M
ESA
OOGIE
B
R
EVOLVER
Owner's Manual
The Spirit of Art in Technology
1317 Ross Street Petaluma, CA 94954
USA
Hello from the Tone Farm......
You, smart player and all around intuitive human, have put your trust
in us to be a part of your musical voice. This is something we do not
take lightly. Our reward is that we’ve designed and built another fine
Mesa product that is destined to become a classic. By purchasing and
choosing this unit, 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 not just another speaker but a newly
designed rotational sound reinforcement speaker system, that will offer
you some of the most exciting and rewarding sound possibilities you’ve
ever heard. The REVOLVER is handcrafted and incorporates the same
Mesa heritage and integrity...benefiting from the many pioneering and
patented Mesa circuits and products that led to the refinement of this
unit. Feel confident, as we do, the REVOLVER 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.
Your REVOLVER is a professional instrument. Please treat it with respect and operate it properly.
THIS UNIT IS CAPABLE OF PRODUCING VERY LOUD VOLUMES! EXPOSURE TO
USE COMMON SENSE AND ALWAYS OBSERVE THESE PRECAUTIONS:
Do not expose to moisture, rain or water, direct sunlight or extremely high temperatures.
Always insure that the unit is properly grounded.
Always unplug A.C. power cord before changing/checking fuses.
When replacing fuse, use only same type and rating.
Keep the unit away from children.
Do not throw or drop the unit, especially on living beings.
Be sure to connect to an A.C. power supply that meets the power
supply specifications listed on the rear of the unit.
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 rotary controls.
Remove the power plug from the A.C. mains socket if the unit is to
be stored for an extended period of time.
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 for this product filled out by the
store at which it was purchased and return to Mesa Engineering.
HIGH SOUND LEVELS MAY CAUSE PERMANENT HEARING DAMAGE!
No user serviceable parts inside. Refer service to qualified personnel. Always unplug A.C. 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.
REVOLVER
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Precautions
Overview ________________________________________________________________1
FRONT PANEL FUNCTIONS:
3 Position Power Switch ___________________________________________________2
Slow Speed Fine Tune-Control ______________________________________________2
Footswitch Jack __________________________________________________________2
Footswitch Unit ___________________________________________________________ 3
Continuous Control Jack ___________________________________________________ 3
Continuous Control Pedal _______________________________________________ 3 / 4
Brake ___________________________________________________________________4
REAR PANEL FUNCTIONS:
Fuse ____________________________________________________________________ 4
Speaker Jack_____________________________________________________________4
A.C. Receptacle ___________________________________________________________ 5
Trouble Shooting ______________________________________________________ 5 / 6
Hook-Up Options ______________________________________________________ 7 / 8
Parts Sheet ______________________________________________________________ 9
REVOLVER
Overview:
Operating Instructions
Congratulations on purchasing the REVOLVER. Mesa/Boogie has taken a new and innovative approach to spinning sound for
guitar players. Unlike the traditional system which uses a stationary speaker with a rotating baffle to reflect its sound, the REV OL VER’S
internal 12" speaker cabinet (which is tuned and has an open back,) actually rotates horizontally.
By spinning the enclosure and the speaker itself, the high end clarity, punch and overall sonic qualities of the host amplifier are
preserved like never before. The source tone is retained while achieving gorgeously wide and natural three dimensional chorusing, or
the fattest vibrato imaginable, all controlled by either the Footswitch or Continuous Control Pedal.
We’re sure that with some on-hands experimenting, you will discover through the REV OL VER a whole new world waiting to unleash
your creative musical ideas ! The simple to understand and usability of the REVOLVER, make it easy for you dive right in and start
creating some really cool sounds, however, please read this manual carefully and observe all the safety instructions and precau tions.
REVOLVER
All sides are cosmetically the same except for the control and jack panels.
FRONT PANEL
REAR PANEL
REVOLVER
FAST
OFF
SLOW
FOOTSWITCH
ESA
M
MUSICAL INSTRUMENT SPEAKER ENCLOSURE
FUSE
WARNING:
To reduce risk of fire and/or
electric shock, replace only with
same type and rating of fuse.
Unplug power before removing f
use. Do not expose this unit to
rain or moisture. Do not remove
bottom cover.
