Mesa/Boogie Recto-Verb 25 Owner`s Manual
Multi-Watt
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Owner’s Manual
Hello om the Home of Tone
Discerning player and all around intuitive human that you are, you’ve
put your trust in us to be your amplier company. is is something e don’t
take lightly. By choosing this instrument to be a part of your musical oice,
you have become much more than a customer to us, you’re now a lifetime
member of the MESA orldwide family.
WELCOME! Our goal is to never let you down.
Your reward is that you are now the owner of an amplier bred of a 40 year
heritage in high performance and it benets om the many pioneering and
patented MESA features and circuits contained in your model. Feel con-
dent, as e do, that this amp will inspire many hours of musical satisfaction
and years of lasting enjoyment.
With you in mind, this amp was designed and built by players who know
the alue of a ne musical instrument and the commitment it takes to make
great music. e same commitment to performance, quality, alue and
support e make to you...our new family member and iend.
Important Safety Instructions
• Read these instructions.
• Follow all instructions.
• Keep these instructions.
• Heed all warnings.
• 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 powersupply 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.
• 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.
Your MESA/Boogie Amplifier is a professional instrument. Please treat it with respect and operate it properly.
READ AND FOLLOW PROPER USAGE INSTRUCTIONS
Multi-Watt
Recto-VerbTwenty-Five
TABLE OF CONTENTS
OVERVIEW ______________________________________________________________ 1-2
FRONT PANEL CONTROLS
Getting Started & Helpful Hints _________________________________________________ 3
CHANNEL MODES
Channel 1: Clean / Pushed ___________________________________________________ 3-4
Channel 2: Vintage / Modern ___________________________________________________4
Multi-Watt™ Power ___________________________________________________________ 4
THE CONTROLS
Gain, Treble _______________________________________________________________ 4-5
Mid, Bass and Presence ______________________________________________________ 6-7
Master _____________________________________________________________________ 7
Standby and Power On ________________________________________________________ 7
REAR PANEL CONTROLS, SWITCHES & JACKS
AC Socket __________________________________________________________________ 8
Fuse _______________________________________________________________________ 8
FX Loop _________________________________________________________________ 8-9
Ext Reverb __________________________________________________________________ 9
Reverb _____________________________________________________________________ 9
Speakers ____________________________________________________________________ 9
Factory Sample Settings (2 Channels) _________________________________________ 10-12
Personal Setting Sheets _____________________________________________________ 13-15
Tube Noise & Microphonics ___________________________________________________ 16
Diagnosing Pre-Amp Tube Problems _____________________________________________ 17
Tube Description & Task Charts _____________________________________________ 18-19
Speaker Impedance & Possible Hook-Up Schemes - Amplifier to Speaker Cabs __________ 20-24
Parts Chart _________________________________________________________________ 25
Multi-Watt
INPUT
FT SW
GAIN TREBLE MID PRESENCE
MASTER
POWER
STANDBY
CLEAN
PUSHED
VINTAGE
FT
SW
CH 1
CH 2
MODERN
25 WATTS
10 W
ON
ON
BASS
25 W
10 WATTS
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RECTO-VERB 25
Recto-Verb Twenty-Five
Owner’s Guide & Operating Manual
CONGRATULATIONS on your choice of the Rectifier™ Recto-Verb™ 25 and Welcome to the MESA Family. The instrument
you have chosen rides atop a 20-year legacy of world-class high gain performance and hit-making sounds that have been at
the core of – and even a catalyst for – some of the very best of Modern Rock. You will quickly find that its small footprint and
manageable weight bear no resemblance to its stature, power and command over blistering-tight overdrive in the realm of big
gain Tone.
Don’t think for a moment this is a trendy down-line toy or marketing-derived imitation of our mighty Recto. This is the real
deal… in every way a high-end instrument. Lurking within this unassuming combo lies one of our most expressive and nuanceenhancing circuits to date and it creates an exciting, adrenaline-producing Tone machine… one of the most fun to play in the
entire MESA collection.
After the worldwide success of the Mini Rectifier Twenty-Five Head, we were frequently asked to pack all that lightweight expressiveness and fire into a Combo format so those needing a self-contained package could enjoy this mighty little-amp too.
