Mesa Boogie M9 Carbine User Manual
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. is 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. e 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
ACTIVE / PASSIVE SWITCH ___________________________________________________________________________ 3
CONTROLS:
GAIN ______________________________________________________________________________________________ 3
BASS ______________________________________________________________________________________________ 4
PULL DEEP ________________________________________________________________________________________ 4
MID _______________________________________________________________________________________________ 4
TREBLE ___________________________________________________________________________________________ 5
GRAPHIC EQUALIZER _____________________________________________________________________________ 5-6
ON-BOARD COMPRESSOR ___________________________________________________________________________ 6
THRESHOLD _____________________________________________________________________________________ 6-7
RATIO _____________________________________________________________________________________________ 7
VOICE ___________________________________________________________________________________________ 7-8
MASTER ___________________________________________________________________________________________ 8
TUNER MUTE LED ___________________________________________________________________________________ 9
POWER SWITCH ____________________________________________________________________________________ 9
REAR PANEL:
FUSE _____________________________________________________________________________________________ 10
A.C. RECEPTACLE __________________________________________________________________________________ 10
CIRCUIT BREAKER _________________________________________________________________________________ 10
SPEAKER OUTPUTS ________________________________________________________________________________ 11
VOICE ACTIVE / VOICE DEFEAT _______________________________________________________________________ 11
EFFECTS LOOP _________________________________________________________________________________ 11-12
TUNER OUT _______________________________________________________________________________________ 12
DIRECT OUTPUT - PRE/POST SWITCH _________________________________________________________________ 12
DIRECT OUTPUT & GROUND LIFT SWITCH _____________________________________________________________ 12
FACTORY SAMPLE SETTINGS _____________________________________________________________________ 13-14
PERSONAL SETTINGS ______________________________________________________________________________ 15
DIAGNOSING PRE-AMP TUBE PROBLEMS _____________________________________________________________ 16
PARTS SHEET _____________________________________________________________________________________ 17
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 properly.
READ AND FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS OF PROPER USAGE
F
U
S
E
F
U
S
E
IF CIRCUIT BREAKER IS
TRIGGERED, INCREASE
VENTILATION AND LET
AMPLIFIER COOL BEFORE
RESETTING.
12 A
SLO
BLO
100/120 V~
50/60 Hz
10 A
6
A
M
P
FRONT VIEW: M9 CARBINE
REAR VIEW: M9 CARBINE
Operating Instructions
Ov e r v i e w :
Congratulations on your choice of the 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 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 and Titan models,
but the preamp and driver section are all new creating a very different feel and attitude.
First a PASSIVE/ACTIVE switch determines the preamp Input sensitivity and ensures you will have the headroom you need. 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 air in the super-highs when pulled out.
A 9-Band Graphic EQ is the centerpiece of the M9 Front Panel and adds incredible shaping power to an already impressive sounding
string of Tone controls. Twelve db of cut and boost can be achieved across the frequency range starting in the sub-low region with 33
Hz and continuing on up to 8 KHz for tweaking of the super-highs and everything in between. A 3 position mini toggle controls the
graphic status with a choice of ON, OFF or Footswitchable and LED indication keeps you apprised of your selection.
An on-board Compressor handles the dynamic processing of the CARBINE’s instantaneous attack characteristics and features
both THRESHOLD and RATIO controls to allow finite adjustments of the compression effect.
The CARBINE also features a new VOICE control for instant access to global character changes. Here you’ll find four iconic and
distinctively different sounds and a bypass on a 5 position rotary pot that graphically shows you a pictorial EQ curve for each. To the
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Ov e r v i e w : (Continued)
left, positions 1 and 2 dip the midrange in two different places giving you two amazing choices for classic round, warm R & B sounds.
Turning right past the 12:00 noon FLAT position unveils two variations on the mid-bump theme. Positions 4 & 5 boost adjacent mid
regions to create two powerful mid-focused sounds that push articulate fingerstyle playing to the forefront of any mix or add the tight
drive to Rock. Great Tone doesn’t get any simpler!
The Front Panel MASTER control makes adjusting your playing volume levels quick and easy on stage. 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 included Footswitch.
The Rear Panel follows suit with simplicity dictating the layout of the essential features every pro rig should include. Tucked securely
between the intake/exhaust vents sit the SPEAKER OUTPUTS, the FOOT SWITCH jack and the VOICE DEFEAT switch.
The SPEAKER OUTPUTS utilize stage ready SPEAKON UNIVERSAL connectors which accommodate both standard ¼” phone type
and Nuetrik SPEAKON locking plugs. A SPEAKER IMPEDANCE switch keeps things in the Output section properly matched and
allows you to select between 8/4 Ohm loads or switch down to 2 Ohms (CRITICAL when loads of 2 Ohms are used) for full power
with these low load settings.
The FOOTSWITCH JACK located under the SPEAKER OUTPUTS is a standard ¼” stereo female jack that accepts the supplied
stereo Footswitch Cable. The Footswitch allows you to control the Graphic EQ and the Tuning Mute function from the front of the
stage or other remote location during performance.
