Mesa Boogie Road King 2 Operating Instruction

OOGIE

B

M

ESA

Owner's Manual

Greetings from the Home of Tone

Congratulations on your choice of the ROADKING as your Guitar amplifier and welcome to the MESA/Boogie family! As a discriminating player you probably know that you have purchased the most comprehensive instrument for amplifying Guitar that is available. What you might not realize is that this entitles you to all the experience, resources and commitment our twenty-five years of service to musicians world wide has to offer. Our responsibility is to help you sound great! So, if at any time you feel you need help or direction, we are here for you...a phone call away.

Table of Contents

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Ch 1 & 2 Fat

___________________________________________________________________________

Ch 1 Tweed

____________________________________________________________________________

Ch 2 Brit

______________________________________________________________________________

Ch 3 & 4 Raw

__________________________________________________________________________

Ch 3 & 4 Vintage

_______________________________________________________________________

Ch 3 & 4 Modern

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FRONT PANEL:

REAR PANEL:

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.

Overview:

Mesa Dual Rectiﬁ er Road King

as your ampliﬁ er and welcome to the

Mesa/Boogie

Family! By

Road King

is more than just an amp. It’s a

housed in one chassis that we refer to as an Advanced Ampliﬁ er

combine and dedicate them, you will ﬁ nd the

Road King

King

Road King

and though they may each be used for any sound,

Operating Instructions

OUTPUT SOLO

CH1 CH3

FX

LOOPS

GAIN TREBLE MID BASS PRESENCE MASTER

RAW

MODERN

VINTAGE

RAW

MODERN

VINTAGE

AC MAINS

ON

HI VOLTS

ON

2xEL342x6L6

2x6L6

PROGRESSIVE LINKAGE

RECTIFIER TRACKING

DIODES5U4

5U4

CLEAN

TWEED

FA

T

CLEAN

BRIT

FAT

GAIN TREBLE MID BASS PRESENCE MASTER

FRONT VIEW : COMBO

Road King

FOOT

CONTROLLER

CH 2

CH 1

CH 3

FT SW

CHANNEL

BOLD SPONGY

POWER FUSE

120 V~ 60 Hz 4 A

4 A SLO BLO

FUSE

HANDBUILT

IN PETALUMA

CALIFORNIA, USA

SEND 1

ROAD KING

CH4 CH3

EXT.

SWITCH

CH2 CH1

SOLO REVERB LOOP 1 LOOP 2

WARNING:

To reduce risk of fire or

electric shock, replace fuse with

same type and rating only. Do not

expose this unit to rain or moisture.

WARNING:

To reduce risk of fire or electric

shock,

Do not remove cover. No userserviceable parts inside. Refer servicing to qualified personnel.

LOOP SYSTEM

ACTIV

E

BYPASS

LOOPS, SOLO

& MASTER CONTROLS

RETURN 1

NORMAL NORMAL

10%

90%

SEND LEVEL

FTSW MIX

SEND 2 RETURN 2

EXT. TRIGGERS

L A T C H

I N G

P U L S E

2x EL34 2x

6L6

2x6L6

2xEL34

4x

6L6

2xEL+ 4x6L6

NORMAL

10% 90%

LOOP 2

MI

X

PROGRESSIVE

LINKAGE

CH 4

DIODE

TUBE-TRACKING

RECTO

A

B

SPK

R

ON

OFF

LOOP

1

ON

OFF

LOOP

2

A + B

2x EL34 2x

6L6

2x6L6

2xEL34

4x

6L6

2xEL+ 4x6L6

NORMAL

10% 90%

LOOP 2

MI

X

PROGRESSIVE

LINKAGE

CH 3

DIODE

TUBE-TRACKING

RECTO

A

B

SPKR

ON

OFF

LOOP

1

ON

OFF

LOOP

2

A + B

2x EL34 2x

6L6

2x6L6

2xEL34

4x

6L6

2xEL+ 4x6L6

NORMAL

10% 90%

LOOP 2

MIX

PROGRESSIVE

LINKAGE

CH 2

DIODE

TUBE-TRACKING

RECTO

A

B

SPKR

ON

OFF

LOOP

1

ON

OFF

LOOP

2

A + B

2x EL34 2x

6L6

2x6L6

2xEL34

4x

6L6

2xEL+ 4x6L6

NORMAL

10% 90%

LOOP 2

MIX

PROGRESSIVE

LINKAGE

CH 1

DIODE

TUBE-TRACKING

RECTO

A

B

SPKR

ON

OFF

LOOP

1

ON

OFF

LOOP

2

A + B

LEVEL

OUT

SLAVE

CAUTION:

USE SHORTING PLUG IF NO SPKRS IN B

4 OHM4 OHM8 OHM

COMBO

SPEAKERS

USE WITH TWO 8 OHM CABS

A

B

CH 3 CH 1

CH

2CH 4

REVERB

OOGIE

B

M

ESA

REAR VIEW : COMBO

Road King

to be many amps to many players and roam conﬁ dently between extremely

Road Kings’

Effects Loop section and we have provided two Series Loops to assure

Road King

is just that…our patented Progressive Linkage

Road King

also features Rectiﬁ er Tracking, a feature which automatically matches the type

Road King

incorporates a rich, all tube analog Reverb. Controlled per channel with the Rear Panel Reverb controls, it may be

King Kontroller

sound that has the elusive sag.

