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iamqman « Royal combo! »
Published on 06/27/11 at 11:55This is Mesa's classy British voiced amp in a combo version. This is the same amp as the Royal Atlantic 100 head but just in a combo version. You get the same great tone and features as the head with only a slight change in tone. Since this is a combo you will get a smaller tone unless using the speaker output going into a 4x12 or 2x12 speaker cabinet.
I like this unit as you can take it on the go and have only a guitar you need and some effects and still be able to hook it up to a 4x12 when needed. You basically get the best of both worlds when using it this way.
UTILIZATION
Mesa/Boogie Royal Atlantic R-100 Two-channel 2 x 12" Amplifier Combo Features:
* Color: Black Taurus w/black grille
* Class A/B
* Custom designed and handcrafted in Petaluma, California
* All-tube amplifier - 4 x EL-34 (or 6L6s), 7x12AX7
* Proprietary Multi-Soak channel-assignable power attenuator (3 watts to 100 watts)
* Multi-Soak includes 5-position power attenuation switch (-16dB, -12dB, -8dB, -4dB, and 0dB)
* Bias Select switch (6L6/EL34)
* Fixed bias for consistent, maintenance-free performance
* 2 channels, 3 footswitchable modes
* Each mode with Independent Channel Master & Multi-Soak Power Controls (Multi-Soak Controls on back panel)
* Channel 1 (Clean) features: Gain, Treble, Mid, Bass, Master, and Multi-Soak (on back panel)
* Channel 2 (footswitchable Vintage Lo-Gain and Vintage Hi-Gain modes) features: Gain, Treble, Mid, Bass, Master-Lo, Master-Hi, Multi-Soak Lo & Multi-Soak Hi (on back panel)
* All-tube, long-spring reverb with auto reverb defeat switch
* Reverb Hard-Bypass switch removes entire reverb circuit from amp (all modes)
* Fully buffered effects loop w/Automatic Hard-Bypass (which completely removes itself when not in use)
* Slave Out w/level control
* External switching jacks for Vintage Low/Hi (Clean is default)
* 22" aluminum chassis
* 2 x 12" speakers
* 2-button footswitch (Clean, Vintage Low/Hi)
* Slip cover
SOUNDS
This amp sound great with just about any guitar you throw at it. I personally like the the distortion when coupled with a nice Gibson Les Paul. The British tone and from a Mesa Boogie with a good Gibson Les Paul is a match made in heaven. They compliment each other very well.
Also, a good Fender Stratocaster sounds excellent on the bluesy channels or clean channel. You get a good singing sustain that feels rich in tone and warmth.
The amp is very easy to dial in and Mesa Boogie has several videos demonstrating the EQ settings and how to dial in a specific tone. The master high and low is a unique feature and makes this amp really stand out. It allows you to tweak you tone even more to your liking or guitar's sound
OVERALL OPINION
Overall this is a great amp for someone who needs a solid build British flavored amp. Marshall has been failing to do so in recent years and Hiwatt is outrageously expensive. You can always buy a Reeves amp for half the price of a Hiwatt if that tone is your thing. Or you can pick this amp relatively cheap.
At new these amps come in at around $2150. I know that might not be cheap for some people but given the custom hand made quality of this amp and you are getting a great deal comparatively to a JVM or a Hiwatt
I like this unit as you can take it on the go and have only a guitar you need and some effects and still be able to hook it up to a 4x12 when needed. You basically get the best of both worlds when using it this way.
UTILIZATION
Mesa/Boogie Royal Atlantic R-100 Two-channel 2 x 12" Amplifier Combo Features:
* Color: Black Taurus w/black grille
* Class A/B
* Custom designed and handcrafted in Petaluma, California
* All-tube amplifier - 4 x EL-34 (or 6L6s), 7x12AX7
* Proprietary Multi-Soak channel-assignable power attenuator (3 watts to 100 watts)
* Multi-Soak includes 5-position power attenuation switch (-16dB, -12dB, -8dB, -4dB, and 0dB)
* Bias Select switch (6L6/EL34)
* Fixed bias for consistent, maintenance-free performance
* 2 channels, 3 footswitchable modes
* Each mode with Independent Channel Master & Multi-Soak Power Controls (Multi-Soak Controls on back panel)
* Channel 1 (Clean) features: Gain, Treble, Mid, Bass, Master, and Multi-Soak (on back panel)
* Channel 2 (footswitchable Vintage Lo-Gain and Vintage Hi-Gain modes) features: Gain, Treble, Mid, Bass, Master-Lo, Master-Hi, Multi-Soak Lo & Multi-Soak Hi (on back panel)
* All-tube, long-spring reverb with auto reverb defeat switch
* Reverb Hard-Bypass switch removes entire reverb circuit from amp (all modes)
* Fully buffered effects loop w/Automatic Hard-Bypass (which completely removes itself when not in use)
* Slave Out w/level control
* External switching jacks for Vintage Low/Hi (Clean is default)
* 22" aluminum chassis
* 2 x 12" speakers
* 2-button footswitch (Clean, Vintage Low/Hi)
* Slip cover
SOUNDS
This amp sound great with just about any guitar you throw at it. I personally like the the distortion when coupled with a nice Gibson Les Paul. The British tone and from a Mesa Boogie with a good Gibson Les Paul is a match made in heaven. They compliment each other very well.
Also, a good Fender Stratocaster sounds excellent on the bluesy channels or clean channel. You get a good singing sustain that feels rich in tone and warmth.
The amp is very easy to dial in and Mesa Boogie has several videos demonstrating the EQ settings and how to dial in a specific tone. The master high and low is a unique feature and makes this amp really stand out. It allows you to tweak you tone even more to your liking or guitar's sound
OVERALL OPINION
Overall this is a great amp for someone who needs a solid build British flavored amp. Marshall has been failing to do so in recent years and Hiwatt is outrageously expensive. You can always buy a Reeves amp for half the price of a Hiwatt if that tone is your thing. Or you can pick this amp relatively cheap.
At new these amps come in at around $2150. I know that might not be cheap for some people but given the custom hand made quality of this amp and you are getting a great deal comparatively to a JVM or a Hiwatt