Never the kind to shy away from a Tone-dare, we picked up the soldering iron once more in the Recto name. The result is an
even mightier package that is slightly larger to accommodate a 1x12 speaker and long-spring Reverb tank and boasts the same
great performance the Mini Rec is famous for. This new Recto offers lush tube Reverb that widens the sound and sweetens the
attack just a bit which increases its versatility and appeal for players that use lower to medium gain in their style. This Combo
and classic wood/vinyl Head package rounds out the Rectifier line nicely and provides a slightly less-menacing voice that still
has all the bouncy, dynamic Tone and feel this EL-84 based Recto has to offer.
Whether you’re rockin’ hard or putting the immense versatility of the Recto-Verb’s four Modes to task on a variety of styles,
you’ll get years of inspiration and enjoyment from this little gas-in-glass-powered jewel. We always strive to build classics,
icons that you’ll treasure amongst your most valuable musical instruments. From the feedback we’ve received thus far… it
seems the Recto-Verb 25 and its little brother the Mini Rectifier Twenty-Five is on its way toward achieving that status.
FRONT PANEL: RECTO-VERB Twenty-Five Combo
CLEAN
PUSHED
INPUT
FT SW
REAR PANEL: RECTO-VERB Twenty-Five Combo
AMPLIFIER
44YV
WARNING:
Unplug power
before servicing
fuse or chassis
GAIN TREBLE MID PRESENCE
VINTAGE
MODERN
120 V~
60 Hz
LOOP
1 A
SLO
1 A
BLO
RECTO-VERB 25
VACUUM TUBE
AMPLIFIER
EXT
BASS
CH 2 CH 1
REVERB
MASTER
25 WATTS
RECTO-VERB 25
SPEAKERS
4 OHM 4 OHMSEND RETURN REVERB
D
10 W
25 W
10 WATTS
HANDCRAFTED
IN PETALUMA,
CALIFORNIA
8 OHM
(COMBO) (USE WITH TWO 8OHM SPKRS)
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CH 1
CH 2
PATENTED
6,621,907
7,602,927
FT
SW
POWER
STANDBY
TUBE GUIDE
6 x 12AX7
2 x EL 84
ON
ON
1PAGE
Overview
Like its original two channel forefathers, this Recto keeps things straight ahead and easy to navigate. This generation
features two footswitchable Channels that each contain two Modes and while it looks basic and drives easy, a world of stylistic
versatility lives within these two simple rows of controls.
CHANNEL 1 (Green Indicator / Top Channel) focuses on rhythm sounds, both clean and overdriven. The CLEAN Mode delivers
sparkling, big-headroom rhythm sounds that breathe with rich, warm air on the bottom end. When driven to clip and combined
with the 10 Watt Power setting, this Mode misbehaves with real attitude and shines for urgent, yet soulful, Blues solo sounds
and furry Rock rhythm. PUSHED aptly describes what to do with the second Mode in Channel 1 and here you’ll find the next
region of gain. With a more stripped EQ and just enough added drive, PUSHED invites aggressive Rock rhythm and Crunch
styles to the party and even taunts your mid-gain solo work, especially in the 10 Watt Power setting.
CHANNEL 2 (Red Indicator / Bottom Channel) features the iconic Recto high gain sounds – the iconic liquid wall of VINTAGE
and the aggressive fury of MODERN.
VINTAGE excels at thick, high gain chording and single note soloing with an elastic feel and a broad harmonic spread. It has
a looser, more organic sound and the overdrive drapes itself around the notes creating a huge, three-dimensional image. VINTAGE solo work is further enhanced by the 10 Watt Power position. Here, the attack envelope changes and becomes rounder
and more voice-like, while upper harmonics recede slightly to create single note sounds of true beauty. VINTAGE and 10 Watt
compliment each other in ways that will open new doors for the Recto that were previously open only to more “well behaved”
or “cultured” amps. It may also open wide the eyes of current big-power Recto owners who experience for the first time, what
this power range/wiring style does for a sound they had typecast. This is a new and exciting face of Recto and it will surely
expand its stylistic footprint.
MODERN is the opposite in every way. This aggressive Mode comes right at you – maybe even for you – with stunning attack
and a hi-mid bump that keeps things percussive and tracking with hyper-accuracy. It is almost hard to believe that this amount
of gain can be infused and yet still deliver a response – especially in bass frequencies – with this much speed and definition.
But this is pure Recto and MODERN contributes an equal part to achieving its status as the other most recorded sound in Rock.