King Kontroller

Road King

behind us, let’s get ready to play.

Overview: (Continued)

After unpacking the ampliﬁ er remove the plastic webbing from all of the tubes (including the preamp tubes behind the row of

Install the 5U4 Rectiﬁ er tubes (if they are not already in place) by bending back the spring steel tube clamps just enough so that

Connect the 8 Pin DIN Footcontroller Cable to the female DIN connector located on the Rear Panel just under the Rotary Mode

Connect your speaker enclosure(s) to the proper impedance SPEAKER OUTPUT jacks “A & B”. If only one speaker cabinet is

Connect the A.C. Power Cable to a grounded A.C. outlet.

Flip the A.C. Mains switch to the ON position and wait at least 30 seconds for the power tube ﬁ laments to warm up with the HI

Turn the Front Panel OUTPUT control to zero before ﬂ ipping the HI VOLTS switch to the ON position. This will prevent accidental

Flip the HI VOLTS to the ON position and enjoy your new realm.

The Rear Panel CHANNEL SELECT Rotary switch must be set to FOOTSWITCH to access either Channels or features via the

Switch out of the LOOP BYPASS position in the

Should you select a Channel when the Cabinet Switching Feature is

assigned

The SOLO Control is activated when the Footcontroller is connected to the FOOTSWITCH jack on the Rear Panel and the Ef-

The SOLO feature can be used to set a volume level above that of the OUTPUT control setting. It will not allow a setting below

Getting Started:

Helpful Hints:

The GAIN and TREBLE controls are the most powerful controls in all four channels. They should be used with taste and you will

The PRESENCE control determines alot about the voicing of gain sounds. Set lower it will fatten and compress single note

when you are not using two sets of

with a PRES-

Should you ﬁ nd that you favor RAW and VINTAGE and never need the aggressiveness of MODERN. Or

When switching Channels with Reverb applied or switching the Reverb itself in and out of the signal path with the Footcontroller, it

Helpful Hints:

(Continued)

CHANNELS 1 & 2: CLEAN

This is the lowest gain circuit of the

Road Kings’

twelve modes and is optimized for producing bal-

This mode comes from our original

Mark 1 Boogie

and puts emphasis on the low mid and bottom end

This mode appears in CHANNEL 1 only and is a variation on the CLEAN that appears in both channels.

mode enhancing what is already a rubber band joy-ride to achieve one of our favorite

for these lower headroom

CHANNEL MODES:

CLEAN

TWEED

FAT

BRIT

FAT

CLEAN

TWEED

FAT

BRIT

FAT

CLEAN

TWEED

FA

T

BRIT

FA

T

CLEAN

CHANNELS 1 & 2: FAT

CHANNEL 1: TWEED

CHANNEL 2: BRIT

This mode appears in CHANNEL 2 only and, as the name implies, was inspired by the great sounding

mode an awesome addition to your bevy of sounds.

This new

Road King

offers in CHANNELS 3 & 4 where, because of the PRESENCE controls more

This high gain mode is the famous liquid

Recto

voice and it can be found in its original state in

Rectos’

black magic, tube-rectiﬁ ed power section creates colors in gain that most players ﬁ nd truly

modes

is set in its lower range and RAW is set in its

sound and no matter which

CHANNEL MODES:

(Continued)

BRIT

FAT

CLEAN

RAW

MODERN

VINTAGE

RAW

MODERN

VINTAGE

MASTER

RAW

MODERN

VINTAGE

RAW

MODERN

VINTAGE

MASTER

CHANNEL 3 & 4: RAW

CHANNEL 3 & 4: VINTAGE

CHANNEL 3 & 4: MODERN

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

Road Kings’

mode tracking accurately even at extreme gain settings. Keep in mind that when using

in CHANNEL 3 you will have to run the PRESENCE control almost all the way up to ap-

mode as the more compressed nature of this tamer presence range in CHANNEL 3 tends

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

Road King

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

control for each channel comes in a different place and

control is the most powerful

Road King

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

Road Kings’

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

control sparingly and only when maximum sustain is needed.

CHANNEL MODES:

(Continued)

RAW

MODERN

VINTAGE

RAW

MODERN

VINTAGE

MASTER

GAIN

CLEAN

TWEED

FAT

CLEAN

BRIT

FAT

GAIN:

Road Kings’

extreme gain potential, the highest regions of the

Road King

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 all four channels of your

Road King

control where ample top end is mixed in and yet enough signal is still

Road

King

control can be used

control in Channel 1 TWEED should not be set much above 2:30 to avoid unwanted microphonic tube problems.

