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Hatsubai « Probably Mesa's most popular amp »
Published on 03/30/11 at 10:44The Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier three channel head is the evolution of the original Dual Rectifier. It now features three independent channels, various voicing switches, a parallel effects loop, switch between 6L6s and EL34s, and a plethora of other options. This is probably the most popular amp in Mesa/Boogie's entire lineup.
UTILIZATION
The controls on the Rectifier series are a bit touchy. If you don't know how they work, it can be hard finding that tone in your head. Thankfully, the manual outlines exactly how the tone controls work, how they interact with each other, where the sweet spots are, etc. Mesa/Boogie has some of the best manuals in the business. The biggest issue with this amp is that the effects loop does not get 100% wet. This can cause some phasing issues with certain effects, so keep that in mind.
SOUNDS
This amp gets mixed results. While it sounds good, it doesn't sound quite as good as the original, in my opinion. It's a little more buzzy and has a harsher gain character. That said, it still can sound great if you know how to dial it in. I highly recommend boosting this amp. It makes it tighter and keeps everything together more for those more technical riffs. Clean tones are alright, midgain tones are kinda iffy, but high gain tone absolutely kill once boosted.
OVERALL OPINION
The Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier three channel head is a great amp, but now that the new 2010 Rectifiers have come out, I recommend getting that instead. It's a much improved version of this amp that fixes all the issues I listed above. That said, if you have this amp already, there's no huge reason to go run out and buy the latest 2010 model. It's still a good amp, especially for metal.
UTILIZATION
The controls on the Rectifier series are a bit touchy. If you don't know how they work, it can be hard finding that tone in your head. Thankfully, the manual outlines exactly how the tone controls work, how they interact with each other, where the sweet spots are, etc. Mesa/Boogie has some of the best manuals in the business. The biggest issue with this amp is that the effects loop does not get 100% wet. This can cause some phasing issues with certain effects, so keep that in mind.
SOUNDS
This amp gets mixed results. While it sounds good, it doesn't sound quite as good as the original, in my opinion. It's a little more buzzy and has a harsher gain character. That said, it still can sound great if you know how to dial it in. I highly recommend boosting this amp. It makes it tighter and keeps everything together more for those more technical riffs. Clean tones are alright, midgain tones are kinda iffy, but high gain tone absolutely kill once boosted.
OVERALL OPINION
The Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier three channel head is a great amp, but now that the new 2010 Rectifiers have come out, I recommend getting that instead. It's a much improved version of this amp that fixes all the issues I listed above. That said, if you have this amp already, there's no huge reason to go run out and buy the latest 2010 model. It's still a good amp, especially for metal.