All user reviews of 5/5 for the Mesa Boogie Road King Head

I'm not going to try to describe this monster so its characteristics consistent. In short, virtually every MESA amp in one big box in solid wood.


Monstrous power ... What's Mesa

Impossible for me to plug a distortion pedal. Mesa does not like tries to submit heads distorienne competition ^ ^

UTILIZATION

The strong point lies in customizing pushed to the extreme of each of the 4 channels. Were available Lamps 2 grinders, four 6L6, EL34 2, then you can select a type of amplification for each channel (eg C1 = C2 26L6: 2EL34 C3: 26L6) and then use a grinding lamps or diodes. A reverb for each channel, you can even choose the type of speakers in the cabinet if Roadking! (This is not my case)

The manual provided on the website and available MESA (in French too!) Is super clear and explains everything in detail. I can tell you that his presence is not superfluous!

SOUNDS

This amp is a chameleon .. a Godzilla box! You can do everything. Skip to Metallica, to Floyd through the Santana, AC-DC or Gojira has never been easier. Enjoy! I use it for two years now and each time I discover a new facet of this amp just by turning one tenth knob or trying a new combination lamps ... Hours or years of use are necessary to master even that two-thirds of the total capacity of the beast. I'm bored with this so never mind!

I pass from Gibson LP ESP Viper as the Tele ... Simply amazing!

OVERALL OPINION

Roadking, a name that commands respect. Difficult to tame a monster but adds value to your sound which is not negligible. This is simply the most complete amp that can exist on the market. There are a bunch of internet test I invite you to explore.

It is true that this amp is scarce, its price as much as necessary abilities. If you have the budget and you hesitate, go for the head! All others in the same price range, do not mesh. It is a monster to have.

This amp is a life ....



Note: Consider the noise-canceling headphones ...

The unit was purchased from guitar center in Azusa CA. Price was around $2500.00. Although I was very lucky and recieved it as a birthday present.

The road king has a million different tones, It allows you to choose between 3 different preamp circiuts and 5 different power amp circuits for each of the four channels. Then it allows you to assign either bold or spongy use of the power tubes. It also allows you to choose your rectifier tracking. Basically to sum it all up, you can get any tube amp circiut/ sound out of this beast. It comes with a foot controller to allow you to switch channels, turn on or off your reverb, or 2 effects loops (which are assignable to each channel and have a mix pot for each), and it allows you to trigger an external device. Channels 3 and 4 are mosterous. This is the first amp I have ever played that didn't need any effects or outboard gear to amaze you, through its settings you can get any boogie rectifier, marshall, or fender amp sound you want. All of them sounding incerdible.

Well it's a little pricey for one.
Second the effects loop has proven to be a little touchy, it doesn't like low budget effects on it. Although it sounds fantastic without effects.

Well boogie is famous for its "built like a tank" approach, and this is definately no exception. The head weighs a lot. As for quality I am sure everything is top of the line. I have a 17 year old mark 3 boogie and have never had a problem with it. With 10 of the years on it being constantly moved and transported, so I can say that boogies quality is no bs. Evryone else in my group had equipment problems with their amps, the worst problem I ever had was a loose tube.

Tonal monster, top quality pro gear, any sound you're after, if this sounds like it's for you go test drive a Road King, I love mine. With all of the new multi effects units putting in amp modelers let me tell you none of those models sound like the real circuits. In other words why buy something trying to sound like a great amp, cut to the chase and just buy the great amps.