The

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

Road King

control settings ( 7:00 - 11:00 ) where a scoop in this region produces

feel to the strings and

control is increased, ( 11:30 - 1:30 ) the sound is rounded-out and

GAIN

CLEAN

TWEED

FAT

CLEAN

BRIT

FAT

TREBLE

CONTROLS:

(Continued)

MID:

control settings ( 2:00 - 5:00 ) can introduce added gain and create enhanced focus, the trade-off will be a stiffer, more

control in CHANNELS 1 & 2 are swept past 1:00, it quickly starts to add gain in these

capable of taking both CLEAN and TWEED modes to extremes.

control

This control works similarly in all four channels in that it determines the amount of low frequencies present in a sound.

it mixes in changes from channel to channel. Like the MIDDLE control, it falls in line

the TREBLE control and the same scheme applies. When the TREBLE control is set

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 which works well to fatten single

Road King

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

Road King

and this can be great for sparkling clean

is truly amazing in

CONTROLS:

(Continued)

TREBLE MID

MID: (Continued)

BASS:

PRESENCE:

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 see

control, enabling the four channels relative volumes to be matched regardless of their

control makes possible

sounds at high volumes

sounds at low volumes and everywhere between.

control in its

ranges ( 9:00 - 2:00 ). Here,

control creates the send to the Effects Loop, extreme

This is the overall

control for the entire ampliﬁ er. It is located at the input to the power section

receives its signal from the EFFECTS RETURN jacks of both LOOP 1 and LOOP 2 and therefor this

Road King’s

power section as a stand alone power amp for use

Road

King

in larger venues. Here’s how;

Connect your preamp signal to the EFFECTS RETURN jack of LOOP 1.

Select LOOP ACTIVE on the Rear Panel

Use the OUTPUT control as your power amp level control.

Adjust the PRESENCE control of the Channel you are using to taste.

Select a Channel and a power setting in that Channel.

Road King

in one Channel

have volume differences

actually ﬁ t your needs and can be used to create some interesting power possibilities…especially

or another parallel with another

Road King

using the MODERN mode of CHANNELS 3 & 4 for this application as the increased power sensitivity of this mode

CONTROLS:

(Continued)

BASS MASTERPRESENCE

OUTPUT SOLO

2xEL342x6L6

2x6L6

OUTPUT CONTROL:

This control is an additional output control wired in parallel with the main OUTPUT that you can pre-set to a higher level

SOLO

gets its signal from the EFFECTS RETURN jacks of

adds power and

Road King

control can be used to provide a footswitchable volume boost for the

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. Wait at least

switch to the ON position. This prevents tube problems

This switch delivers the A.C. power to your new

Road King

CONTROLS:

(Continued)

OUTPUT CONTROL: (Continued)

OUTPUT SOLO

2xEL342x6L6

2x6L6

PROGRESSIVE LINKAGE

AC MAINS

ON

HI VOLTS

ON

AC MAINS

ON

HI VOLTS

ON

SOLO:

HI VOLTS:

A.C. MAINS: (POWER ON)

This 1/4” jack and control provide a signal derived from the speaker jack. Perfect for using either the

Road King

head

to

These are the speaker output jacks and there are provisions for both 8

Road

King

takes the footswitchable independent Channel concept a step further by providing two pre-assignable speaker outputs, enabling

Road King

Failure To Do So Will Damage

OUTPUT choices, there will still be a load on the

using the Cabinet Switching Feature and experience low output combined with a broken

FOOT

CONTROLLER

CH 2

CH 1

CH 3

FT SW

CHANNEL

BOLD SPONGY

POWER FUSE

120 V~ 60 Hz 4 A

4 A SLO BLO

FUSE

HANDBUILT

IN PETALUMA

CALIFORNIA, USA

SEND 1

ROAD KING

CH4 CH3

EXT.

SWITCH

CH2 CH1

SOLO REVERB LOOP 1 LOOP 2

WARNING:

To reduce risk of fire or

electric shock, replace fuse with

same type and rating only. Do not

expose this unit to rain or moisture.

WARNING:

To reduce risk of fire or electric

shock,

Do not remove cover. No userserviceable parts inside. Refer servicing to qualified personnel.

