. entirely handmade in the USA
. 50, 100 or 120 watt lamps while
. for amplification: 4x6L6 and 2xEL34 (2x6L6, 2xEL34, 2x6L6 xEL34 2, 4x6L6, 4x6L6 xEL34 2)
. 6x12AX7 for the preamp (some sites overlook a 12AX7, but there are many 6)
. Adjust for: 2x5U4 and silicon diodes (1x5U4, 2x5U4, 2x5U4 + diodes, diodes only)
. 2 Speakers 12 "Celestion 90
. 4 channels, each with 3 modes
- Channel 1: Clean / Fat / Tweed
- Channel 2: Clean / Fat / Brit
- Channel 3: Raw / Vintage High Gain / Modern High Gain
- Channel 4: Raw / Vintage High Gain / Modern High Gain
. Settings for each channel: Gain / Bass / Mid / Treble / Presence / Reverb
- HP Output Selector (A, B or A + B)
- Switch on / off an effects loop (serial) effects loop and 2 (in parallel)
. Solo Level Control (boost that can operate on all channels)
. Selector 'Variac' Bold or Spongy
. Pentode or Triode switch for EL34
. Slave Output with volume
. 9 Footswitch functions included
. Casters
. Dust cover
. Weight: close to 50 Kg!

Question manufacturing, it's serious. The finish is perfect. Rolls of amplification!

UTILIZATION

Here it gets complicated ...
The Road King is not a "simple" Dual correction or Roadster. It's kind of amp "modeling" ... version, but Mesa Boogie. There's no emulation, but the use of digital circuits of some of the most important amplifiers! Mesa Boogie does not try to copy it integrates different amps on one chassis!
It is possible to choose the configuration of lamps amplification, the method of grinding mode and even a Variac (diet modification, so dear to Van Halen, the famous Brown Sound), which significantly changes the sound.
For example, channel 1 mode with Fat 6L6 corresponds to one of Mark in Mesa. For a more "Fender" channel 1, mode Tweed, and 2x6L6 on Spongy Variac. For a more English at Marshall: channel 2 mode with 2xEL34 Brit. Channels 3 and 4 joined on Rectifiers well, but not only ...
Add to this the sensitivity of the EQ settings, effects loops, the two speakers and non-assignable for each channel ...
In short it is not plug and play! Versatility is the appointment but we must seek in all its configurations.
Fortunately the manual (in English only!) Is very well done and tells us all about the handling of the amp but also amplification in general and how to do well Soner an amp. A manual that can be valuable even without having read a Road King (thank you to Randall Smith for his comprehensive article!)
I put 9 because the setting is tedious and requires much study the manual, but how can blame him given the incredible possibilities of the amp.

SOUNDS

Right for your style of music? He can do everything! Can not find the sound you're looking (if taking the time!).
Especially it is interesting to experiment: it changes the amplification (6L6, EL34, both), the Variac, the gain modes for each channel, the grinding. The EQ knobs are incredibly sensitive and sculpt the sound alone.
It is a marvel to all floors, it has no weak question sounds.
Whatever the guitar and musical style, it fits and provides personal enrichment to your sound.

OVERALL OPINION

The masterpiece of Randall Smith! This amp is the high-end home Mesa Boogie, Brand itself high-end amplification. Not only the versatility of this amp is incredible, but the quality of each channel and each mode is by appointment. Not to mention the build quality and care given to every detail of finish. He can do everything, but mostly it's just wonderful.
Obviously this flexibility is paid by a tedious adjustment (as editable parameters!) But it is a joy to experience all the possibilities of this large jewelry.
The price of 3800 euros? It's expensive, very expensive. Twice the price, for example, a Marshall combo JVM410 yet flagship current Marshall (100 Watts, all lamps and also very versatile). So is it justified? In my opinion not completely, but you've got a Rolls of amplification, even when the Marshall would be a Mercedes S-Class