ESA
M
OOGIE
B
117 V.
1 A
60 HZ.
OOGIE
B
R
SLOW FINE TUNE
CONTINUOUS
CONTROL
8 OHMS
PAGE 1
FOOTSWITCH JACK:
FRONT PANEL FUNCTIONS:
3 POSITION POWER SWITCH:
When using this 3 position switch manually (without footswitch,) and the toggle is set in the
up position, the REVOLVER will be in its fast mode of operation. With the toggle set in its lower position, the REV O LVER will be
set to run in its slow mode of operation. With the toggle set to its middle position the
unit is switched to off.
REVOLVER
FAST
OFF
SLOW
FOOTSWITCH
M
ESA
OOGIE
B
SLOW SPEED FINE TUNE CONTROL:
R
SLOW FINE TUNE
CONTINUOUS
CONTROL
NOTE: The 3 position power switch on the REVOLVER’S Front Panel must be in
the SLOW or (down position) for either the Footswitch or the Continuous Control
Pedal to function.
The function of this control is for fine tuning the REVOLVERS’ rotational speed
when it is in its slow mode of operation. It enables you to achieve preset effects ranging from extremely slow chorusing to fast vibrato.
This controls’ function is very useful when it comes to matching a songs tempo.
REVOLVER
FAST
R
SLOW FINE TUNE
OFF
OOGIE
B
CONTINUOUS
CONTROL
SLOW
FOOTSWITCH
ESA
M
This is where the REVOLVER’S 1/4" Stereo footswitch cable plugs into the unit. (This jack is NOT
to be confused with the speaker jack on the Rear Panel.)
REVOLVER
FAST
OFF
SLOW
FOOTSWITCH
ESA
M
OOGIE
B
R
SLOW FINE TUNE
CONTINUOUS
CONTROL
PAGE 2
FOOTSWITCH UNIT:
FRONT PANEL FUNCTIONS:
(Continued)
Cable to Footswitch Jack on the REVOLVER'S
ON / OFF
This button (switch) which is
linked to the Red LED and is
in its ON position when the
LED is lit, activates the
REVOLVER’S internal
cabinet.
This is not a power ON / OFF
switch, although it will stop the
rotation of the internal
speaker, it will not turn off the
REVOLVER’S electrical
circuitry.
REMEMBER...in order to turn the REVOLVER off when it is not in use, always use the 3 position power switch which is located on
the Front Panel.
Front Panel.
ON
ON / OFF
REVOLVER
SLOW
FAST / SLOW
FAST / SLOW
This button (switch) which is
linked to the Green LED and is
in its ON position when the LED
is lit, controls the
REVOLVER’S two speeds.
The REVOLVER is in its slow
running mode when the LED is
lit and in its fast running mode
when unlit.
CONTINUOUS CONTROL JACK:
a standard 1/4 inch stereo jack.
REVOLVER
FAST
OFF
SLOW
FOOTSWITCH
ESA
M
OOGIE
B
R
SLOW FINE TUNE
CONTINUOUS
CONTROL
CONTINUOUS CONTROL PEDAL:
tions similarly to a normal volume pedal and is not unlike the gas pedal in a car. When it is pushed all the way forward (or down) the
REVOLVER will operate at its fastest speed and at its slowest rate of speed when the pedal is pulled all the way back (or in its up
Continuous Control Pedal
in its slowest position
This is where the REVOLVERS’ Continuous Control pedal connects to the unit. This is
This pedal allows maximum control over the REVOLVER’S rotational speed. It func-
position.)
Be aware that the Slow Fine Tune Control on the REVOLVER’S Front Panel can be used as
a Trim Control for the Continuous Control Pedal. If the Slow Fine Tune control is set low, the
Continuous Control Pedals slowest and fastest speeds will both be slower. If the Slow Fine Tune
control is set high, the Continuous Control Pedals slowest and fastest speeds will be faster.
PAGE 3
BRAKE:
FRONT PANEL FUNCTIONS:
(Continued)
CONTINUOUS CONTROL PEDAL: (Continued)
This pedal is ideal for controlling speed swells in either direction from
slow to fast and back or vice versa. Whatever position the pedal is left in will determine the speed at which the REV OLVER comes
to rest at. This makes available many more speed settings than using only the footswitch...all of which are available on the fly.
The lever located on the Continuous Control Pedal, when pushed to the right with your foot, duplicates the ON / OFF function of the
footswitch. When the Red LED on the pedal is lit the REVO LVER will rotate. Likewise, when the LED is unlit the REV OLVER will
not rotate.
