Mesa-Boogie F-50, F-30, F-100 User Manual
M
Owner's Manual
ESA
Series
B
OOGIE
Hello from the Tone Farm...
YOU, the smart player and all around intuitive human, have put your trust in us to be your
amplifier company. This is something we do not take lightly. Our reward is that we've made
a classic amplifier and by choosing this amplifier, you have become part of the MESA
family...Welcome! Our goal is to never let you down. Your reward is that you are now the
owner of an archetypal guitar amp bred of fine all tube amp heritage...benefiting from the
many patented pioneering MESA/Boogie circuits that led to the refinement of your new
instrument. Feel confident, as we do, that this amp will inspire many hours of musical
satisfaction and lasting enjoyment. It was built with you in mind, by players who know the
value of a fine musical instrument and the commitment it takes to make great music. The
same commitment to quality, value and support we make to you...our new friend.
Series
Table of Contents
Precautions 0
Overview 1-2-3
Instant Gratification 2
FRONT PANEL: Controls & Switches
GAIN 4
TREBLE 4
MID 4-5
BASS 5
REVERB 5
MASTER 5-6
CH 1 & 2: CONTOUR SELECT SWITCH 6
ON/STANDBY & POWER ON SWITCHES 5
REAR PANEL: Controls / Switches / Connection Jacks
FUSE 7
RECORD & PHONES 7
FX: SEND & RETURN 7
FX MIX CONTROL 8
SPEAKER MUTE SWITCH 8
SPEAKERS 8
FACTORY SAMPLE SETTINGS 9
PERSONAL SETTINGS PAGE 10
TUBE TASK CHART 11-12-13
TUBE NOISE & DIAGNOSING PRE-AMP PROBLEMS 14-15
Feature Article by RandallSmith
"Bias Adjustment" 16-17-18
SPEAKER IMPEDANCE & SPEAKER HOOK-UPS GUIDE 19 thru 24
Feature Article by Randall Smith
"Triodes, Pentodes & Irishmen" 25-26-27
PARTS SHEEET 28
PRECAUTIONS & WARNINGS
Your MESA/Boogie Amplifier is a professional instrument. Please treat it with respect and operate it properly.
USE COMMON SENSE AND ALWAYS OBSERVE THESE PRECAUTIONS:
WARNING: EU: permission from the Supply Authority is needed before connection.
WARNING: Vacuum tube amplifiers generate heat. To insure proper ventilation always make
certain there is at least four inches (100mm) of space behind the rear of the amplifier cabinet.
Keep away from curtains or any flammable objects.
WARNING: Do not block any ventilation openings on the rear or top of the amplifier. Do not
impede ventilation by placing objects on top of the amplifier which extend past the rear edge of its
cabinet.
WARNING: Do not expose the amplifier to rain, moisture, dripping or splashing water. Do not
place objects filled with liquids on or nearby the amplifier.
WARNING: Always make certain proper load is connected before operating the amplifier. Failure
to do so could pose a shock hazard and may result in damage to the amplifier.
Do not expose amplifier to direct sunlight or extremely high temperatures.
Always insure that amplifier is properly grounded. Always unplug AC power cord before changing
fuse or any tubes. When replacing fuse, use only same type and rating.
Avoid direct contact with heated tubes. Keep amplifier away from children.
Be sure to connect to an AC power supply that meets the power supply specifications listed on
the rear of the unit. Remove the power plug from the AC mains socket if the unit is to be stored
for an extended period of time. If there is any danger of lightning occurring nearby, remove the
power plug from the wall socket in advance.
To avoid damaging your speakers and other playback equipment, turn off the power of all related
equipment before
making the connections.
Do not use excessive force in handling control buttons, switches and controls. Do not use
solvents such as benzene or paint thinner to clean the unit. Wipe off the exterior with soft cloth.
Be sure to have the warranty card filled out by the store at which it was purchased and return to
Mesa/Boogie.
YOUR AMPLIFIER IS LOUD! EXPOSURE TO HIGH SOUND VOLUMES MAY CAUSE PERMANENT HEARING DAMAGE !