LOOP SYSTEM

ACTIV

E

BYPASS

LOOPS, SOL

O & MASTER CONTROLS

RETURN 1

NORMAL NORMAL

10%

90%

SEND LEVEL

FTSW MIX

SEND 2 RETURN 2

EXT. TRIGGERS

L A T C H

I N G

P U L S E

2x EL34 2x

6L6

2x6L6

2xEL34

4x

6L6

2xEL+ 4x6L6

NORMAL

10% 90%

LOOP 2

MI

X

PROGRESSIVE

LINKAGE

CH 4

DIODE

TUBE-TRACKING

RECTO

A

B

SPK

R

ON

OFF

LOOP

1

ON

OFF

LOOP

2

A + B

2x EL34 2x

6L6

2x6L6

2xEL34

4x

6L6

2xEL+ 4x6L6

NORMAL

10% 90%

LOOP 2

MI

X

PROGRESSIVE

LINKAGE

CH 3

DIODE

TUBE-TRACKING

RECTO

A

B

SPKR

ON

OFF

LOOP

1

ON

OFF

LOOP

2

A + B

2x EL34 2x

6L6

2x6L6

2xEL34

4x

6L6

2xEL+ 4x6L6

NORMAL

10% 90%

LOOP 2

MIX

PROGRESSIVE

LINKAGE

CH 2

DIODE

TUBE-TRACKING

RECTO

A

B

SPKR

ON

OFF

LOOP

1

ON

OFF

LOOP

2

A + B

2x EL34 2x

6L6

2x6L6

2xEL34

4x

6L6

2xEL+ 4x6L6

NORMAL

10% 90%

LOOP 2

MIX

PROGRESSIVE

LINKAGE

CH 1

DIODE

TUBE-TRACKING

RECTO

A

B

SPKR

ON

OFF

LOOP

1

ON

OFF

LOOP

2

A + B

LEVEL

OUT

SLAVE

CAUTION:

USE SHORTING PLUG IF NO SPKRS IN B

4 OHM4 OHM8 OHM

COMBO

SPEAKERS

USE WITH TWO 8 OHM CABS

A

B

CH 3 CH 1

CH

2CH 4

REVERB

OOGIE

B

M

ESA

REAR VIEW : COMBO

Road King

REAR VIEW: Road King

LEVEL

OUT

SLAVE

HORTING PLUG IF NO SPKRS IN B

4 OHM4 OHM

SPEAKERS

USE WITH TWO 8 OHM CABS

LEVEL

OUT

SLAVE

CAUTION: USE SHORTING PLUG IF NO SPKRS IN B

4 OHM4 OHM8 OHM

COMBO

SPEAKERS

USE WITH TWO 8 OHM CABS

REAR PANEL CONTROLS & FEATURES

SLAVE:

SPEAKER OUTPUTS: Bank A & B - Cabinet Switching

REVERB:

These 4 rotary controls determine the dry/wet mix ratio for the rich analog

and are wired to the Reverb return

tone and drive including the different Modes’ gain

may be switched in and out of the circuit via the

button on the Footcontroller.

is mixed with the dry signal after switching

signal, and the prior Channels sound coming through the

in the current

These 4 clusters of switches and controls house the speciﬁ c features that can be pre-assigned per individual

Kings’

secret and are ready to rule, for they are simply repeated for

This 5 position rotary control contains the most powerful feature ever found on a self contained ampliﬁ er,

BLUE ANGEL

ﬁ rst introduced it – the power of

reaches maturity here in a multi-channel format that should make all serious guitarists

Road King

to its full potential. The choices

description of the choices and their individual characters.

2x

EL34

2x

6L6

2x6L6

2xEL34

4x

6L6

2xEL+ 4x6L6

REVERBPROGRESSIVE

LINKAGE

CH 1

DIODE

TUBE-TRACKING

RECTO

A

B

SPKR

ON

OFF

LOOP 1

ON

OFF

LOOP 2

A +

B

REVERBPROGRESSIVE

LINKAGE

2x

EL34

2x

6L6

2x6L6

2xEL34

4x

6L6

2xEL+ 4x6L6

CH 4

DIODE

TUBE-TRACKING

RECTO

A

B

SPKR

ON

OFF

LOOP

1

ON

OFF

LOOP

2

A

+

B

PROGRESSIVE

LINKAGE

2x

EL34

2x

6L6

2x6L6

2xEL34

4x

6L6

2xEL+ 4x6L6

REAR PANEL CONTROLS & FEATURES

(Continued)

CHANNEL STRIPS:

PROGRESSIVE LINKAGE:

SELECTING POWER TUBES:

for there are hours of good clean fun

REAR PANEL CONTROLS & FEATURES

(Continued)

FOOT

CONTROLLER

CHANNEL

POWER FUSE

120 V~ 60 Hz 4 A

4 A SLO BLO

FUSE

CH4 CH3

EXT.