Needless to say, MODERN is all about all things Heavy and Metal. And while this sound is best demonstrated using the 25 Watt
Power setting, be sure not to typecast MODERN too quickly. Using the 10 Watt Power setting to sweeten the mids and soften
the attack here, shows another side to MODERN that’s more forgiving and vocal, creating a great alternate solo voice with a
little more punch and dynamic content.
We keep saying it, but it’s hard to overstate the value, effectiveness and stylistic “power” of the Multi-Watt™ Channel Assignable
Power switches. These dedicated wattage range choices unveil different power characteristics and colors – so they are really
power “voicing” switches as well. In this Recto, the choice of T power tubes with their amazing clip characteristics, prompted
us to explore the different wiring schemes possible. This experimentation led to the 10 Watt Power Mode being wired for Triode
operation. This “more vintage” wiring scheme sweetens and rounds out the sound, turning what might otherwise be a lower
volume version of the same voice, into more “soulful” Recto experience. Use the 25 Watt setting for its bold attack, tight tracking
low end, increased definition and all out headroom. This setting works great with all the sounds and certainly showcases the
mightiness in this little Rectifier, shocking unsuspecting players and bystanders alike with power and sonic size. But any time
you need to tame this little beast and put a vintage patina of warmth and silkiness around things… kick down to 10 Watts and
enjoy a whole new and different world of Recto expression.
Jumping around to the Rear Panel, you are met with a lesson in elegant simplicity. Nothing here but the essentials... AC Power
Socket, Main Fuse, the FX Loop, External Reverb Switch jack, REVERB Controls and the Speaker Outputs. While this stands in
stark contrast to many other MESA models, including the Recto-Verb 25’s big power Recto brothers, it was a decision based
on stylistic, genre-appropriate traditions and not a cost cutting road to a price point. In fact, many fans have requested simpler
feature sets from us over the years and this format is the perfect arena for this conceptual downscaling.
The FX Loop on the Recto-Verb 25 is wired in Series. We are pleased by the added juice these tube stages impart on the signal
as, after all, it’s no easy feat to add a Loop that enhances – rather than robs – Tone.
Well that wraps up the fly-by overview of the Recto-Verb 25. Now it’s time to get into the Modes and Controls of this little
powerhouse.
2PAGE
FRONT PANEL : Controls & Features
CLEAN
PUSHED
INPUT
FT SW
GAIN TREBLE MID PRESENCE
VINTAGE
MODERN
HELPFUL HINTS
BASS
MASTER
25 WATTS
10 W
25 W
10 WATTS
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RECTO-VERB 25
CH 1
FT
SW
CH 2
ON
POWER
STANDBY
ON
1. When powering up (especially from a cold start), always allow the power tubes time to warm up before hitting them with high
voltage (STANDBY ON and playing). Turn POWER to ON, wait at least 30 seconds, then turn STANDBY to ON.
2. The center (3 position) mini toggle just to the left of the STANDBY and POWER labeled FT SW provides manual access to the
Channels when the Footswitch is not connected. The top position calls up Channel 1, the bottom position calls up Channel
2. To use the Footswitch to access the Channels, select the FT SW (center position) and connect the Footswitch to the jack
on the left bottom of the Faceplate labeled FT SW.
3. A good general rule to follow; As the GAIN goes up, the BASS should come down. This will help prevent low-end flub and
tubbiness and keep the attack tracking tighter. This is especially true in the CLEAN and PUSHED Modes of Channel 1 and
also the VINTAGE Mode of Channel 2 when searching for clipped sounds that lie somewhere between clean and dir ty and
maxed GAIN settings.
4. You will experience more footswitching noise (pop) when switching between Channels when only one is set to the 10 Watt
Power setting. This is due to the more radical voltage changes that occur when knocking the power section down to the 10
Watt level from the higher 25 Watt power mode. (Using both Channels in 10 Watt will reduce excess noise as the voltage
doesn’t change radically between Channels set to the same Power setting). May we suggest when configuring your Channels for live performance footswitching applications, try using the 25 Watt power mode whenever possible as there will be
no voltage swing. This will provide the quietest footswitching performance.
5. When reaching over the top of the Combo from the front, the REVERB Controls are in the center of the Rear Panel.
CHANNEL MODES
Each of the Recto’s two channels contain a choice of modes – two in Channel 1 and two in Channel 2, so that each channel
may be configured for an array of sounds. These Mode Select mini toggles radically alter the voicing of the Channel and many
internal changes occur as you switch through the Modes. How you choose to use these different modes is up to you, but we
think you will agree that this scheme provides some of the most versatile footswitching available anywhere.