No user serviceable parts inside. Refer service to qualified personnel. Always unplug AC power before removing chassis.
EXPORT MODELS: Always insure that unit is wired for proper voltage. Make certain grounding conforms with local standards.
READ AND FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS OF PROPER USAGE.
Series
Operating Instructions
OVERVIEW:
Congratulations on choosing the F Series as your amplifier and welcome to the Mesa/Boogie family! The new F Series amplifiers
combines high gain lead performance, an amazing mid-gain crunch or blues sound and a bold and beautiful clean sound in a simple
2 Channel, Three Mode, all-tube, hand-built package that begs to rock. This tidy format is available in three power versions, the F-30,
F-50 and F-100, and in both head and self-contained combo platforms.
The bright and bouncy F-30 with its 2xEL84 power string operating in our patented Dyna-Watt circuit is housed in the original
Boogie 1x12 size and powers the legendary Celestion Vintage 30. This is perfect as a super portable, lightweight and surprisingly
powerful combo. As a short head powering a 2x12 or 4x12, this little wolf in sheep’s clothing shows its fangs and becomes a viable gig
rig for mid size venues where its power clip can add a unique and dynamic personality . Like its forefathers, this little dynamo stays true
to the little giant-killer tradition that won the first Boogies worldwide acclaim 30 years ago.
The F-50 holds the title as middleweight champion of the line with its robust and balanced 2x6L6 power section and this rich, pristine
blend speaks from our popular Wide-Body 1x12 combo or head. The combo features our favorite custom designed, proprietary
Celestion C90 speaker and sounds twice its size as it envelopes you with its 3D magic, while the head through a big cab is absolutely
over the top with a tight top end snap and aggressive mid-power urgency.
The big daddy F-100 is the power broker of this clan with the undeniable authority of 4x6L6’s working for your tone. This big block bad
boy produces stunning clean headroom and can push some serious air in its 2x12 combo format featuring two Celestion Vintage 30’s
or, when punishment is required, the Long Chassis head pumping a 4x12…it’s the final word in loud. The voice is fatter and a little
FRONT VIEW:
ON
ON
CH
2
CH1
CH
CONTOUR
FT
.
SW
POWERSTANDBY
INPUT
GAIN
TREBLE MID BASS REVERB
MASTER
REAR VIEW:
WARNING:
Unplug power
before replacing
fuse or removing
bolts mounting
chassis.
POWER FUSE
2A
120 V~
SLO
60 Hz
BLO
2A
FOOTSWITCH
SOCKET
BELOW
FUSE
RCORD / PHONES
STEREO / MONO
10%
FX MIX
FX SEND RETURN
F-Series All Tube Amplifiers
100%
MUTE SPKR ON
SILENT RECORDING
WARNING
:
To reduce risk of fire or
electric shock, replace fuse with
same type and rating only. Do not
expose this unit to rain or moisture.
ESA
M
OOGIE
B
WARNING
shock, Do not remove cover. No userserviceable parts inside. Refer
servicing to qualified personnel.
Handbuilt in Petaluma, CA
:
To reduce risk of fire or electric
8 OHM
COMBO
SPEAKERS
4 OHM
USE WITH 8 OHM SPEAKERS
4 OHM
PAGE 1
OVERVIEW: (Continued) darker than that of its lower power family members but posses a depth and punch found only in amps of
this serious-gigging horsepower range. Our legendary 60/100 switch has been included and allows you to detune the power section
to achieve the brighter, more clippable feel of the F-Series.
F-Series amplifiers are crafted with the same custom quality, chassis, cabinet and tight tolerance parts found in our top of the line
multi-channel amplifiers. They become the deal of the century by focusing on maximum performance derived from a more straightforward layout that defines their stripped, business like personality. Yet make no mistake, these three over the top, footswitchable
sounds stand proud against any amp at any price.