The M9 includes a VOICE DEFEAT feature that works in conjunction with the Footswitch and allows you to automatically defeat the
Front Panel VOICE modes when you engage the Graphic EQ via the Footswitch. The choices are VOICE ACTIVE (toggle up) and
VOICE DEFEAT (toggle down).
In the VOICE DEFEAT position the VOICE circuit will automatically return to a flat/bypassed state (same as position 3) whenever the
Graphic is engaged at the Footswitch, regardless of where you have the VOICE control set. This prevents redundant “doubled-up” or
“contradictory” application of the EQ and ensures the maximum shaping power of the Graphic EQ will be achieved. It also allows you
to have a second Footswitchable sound that is truly different and unique from that which you have dialed up on the Front Panel.
In VOICE ACTIVE (switch up) the VOICE mode you have engaged on the Front Panel will remain active when you trigger the Graphic
EQ “on” from the Footswitch. When using this setting, be aware of the pre-existing EQ curve of the VOICE mode called up – and
try to use the Graphic for subtle enhancement of frequencies other than those already most affected by that VOICE mode. Don’t be
surprised if the Graphic EQ seems a little less powerful when you apply it to an “already EQ’d sound” that includes one of the VOICE
modes.
NOTE: For the maximum Graphic EQ control over the sound when the Footswitch is not in use, defeat the VOICE feature manually
from the Front Panel by selecting the “Bypassed” position “3” on the VOICE rotary control when the Graphic EQ is in use (ON). This
way you will not be “EQ-ing an already EQ’d sound” which can diminish the effectiveness of the 9 Band EQ.
The TUNER OUT jack will feed a signal to your outboard tuner and you can use the Front Panel PULL MUTE feature located on
the MASTER control to mute the signal for silent tuning. The MUTE can also be remote triggered by the Footswitch. The EFFECTS
LOOP is wired in series with the main signal. Insert your favorite processor(s) here with the SEND feeding the INPUT of the device
and the RETURN connected to the OUTPUT of the device.
To the right of the air intake vent are the EFFECTS LOOP and DIRECT OUTPUT sections. The DIRECT OUTPUT consists of a
standard 3 pin male XLR jack and a ground lift for the circuit-to-chassis ground connection. Leave the switch set to GROUND (switch
down - circuit grounded) unless you experience hum when connecting to a live sound board or studio recording console in which case
try the LIFT position to eliminate the hum caused by the two different references to ground.
That wraps up our Overview of the controls and features of the M9 CARBINE and now we’re ready to look at the controls and their
individual roles in creating the sounds you hear in your head. Once again, thank you for choosing Mesa and most of all Enjoy!
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FrONT PANeL CONTrOLS:
INPUT:
enough headroom to handle both passive and active style instruments. For active instruments you may find yourself running the
GAIN control somewhere between 10:00 and 2:00 for optimum headroom. If you do hear a soft clip creeping in at higher settings,
don’t worry, this is the beauty of a tube front end. You may feel free to drive the preamp for a more furry character when hyper-clean
is just too clean.
ACTIVE / PASSIVE:
guessed, the switch selects either the full strength PASSIVE input impedance circuit or a “padded” higher headroom ACTIVE circuit.
This jack is the instrument INPUT which feeds the first tube in the all-tube preamp of the CARBINE. It is set up with
NOTE: When driving the preamp with higher settings of the GAIN control it is wise to reduce the BASS control
and any low frequencies dialed up on the ACTIVE MID control. This will protect accidental damage to speakers and help avoid tubbiness or lack of tightness in the low end.
This mini toggle switch controls the input headroom and impedance of the INPUT. As you might have
Standard passive basses that don’t incorporate an onboard preamp should be used in the PASSIVE setting,
while more modern instruments that utilize active pickups and/or an onboard preamp should be used in the
ACTIVE setting.
GAIN:
This control determines the overall character of the input sensitivity. The lower regions of the control (below 12:00) lend
greater headroom and provide a scooped, brighter personality. The upper harmonics come through more prominently in this area
of the control making the top end sound more transparent and sweet. This region is especially useful
for funkier stuff when thumbing is in order. It keeps the rubber-band feel intact in the lows and mids
while voicing the snap just high enough to avoid harshness, or the dreaded “gak” when the G string is
plucked.
As the GAIN control is increased past 12:00 a richer, more “well-rounded” voice becomes dominant
and headroom starts to diminish in increments until eventually, a tube overdrive sound appears as the
12AX7 input tube is driven into saturation.
The region between 12:00 and 2:30 is where the classic, warm tube sound resides and within this narrow band you will discover a world of tone. Tiny increments here produce subtle, but important differences in the attack characteristic
which in turn, feel like changes in the time domain.
By experimenting with the amount of gain, you can actually voice the amp to feel as if it bounces just ahead of the groove - or lays
back a little deeper to produce a more Fatback feel. The difference in attack and sustain produces striking results as to how the bassist - and in fact the whole band - perceives things in the time domain.
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