ON / OFF Lever (switch)
Like the footswitches ON / OFF button, this lever is not a power switch and will not turn
the REVOLVER’S circuitry off when not in use. Again...always use the 3 position power
switch located on Front Panel for this function.
The REVOLVER has an automatic Brake System which is activated by both the footswitch and the Continuous
Control Pedal when going from a faster speed to a slower speed. The Brake releases when the rotational speed which is determined
by either the Slow Fine Tune or the Continuous Control Pedal has been reached.
REAR PANEL FUNCTIONS:
FUSE:
This is the A.C.s’ (Alternating Current) main fuse and provides electrical current protection from outside A.C. fluctuations ,
as well as possible circuitry failure damage. Should the fuse blow, replace it with the same rating in a slo-blo type package. The
Domestic U.S. REVOLVER’S requires a 1 Amp slo-blo fuse. The Export
REVOLVER’S use a .500 Milliamp Slo-Blo fuse.
MUSICAL INSTRUMENT SPEAKER ENCLOSURE
The REVOLVER is protected by two fuses one on the Rear Panel and one inside
the cabinet. Should a problem arise, always check both fuses. As always, be sure to
disconnect the unit to avoid possible injury and/or causing more damage to the
REVOLVER.
NOTE: Like tires on a car, spare fuses are always a measure of good insurance.
Your REVOLVER was carefully constructed with reliability in mind! Given the
FUSE
WARNING:
To reduce risk of fire and/or
electric shock, replace only with
same type and rating of fuse.
Unplug power before removing f
use. Do not expose this unit to
rain or moisture. Do not remove
bottom cover.
ESA
M
117 V.
1 A
60 HZ.
OOGIE
B
8 OHMS
proper care and maintenance, it will deliver years of trouble free service. However,
any pro guitarist who is out there gigging will tell you; spare tubes and fuses are a
must for the fabled cord bag and may someday be worth their weight in gold.
SPEAKER JACK:
The REVOLVER’S Speaker Jack is located beside the fuse holder. Do not confuse this jack with the
Footswitch Jack located on the Front Panel. The REVOLVER is an 8 Ohm speaker cabinet and does not have its own amplifier.
The stock speaker is a 90 Watt Celestion Black Shadow, which is made exclusively
MUSICAL INSTRUMENT SPEAKER ENCLOSURE
8 OHMS
FUSE
117 V.
1.25 A
60 HZ.
for Mesa/Boogie.
WARNING:
To reduce risk of fire and/or
electric shock, replace only with
PAGE 4
A.C. RECEPTACLE:
NO POWER:
NO SOUND:
KNOCKING:
REAR PANEL FUNCTIONS:
(Continued)
The REVOLVER was designed with convenience in mind as well as practicality. Therefore an A.C.
power receptacle was built into the cabinet and is located beside the Rear Panel. Be sure the power cable is firmly seated into this
receptacle and it would be a good idea to have the
REVOLVER’S power on switch in the OFF position in order
to prevent a possible electric shock.
MUSICAL INSTRUMENT SP
If you should lose your A.C. power cable or if the one that comes
supplied with your new REVOLVER fails, just give us a call
and we will be happy to send you a new one for a nominal
charge.
NOTE: Never expose the power receptacle or A.C. power cable
to moisture of any kind, severe electric shock may occur. Never
FUSE
WARNING:
To reduce risk of fire and/or
electric shock, replace only with
same type and rating of fuse.
Unplug power before removing f
use. Do not expose this unit to
rain or moisture. Do not remove
bottom cover.
ESA
M
117 V.
1 A
60 HZ.
B
O
alter the power cable or the receptacle in any way.
Back of Cabinet
TROUBLE SHOOTING:
WARNING: DO NOT REMOVE BOTTOM COVER OR GRILLES...INJURY MAY RESULT. THERE ARE NO USER SERVICEABLE
PARTS INSIDE. REFER ALL SERVICING TO QUALIFIED TECHNICIAN.
Check the external fuse first. If this fuse is not blown, check the internal circuit board fuse and replace it if
necessary. Remember, always replace fuses with the same type and rating.
USE CAUTION when trouble shooting in this situation as the host amplifier may not have a proper load on it.
Turn the amps volume down to a minimum output level so as not to damage the tubes or output transformer while you are looking for
the problem.