Features include 2 Channels which are divided into a separate Rhythm Channel (top) and a Two-Mode Lead Channel (bottom) which
shares a set of T one controls to produce the more vintage, warm sauce of Lead 1 and the huge, aggressive spread of Lead 2 Contour.
Add to this a long tank, 3-spring, pure analog Reverb, a Parallel Effects Loop and a dedicated Recording Output and the F-Series
preamp shines with old world luster as it delivers modern high gain performance.
All this preamp versatility is powered by feeding our dynamic dual differential driver first seen in our popular Strategy 400 Stereo
power amp, which lends an explosive nature to the sound and gives the impression of headroom far beyond the rated wattage. We
then send this super-buffed signal to the output section that responds to every nuance of your playing style.
All this performance is controlled via the included 3 button footswitch and this rounds out the package to achieve a performance
minded instrument of ultimate expression. So before we get to the specific controls and features, take a spin around the world of tone
found in the 3 Modes using the sample setting below as a guide.
INSTANT GRATIFICATION:
ON
ON
CH
2
CH1
CH
CONTOUR
FT.
SW
POWERSTANDBY
INPUT
GAIN
TREBLE MID BASS REVERB
MASTER
NOTE: To audition the 3 modes using the Footswitch, toggle between Channel 1(top) and Channel 2 (bottom) using the left button
and toggle between Lead 1 and Lead 2 Contour with the middle button.
PAGE 2
OVERVIEW: (Continued)
MESA
MESA
REAR VIEW :
WARNING:
Unplug power
before replacing
fuse or removing
bolts mounting
chassis.
POWER FUSE
2A
120 V~
SLO
60 Hz
BLO
2A
FOOTSWITCH
SOCKET
BELOW
REAR VIEW :
WARNING:
Unplug power
before replacing
fuse or removing
bolts mounting
chassis.
POWER FUSE
2A
120 V~
SLO
60 Hz
BLO
2A
FOOTSWITCH
SOCKET
BELOW
F-30
FUSE
RCORD / PHONES
STEREO / MONO
F-50
FUSE
RCORD / PHONES
STEREO / MONO
10%
FX MIX
FX SEND RETURN
10%
FX MIX
FX SEND RETURN
ESA
EL84
MESA
ESA
OOGIE
B
OOGIE
B
WARNING
:
To reduce risk of fire or electric
shock, Do not remove cover. No userserviceable parts inside. Refer
servicing to qualified personnel.
EL84
MESA
WARNING
:
To reduce risk of fire or electric
shock, Do not remove cover. No userserviceable parts inside. Refer
servicing to qualified personnel.
F-30 All Tube Amplifier Handbuilt in Petaluma, CA
100%
MUTE SPKR ON
SILENT RECORDING
F-50 All Tube Amplifier Handbuilt in Petaluma, CA
100%
MUTE SPKR ON
SILENT RECORDING
WARNING
:
To reduce risk of fire or
electric shock, replace fuse with
same type and rating only. Do not
expose this unit to rain or moisture.
WARNING
:
To reduce risk of fire or
electric shock, replace fuse with
same type and rating only. Do not
expose this unit to rain or moisture.
M
M
8 OHM
COMBO
8 OHM
COMBO
SPEAKERS
4 OHM
USE WITH 8 OHM SPEAKERS
SPEAKERS
4 OHM
USE WITH 8 OHM SPEAKERS
4 OHM
4 OHM
REAR VIEW :
WARNING:
Unplug power
before replacing
fuse or removing
bolts mounting
chassis.
POWER FUSE
2A
120 V~
SLO
60 Hz
BLO
2A
FOOTSWITCH
SOCKET
BELOW
F-100
FUSE
RCORD / PHONES
STEREO / MONO
10%
FX MIX
FX SEND RETURN
ESA
OOGIE
B
6L6 GC
WARNING
shock, Do not remove cover. No userserviceable parts inside. Refer
servicing to qualified personnel.