SWITCH

CH2 CH1

REVERB SOLO LOOP 1 LOOP

2

BYPASS

LOOPS, SOLO

& MASTER CONTROLS

RETURN 1

10%

90%

SEND LEVEL

FTSW MIX

SEND 2 RETURN 2 EXT. TRIGGERS

I N G

P U L S E

CH 4

DIODE

TUBE-TRACKING

RECTO

A

B

SPKR

ON

OFF

LOOP

1

ON

OFF

LOOP

2

A + B

LEVEL

OUT

SLAVE

CAUTION:

USE SHORTING PLUG IF NO SPKRS IN B

A

B

CH 3

DIODE

TUBE-TRACKING

RECTO

A

B

SPKR

ON

OFF

LOOP

1

ON

OFF

LOOP

2

A + B

DIODE

TUBE-TRACKING

RECTO

A

B

SPKR

A + B

2x

EL34

2x

6L6

2x6L6

2xEL34

4x

6L6

2xEL+

4x6L6

REVERB

PROGRESSIVE

LINKAGE

CH 1

COMBO VERSION 2 x 6L6

(partial rear chassis view)

6L6 GC

STR 430

6L6 GC

STR 430

EL 34 EL 34

6L6 GC

STR 430

6L6 GC

STR 430

POWER FUSE

120 V~ 4

A

HEAD VERSION 2 x 6L6 (partial rear chassis view)

LEVEL

SLAVE

A

OOGIE

B

M

ESA

2x

EL34

2x

6L6

2x6L6

2xEL34

4x

6L6

2xEL+ 4x6L6

REVERB

PROGRESSIVE

LINKA

GE

CH 1

DIODE

RECTO

TUBE-TRACKING

A

ON

OFF

LOOP 1

ON

OFF

LOOP

2

A

+

B

REV ERB SOLO

FUSE

FOOT

CONTROLLER

LOOP 2 LOOP 1

CH3 CH4

CH1 CH2

EXT

SWITCH

BYPASS

LOOPS, SOL

O & MASTER CONTROLS

L A T C H

P U L S E

RETURN1

SEND 2

RETURN 2

EXT TRIGGERS

NORMAL

2x EL34

2x6L6 2xEL34

4x 6L6

CH 2

DIODE

RECTO

TUBE-TRACKING

A

ON

OFF

LOOP 1

ON

OFF

LOOP 2

A + B

B

CAUTION: USE SHORTING PLUG IF NO SPKR IN B

2x

EL34

2x6L6

2xEL34

4x 6L6

CH 3

DIODE

RECTO

TUBE-TRACKING

A

ON

OFF

LOOP 1

ON

OFF

LOOP 2

A + B

B

2x

EL34

2x6L6

2xEL34

4x

6L6

CH 4

DIODE

RECTO

TUBE-TRACKING

A

ON

OFF

LOOP 1

ON

OFF

LOOP 2

A + B

B

6L6 GC

STR 430

6L6 GC

STR 430

EL 34 EL 34

6L6 GC

STR 430

6L6 GC

STR 430

2x6L6

sounds possible, especially in the BRIT mode of CHANNEL 2 where the lower mid characteristic is

have the harmonic spread, but not quite the balance of the 6L6 and this makes these Euro-born pentodes hygienically

REAR PANEL CONTROLS & FEATURES

(Continued)

SELECTING POWER TUBES: (Continued)

FOOT

CONTROLLER

CHANNEL

POWER FUSE

120 V~ 60 Hz 4 A

4 A SLO BLO

FUSE

CH4 CH3

EXT.

SWITCH

CH2 CH1

SOLO REVERB LOOP 1 LOOP

2

BYPASS

LOOPS, SOLO

& MASTER CONTROLS

RETURN 1

10%

SEND LEVEL

SEND 2 RETURN 2

EXT. TRIGGERS

I N G

P U L S E

CH 4

DIODE

TUBE-TRACKING

RECTO

A

B

SPKR

ON

OFF

LOOP

1

ON

OFF

LOOP

2

A + B

LEVEL

OUT

SLAVE

CAUTION:

USE SHORTING PLUG IF NO SPKRS IN B

A

B

CH 3

DIODE

TUBE-TRACKING

RECTO

A

B

SPKR

ON

OFF

LOOP

1

ON

OFF

LOOP

2

A + B

DIODE

TUBE-TRACKING

RECTO

A

B

SPKR

A + B

2x

EL34

2x

6L6

2x6L6

2xEL34

4x

6L6

2xEL+ 4x6L6

REVERB

PROGRESSIVE

LINKAGE

CH 1

COMBO VERSION 2 x EL 34 (partial rear chassis view)

6L6 GC

STR 430

6L6 GC

STR 430

EL 34EL 34

6L6 GC

STR 430

6L6 GC

STR 430

POWER FUSE

120 V~ 4

A

HEAD VERSION 2 x EL 34 (partial rear chassis view)