CHANNEL 1: CLEAN / PUSHED
mized for producing balanced pristine clean sounds. For the best understanding of how to achieve a great sound in this mode,
CLEAN
PUSHED
INPUT
FT SW
VINTAGE
MODERN
GAIN
with neck pick-ups. The TREBLE and MIDDLE Controls can also add gain and sustain to this sound (reduce Presence to blend
highs), but you will probably want to run the BASS Control below 10:30 to avoid flubby-ness and preserve a focused attack.
please refer to the GAIN Control section of this manual. However, a great place to start is 12:00 or
so on the GAIN Control with more sparkle available below this and more warmth apparent above.
From there, adjust according to your guitar’s individual response.
Because of its more traditional architecture this mode also works extremely well for vintage style drive
sounds. As mentioned earlier in the Overview, these sounds are enhanced by coupling them with
the 10 Watt Power selection where you can combine vintage preamp response with authentic power
overdrive. By turning the gain all the way up, a beautiful vintage solo sound is possible, especially
CLEAN: This is the lowest gain circuit of the Recto-Verb 25’s four modes and is opti-
3PAGE
PUSHED: This mode is a radical departure from the sweet, shimmering blend of the CLEAN modes low gain character. Huge
increases in gain in the first stages of the pre-amp produce one of the biggest differences between all four modes and transforms
what you thought to be a tame and gentle clean channel into a raging crunch machine. This incredible amount of gain (for a
low gain circuit) also creates one of the most expressive solo modes in your Recto. Because there are fewer stages of gain for
the signal to travel through and the Tone control network is tuned for the brighter nature of clean sounds, this mode responds
more quickly to your pick attack and has a more urgent, snappy feel. Don’t overlook this mode for some of the Recto-Verb 25’s
coolest overdrive solo sounds.
NOTE: When using PUSHED with the GAIN Control maxed (5:00), avoid setting the TREBLE Control higher than (2:30). Settings
above (2:30) may generate microphonic oscillation in certain preamp tubes in the V1 position. This can be avoided altogether
by setting the TREBLE Control sensibly when the GAIN Control is maxed. Use the PRESENCE Control for additional brightness.
CHANNEL 2: VINTAGE / MODERN
VINTAGE: This high gain mode is the famous liquid Recto voice. Its lush harmonic
content and fat creamy feel is featured in so many recordings and is now a staple for so many headed to the studio for an album
project. Combining this super juicy, expressive preamp with the Recto’s black magic power section
creates colors in gain that most players find truly addictive. Single note solo work is effortless as
the strings become easy to play with the VINTAGE mode’s musical and natural tube compression.
Spend time learning the lower regions of the VINTAGE mode as this is a place where many beautiful
sounds live.
MODERN: Aggressive. This is the word that best describes the menacing power of this Recto’s
INPUT
FT SW
CLEAN
PUSHED
VINTAGE
MODERN
GAIN
most rebellious of all modes. A take-no-prisoners crushing assault of top-end cut and lightning fast
response creates a sound of unparalleled aggression that has set a new standard for hardcore sounds. The added tightness of
the low-end response combined with the radically more present top-end keeps the MODERN mode tracking accurately even
at extreme gain settings.
MULTI-WATT™ POWER
Each Channel contains our patented MULTI-WATT™ power switch that allows you to choose
either 25 Watts of Pentode wired power or 10 Watts of Triode power enabling you to match the power output and feel to each
of your footswitchable preamp sounds. The 10 Watt position (switch down) rewires the output tubes to
Triode-style wiring for a vintage-voiced and oh-so-clipable 10 Watts of power. This produces a smoother,
rounder voice that clips with a warmer attack characteristic and a creamier feel.
The 25 Watt setting (switch up) brings on line our patented Dyna-Watt™Pentode based wiring for the full
MASTER
25 WATTS
10 W
25 W
power and headroom. This setting is preferred for pristine clean sounds and tight-tracking high gain sounds
10 WATTS
as it delivers a burst of power and headroom far beyond the expectation of its rated power. This ingenious
and unique MESA circuit stores up voltage in the power section and releases it at the instant of attack –
when you need it – then sags down to a more “normal” voltage at a time-specific rate. All this translates into a bouncy, dynamic
sound and an amazing, precise, yet elastic feel on the strings. Pure tube magic! This circuit has been appreciated by players
around the world for decades and has furthered the original Boogie “little amp that could” legend since its introduction in the
now-classic Studio 22 back in 1983.