6L6 GC
:
To reduce risk of fire or electric
6L6 GC
6L6 GC
F-100 All Tube Amplifier Handbuilt in Petaluma, CA
100%
MUTE SPKR ON
SILENT RECORDING
WARNING
:
To reduce risk of fire or
electric shock, replace fuse with
same type and rating only. Do not
expose this unit to rain or moisture.
M
6L6 GC
8 OHM
COMBO
6L6 GC
SPEAKERS
4 OHM
USE WITH 8 OHM SPEAKERS
4 OHM
PAGE 3
CONTROLS:
GAIN:
This is by far the most powerful control in each of the three different Modes that are activated by the Mode switch. It not only
determines the overall gain amount, shape and sensitivity of the Mode selected...but it is also a powerful Tone control. Generally
speaking, whatever is dialed up here ultimately determines the Modes’ personality . Set low , it allows cleaner and brighter sounds with
enhanced dynamic response, especially in the higher frequencies. Set high, the whole personality of the Mode becomes darker,
fatter and more overdriven.
We worked hard to make sure that the entire range of Gain available is usable in the F-Series and
more importantly, musical. Don’t think for a moment that this simple layout limits you in any way in
INPUT
GAIN
TREBLE:
As in most tube guitar amplifiers, the TREBLE control ( in all three Modes of your F-Series amplifier ) is the most powerful of the rotary
controls and is next in line only to the GAIN control as a shaping tool. Because it is first in the signal path of the tone controls - and
regards to the amount and texture of Gain that is available. Long neurotic hours were spent to
ensure that the ranges of Gain were stylistically accurate. It’s probably a good time to mention that
most of the great sounds can be found in the F-Series by setting the GAIN control moderately in the
Lead 2 - Contour mode.
In the Channel 1 Mode, try setting this control somewhere between ( 11:00 through 1:00 ). Use of
moderation here will reduce the likelihood of pesky tube microphonic problems ever occurring,
while at the same time making all three Modes easier to balance in volume and FX send strength.
from here the Middle and Bass receive their signal - it is by far the dominant tone control.
For this reason the setting of the TREBLE control is very important for equal representation of the three frequency regions to appear at their respective controls.
INPUT
GAIN TREBLE
Like most of the controls on your F-Series amplifier there is an optimum region of the
TREBLE control where ample top end is mixed in and yet enough signal is still passed on
to the MIDDLE and BASS controls. As you might surmise, here is the sweet spot. There
are definitely great sounds above and below this middle region ( 1 1:00 through 1:30 ), but
the balance between the TREBLE control and the other two tone controls is compromised.
The one place you may want to throw caution to the wind and set the TREBLE control
above this median zone presents itself in Channel 1 of your new F-Series amplifier . The TREBLE control can be used to dump extra
gain into the mix. As you might surmise, the BASS Controls’ effectiveness will be reduced, so you may have to run a much higher
setting than you are used to seeing to achieve a balance. This said, keep in mind that the TREBLE control in Channel 1 should not
be set much above ( 3:30 ) to avoid unwanted microphonic tube problems.
MID:
The MID control is responsible for the blend of midrange frequencies in the mix and though its effect is not as dramatic as that of the
TREBLE control, it plays an integral part in achieving any sound in your F-Series amplifier . It is capable of changing the feel dramatically as it blends in a group of frequencies that tend to soften or stiffen the way a sound feels to play.
Most players tend to lean in the direction of lower MID control settings ( 7:00
through 11:00 ) where a scoop in this region produces girth ( by letting the
Bass become a little more dominant ) and a lack of punch lends a more com
INPUT
GAIN TREBLE MID
PAGE 4
CONTROLS:
MID: (Continued) pressed, even feel to the strings and therefore less apparent resistance to the pick. As the MID control is increased,
( 1 1:00 through 1 1:30 ), the sound is rounded-out and filled-in with a focused mid attack appearing rather quickly . As you would guess,
the feel starts to change - becoming more resistant. Above this region the MID control could be used to compensate for either weaker
pick-ups or for times when a specific deficiency is produced by either an extremely high setting of other tone controls, or a physical
anomaly in the room. While these MID control settings ( 2:00 - 5:00 )can introduce added gain and create enhanced focus, the tradeoff will be a stiffer, more forward, less compressed feel.
