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The
SPAX7
The
Mesa SPAX7 is a 12AX7 that during our in-house testing
processes is found to have a significantly quieter and more
stable response to high volume and gain applications. If a
fledgeling 12AX7 passes its first test, it is tested a second
time under more stringent listening conditions and even
higher volume and gain levels. If the young SP passes this
second test, it is outfitted with a sleek layer of shrink
wrap that helps shield the tube even further from field and
transformer noise. We recommend using the SPAX7 in input preamp
stages (usually located nearest the input jacks), as the input
stage is generally the most volatile. An SPAX7 input tube
will lay the foundation for a quiet and stable amplifier in
the highest of gain and volume applications, and is a sure
winner when playing microphonic musical chairs in search of
that troublesome squealing or crackling preamp tube.
Tien Lawrence
Boogie Customer Support
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Recording
Tips
If the new Formula Preamp hasn't
made its way into your live/recording arsenal yet, here is
a recording tip for amps without Silent Record options or
mute switches like the Mark IV, Caliber Series and Subway
Rocket. The FX Send and Slave Outs can be used as direct
sources when set up correctly. All tube amps require a load
(speaker preferably) with signal going to the input. Place
the speaker cabinet in the closet far enough away from your
recording area. Cover the cab with a blanket or other dampening
items (dirty clothes, rugs, kitchen sink) and voila.....speaker
load and silent recording possibilities. The Send provides
preamp response while the Slave Out captures preamp and
power section characteristics. This scheme provides the best
possible direct response (for amps without the direct option
built in) fairly inexpensively and safely! Start out with
input and output levels at your console set low. Happy Tracking!
Tien Lawrence
Boogie Customer Support
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Looking
for New Sounds?....Add a cabinet.
Mesa
offers 21 different guitar cabinets, each with a specific
voice and application. By combining any of these choices,
you can arrive at a sound that's all your own.
They range in speaker design and impedance, from
the tiny 1x10 Rocket Extension to the mighty Recto 4x12.
From bedroom to coliseum stage, they provide the full array
of sound style and venue coverage.
So, when you're looking to update your sound, and you're
still saving for a new amp, check out one of our many Mesa
handbuilt speaker enclosures.
All
Mesa/Boogie power amps can be used in mono by
connecting the input and speaker to one side
only. The input of the side not in use cannot be connected
or damage may follow. As with any tube amp, a load of
some sort must be implemented if there is an input signal
connected to the amp. Always make sure to connect the speaker
to the appropriate side receiving the input signal. As an
extra precaution, the volume of the side not in use should
be turned all the way down and the Presence control turned
all the way up. The 20/20, like all Boogie power amps is not
bridgeable, but can safely be used in mono if the above-mentioned
conditions are followed. We suggest alternating sides used
in mono to provide even tube wear from Side A to Side B.
Tien Lawrence
Boogie Customer Support
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TUBE
TIPS....Tone is Colorful!
Mesa/Boogie has always built
the versatility and tonal potential into the tone controls
and features of the amp, leaving the finicky variation of
different tube types aside.
Mesa/Boogie amplifiers employ a preset bias to allow even
the least technically oriented player to change tubes themselves
and maintain the original brilliant and dynamic response from
the amp. The preset bias also means that Mesa will accept
a much narrower range of tubes at much closer matching tolerances,
considering the window provided by the preset bias. Other
manufacturers and distributors accept tubes of much more extreme
current draw and match variation under the guise of bias adjustability,
claiming that tubes of different current-draw offer different
response.
Tubes of similar type can vary slightly in response, but
variations are more dependent on the bias adjustment.( For
more in depth bias discussion, see Randall Smith's article
on biasing in previous Amplitudes newsletters and on our webpage
at www.mesaboogie.com). In the end, for any amplifier, Mesa
tubes are more stringently tested, more closely matched, and
from the most consistent and reliable of tube production ranges...
the middle. Our tubes don't run hot or cold...They run RIGHT!
We test and match the tubes for you, which is less time spent
trying to tweak the amps circuitry, and more time playing
and searching for tones with the amps tone controls and features.
Mesa/Boogie tubes have a three letter color code at the base
of the tube used to group the tubes into matched pairs. These
color codes do not apply to different tonal variation (the
number and two letter codes with the color code are Production
Batch #'s and Tester's initials respectively).
Any Mesa tested tube is guaranteed to perform tonefully and
reliably within the preset bias of the amp, as long as matched
pairs are in the appropriate sockets. No fuss, no muss! Just
plug and play when it is time to re-tube. Maintain the
TONE! Use Genuine MESA Tubes!
Tien Lawrence
Boogie Customer Support
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FX
LOOP
Using the FX
loop on Dual Rectifiers with out FX gives you an overall master
for both channels and a little extra gain if you turn the
send level all the way up.
With pre amps, experiment with FX in line before power amp
instead of in the loop.
Use five band EQ as a footswitchable volume boost.
John Rinkor
Boogie Customer Support
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