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Published on 08/31/12 at 20:10In 2010 Mesa boogie unveiled a new take on the Dual Rectifier, this amp features the ability to toggle each channel independently between 100 and 50 watts in a fashion similar to the Mark V. All the other features remain the same as the previous iteration. 3 channels, each with a variety of modes to toggle between. Effects loop present. No onboard reverb. Powered by four of mesa boogie's own 6l6 power tubes.
UTILIZATION
The new multiwatt feature allows for a different feel when playing the amp. Switching down to 50 watts allows decent breakup even on the pushed clean mode. All three channels appear to have been re-voiced for the better. The ability to switch between tube and diode rectification independently of each channel is a welcome upgrade and opens up even more tone shaping possibilities.
SOUNDS
Starting with the clean tone, the amp is markedly improved from prior iterations. No longer does the clean channel sound brittle, instead feeling full and reminiscent of other boogie amps. The pushed clean mode allows for a surprising amount of gain and allows for assigning 3 separate gain tones in the amp. The Orange channel's mid gain sounds now easily imply hotrodded marshall and sounds brilliant and clear without an EQ pedal, something that plagued the previous design. The Red channel is capable of everything it was and more. More liquid gain (similar to the MARK IV/V) and intelligibility in lead lines make for a night and day comparison with the first generation rectifier series.
OVERALL OPINION
Great amp. Easily a all in one solution for a gigging musician. With a more than passable clean and mid gain sound available, the amp competes with other mid-market channel switchers. Used prices are still fairly strong with most observed around the $1500 price point. I highly recommend this amp to anyone who had ill feelings about the Rectifier series.
UTILIZATION
The new multiwatt feature allows for a different feel when playing the amp. Switching down to 50 watts allows decent breakup even on the pushed clean mode. All three channels appear to have been re-voiced for the better. The ability to switch between tube and diode rectification independently of each channel is a welcome upgrade and opens up even more tone shaping possibilities.
SOUNDS
Starting with the clean tone, the amp is markedly improved from prior iterations. No longer does the clean channel sound brittle, instead feeling full and reminiscent of other boogie amps. The pushed clean mode allows for a surprising amount of gain and allows for assigning 3 separate gain tones in the amp. The Orange channel's mid gain sounds now easily imply hotrodded marshall and sounds brilliant and clear without an EQ pedal, something that plagued the previous design. The Red channel is capable of everything it was and more. More liquid gain (similar to the MARK IV/V) and intelligibility in lead lines make for a night and day comparison with the first generation rectifier series.
OVERALL OPINION
Great amp. Easily a all in one solution for a gigging musician. With a more than passable clean and mid gain sound available, the amp competes with other mid-market channel switchers. Used prices are still fairly strong with most observed around the $1500 price point. I highly recommend this amp to anyone who had ill feelings about the Rectifier series.