BASS:
This control blends in the lower frequencies and its effectiveness, again, depends on the setting of the TREBLE control. It should also
be set with moderation, as extreme settings in either low or high directions can produce an unbalanced tone. In any one of the three
Modes, be especially careful using higher Gain settings. Too
much Bass will cause a flabby unfocused sound that can’t be
dialed out because excessive Bass has been introduced to the
pre-amp in the early stages.
INPUT
Try setting the BASS control to (7:00 ) for clean sounds in the
GAIN TREBLE BASSMID
CLEAN Mode and ( 4:00 ) or below when dialing up High Gain
overdriven sounds in this Mode. In the Channel 2 / CONTOUR
Mode, try setting the BASS somewhere between ( 10:00 through
2:00 ). These settings will depend upon the amount of Gain and
Treble that you have dialed up.
REVERB:
Your new F-Series amplifier is equipped with a rich, natural sounding analog Reverb circuit. The REVERB control enables you to
dial-in just the right amount of Reverb to be mixed with the dry signal. It is normal for extreme settings of the REVERB control to
slightly alter the character of the amplifier as the voicing of the Reverb circuit becomes more dominant in the mix.
NOTE: Avoid using high setting the REVERB control when High Gain and Treble
BASS REVERB MASTER
CH
2
CH1
CH
CONTOUR
settings are in use. This reduces the likelihood of annoying microphonic problems
FT
.
occurring.
SW
MASTER:
The individual MASTER controls serve three purposes in the layout of the F-Series. FIRST: They serve as level balancing controls
for each of the two channels. This enables a wide range of front end Gain settings to be matched to a given listening level and the
level of the other Modes.
SECOND: They act as Effect Send controls for each Mode in the Effects Loop. As with
many of the controls on the F-Series, the best results for balance and tone are usually
BASS REVERB
MASTER
CH
2
CH1
CH
CONTOUR
found in the medium range of this control.
FT
.
SW
THIRD: The MASTER control is the Record / Phones Send Level control. When using
the direct RECORD / PHONES jack found on the Rear Panel to interface di -
PAGE 5
CONTROLS:
MASTER: (Continued) -rectly to a mixing board or recorder, this control will determine the amount of signal you will be sending via
this jack. In this application it is usually best to start with the MASTER controls set to ( 7:00 ) and gradually increase them to the
proper level. This minimizes the possibility of blowing speakers or eardrums in the event the engineer has an extremely sensitive
input headroom setting in place at the console.
CH.1 / CH.2 / CONTOUR SELECT SWITCH:
Use this mini-toggle to select one of the three Modes - CHANNEL 1, CHANNEL 2 or CONTOUR. In order for the channel select
Footswitch to operate when connected to your new F-Series amplifier, the channel select mini-toggle switch
must be in its middle position - FT . SW.
CH1
FT
CH
CONTOUR
.
SW
MASTER
CH
2
ON / STANDBY:
Perfect for set breaks...this toggle switch also serves an even more important purpose. In the STANDBY position (switch up), the
tubes are at idle so that during power up they may warm up before being put to use.
Before the power is switched on, make sure the ST ANDBY switch is in the
STANDBY position. Wait at least 30 seconds and then flip the STANDBY
ON
ON
switch to its ON position. Following this simple warm up procedure helps
in preventing tube problems and increase their toneful life substantially.
STANDBY
POWER
POWER / ON:
This switch delivers the A.C. power to the F-Series. Make sure the unit is properly grounded ( all three terminals of the A.C. power cord
must be connected whenever possible and that the proper voltage is present. Follow the cold start procedure described in the ON/
STANDBY section above when powering up your new F-Series amplifier.
NOTE: Never alter the A.C. power cord in any way.
ON
ON
STANDBY
POWER
PAGE 6
REAR PANEL:
REAR VIEW:
WARNING:
Unplug power
before replacing
fuse or removing
bolts mounting
chassis.