6L6 GC

STR 430

6L6 GC

STR 430

LEVEL

SLAVE

A

OOGIE

B

M

ESA

2x

EL34

2x

6L6

2x6L6

2xEL34

4x

6L6

2xEL+

4x6L6

REVERB

PROGRESSIVE

LINKA

GE

CH 1

DIODE

RECTO

TUBE-TRACKING

A

ON

OFF

LOOP 1

ON

OFF

LOOP

2

A

+

B

REV ERB SOLO

FUSE

FOOT

CONTROLLER

LOOP 2 LOOP 1

CH3 CH4

CH1 CH2

EXT

SWITCH

BYPASS

LOOPS, SOLO

& MASTER CONTRO

LS

L A T C H

P U L S E

RETURN1

SEND 2

RETURN 2

EXT TRIGGERS

NORMAL

2x

EL34

2x6L6

2xEL34

4x 6L6

CH 2

DIODE

RECTO

TUBE-TRACKING

A

ON

OFF

LOOP 1

ON

OFF

LOOP 2

A + B

B

CAUTION: USE SHORTING PLUG IF NO SPKR IN B

2x

EL34

2x6L6

2xEL34

4x 6L6

CH 3

DIODE

RECTO

TUBE-TRACKING

A

ON

OFF

LOOP 1

ON

OFF

LOOP 2

A + B

B

2x

EL34

2x6L6

2xEL34

4x

6L6

CH 4

DIODE

RECTO

TUBE-TRACKING

A

ON

OFF

LOOP 1

ON

OFF

LOOP 2

A + B

B

EL 34 EL 34

6L6 GC

STR 430

6L6 GC

STR 430

2xEL34

seem to have drastically different sonic characters. The classic skinny

aﬁ cionados search far

Road King

is made in Russia and has very similar characteristics to that of the Seimens and actually has slightly more output.

REAR PANEL CONTROLS & FEATURES

(Continued)

2xEL34: (Continued)

ampli-

power

Road King

this combination is achieved by different means but produces no less amazing results. This power section also

sometimes lack for clean

provide the midrange punch and low end fatness and deﬁ nition,

infuse the top end with their shredding aggressive urgency. This marriage of tubes produces one of the most aggressive

REAR PANEL CONTROLS & FEATURES

(Continued)

2x6L6 & 2xEL34:

FOOT

CONTROLLER

CHANNEL

POWER FUSE

120 V~ 60 Hz 4 A

4 A SLO BLO

FUSE

CH4 CH3

EXT.

SWITCH

CH2 CH1

SOLO REVERB LOOP 1 LOOP

2

BYPASS

LOOPS, SOLO

& MASTER CONTROLS

RETURN 1

SEND LEVEL

SEND 2 RETURN 2

EXT. TRIGGERS

I N G

P U L S E

CH 4

DIODE

TUBE-TRACKING

RECTO

A

B

SPKR

ON

OFF

LOOP

1

ON

OFF

LOOP

2

A + B

LEVEL

OUT

SLAVE

CAUTION:

USE SHORTING PLUG IF NO SPKRS IN B

A

B

CH 3

DIODE

TUBE-TRACKING

RECTO

A

B

SPKR

ON

OFF

LOOP

1

ON

OFF

LOOP

2

A + B

DIODE

TUBE-TRACKING

RECTO

A

B

SPKR

A + B

2x

EL34

2x

6L6

2x6L6

2xEL34

4x

6L6

2xEL+ 4x6L6

REVERB

PROGRESSIVE

LINKAGE

CH 1

COMBO VERSION 2 x 6L6 and 2 x EL 34 (partial rear chassis view)

6L6 GC

STR 430

6L6 GC

STR 430

EL 34EL 34

6L6 GC

STR 430

6L6 GC

STR 430

POWER FUSE

120 V~

4 A

HEAD VERSION 2 x EL 34 and 2 x 6L6 (partial rear chassis view)

LEVEL

SLAVE

A

OOGIE

B

M

ESA

2x

EL34

2x

6L6

2x6L6

2xEL34

4x

6L6

2xEL+ 4x6L6

REVERB

PROGRESSIVE

LINKAGE

CH 1

DIODE

RECTO

TUBE-TRACKING

A

ON

OFF

LOOP 1

ON

OFF

LOOP 2

A

+

B

REV ERB SOLO

FUSE

FOOT

CONTROLLER

LOOP 2 LOOP 1

CH3 CH

4

CH1 CH

2

EX

T

SWITCH

BYPASS

LOOPS, SOLO

& MASTER CONTROLS

L

A

T C H

P U

L

S

E

RETURN1

SEND 2

RETURN 2

EXT TRIGGERS

NORMAL

2x

EL34

2x6L6

2xEL34

4x

6L6

CH 2

DIODE

RECTO

TUBE-TRACKING

A

ON

OFF

LOOP 1

ON

OFF

LOOP 2

A + B

B

CAUTION: USE SHORTING PLUG IF NO SPKR IN B

2x

EL34

2x6L6

2xEL34

4x 6L6

CH 3

DIODE

RECTO

TUBE-TRACKING

A

ON

OFF

LOOP

1

ON

OFF

LOOP

2

A + B

B

2x

EL34

2x6L6

2xEL34

4x 6L6

CH 4

DIODE

RECTO

TUBE-TRACKING

A

ON

OFF

LOOP 1

ON

OFF

LOOP 2

A + B

B

6L6 GC

STR 430

6L6 GC

STR 430

EL 34

6L6 GC

STR 430

6L6 GC

STR 430

Road King

preamps with no tonal downsides. There are no liabilities with this super tight, well rounded quartet as they

harness. This is also

Dual Rectiﬁ er SOLO Head!

