Mesa/Boogie pmn, Rectifier RECT-O-VERB 50 Owner's Manual

OOGIE

B

M

ESA

Owner's Manual

Series 2

Hello from the Tone Farm

...You, 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. By purchasing and
choosing this unit 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 now the owner of a great amp, bred of fine all tube amp heritage...benefiting
from the many pioneering and patented MESA circuits that led to the refinement of
your new instrument. Feel confident, as we do, 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.

Precautions
OVERVIEW 1/2
INSTANT GRATIFICATION
(2 DEMONSTRATION SETTINGS) 2

CHANNEL / MODE SELECT
CHANNEL 1: CLEAN & PUSHED 3
CHANNEL 2: RAW, VINTAGE & MODERN 3/4

CONTROLS

GAIN 4/5
TREBLE 5
MIDDLE 5/6
BASS 6
PRESENCE 6
REVERB (Rect-o-Verb Combo & Heads only) 6
MASTER 7
OUTPUT CONTROL 7
SOLO CONTROL 8

TOGGLE SWITCHES
STANDBY 8
POWER 8

REAR PANEL CONTROLS, SWITCHES & JACKS

SLAVE OUT 9
SPEAKERS 9
BIAS SELECT 9/10
FX LOOP: Send & Return 10
EXTERNAL SWITCHING 10
CHANNEL SELECT TOGGLE 11
FUSE 11
AC RECEPTACLE 11
FACTORY SAMPLE SETTINGS 12/13
PERSONAL SETTINGS SHEET 14/15
TUBE DESCRIPTION & TASK CHARTS 16
SPEAKER IMPEDANCE & POSSIBLE HOOK-UP SCHEMES: Amplifiers to Speaker Cabinets 17/22
DIAGNOSING POWER TUBE FAILURES & MAINTENANCE 23
DIAGNOSING PRE-AMP TUBE PROBLEMS 24
BIAS ADJUSTMENT: A feature article by Randall Smith 25/27
TRIODES, PENTODES & IRISHMEN: A feature article by Randall Smith 28/30
PART SHEET 31

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Series 2

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:

READ AND FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS OF PROPER USAGE.

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.

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.

Congratulations on your choice of the

SINGLE RECTIFIER 50 Series 2

amplifi er. You have purchased a handbuilt instrument of

the fi nest quality and craftsmanship. A unique blend of yesteryears’ black magic power section design combined with our race-shop

approach to fi nely tuned, high gain pre-amp circuitry leaves the

RECT-O 50

Series 2

standing alone...instantly a classic destined

for vintage status. With two channels housing fi ve defi nitive and distinctly different Modes, a complete array of amazing guitar sounds

can be obtained quickly and easily.

Series 2

Operating Instructions

FRONT PANEL HEAD VERSION: SOLO 50 HEAD SERIES 2

Instant Gratification Demo Settings

INPUT

CLEAN

PUSHED

MODERN

RA

W

POWER

ON

ON

STANDBY

GAIN

TREBLEMIDPRESENCE BASSMASTER

SOLO OUTPUT

CH2

CH1

REAR PANEL HEAD VERSION: SOLO 50 HEAD SERIES 2

10%

FX MIX

RETURN

SEND

WARNING:

Unplug power
before replacing
fuse or removing
bolts mounting

F

U

S

E

F

U

S

E

POWER FUSE

2.5 A
SLO
BLO

120 V~

50-60 Hz

2.5 A

FRONT PANEL COMBO VERSION: RECT-O-VERB 50 SERIES 2

INPUT

POWERSTANDBY

ON

ON

GAIN

MASTER

PRESENCEBASSTREBLE MID

OUTPUT

CLEAN

PUSHED

MODERN

RA

W

CH2

CH1

REAR PANEL COMBO VERSION: RECT-O-VERB 50 SERIES 2

CHANNEL SOLO REVERB

WARNING:

Unplug power
before replacing
fuse or removing
bolts mounting

F

U

S

E

F

U

S

E

POWER FUSE

2.5 A
SLO
BLO

120 V~

50-60 Hz

2.5 A

EXTERNAL SWITCHING

WARNING:

To reduce risk of fire or

electric

shock, replace fuse with

sam

e type and rating only. Do not

CAUTION:

To reduce risk of fire or electric

shock,

do not remove cover. No

user-serviceable parts

inside. Refer

V
I
N
T
A
G
E

V

I
N
T
A
G
E

SOLO

FUSE

CHANNEL 1

CHANNEL 2

SET TO CHANNEL 1

TO

USE FOOTSWITCH

FOOTSWITCH

SOCKET

BELOW

SEND RETURN FX MIX

PARALLEL EFFECTS LOOP

10%

90

%

ALL TUBE AMPLIFIER HANDMADE IN PETALUMA, CALIF USA

8 OHM

4 OHM

4 OHM

SPEAKERS

OUT

SLAVE

(USE WITH TWO 8 OHM SPKRS)