THE CONTROLS
GAIN
for each individual channel. Remember that your Recto-Verb 25 is really two separate multi-mode amplifiers built onto one
chassis, so though each channel looks identical, the GAIN Control for each channel comes on in a different place and adjusts
a different point in that channel’s circuit.
In most guitar amplifiers, and especially in all-tube circuits, the GAIN Control is the most powerful control in the preamp. It
shapes the overall style and character of the sound and is responsible for whether the sound is clean, overdriven or anywhere
in between. In your Recto-Verb 25, the GAIN Control is even more powerful. It not only determines the amount of drive, but also
acts as an integral part of the tone control string as well.
This control adjusts the predominant gain stage in each channel’s circuit with the function and taper being optimized
4PAGE
GAIN REGIONS
TREBLE
SWEET SPOT
Brightest
Most Balanced
Warmer & Saturated
To simplify the GAIN Control’s role in shaping the overall tone of the sound we will look
at it in two ways: 1) alone and 2) in conjunction with the tone controls.
CLEAN
1) GAIN has three tonal regions: LOW (7:00 - 11:00) provides the cleanest, least saturated
sounds and in this region the sound will be brighter and contain more upper harmonics
PUSHED
GAIN
VINTAGE
lending a three-dimensional character to the sound.
MIDDLE (11:00 - 2:00) enhances the saturation and replaces some of the upper harmonics
with a richer, warmer quality and a fuller bottom-end response. Not yet fully saturated,
MODERN
this region is the easiest place to get a great sound in both channels. This region contains
many of the Recto’s best sounds – especially for soloing – due to the crucial blend of an
expressive attack combined with ample sustain.
HIGH (2:00 - 5:00) saturates the signal and enhances low and low-mid frequencies. While this region provides the maximum
saturation and sustain, it also compresses and softens the attack characteristics. For this reason we suggest using this higher
region of the GAIN Control sparingly and only when maximum sustain is needed.
NOTE: Due to the Recto’s extreme gain potential, the highest regions of the GAIN Control may possibly push the pre-amp tubes
past what they can handle, producing microphonic squealing. While we screen and test the tubes your amplifier was shipped
with and the tubes in your amp passed our rigorous test, we can’t predict how the tubes will respond over time exposed to
extreme gain settings. Your tubes are warranted for a period of 6 months under normal use, but you can save yourself the
present and future inconvenience of having to deal with annoying microphonic tube problems by simply using a little common
sense...Don’t turn the Gain all the way up!
If you must for a specific part, or at very low volumes, back down the TREBLE and PRESENCE Controls. Your Recto-Verb 25 was
designed to provide amazing gain and tone at less than extreme settings, removing the need for you to crank everything all the
way up. If you are not able to achieve the sound you want at sensible settings on any or all of the controls, your problem may lie
elsewhere in the signal chain, i.e. pick-ups, cabinetry, processing, etc. Keep in mind, you can always call on one of our Product
Specialists, Monday through Thursday, and seek some advice should you find yourself struggling to get the sound you want.
2) GAIN in conjunction with the Tone Controls: Basically, a simple rule applies...as the Gain is increased the Tone control string
has less and less effect on the signal until at 5:00, the signal is so saturated that you are getting mostly Gain and very little Tone.
Again, this is the reason we suggest using the GAIN Control in its middle region. Here, the Tone control string is very active and
provides maximum shaping power, allowing you to dial virtually any sound you desire.
TREBLE
As in most tube guitar amplifiers, the TREBLE Control (in both channels of your Recto) is the most powerful of
the Tone 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 from here the MIDDLE and BASS receive their signal) it is by far the dominant Tone control.
Like most of the controls on your Recto, 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, 11:00 - 1:30 is the sweet spot. There are definitely great sounds above and below this
middle region, 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 Recto-Verb 25. In both modes (CLEAN & PUSHED), the TREBLE Con-
trol can be used to dump extra gain into the mix. This is especially effective in the PUSHED mode for crunch
sounds. When doing so use the PRESENCE Control to roll off some of the more than ample top-end for a more compressed
feel and fatter voice. The BASS Control’s effectiveness will be reduced, so you may have to run a much higher setting than you
are used to seeing to achieve a balance. That said, keep in mind that the TREBLE Control in Channel 1 PUSHED should not be
set too much above 3:00 to avoid unwanted microphonic tube problems.