Make sure that the footswitch and speaker cables are not reversed and that the speaker connector device is plugged in properly to the
receptacle located at the bottom of the shaft.
Knocking is usually caused by one of the bearings being loose on the shaft. There are two 3/32 allen set screws
in the collar of each bearing which must be fastened tightly to the shaft. A small amount of loc-tite is recommended to keep them in
place. These set screws can be accessed more easily by loosening the internal speaker cab on the shaft and sliding it away from
either bearing.
Knocking can also be caused by the internal speaker cab already being loose on the shaft. There are two aluminum blocks inside the
cab and each block has a 10/32 allen head set screw which must be fastened tightly to the shaft. A small amount of loc-tite is
recommended on these screws as well.
PAGE 5
STUCK IN FAST:
TROUBLE SHOOTING:
(Continued)
BELT NOISE:
applying a small amount of WD-40 lubricant to the V-Belt itself. The belt tension should also be checked. There should be about 1/2"
of play...(slightly looser than the fan belt on a car engine.)
BRAKE NOISE:
loud, the angle at which the brake shoe comes in contact with the motor casing can be adjusted. The shoe should drag against the
casing and not “stub” into it.
If the Brake makes a loud thumping sound when it first engages, the distance between the Brake shoe and the motor casing is too
great. This distance should be no more than 1/32" and can be adjusted via the bracket that the Brake shoe itself is fastened to. This
adjustment may need to be made after 1 to 2 years of use.
the 3 position toggle switch on the Front Panel is in the low or down position. If both of these controls are set properly and the problem
persists, then it is likely that the small DC motor which controls the slow speed has failed or that the belt which runs this motor from the
main shaft has broken.
While a small amount of belt noise is normal, excessive ticking, scraping or squeaking can be eliminated by
A quiet, even rubbing sound is normal when the brake is engaged. If this sound appears to be excessively
Make sure the Slow Speed Fine Controller is not turned up too high. When using the footswitch make sure
CASTORS:
castors on the REVOLVER. Always Remove Castors Before Using. Also...make sure that each corner of the REVOLVER’S
bottom is firmly seated on the floor to avoid excessive shimmying.
MIKING TECHNIQUES:
right on opposite sides of the REVOLVER at a distance of 1 to 3 inches. Lowering the mikes closer to the center of the grille will
result in a deeper effect with a greater amount of wind noise. Raising the mikes up to the top of the grille area will lighten the effect and
eliminate wind noise. When using this placement scheme, it may be desirable to angle mikes downward slightly.
NOTE: The REVOLVER has many moving parts. While we have eliminated almost all excess noise, some minor mechanical
sounds are unavoidable. Remember...there are no user serviceable parts inside and refer all servicing to a qualified technician.
IMPORT ANT ! The weight of the internal speaker cabinet is such that when it is in motion it is unsafe to leave the
For stereo miking, the best results seem to be attained by using two microphones panned left and
PAGE 6
HOOK-UP:
There are a number of possible Hook-Up options for the REVOLVER. The following diagrams outline the most common of these
options and are accompanied by a brief description:
FUSE
M
ESA
REVOLVER'S
REAR PANEL
117 V.
1 A
60 HZ.
OOGIE
B
8 OHMS
EXAMPLE 1:
HANDBUILT IN PETALUMA, CALIFORNIA.
8 OHM
HOST AMPLIFIER
SPEAKERS
4 OHM
4 OHM
MUSICAL INSTRUMENT SPEAKER ENCLOSURE
WARNING:
To reduce risk of fire and/or
electric shock, replace only with
same type and rating of fuse.
Unplug power before removing f
use. Do not expose this unit to
rain or moisture. Do not remove
bottom cover.
Example 1 is the simplest Hook-Up option for the REVO LVER and yields a much deeper effect than when it’s used simultaneously
with a stationary speaker cabinet.
EXAMPLE 2:
HOST AMPLIFIER
SPEAKERS
REVOLVER'S
REAR PANEL
HANDBUILT IN PETALUMA, CALIFORNIA.
8 OHM
4 OHM
4 OHM
MUSICAL INSTRUMENT SPEAKER ENCLOSURE
8 OHMS
OOGIE
FUSE
WARNING:
To reduce risk of fire and/or
electric shock, replace only with
same type and rating of fuse.