This review was originally published on http://www.musicgearreview.com

All Tube Amp: 2 4 6L6 and EL34 tubes for power, five 12AX7 tubes for lamps and 2 pramplification 5U4 grinders. The total power of the can (all power tubes select) is 120 watts. In other words, 120 watts at mesa, a cause.
Rglages level, the front was four independent channels with individual master prsence, bass, mids, treble and gain + 3 "voicing" DIFFERENT: Clean, Fat and Tweed for channel 1, Clean, Fat Brit and for channel 2, and Raw, Vintage and Modern for channels 3 and 4. With everything I will add a master and a gnral knob Solo (Masters supplmentaire for solis. Rear Facing is the collection of pots and has nothing to be afraid trs. But in fact, trs simple if you spare each channel: select the pair of power tubes (2 6L6, EL34 2, 2 + 2 EL34 6L6, 6L6 4 and 4 + 2 6L6 EL34 , Mix the effects loop (shuffled the basic sound and sound modified by the effects processor), choice of ct o the sound goes out into the 4x12 cabinet (right, left or 2) and finally activation of two effects loops. Pfff ... I'm done with it all moii! it's not over yet: there are all the connectors to connect the head Necessary for a Systm MIDI complex, four pots of rverb indpendants (1 per channel please) speakers and outputs 4, 8 and 16 ohms. Finally, a very nice switch which reduces the power of amp (bold / spongy).
I forget so sure it is complete. Nothing is missing, and if anyone thinks that if the guitarist is the most difficult of all time.

UTILIZATION

As I labeled above, the use is so easy that the number of rglages frightens the beginners. The pots bass, mids, treble, and gain prsence are highly effective. Screams the sound right away. It is difficult to play trs low volume.

SOUNDS

The prsence and treble are determined to the sound. The gain is really enough for the Distortion channel. For my part, I love having a sufficient gain Reserved amp even if I do not use it. I RULES gain of about 6.5 / 7 for my 10's most violent. (The Road King has more gain than the Dual Rectifier, I certify)
Channel 1: super clear sound crystal-clear, clear sound or large type blues / jazz, or clean sound with a bit more body than the first for solis slammin.
Channel 2: the first 2 are the same, and the 3rd is the essence of the british crunch.
Channel 3 and 4: crunch pushed drooling and oozing, and his solo vintage Submitted compress, and finally distortion standard, aggressive and powerful.
On each channel, select the appropriate lamps either for power or correction. Basically, the EL34 tubes provide a tight, aggressive, with a tight grain. The 6L6 has a more friendly, more "bottom end". For grinders, 5U4 give more heat and bite and silicon diodes will bring the guitar in the 4th dimension of aggressive distortion. NO may be the guitarist. There are all the sounds. Indeed I take this opportunity to correct one thing: the Road King does not copy the other amps (like a POD), but part of its dual emmne correct and the 4 corners of the world of ITS.
I play mtal mainly, but not the ultra violent. I love the guitar technique Steve Vai, John Petrucci, Paul Gilbert etc. I play on two IBANEZ, a prestigious team in DiMarzio Steve Special and Air Norton and a Jem 10th anniversary team as well sr DiMarzio Evolution. The head is connected a 4x12 cabinet Mesa Boogie Rectifier (I have not had the chance to have the Road King cabinet, but good dj's not bad). This amp gives me the (s) sound (s) I have always looked and I do not say is to reassure me by slamming in a 4000 amp as some might think. I love the mesa base. I tried lots of other, no one like me scotch road king.

OVERALL OPINION

I've had a year and a half. I still can not have that sound. I love everything about this amp, including the finish and look irrprochable pro. As I said dj, I tried normment other (heads, pramplis racks, pedals anything that gives a guitar sound almost). Before I had a couple Triaxis and 2 / 90. It made me much less if it's even more top dj. The Road King has the advantage of the efficiency and simplicity of a head. The report quality price may appear zero. I said to myself, 4000, never buy anything in amp and be Fully satisfied, I feel a right even if I agree that there even when the abuse of the intermdiaires certainly that same mesa them.
I hsiter referrer that choice without a single moment. If I could, I made 60 of 10 for the note.
I take this opportunity to spend a rant: of late, since the cardboard immense mesa boogie dual with their correct, you can read all the time critics of free mesa. The fact that this amp is the most used in the world does not mean that it is just right for small scratch like Brad Delson (Linkin Park) or other guitarists Black mtal who do not solo, but rather it is a prestige amp Reserved musicians who are all targeting the power and effectiveness of their sound. In my humble opinion, these criticisms nent of people who must be frustrated not to have the means to buy these amps! Mesa Boogie cr history of rock and its mtal the same way as Marshall (even if unfortunately Most recent internship out of the British firm had to). Yes guys! whatever is said on mesa or marshall, they cr guitar sounds the most beautiful, all brands have taken for REFERENCE to shape their own sound. Some firms offer amp heads with 2 channels and 4000 TRS little option, sometimes with sound limits, and we will say that the price of a Road King is such a shame .. . or that the correct dual head amp is a ball! The Gibson Les Paul prices are also trs levs (sometimes the price of a small car) but no one questions these guitar legends. Most of you scratch your cds Listen prfrs play on legendary amps Mesa Boogie or Marshall. RESPECT THEN MEN!