POWER FUSE
2A
120 V~
SLO
60 Hz
BLO
2A
FOOTSWITCH
SOCKET
BELOW
FUSE
RCORD / PHONES
STEREO / MONO
10%
FX MIX
FX SEND RETURN
F-Series All Tube Amplifiers
100%
MUTE SPKR ON
SILENT RECORDING
WARNING
: To reduce risk of fire or
electric shock, replace fuse with
same type and rating only. Do not
expose this unit to rain or moisture.
FUSE:
WARNING
Unplug power
before replacing
fuse or removing
bolts mounting
chassis.
POWER FUSE
120 V~
50-60 Hz
2 A
FOOTSWITCH
SOCKET
BELOW
:
2 A
SLO
BLO
2A S.B.
S
E
U
F
F
U
E
S
RECORD / PHONES
STEREO OR MONO
This is the A.C.’s ( Alternating Current ) main fuse and provides protection from outside A.C. fluctuations,
as well as power tube failure damage. Should the FUSE blow, replace it with the same rating in a sloblo type package. The domestic U.S. version requires a 2 Amp SLO-BLO FUSE. A power tube short or
failure is often the cause of a blown fuse...Follow the cold start procedure mentioned earlier in the ON
/ STANDBY switch section and watch the power tubes as you flip the STANDBY to the ON position. If a
power tube is going bad or is arcing you will see it! Flip the STANDBY switch to STANDBY immediately
and replace the faulty power tube and the fuse if necessary. If you see nothing abnormal as you lift the
STANDBY switch, it is possible that a power tube shorted temporarily and blew the FUSE. If this is the
case it may work again normally. To be extra safe you may want to replace all power tubes in the troubleshooting tradition and save
the replaced set as spares. Carry along a few extra fuses for they too could be worth their weight in gold some day.
ESA
M
OOGIE
B
WARNING
shock, Do not remove cover. No userserviceable parts inside. Refer
servicing to qualified personnel.
Handbuilt in Petaluma, CA
: To reduce risk of fire or electric
8 OHM
COMBO
SPEAKERS
4 OHM
USE WITH 8 OHM SPEAKERS
4 OHM
WARNING
Unplug power
before replacing
fuse or removing
bolts mounting
chassis.
POWER FUSE
120 V~
50-60 Hz
2 A
FOOTSWITCH
SOCKET
BELOW
:
RECORD / PHONES
2 A
SLO
BLO
2A S.B.
S
E
U
F
F
U
E
S
STEREO OR MONO
RECORD / PHONES:
This jack provides direct-to-console interfacing for recording or sound reinforcement applications. It
can also be used to power a set of personal headphones which is a convenient way to practice day or
night privately. It is a circuit dedicated to reproducing the roll off that occurs in the output section with a
speaker connected.
The send level strength is determined by the GAIN and MASTER controls. From this jack, adequate
signal level will be available to you for most of your recording needs and live direct performances.
WARNING
Unplug power
before replacing
fuse or removing
bolts mounting
chassis.
POWER FUSE
120 V~
50-60 Hz
2 A
FOOTSWITCH
SOCKET
BELOW
:
RECORD / PHONES
2 A
SLO
BLO
2A S.B.
S
E
U
F
F
U
E
S
STEREO OR MONO
F-50
PREAMP PATENT
4,701,957
FX
SEND
10%
FX MIX
RETURN
FX LOOP: SEND & RETURN
These two 1/4" jacks are the patch point for external effects. The Effects Loop is
wired in parallel with the normal signal. Connect the SEND jack of the F-Series to
100 %
your Effects Input jack. Connect the RETURN jack of the F-Series to the Output jack
of your effect unit. The Effects Loop is a patch point between the pre-amp and power
section. Therefore, the RETURN jack can double as a “Power Amp Input” jack.
When the RETURN is used as an input, the F-Series FX MIX control is the only
control being utilized regardless of the mode selected and should be set to 100%. While the RETURN is being used in this manner,
all other controls are inactive.
PAGE 7
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