(COMBO) (TO EXT. PWR AMP)

SINGLE RECTIFIER SERIES 2 RECTOVERB

CAUTION

SWITCH MUST MATCH

TUBES IN USE

6L6

BIAS SWITCH

EL34

FUSE

CHANNEL

1

CHANNEL

2

SET TO CHANNEL 1

TO USE FOOTSWITCH

PATENTED 4,211,000 & OTHERS PENDING FOR SOLO, MUTE & LOOP CONFIGURATION

PAT

ENTED 4,211,000 & OTHERS PENDING FOR SOLO, MUTE & LOOP CONFIGURATION

FOOT

SWITCH

SOLO CHANNEL

EXT. SWITCHING

4 OHM

4 OHM

8 OHM

SPEAKERS

WARNING

:

To reduce risk of fire or

electric

shock, replace fuse with

same

type and rating only. Do not

CAUTION

:

To reduce risk of fire or electric

shock,

do not remove cover. No

user-serviceable

parts inside. Refer

FX LOOP

90

%

CAUTION

SWITCH MUST MATCH

TUBES IN USE

EL34

BIAS SWITCH

6L6

ALL TUBE AMPLIFIER HANDMADE IN PETALUMA, CALIF USA

SINGLE RECTIFIER SERIES 2 SOLO HEAD

OUT

SLA

VE

(TO EXT. PWR AMP)

REVERB

OVERVIEW:

FRONT PANEL:

RECT-O-VERB Series 2

POWER UP:

First remove the protective covers from the tubes (plastic webbing) before connecting the A.C. cord

Connect your favorite guitar to the instrument INPUT jack. Flip the POWER switch to the ON position while

RECT-O 50’s

want to hear.

INSTANT GRATIFICATION: Demo Setting #2

INPUT

CLEAN

PUSHED

MODERN

RAW

POWER

ON

ON

STANDBY

GAIN

TREBLEMIDPRESENCE BASSMASTER

SOLO OUTPUT

CH2

CH1

V

I
N
T
A
G
E

WARNING:

Unplug power
before replacing
fuse or removing
bolts mounting
chassis.

F

U

S

E

F

U

S

E

POWER FUSE

2.5 A
SLO
BLO

120 V~

50-60 Hz

2.5 A

FUSE

CHANNEL

1

CHANNEL

2

SET TO CHANNEL 1

TO USE FOOTSWITC

H

FOOTSWITCH

SOCKET

BELOW

PATENTED 4,211,000 & OTHERS PENDING FOR SOLO, MUTE & LOOP CONFIGURATION

RECT-O-VERB COMBO Series 2

WARNING:

Unplug power
before replacing
fuse or removing
bolts mounting
chassis.

F

U

S

E

F

U

S

E

POWER FUSE

2.5 A
SLO
BLO

120 V~

50-60 Hz

2.5 A

FUSE

CHANNEL

1

CHANNEL

2

SET TO CHANNEL 1

TO USE FOOTSWITC

H

PATENTED 4,211,000 & OTHERS PENDING FOR SOLO, MUTE & LOOP CONFIGURATION

FOOT

SWITCH

SOLO 50 HEAD Series 2

INSTANT GRATIFICATION: Demo Setting #1

INPUT

CLEAN

PUSHED

MODERN

RAW

POWER

ON

ON

STANDBY

GAIN

TREBLEMIDPRESENCE BASSMASTER

SOLO OUTPUT

CH2

CH1

V

I
N
T
A
G
E

This is the lowest gain circuit of the

RECT-OS’

fi ve modes and is optimized for producing balanced

This mode is a radical departure from the sweet shimmering blend of the CLEAN modes low gain character. Huge increases

RECT-O

RECT-OS’

coolest overdrive solo sounds.

This new

RECT-O

mode has the lowest gain of the three in the high gain lead channel. Its’ less saturated nature greatly en-

for certain

offers, as

This high gain mode is the famous liquid

RECT-O

voice and it can be found in its original state

RECT-OS’

magic 50 watt

modes musical and natural tube compression. Spend time learning the lower regions of the

is set in its lower range and RAW is set in its medium to higher range and yet each possesses a character that is

CHANNEL / MODE SELECT:

INPUT

HEAD VERSION

CLEAN

PUSHED

MODERN

RAW

HEAD VERSION

V

I
N
T
A
G
E

INPUT

MODERN:

Aggressive. This is the word that best describes the menacing power of the

RECT-OS’

most rebellious of all modes.

