MesaBoogieOnline.com

The model reviewed is the two channel rectifier. The channels are named 'Orange' and 'Red'. My current configuration is to set the 'Orange' channel for the cleans and 'Red' for the higher gain sounds. The channels are assignable. By this I mean that each channel can be given a tonal characteristic - such as 'Vintage', 'Modern', 'Clean' or 'Variable High Gain'. This function is accessed via a switch on the back of the head and allows for the customization of each of your channel settings. This is made easier by the fact that each channel has the same controls (Gain, Treble, Middle, Bass, Presence, Master) and the channels are footswitchable.

Regarding the effects loop, Mesa Boogie amps are renowned for their complex operating systems. Shared by both channels is the 'Active Loop Master control' which controls the over all level of effects. When it is engaged in this function, a yellow LED on the front panel illuminates. There are various settings for the effects loop, but I have settled on the setting 'Red Auto' because it seems to push the tubes harder.

This model comes with 5 12AX7 preamp valves, 4 6L6 power amp valves and the two rectifier valves. There is a feature that allows you to switch the bias between 6L6 and EL34's, which adds to the flexibility of the amp. There is no denying the fact that Mesa amps are loaded with features, and all the supporting material from Mesa does a pretty good job of explaining the features. However, the only real way to get to grips with the features on offer is to get out there and play one.

As for the guitars I play with, I have a Fender Strat, a 2003 Mexican Fender Tele, a 2005 Gibson SG Special and a Gibson Les Paul Standard with EMG 81's and 85's.

The first thing I noticed with this amp is that it won't hide sloppy playing. Every sound your guitar makes will come through your speakers. At the risk of sounding unimaginative, the Strat sounds like a Strat, clean and bright and the Tele sounds choppy and sharp. The clean setting on the Mesa really brings out the character of these guitars, as when set right, the clean comes very close to a Fender clean - I could imagine running this head on clean through an old Blonde 4x10 and not being a million miles away from a Bassman. Increasing the gain adds a little purr behind the clean so we are now into Plexi clean territory, and with the gain pushed all the way, you can do your best Hendrix impression until you achieve Rock superstar status or you asphixiate on your own sick - either way it sounds rather nice. The Strat and Tele when used with the high gain settings do not translate well. This is only my opinion and preference, but I do not like single coils when played through a high gain setting - they squeal, hiss and general sound brittle - however like I said this is only my personal preferance. I am sure if you like the sound of high gain single coils, this would work wonders.

The SG just sings through this amp - the cleans are warm and full, giving just a little bit of break up when pushed, but the real joy on this channel with the SG comes when the clean gain is set to 10 - it does not do a bad impression of a JCM 800, only with a little more gain, and with my TurboRat in the front end, I can get all those desirable classic rock tones - lets break out the big haircuts and little trousers people!

Channel 2 is pure Mesa, which is to say that this is the tone that every amp emulator tries to tries to copy. This channel loves humbuckers. I set the gain to about 3'clock, as you get all the gain, bottom end and top end definition, as well as some mid-end punch. Push the gain any more than this and the sound tends to get a bit mushy. Again this is down to taste, but I like to keep my tone, even when I am playing at higher gain settings. There is no doubt about it, Mesa's forte is the high gain sound, but for me the real surprise is the clean channel and how versatile it is.

You're going to have to spend a little time getting your head around all the features and to truly find 'your sound', however, you will eventually find a sound that you will be happy with. It is plenty loud enough for any gig and still sounds good at lower levels for practice. The build quality seems solid. I would be comfortable gigging without a back-up.