All Lamp: Four 6L6 EL34 and two for the amplification
Five 12AX7 for the preamplifier
Two floors of the linker Lamp
This is the very heavy (120W) but it was totally independent and 4 channel configurable

Connections: Jack6.35

Adjustments front: Gain / Bass / Med / Aig / Pres / Master by cannal
3types of preamp by cannal
Master and Solo on the general
Adjustments Rear: Soyouz48bis there are too many things here queleques that is not often

1 / FIVE possibility of linkage of the PAR CHANNELS
2 / 2 independent output speaker. We can do its funky rhythm and a drying cabinet Electrovoice of channels to those solos on a Marshall cabinet ..... ROaaaaaaaaaaR which n 'has not dreamed of!
3 / Two loops of effects assayed by cannal
4/Reverb
5/boucle general effect
6 / 4Ohm/8ohm / 16Ohm
7/etc ...

not try, nothing is missing

This amp is the quintessence of all the amps that exist in the world ... the price will accordingly!
I put a new one for the price

UTILIZATION

Paradoxically, the conf is very simple
The sound is immediately
Cannal1: a clean sound Mesaboogie standard
Cannal 2: An old lamp has Marchall (Thanks Keith Richard)
Cannal3 & 4 A Dual Rectifier

Cannal 4 in the likant 6lampes and by choosing a diode bridge a transistor
we get a kind of sound alien, obviously very strong, and we remain on the ass

I put 11, that is superior to all that this land on the planet!

SOUNDS

Genre Rock / Ska like Smash Mouth. It is Impec
Fender Strato, 335 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe or nothing to say that is very powerful, it can also play a small volume (thank you to repeat them) and especially the amp "respects" the guitar

I
the clean good for slamming ska rhythm
The way Rolling Stone crunch and Daniel Lanois
The Sound of dual rectify .... running a very strong ca pornography!

OVERALL OPINION

I play for two years with
I do not like the weight and price
"I had another Mesaboogie before a studio + 40 W
Move along ... nothing to do

With the experience .... this joke. We bought this amp a once in a lifetime
I have waited 40 years to pay me and I had to buy my wife a 206HDI has to pass the bill ...

Conclusion Budget Coté, it's very heavy: € 5000 plan for the amplifier and at least € 10 000 for Bobonne. It would have cost me less expensive divorce ....

Tube amp switchable 50/100/150W
4 independent channels plus a master volume and a solo boost adjustable
On each channel can select three types of amp return
2 loops of possible effects: a series and parallel
9 footswitch position (switch to 4 channels, loop1 and 2, ext trig, solo boost and reverb)
Midi controllable condition to invest in a switch Jack => noon (after 6 min at ports)
Progressiv Linkage: function to select a running lamps (one selection per channel)

UTILIZATION

This is the Mesa / Boogie, so it's a Rolls, but the grip is not easy
Take your time because the sound changes at the lowest effective level knobs on
Lots of possible combinations.

I put 8 because this amp is even qd reserved for experienced users

SOUNDS

Channel 1 delivers a typically clear Mesa Rectifier, shining powerful, ideal for big clean arpeggios
Channel 2 offers him a clear sound duller, ideal for me when I use the micro piezo.
Channel 3 provides a first level of distortion, nikel for hard rock or rock, gain a bottom (or to 15h) issues qd even a very big sound
Channel 4: while there, Mesa Power in the rough, not for the sensitive. Properly adjusted it is easy to approach the sound of John Petrucci of Train Of Thought. Grosse disto but attention soon becomes very messy if you do anything with equalos

OVERALL OPINION

This is clearly an investment (3000 € nine) but it's an amp that is kept for a lifetime. It is Mesa, so either you love or hate it. Do not be afraid to spend considerable time to fully explore all the possibilities of this truly multi Amp (includes most of the legends Mesa on one head, even the Lone Star is represented on the Road King Series II).