Unplug power before removing f
use. Do not expose this unit to
rain or moisture. Do not remove
bottom cover.
ESA
M
117 V.
1 A
60 HZ.
B
8 Ohm Speaker
Cabinet
Example 2 is another common and simple Hook-Up option and yields a wider stereo effect with less depth than example 1. It also
provides more flexibility in a miked situation by allowing the sound engineer to have control over the mix between dry and effected
cabinets. In this application it is a good idea to separate the stationary cabinet from the REVOLVER by at least 3 to 4 feet. This will
avoid phase cancellation caused by the REVOLVER’S speaker stopping to rest and pointing in the opposite direction of the station-
ary speaker or speakers.
PAGE 7
EXAMPLE 4:
HOST AMPLIFIER
HOOK-UP: (Continued)
EXAMPLE 3:
8 OHM
HANDBUILT IN PETALUMA, CALIFORNIA.
A - B Box
Example 3 is very similar to example 1 sonically. In this application however, the REV OLVER can be left running and
the stationary cabinet can then be switched back and forth
via the A - B Box.
NOTE: If the stationary speaker cabinet is a part of a combo
amplifier, a female to female 1/4 inch adaptor will be needed
to connect the combo speaker to the A - B Box.
HOST AMPLIFIER
SPEAKERS
4 OHM
4 OHM
MUSICAL INSTRUMENT SPEAKER ENCLOSURE
8 OHMS
OOGIE
FUSE
WARNING:
To reduce risk of fire and/or
electric shock, replace only with
same type and rating of fuse.
Unplug power before removing f
use. Do not expose this unit to
rain or moisture. Do not remove
bottom cover.
ESA
M
117 V.
1 A
60 HZ.
B
REVOLVER'S
REAR PANEL
8 Ohm Speaker
Cabinet
This Hook-Up scheme is very similar to example 2 sonically . In this application however, the REV OL VER can
be left running and switched in and out via the A - B Box. This configuration is best if you already have a cabinet sound that you do not
wish to change while adding the REVOLVER to your existing rig.
SPEAKERS
8 OHM
4 OHM
4 OHM
A - B Box
REVOLVER'S
REAR PANEL
MUSICAL INSTRUMENT SPEAKER ENCLOSURE
8 OHMS
OOGIE
8 Ohm Speaker
Cabinet
8 Ohm Speaker
Cabinet
FUSE
WARNING:
To reduce risk of fire and/or
electric shock, replace only with
same type and rating of fuse.
Unplug power before removing f
use. Do not expose this unit to
rain or moisture. Do not remove
bottom cover.
ESA
M
117 V.
1 A
60 HZ.
B
PAGE 8
FRONT PANEL REVOLVER
REVOLVER
SWITCH
605373
PT.#
FAST
OFF
R
SLOW FINE TUNE
PANEL LABEL
PT.#
800370
KNOB
408110
PT.#
(self adhesive sticker)
HANDLES
PT.#
(specify color)
LEATHER
CORNER
466500
PT.#
JACK
PT.#
JACK & SWITCH
PLATE PT.#
351600
612391
SLOW
REAR PANEL REVOLVER
MUSICAL INSTRUMENT SPEAKER ENCLOSURE
FUSE HOLDER
PT.#
WARNING:
To reduce risk of fire and/or
electric shock, replace only with
same type and rating of fuse.
Unplug power before removing f
JACK & FUSE
PLATE PT.#
351600
use. Do not expose this unit to
rain or moisture. Do not remove
bottom cover.
FOOTSWITCH
M
FUSE
M
ESA
ESA
OOGIE
B
117 V.
1 A
60 HZ.
OOGIE
B
CONTINUOUS
CONTROL
8 OHMS
POT
PT.#
592150
STEREO JACK
PT.#
612391
JACK
PT.#
618100790342
CASTORS
359035
PT.#
JUTE GRILLE
(all 4 sides the same)
PT.#
205500
PAGE 9
PANEL LABEL
PT.#
800375
(self adhesive sticker)
M
The Spirit of Art in Technology
ESA
B
OOGIE
Thank you
company. We wish you many years of toneful enjoyment from
this handbuilt all tube instrument.
for trusting MESA/Boogie to be your amplifier
The Spirit of Art in Technology
1317 Ross Street Petaluma, CA 94954
USA
Phone No. 707-778-6565 Fax No. 707-765-1503
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