5PAGE
MID
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 Recto. 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 MIDDLE Control settings (7:00 - 11:00)
where a scoop in this region produces girth by letting the Bass become a little more dominant.
SCOOPED AND
EASY TO PLAY
ADDS PUNCH TO
WEAKER PICK-UPS
Less punch lends a more compressed, even feel to the strings and therefore, a less apparent resistance to the pick. As the MIDDLE Control is increased, (11:00 - 1:30) the sound is
rounded-out and filled-in with a focused midrange attack appearing rather quickly. As you
would guess, the feel starts to change – becoming slightly more resistant. Above this region the MIDDLE Control could be used
to compensate for either weaker pick-ups or for times when a specific deficiency is created either by an extremely high setting
of other tone controls, or a physical anomaly in the room. While these MIDDLE Control settings (2:00 - 5:00) can introduce
added gain and create enhanced focus, the trade-off may be a stiffer, more forward, less compressed feel.
Channel 1 utilizes a different MIDDLE Control than that of Channel 2 with a custom-designed taper and value. In its low range
(below 12:00) it functions as a normal midrange control with a taper suited to blending fine increments of these frequencies.
Most players lean toward a fairly radical scoop (7:00 - 10:30) for clean playing, preferring to let Treble and Bass remain dominant, thus producing the signature sparkle and breath essential for a pristine clean sound.
As Channel 1’s MIDDLE Control is swept past 12:00, it starts to add gain in these midrange frequencies, adding cut and punch.
As the top end of the control is reached, (3:00 - 5:00) it becomes an additional gain control capable of taking both CLEAN and
PUSHED modes to extremes. Experiment with this cranked region in conjunction with conservative settings of the other tone
controls to balance both sound and feel. While this added flexibility may make Channel 1’s MIDDLE Control a little more tricky
to learn at first, it will become quite valuable as you start to realize the power of this super-versatile channel.
BASS
Last, but not least in the string of Tone controls, we come to the BASS. This control works similarly in both channels in
that it determines the amount of low frequencies present in a sound. However, the actual frequencies and style of lows it mixes
in changes with the channels. Like the MIDDLE Control, it falls in line signal-wise after the TREBLE
Control and the same scheme applies. When the TREBLE Control is set high, the effectiveness of the
BASS and MIDDLE Controls is reduced. If the TREBLE Control is set low, these two controls become
BASS
dominant.
For the most balanced sound and a balance of power between the three rotary Tone controls, try to
use the TREBLE Control in its middle ranges. This scenario produces nearly equal representation of all
the frequencies on the Tone controls and provides a great neutral starting point for further tweaking.
VARIABLE ACCORDING
TO TREBLE & MID CONTROL
While the Recto-Verb 25’s EL-84 power section is not capable of delivering the massive amount of
bass frequencies that the big Rectos do with their 6L6 power tubes, it is still worth mentioning to
use the BASS control with finesse. Too high a BASS setting can cause a bloated, flubby attack and
create a sound that is unbalanced and even downright bad. A good rule to use as a guideline is this: as the GAIN is increased,
the BASS should be decreased. The higher GAIN settings add fullness and warmth - and bass - allowing you to get away with
lower BASS settings. Another thing that high settings of the BASS does is to eat up headroom. Low frequencies take more
power to deliver at a given volume than high frequencies due to their longer wave length. Your amp will clip sooner if there is a
large amount of bass it has to amplify. This is most noticeable in Channel 1 in the CLEAN Mode when looking for clean rhythm
sounds. The highest headroom is attained for clean chording by keeping the GAIN and BASS not far above 12:00 - somewhere
between 11:00 and 12:30. This will ensure that you are not “loading up” the front end with too much GAIN or low-end. Any
clipping you experience will most likely come from the tubes reaching their limit of power.
PRESENCE
the circuit moves depending on the Channel and Mode you have called up. In some Modes it’s a roll-off control at the end of
This Control handles high frequency attenuation that is above that of the TREBLE control and its location in
the preamp, in others it controls the amount of Negative Feedback at a given frequency in the power section. It acts indepen-
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