For me it is the best amp in the world, I love the grain Mesa, I could not be better.

Prior Note: my mesa is a Roadking v1. there is a version 2 which I do not know the evolution of CHARACTERISTICS.

I add nothing which t said before. The Mesa site is fairly comprehensive and all Manir Tlcharger allows the manual.
Spcial any point of the same on the particularity of this stuff, namely the possibility to choose the lights on which you want to leave. a fire may seem a little by the hair but a sense tural influence on the sound.
A report and also a loop SERIES parallle.
Variable power depending on the combination of lights and switch spongy / bold the rear but still unusable even in apartments. In fact the head is really meaningless volume pushed a little (like any amp you say lamps ...).
Also regrettable is the mesa in any CONTRL by jack, while a midi interface as is done in a Engl, Hughes & Kettner and others would apprciable (I mean it's far from being rdhibitoire) .
Stro not either.
=> 9 / 10

UTILIZATION

The configuration is far from being simple. in fact it is the combination of diffrent configurations that leaves a wide range of sounds and makes it a truly versatile amp, there is something for every taste. So we must look a bit to find the sound that corresponds prcisment without that research is dsagrable since the hack on amne forcment configurations intermdiaires always INTERESTED.
Note the very significant influence SETTING THE equalizer, including treble (but it's true on other heads mesa).
Manual (English) Retailer INTERESTED because of the influence of each knob.

A report that comes with the pdalier DCON. I did not because I use a rpar Switcher external, but I think a limit in view of the price of the machine. So 9 / 10.

SOUNDS

Corresponds done all my style of zic but I think everyone can find their account as given the wide horizon sound offered by this hardware.
Personally fan of Channel 2 in his clear, rounder than one channel I think.
I use channel 1 plutt in casseroles or funky.
3 channel sound used in lead. I opt for one feels under attack from the channel 4 mdiator I use high gain.
ENNOORRMME 4 channel sound. Gain to 3 / 4 is dmentiel. In fact it is really his mesa. Once the lamps have heated the first power chord still gives chills. Be careful not to even put too much gain for sounds Defines well.
Having a dual possd correct (first generation, 2 channels) before I found the power of the distortion section. I missed the rest of the sound era, find the Roadking.

OVERALL OPINION

I use it for a year, purchased second-hand. Sound output on Celestion V30 in 2x12 or 4x12. No problem to use on the head by itself.
At the risk of being lynched by the previous ones vnrables posters who feel rightly that it is the stuff of a lifetime, I think the resale from time to time due to practical and pragmatic transportation for concerts. I do not use only that at concerts and I think it is not enough, having too lazy to dplacer the cabinet, the head, the rack, the pedals each BPS . So I think a return conf only rack (2:90 Triax + for example) easier transport.
But this does not affect the quality of the perfect hardware, you just ask the question: "Is what this head is really what I need?". There including the roadster, a simplified version of the Roadking but my opinion is quite sufficient for lambda zicos like me. Besides, I have not rcemment few resales used, may be people who have the same feeling as me ...
Bon Obviously it's expensive, too srement but I will not go into the dbat fair price for such high-end gear. In my opinion the report is justified qualitprix (black dot on the pdalier off). Think of the coup also retubing before buying ...
In résumé: a pure pleasure to her, a torture for the purse and back, but in the end I think well continue with my way because this machine is that of a life (as stated by the v nrables previous ones and wise posters).

This was the first installment of the Road King amplifiers. These amps are just purely amazing. They have a rich tone and features that will get you moving for days. I absolutely love the way these amps sound in the bedroom and in the band mix. They are hardy and rich of tone and distortion pleasure.

