Owner’s Manual
Greetings from the Home of Tone
...You, smart player and intuitive human, have put your trust in us to be your amplifier
company. This is something we do not take lightly. By choosing this instrument to be a
part of your musical voice, you have become part of the Mesa family...WELCOME!
Our goal is to never let you down. Your reward is that you are the new owner of an amp,
bred of fine all tube heritage...benefiting from the many pioneering and patented Mesa
circuits that led to the refinement of your new model. We feel confident, 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.
Table of Contents
Precautions
Overview _________________________________________________________________________________________ 1-2
FRONT PANEL:
INSTRUMENT INPUT _________________________________________________________________________________ 3
CONTROLS:
GAIN ______________________________________________________________________________________________ 3
BASS ______________________________________________________________________________________________ 3
PULL DEEP ________________________________________________________________________________________ 4
MID _______________________________________________________________________________________________ 4
TREBLE _________________________________________________________________________________________ 4-5
DI LEVEL __________________________________________________________________________________________ 5
PULL-PRE __________________________________________________________________________________________ 5
MASTER ___________________________________________________________________________________________ 6
MUTE LED _________________________________________________________________________________________ 6
POWER SWITCH ____________________________________________________________________________________ 6
REAR PANEL:
FUSE ______________________________________________________________________________________________ 7
A.C. RECEPTACLE ___________________________________________________________________________________ 7
MUTE SWITCH ______________________________________________________________________________________ 7
SPEAKER OUTPUTS _________________________________________________________________________________ 8
TUNER ____________________________________________________________________________________________ 8
EFFECTS LOOP _____________________________________________________________________________________ 8
GROUND LIFT, DIRECT OUT ___________________________________________________________________________ 9
FACTORY SAMPLE SETTINGS ________________________________________________________________________ 10
PERSONAL SETTINGS ______________________________________________________________________________ 11
DIAGNOSING PRE-AMP TUBE PROBLEMS _____________________________________________________________ 12
PARTS SHEET _____________________________________________________________________________________ 13
Important Safety Instructions
Read these instructions.
Keep these instructions.
Heed all warnings.
Follow all instructions.
Do not use this apparatus near water.
Clean only with dry cloth.
Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other apparatus (including amplifiers)
that produce heat.
Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or grounding-type plug. A polarized plug has two blades with one
wider than the other. A grounding type plug has two blades and a third grounding prong. The wide blade or the third
prong are provided for your safety. If the provided plug does not fit into your outlet, consult an electrician for replacement of the obsolete outlet.
Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched particularly at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point
where they exit from the apparatus.
Only use attachments/accessories specified by the manufacturer.
Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time.
Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required when the apparatus has been damaged in any
way, such as power-supply cord or plug is damaged, liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen into the apparatus, the
apparatus has been exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or has been dropped.
To insure proper ventilation always make sure there is at minimum four inches (101.6mm) of space behind the rear of
the apparatus. The ventilation should not be impeded by covering the ventilation openings with items, such as newspapers, tablecloths, curtains, etc. Do not impede ventilation by placing objects on top of the apparatus which extend past
the rear edge of its cabinet.
No naked flame sources, such as lighted candles, should be placed on the apparatus.
The apparatus shall not be exposed to dripping or splashing and no objects filled with liquids, such as vases, shall be
placed on the apparatus.
READ AND FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS OF PROPER USAGE
Important Safety Instructions
WARNING: To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose this apparatus to rain or moisture.
The AC plug is the mains disconnect. The plug should remain accessible after installation.
WARNING: EU: permission from the Supply Authority is needed before connection.
WARNING: Always make sure 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 the amplifier is properly grounded. Always unplug AC power cord before changing fuse, tubes or removing chassis. Use only same type and rating when replacing fuse.
Avoid direct contact with heated tubes. Keep amplifier away from children.
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 when handling buttons, switches and controls. Do not use solvents such as benzene or
paint thinner to clean the unit.
Always connect to an AC power supply that meets the power supply specifications listed on the rear of the unit. Export
models: always insure unit is wired for proper voltage. Make certain grounding conforms with local standards.
Your amplifier is LOUD! Exposure to high sound volumes may cause permanent hearing damage!
When Rack Mounting this unit proper ventilation space must be maintained. Do Not cover or block Front and Rear and
allow at least 2” of open “breathing” space on both sides of the unit. Allow 2 Rack Units of open space above the unit to
allow heat to escape the upper rear vents.
Your Mesa/Boogie Amplifier is a professional instrument. Please treat it with respect and operate it prop-
erly.
READ AND FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS OF PROPER USAGE
Operating Instructions
VACUUM T UBE PREAMPLIFIER
MOSFET POWER
HAND BUILT IN PETALUMA, CALIFORNIA
120 V~
60 Hz
5 A
6.25 A
WARNING:
Replace fuse with same type/rating only.
Do not expose to rain or moisture.
CAUTION:
Risk of Electric Shock. Do Not Open.
No user serviceable parts inside.
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MID
INPUT
CLIP
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INPUT
TRANS-CLASS
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Ov e r v i e w :
Congratulations on your choice of the M3 Carbine and welcome to the Mesa/Boogie Family!
First we would like to thank you for choosing us as your amplifier company and trusting us to help create your musical voice. This
is something we never take for granted and you’ll find that we are here ready to assist you should you ever need help. Our goal is
to help you sound your best at all times! We feel confident that your new amplifier will bring you many years of reliable service and
rewarding inspiration and create for you a newfound freedom to express through your music.
The M3 Carbine expands the MESA Family of Bass amplifiers with an exciting new voice that’s super fast and extremely focused!
The output section relies on the same time-proven array of custom designed mosfets used in our M-Pulse, Big Block 750 and Titan
models, but the preamp and driver section are all new creating a very different feel and attitude.
Up front the tube preamp utilizes a standard tone control string of Bass, Mid and Treble to shape the basic sound, but the shaping
power doesn’t stop there. There is a PULL DEEP feature found on the Bass control that keeps the low end tight and articulate when
pushed in or, enhances the sub-lows and adds super-top air when pulled out.
DI LEVEL and MASTER controls make adjusting your playing volume levels quick and easy on stage. The DI LEVEL features both
post and pre Tone control options, with post being the default (pushed in) setting and PULL PRE activating the pre setting that bypasses the entire preamp. A TUNER MUTE pull pot is added to the MASTER Output control for silent tuning in live or studio applications. This feature can also be triggered remotely from the Rear Panel Function Switch jack labeled MUTE.
FRONT VIEW: M3 CARBINE
REAR VIEW: M3 CARBINE
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