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ibanez4life SZ! « A Worthy addition to the Recto Clan! »
Published on 04/06/11 at 18:49This amplifier stands tall in the rectifier lineage as a more ‘feature heavy’ model carrying the now classic rectifier tone.
- 100 watt all-tube head
- 4 channels, each with independent EQ and master
- 3 modes per channel to adjust voicing
- 50/100 Watt switch assignable per channel
- Diode/Tube rectifier switch assignable per channel
- Tube driven series effects loop, assignable per channel, with hard bypass available
- Tube driven spring reverb, assignable per channel with level independent levels
- External Switching jacks for all functions
- Tuner out and tuner mute
- Global output and solo output
- Footswitch controlling channels, FX loop, tuner mute, and reverb (it’s a big one!)
UTILIZATION
As seen above, the amplifier allows many choices of sound between all the features available, but this is not to discourage those afraid of tweaking. Mesa made the setup of this amplifier per channel quite simple and intuitive. On the front panel, each EQ strip is clearly laid out, and assignable functions on the back panel also follow in ‘channel order,’ making tweaking simple. Assigning different wattage and rectification settings per channel is a very gladly accepted feature, as it finally allows each channel to be optimized for its specific sound, rather than having to compromise other sounds for your usual ‘go-to’ sound. The included footswitch allows quick control of all necessary features, though the external switching jacks, along with tuner out, make integration or outboard gear in a rig easy and nearly limitless!
SOUNDS
Here is where things get fun! Channel 1 is said to include Mesa’s well-revered ‘Lonestar’ clean; a HUGE improvement over the lackluster clean channel usually found on rectifier series. All 3 modes are inspiring, and allow many choices for a truly gorgeous clean sound. Channel 2 adds some gain to the signal, leaning more towards crunch sounds, especially in the ‘brit; mode. Channels 3 and 4 tread into the well-known high gain RECTO territory, but with a slight twist. The Roadster provides a smoother, more refined, and slightly tighter high gain sound than its 3 channel brothers. This, in my opinion, lends to its extended versatility, allowing smooth singing leads, all the way to the heaviest metal on the gain channels. As mentioned before, the wattage and rectifier switches allow one to perfectly tune each of these sounds. Also, as with all their products, Mesa’s manual is GREAT at helping you get the sounds you want!
OVERALL OPINION
The Roadster is a true step forward in the Rectifier clan, and comes highly recommended! It has a few features less than the Road King, but still retains enough to provide immense versatility. No amplifier is perfect for all situations, but out of the many I have owned, this one hits many sounds, and hits them very well. If you want typical RECTO high gain, with an amazing clean channel, and an additional mid gain channel, this is the amp for you.
- 100 watt all-tube head
- 4 channels, each with independent EQ and master
- 3 modes per channel to adjust voicing
- 50/100 Watt switch assignable per channel
- Diode/Tube rectifier switch assignable per channel
- Tube driven series effects loop, assignable per channel, with hard bypass available
- Tube driven spring reverb, assignable per channel with level independent levels
- External Switching jacks for all functions
- Tuner out and tuner mute
- Global output and solo output
- Footswitch controlling channels, FX loop, tuner mute, and reverb (it’s a big one!)
UTILIZATION
As seen above, the amplifier allows many choices of sound between all the features available, but this is not to discourage those afraid of tweaking. Mesa made the setup of this amplifier per channel quite simple and intuitive. On the front panel, each EQ strip is clearly laid out, and assignable functions on the back panel also follow in ‘channel order,’ making tweaking simple. Assigning different wattage and rectification settings per channel is a very gladly accepted feature, as it finally allows each channel to be optimized for its specific sound, rather than having to compromise other sounds for your usual ‘go-to’ sound. The included footswitch allows quick control of all necessary features, though the external switching jacks, along with tuner out, make integration or outboard gear in a rig easy and nearly limitless!
SOUNDS
Here is where things get fun! Channel 1 is said to include Mesa’s well-revered ‘Lonestar’ clean; a HUGE improvement over the lackluster clean channel usually found on rectifier series. All 3 modes are inspiring, and allow many choices for a truly gorgeous clean sound. Channel 2 adds some gain to the signal, leaning more towards crunch sounds, especially in the ‘brit; mode. Channels 3 and 4 tread into the well-known high gain RECTO territory, but with a slight twist. The Roadster provides a smoother, more refined, and slightly tighter high gain sound than its 3 channel brothers. This, in my opinion, lends to its extended versatility, allowing smooth singing leads, all the way to the heaviest metal on the gain channels. As mentioned before, the wattage and rectifier switches allow one to perfectly tune each of these sounds. Also, as with all their products, Mesa’s manual is GREAT at helping you get the sounds you want!
OVERALL OPINION
The Roadster is a true step forward in the Rectifier clan, and comes highly recommended! It has a few features less than the Road King, but still retains enough to provide immense versatility. No amplifier is perfect for all situations, but out of the many I have owned, this one hits many sounds, and hits them very well. If you want typical RECTO high gain, with an amazing clean channel, and an additional mid gain channel, this is the amp for you.