This is one beast of an amp! This one probably is the flag ship amp that Mesa Boogie carries. This amp is the most versatile amp that they make. It is like the Roadster as far as sound and front panel features. The thing that separates this from the Roadster is the back panel features. You can set up so many variations of tubes combination and biasing that makes it a recording dream amp. For someone who is recording this amp is a pleasure to have in the session. Since sound engineers have so many tracks and options of layering guitar tracks and mixing. Having an amp that will be able to mix and match EL34 and 6L6's in just about any configuration is remarkable. The over all tone and sound you get from this is parallel to the Roadster, except you have even more of a variety of tube options at your disposal.


Mesa/Boogie Road King Series II Head 120-watt, 4-channel Tube Amplifier Head at a Glance:

Like having five complete tube amps inside one head
Modes offer even more tonal flexibility
Don't just switch channels — switch cabinets
Dial in the amp response that suits you
Effects loops and silent tuning functionality

UTILIZATION


Mesa/Boogie Road King Series II Head 120-watt, 4-channel Tube Amplifier Head Features:

Handbuilt in Petaluma, California
Multi-watt, channel-assignable power amp with Progressive Linkage
Tube complement: 4 x 6L6, 2 x EL34, 6 x 12AX7, 2 x 5U4
Select among 2 x 6L6, 2 x EL34, 2 x 6L6 + 2 x EL34, 4 x 6L6 or 4 x 6L6 + 2 x EL34
Power rating: 50, 100, or 120 watts, selectable
Fixed bias for consistent, maintenance-free performance
Four fully Independent channels with 12 Modes: Channel 1 - Clean, Fat or Tweed; Channel 2 - Clean, Fat or Brit; channels 3 and 4 - Raw, Vintage High Gain or Modern High Gain
Each channel features independent gain, treble, mid, bass, presence, all-tube long spring reverb, 5-position Progressive Linkage Power Tube Select, channel-assignable Dual Rectification with Recto Tracking (Diode or Tube Tracking), Speaker Output Select (Speaker Out A, B or A+B), FX Loop 1 and 2 Select (2-series loop On/Off switches per channel or footswitch assignable)
Output Level Control (over all channels when activated)
Footswitchable Solo Level Control (over all channels when activated)
Bold/Spongy "Variac" switch
True "Hard" Bypass switch that removes effects loop, Output Level and Solo Level Controls from signal path
Tuner output with footswitchable mute
Slave Out w/level control
Fan-cooled
External switching jacks for channels 1, 2, 3, 4, Solo, Reverb, Loop 1, Loop 2, and Tuner Mute
9-button footswitch (Channel 1, Channel 2, Channel 3, Channel 4, Tuner Mute, Reverb, Loop 1, Loop 2, and Solo)
Slip cover included

SOUNDS

I liked keeping it on the diode tracking. It sounded just as awesome with the tube tracking but I felt it needed that extra umph or sizzle in the amp. The thing live on channel four on the modern mode.

Run a Les Paul or a humbucker style guitar in front of this amp and you can hear and feel the power it delivers. It has a unique sizzle only found in rectos. The sponge and tight feature is cool when you need to use it in drop tunings then switch it over to the tight side. If you are playing hard rock and need only a half tuning or regular then keep in on sponge. On the sponge setting you will find the amp a bit more forgiving.

OVERALL OPINION

Compared to many boutique amps out there that have a lot less features and options this amp is priced pretty well. It may be a bit much for most people, but this is a Mesa beast of an amp. This amp is geared towards the professional musician or an experienced guitar player that knows what he or she wants and is willing to pay whatever it takes to get that tone in their head out of their speaker cabinet.

I would recommend this amp to anyone who needs a lot of options from his guitar amp. This amp is so versatile that if I owned a recording studio this is one amp that I would own as a "must have" to complete my studio.

At new they come in at around $2750. That seems to be a fare price for this well built machine. It is going to be high for high school kids but this amp wasn't built for that market. This is a professional guitarist's amplifier.