This control adjusts the predominant gain stage in each channels’ circuit with the function and taper being optimized for

RECT-O 50

is really two separate multi-mode amplifi ers built onto one chassis, so

Control for each channel comes in a different place and adjusts a different point in

Control is the most powerful

RECT-O 50

Controls’ role in shaping the overall tone of the sound we will look at it in two

alone and

in conjunction with the tone controls.

enhances the saturation and replaces some of the upper harmonics with a richer, warmer quality and a fuller

RECT-OS’

best sounds...especially for soloing due to the crucial blend of an expressive attack combined with

saturates the signal and enhances low and low mid frequencies. While this region provides the maximum satu-

Control sparingly and only when maximum sustain is needed.

RECT-OS’

extreme gain potential, the highest regions of the

RECT-O 50

CHANNEL / MODE SELECT: (Continued)

CONTROLS:

HEAD VERSION

GAIN

INPUT

CLEAN

PUSHED

MODERN

RAW

V
I
N
T
A
G
E

GAIN:

Basically, a simple rule applies...as the Gain is increased the Tone control string

Control in its middle region. Here the Tone control string is very active and provides

TREBLE:

As in most tube guitar amplifi ers, the

Control ( in both channels of your

RECT-O 50

RECT-O 50,

there is an optimum region of the

Control where ample top end is mixed in

Control above this median

RECT-O 50

Control

The

Control is responsible for the blend of midrange frequencies in the mix and though its effect is not as dramatic as

RECT-O 50

Control settings ( 7:00 - 11:00 ) where a scoop in

feel to the strings and therefore less apparent resistance to the pick. As the

Control settings ( 2:00 - 5:00 ) can introduce added gain and create enhanced

CONTROLS:

(Continued)

HEAD VERSION

TREBLE

GAIN

HEAD VERSION

MID

TREBLE

MID:

Control is swept past 1:00, it quickly starts to add gain in these midrange frequencies adding cut and punch.

capable of taking both CLEAN and

Control a little more tricky to learn at fi rst,

BASS:

Last, but not least in the string of tone controls we come to the

. This control works similarly in both channels in that it

it mixes in changes

the TREBLE Control and the same scheme applies.

The

Control is a high frequency attentuator that is placed at the end of each channels pre-amp stage

Control settings darken and, in fact compress the signal

RECT-O

Control in its lower regions, where a balanced, vocal response is achieved.

RECT-O

and this can be great for sparkling clean sounds

is truly amazing in this most agro mode.

These self explanatory controls deliver the rich natural reverb sound. Although

available is not. In Channel 2 there is slightly less

available overall because of this channels’ very nature.

that it is easier to prevent the massive amount of Gain and signal strength present in either of

oscillations.

This channels aggressive nature lends itself more to musical styles where high settings of

are simply not traditional. Don’t worry...there is still plenty of

for drenched solo

Control a little

CONTROLS:

(Continued)

HEAD VERSION

MID

BASS

HEAD VERSION

PRESENCE

BASS

REVERB

MAST

ENCE

PRESENCE:

REVERB: RECT-O-VERB / COMBO & HEAD

MASTER:

This control is the master feed from the end of the pre-amp to the driver stage and the Effects Loop. As you can

Control, enabling the two channels relative volumes to be matched regardless of

Control makes possible a wide range of sounds through

sounds at high volumes and conversely, high

sounds at low volumes

Control in its

ranges ( 9:00 - 2:00 ). Here, the channels will

Control creates the send to the Effects Loop, extreme settings will cause

This control determines the overall output volume level of the amplifi er. After the GAIN Controls have been set for the

Control

RECT-O 50

Control will serve as the master level control.

RECT-O

Control and therefore also controls the volume of the power section.

50

RECT-O

The OUTPUT Level will be the only active control on the Front Panel (the PRESENCE Control of Channel 1 will be active only

Channel 2’s MODERN mode - as part of its voicing - utilizes substantially less negative feedback in the power stage creating a

RECT-O

as a power amp. The more conventional power

CONTROLS:

(Continued)

HEAD VERSION

PRESENCE

MASTER

SOLO OUTPUT

HEAD VERSION

OUTPUT:

SOLO:

This control can only be activated if the correct Footswitch is connected

to the Footswitch DIN jack.

is an

Perfect for set breaks... this toggle switch also serves an even more important purpose. In the Standby position the

switch is in the Standby position.

switch to the ON position. This prevents

This switch delivers the A.C. power to the

RECT-O 50.

Make sure the unit is grounded (all three terminals of the A.C.

RECT-O 50.

CONTROLS:

(Continued)

SOLO OUTPUT

HEAD VERSION

POWER

ON

ON

STANDBY

HEAD VERSION

POWER

ON

ON

STANDBY

HEAD VERSION

STANDBY:

POWER: