but with not much presence in the highs, both for rhythm guitar or solos. Disengaging it makes the sound fuzzy. What I decided to do is to boost the lows in my preamp to get some warmth and then boost them a bit more with the EQ to get some punch.
All in all, well... It's easy to find a good sound because it can only sound good. Nevertheless, it takes time to find your own sound.

The manual is more than clear, it's crystalline! Although it's a bit long. I recommend you to take the templates in the manual as starting point and fine-tune them as you go.

Update from July 16: I finally found my sound last Tuesday (the 12th), but it took me quite some time! Don't worry about it too much, you'll find your sound by rehearsing and playing concerts.

SOUNDS

It's hard to describe what I play. It's hard prog tinted with fusion, funk, and sometimes hard rock.
And well... You can get all sorts of sounds, but what I love about it is being able to have crystal-clear clean sounds and a heavy, brilliant distortion that doesn't lack fatness nor precision. You know what I mean.
You can't do better!
The way I've dialed in the distortions they are soft, punchy, brilliant, the notes are really defined, it sings, and the dynamics are huge, with an awesome sustain, a sound that makes no noise and notes that come undone. You have to hear it.
Then again, I prefer to have a separate EQ pedal for the solos, only to fine-tune and to make the less compromises possible (I boost the lows and add a bit of mids for the solos and that's it), but I would've loved the sound to be perfect without the need of the 5-band EQ, that way I could use the EQ for solos. So I take one point off for that, although I'm nitpicking. I give it a 9 because nothing is perfect.
I have an Ibanez RG 3120 with Dimarzio D-Sonic (bridge) and At-1 (neck) pickups, and I have loads of effects. There you have it, it's not too important.
I love everything about this amp.

Update July 16: I recommend setting the highs to 6 for some amazing palm mutes!!! You'll think you are James Hetfield!

OVERALL OPINION

Well, it's been a month since I have it and I am truly thrilled. I had never enjoyed playing guitar so much.
I have tried lots of gear, a Marshall JTM 60, a Marshall 30th Anniversary, an Orange AD-30, and others. I prefer this one by far.
I love everything about this amp, except maybe the somewhat discreet reverb.
Good value for money, period ($1100 secondhand), but hey, the amp you love has no price!
In hindsight, I don't know, it's an amp that suits me well right now, but if I find an ENGL I think I might prefer it, or even others. It's all a question of opportunity and I have this amp.
I hope you find my review useful!

Update July 16: Finally, it's truly the perfect amp for me! I won't go looking for an ENGL or other amps, I'll stick with Mesa/Boogie!

Everything has been said already ;o)
An amp from the pre-modeling era ;o)

UTILIZATION

Easy to dial in, you just have to turn the knobs and it shines, but be careful, the controls are really sensitive and offer a pretty broad sound palette. The manual is available online and provides quite nice settings as well. The sound is from another world.

SOUNDS

It has been my amp for ten years and I don't have any intentions of changing that. Ideal for funk, you can get a crystalline/clean Fender-like sound and an unlimited versatility for rock/blues/Jazz. I play with a Godin LGX / Ibanez JEM / Fender Stratocaster, etc.
Guitars gain in personality and can give it the best they have. In short, it's an amp that will fill your eyes and ears with good sensations! You can also get very warm, almost cloying distortions. To be honest, in these ten years I still haven't experimented with all the possibilities the amp has to offer...it's incredible!

OVERALL OPINION

I've been using it for about 10 years.
You can really tell the quality when playing in a band. It's bright, well-defined, with dynamics, precise even when there's too much hubbub.
It is not for sale anymore, obviously, but if you want to get one secondhand to get rid of your old Marshall, go for it, even if you haven't tried it out.

The +: Rare all-tube amp, almost magical
The -: Very heavy, get a cart to move it around

all-tube amp, there's no need to add anything else, technically speaking
the Dual Caliber was channel 1 and 3 of the mark IV of its time with EQ on/off

UTILIZATION

Its sound is versatile, but also complex to dial in
After 15 years I am still looking for sounds, I fiddle with it all the time, but it's easy to get it sounding
comprehensive manual that right away informs you that it won't be easy to find THE sound

SOUNDS

it's almost a 4-channel amp with the EQ on/off
and, as any good tube amp, the sound varies depending on the color of the guitar and the settings
Since I play with an LP equipped with switchable EMG P90s, the sound changes radically depending on the settings of my guitar.

OVERALL OPINION

It's been 15 years already. I haven't played much with a band. I became a dad soon afterward, so I played at low volumes, but the tubes are still awesome and the sound is definitely there!!
The best is the the sound palette and the EQ, which makes it virtually a 4-channel amp
What I like the least is the 3-switch footswitch to turn on/off the 3 settings available (channel, EQ, reverb)

Other than that, it's a MESA — that about says it all