This is one beast of an amp! This one probably is the flag ship amp that Mesa Boogie carries. This amp is the most versatile amp that they make. It is like the Roadster as far as sound and front panel features. The thing that separates this from the Roadster is the back panel features. You can set up so many variations of tubes combination and biasing that makes it a recording dream amp. For someone who is recording this amp is a pleasure to have in the session. Since sound engineers have so many tracks and options of layering guitar tracks and mixing. Having an amp that will be able to mix and match EL34 and 6L6's in just about any configuration is remarkable. The over all tone and sound you get from this is parallel to the Roadster, except you have even more of a variety of tube options at your disposal.

UTILIZATION

Handbuilt in Petaluma, California

Multi-Watt™ Channel Assignable Power Amp with Progressive Linkage™ (patent 5,559,469) featuring 4x6L6 & 2xEL34, which allows you to select either 2x6L6, 2xEL34, 2x6L6+2xEL34, 4x6L6
or 4x6L6+2xEL34 for Power Ratings of 50, 100 & 120 Watts! / 6x12AX7, 2x5U4

Fixed Bias for Consistent, Maintenance Free Performance

4 Fully Independent Channels with 12 Modes (Channel 1 =Clean, Fat or Tweed™, Channel 2 =Clean, Fat or Brit, Channels 3 & 4=Raw, Vintage High Gain or Modern High Gain)

Each Channel features Independent Gain, Treble, Mid, Bass, Presence, All-Tube Long Spring Reverb, 5 Position Progressive Linkage Power Tube Select (choices listed above), Channel Assignable Dual Rectification with Recto Tracking™ (Diode or Tube Tracking – Patents 5,168,438 & 7,193,458), Speaker Output Select (Speaker Out A, B or A+B), FX Loop 1 and 2 Select (2-Series Loop On/Off Switches per Channel or Footswitch Assignable)

Output Level Control (over all channels when activated)

SOUNDS

I liked keeping it on the diode tracking. It sounded just as awesome with the tube tracking but I felt it needed that extra umph or sizzle in the amp. The thing live on channel four on the modern mode.

Run a Les Paul or a humbucker style guitar in front of this amp and you can hear and feel the power it delivers. It has a unique sizzle only found in rectos. The sponge and tight feature is cool when you need to use it in drop tunings then switch it over to the tight side. If you are playing hard rock and need only a half tuning or regular then keep in on sponge. On the sponge setting you will find the amp a bit more forgiving.

OVERALL OPINION

I would recommend this amp to anyone who needs a lot of options from his guitar amp. This amp is so versatile that if I owned a recording studio this is one amp that I would own as a "must have" to complete my studio.

At new they come in at around $2700. That seems to be a fare price for this well built machine. It is going to be high for high school kids but this amp wasn't built for that market. This is a professional guitarist's amplifier.

Mesa/Boogie set out to create the most versatile Rectifier ever seen, and they did one amazing job. This features pretty much everything, including the kitchen sink. Aside from four independent controls, it also has crazy features such as tube assigning per channel, independent reverb per channel, two effects loop that are user assignable per channel, multiple speaker cabinet selection, diode/rectifier assignment per channel and the list just goes on. It's crazy!

UTILIZATION

Mesa did a great job at laying everything out. At first, it looks like a lot, but everything is clearly labeled and logical when it comes to utilization. The manual on this is amazing, just like all the Mesa manuals out there. It describes how to dial it in, what controls do what, where the sweet spots are, and so on. There are reports of some channel popping, so keep that in mind when using this amp.

SOUNDS

Sound has been rated down since the Road King II came out. That aside, the amp is awesome. The clean tones are pretty good, midgain tones are nice and lead tones are amazing. Boosting this amp takes it into a new dimension as well. It is versatile enough to do any style out there from jazz to metal, although I have a feeling the people who buy this will lean towards the rock/metal aspects of music. The coolest feature is easily the tube selection. It adds so much versatility to this amp that it's almost mind blowing.

OVERALL OPINION

Since the Road King II came out, this amp is somewhat obsolete. I'd only recommend buying one if you find a good deal on one used. That said, if you already have one, there's no reason to run out and buy the new version. It's still one of the most versatile amps on the market that can deliver nearly a tone for nearly any genre you can think of.