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Hatsubai « The new F series »
Published on 04/03/11 at 18:38The Mesa/Boogie Express series is a new series of amplifiers that Mesa released to replace the highly successful F series they used to have. The 5:50 version is the 6L6 version of that amplifier. It features two independent channels with multiple voicing switches, an effects loop and reverb. These amps also come in two forms -- the head and the combo. The combo version of this amp comes in a 1x12 or 2x12 format, depending on your needs.
UTILIZATION
Mesa/Boogie did a great job packing everything in this amp. The switches feel sturdy, the knobs feel great and everything is laid out very intuitively. The Mesa/Boogie manuals are always some of the best. It features various ways on how to dial in the amp, the sweet spots of the controls, how to take care of the amp and clearly explains every feature in an easy to understand manner.
SOUNDS
The sound of this amp is a bit bigger than the 5:25. The clean is a little better, and the gain is a bit more like a normal gain tone you'd hear from Mesa. The amp is a do-anything kinda amp in that it can do great clean tones for country all the way to metal tones. When in burn mode, try adding a boost. It can really tighten things up and make the amp scream. However, I kinda feel the old F series sounded a little better, but it could be because I'm more used to them.
OVERALL OPINION
For the price of the amp, these aren't too bad. However, it might be better to find a used F series that these amplifiers replaced. If you're looking for a new, do-it-all amplifier and love that huge 6L6 sound, I recommend checking this amp out. I really wish this amp came in a rackmount model like the EL84 version does, but oh well.
UTILIZATION
Mesa/Boogie did a great job packing everything in this amp. The switches feel sturdy, the knobs feel great and everything is laid out very intuitively. The Mesa/Boogie manuals are always some of the best. It features various ways on how to dial in the amp, the sweet spots of the controls, how to take care of the amp and clearly explains every feature in an easy to understand manner.
SOUNDS
The sound of this amp is a bit bigger than the 5:25. The clean is a little better, and the gain is a bit more like a normal gain tone you'd hear from Mesa. The amp is a do-anything kinda amp in that it can do great clean tones for country all the way to metal tones. When in burn mode, try adding a boost. It can really tighten things up and make the amp scream. However, I kinda feel the old F series sounded a little better, but it could be because I'm more used to them.
OVERALL OPINION
For the price of the amp, these aren't too bad. However, it might be better to find a used F series that these amplifiers replaced. If you're looking for a new, do-it-all amplifier and love that huge 6L6 sound, I recommend checking this amp out. I really wish this amp came in a rackmount model like the EL84 version does, but oh well.