Recto’s

Rectos’

REAR PANEL CONTROLS & FEATURES

(Continued)

POWER FUSE

120 V~ 4

A

HEAD VERSION 4 x 6L6 (partial rear chassis view)

EL 34 EL 34

LEVEL

SLAVE

A

OOGIE

B

M

ESA

2x

EL34

2x

6L6

2x6L6

2xEL34

4x

6L6

2xEL+

4x6L6

REVERB

PROGRESSIVE

LINKA

GE

CH 1

DIODE

RECTO

TUBE-TRACKING

A

ON

OFF

LOOP 1

ON

OFF

LOOP

2

A

+

B

REV ERB SOLO

FUSE

FOOT

CONTROLLER

LOOP 2 LOOP 1

CH3 CH4

CH1 CH2

EXT

SWITCH

BYPASS

LOOPS, SOL

O & MASTER CONTROLS

L A T C H

P U L S E

RETURN1

SEND 2

RETURN 2

EXT TRIGGERS

NORMAL

2x EL34

2x6L6 2xEL34

4x

6L6

CH 2

DIODE

RECTO

TUBE-TRACKING

A

ON

OFF

LOOP 1

ON

OFF

LOOP 2

A + B

B

CAUTION: USE SHORTING PLUG IF NO SPKR IN B

2x

EL34

2x6L6

2xEL34

4x 6L6

CH 3

DIODE

RECTO

TUBE-TRACKING

A

ON

OFF

LOOP 1

ON

OFF

LOOP 2

A + B

B

2x

EL34

2x6L6

2xEL34

4x

6L6

CH 4

DIODE

RECTO

TUBE-TRACKING

A

ON

OFF

LOOP 1

ON

OFF

LOOP 2

A + B

B

6L6 GC 6L6 GC

6L6 GC

STR 430

6L6 GC

STR 430

STR 430 STR 430

4x6L6:

FOOT

CONTROLLER

CHANNEL

POWER FUSE

120 V~ 60 Hz 4 A

4 A SLO BLO

FUSE

CH4 CH3

EXT.

SWITCH

CH2 CH1

SOLO REVERB LOOP 1 LOOP

2

BYPASS

LOOPS, SOLO

& MASTER CONTROLS

RETURN 1

SEND LEVEL

SEND 2 RETURN 2

EXT. TRIGGERS

I N

G

P U L S E

CH 4

DIODE

TUBE-TRACKING

RECTO

A

B

SPKR

ON

OFF

LOOP

1

ON

OFF

LOOP

2

A + B

LEVEL

OUT

SLAVE

CAUTION:

USE SHORTING PLUG IF NO SPKRS IN B

A

B

CH 3

DIODE

TUBE-TRACKING

RECTO

A

B

SPKR

ON

OFF

LOOP

1

ON

OFF

LOOP

2

A + B

DIODE

TUBE-TRACKING

RECTO

A

B

SPKR

A + B

2x

EL34

2x

6L6

2x6L6

2xEL34

4x

6L6

2xEL+ 4x6L6

REVERB

PROGRESSIVE

LINKAGE

CH 1

COMBO VERSION 4 x 6L6 (partial rear chassis view)

EL 34

6L6 GC

STR 430

6L6 GC

STR 430

6L6 GC

STR 430

6L6 GC

STR 430

REAR PANEL CONTROLS & FEATURES

(Continued)

FOOT

CONTROLLER

CHANNEL

POWER FUSE

120 V~ 60 Hz 4 A

4 A SLO BLO

FUSE

CH4 CH3

EXT.

SWITCH

CH2 CH1

SOLO REVERB LOOP 1 LOOP

2

BYPASS

LOOPS, SOLO

& MASTER CONTROLS

RETURN 1

SEND LEVEL

SEND 2 RETURN 2 EXT. TRIGGERS

I N G

P U L S E

CH 4

DIODE

TUBE-TRACKING

RECTO

A

B

SPKR

ON

OFF

LOOP

1

ON

OFF

LOOP

2

A + B

LEVEL

OUT

SLAVE

CAUTION:

USE SHORTING PLUG IF NO SPKRS IN B

A

B

CH 3

DIODE

TUBE-TRACKING

RECTO

A

B

SPKR

ON

OFF

LOOP

1

ON

OFF

LOOP

2

A + B

DIODE

TUBE-TRACKING

RECTO

A

B

SPKR

A + B

2x

EL34

2x

6L6

2x6L6

2xEL34

4x

6L6

2xEL+ 4x6L6

REVERB

PROGRESSIVE

LINKAGE

CH 1

COMBO VERSION 2 x EL 34 and 4 x 6L6 (partial rear chassis view)

6L6 GC

STR 430

6L6 GC

STR 430

EL 34

2xEL34 + 4x6L6:

POWER FUSE

120 V~ 4

A

HEAD VERSION 2 x EL 34 and 4 x 6L6 (partial rear chassis view)

LEVEL

SLAVE

A

OOGIE

B

M

ESA

2x

EL34

2x

6L6

2x6L6

2xEL34

4x

6L6

2xEL+

4x6L6

REVERB

PROGRESSIVE

LINKA

GE

CH 1

DIODE

RECTO

TUBE-TRACKING

A

ON

OFF

LOOP 1

ON

OFF

LOOP

2

A

+

B

REV ERB SOLO

FUSE

FOOT

CONTROLLER

LOOP 2 LOOP 1

CH3 CH4

CH1 CH2

EXT

SWITCH

BYPASS

LOOPS, SOL

O & MASTER CONTROLS

L A T C H

P U L S

E

RETURN1

SEND 2

RETURN 2

EXT TRIGGERS

NORMAL

2x EL34

2x6L6 2xEL34

4x

6L6

CH 2

DIODE

RECTO

TUBE-TRACKING

A

ON

OFF

LOOP 1

ON

OFF

LOOP 2

A + B

B

CAUTION: USE SHORTING PLUG IF NO SPKR IN B

2x

EL34

2x6L6

2xEL34

4x 6L6

CH 3

DIODE

RECTO

TUBE-TRACKING

A

ON

OFF

LOOP 1

ON

OFF

LOOP 2

A + B

B

2x

EL34

2x6L6

2xEL34

4x

6L6

CH 4

DIODE

RECTO

TUBE-TRACKING

A

ON

OFF

LOOP 1

ON

OFF

LOOP 2

A + B

B

6L6 GC

STR 430

6L6 GC

STR 430

6L6 GC

STR 430

6L6 GC

STR 430

EL 34 EL 34

RECTIFIER SELECT with TUBE-TRACKING:

This amazing feature takes our patented Dual Switchable Rectiﬁ er concept a step

is selected in each Channel Strip, rectiﬁ er tubes are selected depending on the needs of each of the 5 power sections.

through the 2 x 6L6 + 2 x EL34 for smoldering single note solos and DIODE pushing 4

tubes. Unbeknownst to their creators, these sweet sounding ampliﬁ ers

Dual Rectiﬁ er

Road King

it was a little more of a challenge however, because each of the 5 power sections would require a different amount

have the choice of

Road King

is supremely packed with circuitry making the channel

REAR PANEL CONTROLS & FEATURES

(Continued)

PROGRESSIVE

LINKAGE

2x

EL34

2x

6L6

2x6L6

2xEL34

4x

6L6

2xEL+ 4x6L6

CH 4

DIODE

TUBE-TRACKING

RECTO

A

B

SPKR

2 x 6L6 ~ 1 x 5U4G 2 x EL34 ~ 1 x 5U4G 2 x 6L6 + 2 x EL34 ~ 2 x 5U4G 4 x 6L6 ~ 2 x 5U4G 2 x EL34 + 4 x 6L6 ~ Silicon Diode

Rectifier / Power Tube Combinations In TUBE-TRACKING

DIODE:

RECTO TUBE-TRACKING:

SPEAKER A / B & A + B SELECT SWITCH:

As mentioned earlier in the SPEAKER OUTPUT section, this mini toggle assigns

These two jacks provide trigger ports for the remote control of external effects devices, drum machines,

button located in the center

triggers a “one-shot” momentary type pulse that will control virtually anything requiring mo-

them in this state until the

from ground.

applica-

REAR PANEL CONTROLS & FEATURES

(Continued)

PROGRESSIVE

LINKAGE

2x

EL34

2x

6L6

2x6L6

2xEL34

4x

6L6

2xEL+ 4x6L6

CH 4

DIODE

TUBE-TRACKING

RECTO

A

B

SPKR

+ B

A

CH 4

DIODE

TUBE-TRACKING

RECTO

A

B

SPKR

ON

OFF

LOOP

1

ON

OFF

LOOP

2

A +

B

HANDBUILT

IN PETALUMA

CALIFORNIA, USA

NORMAL

10%

90%

FTSW MIX

RETURN 2

EXT. TRIGGERS

L A T C H

I N G

P U L S E

PROGRESSIVE

LINKAGE

2x

EL34

2x

6L6

2x6L6

2xEL34

CH 4

DIODE

TUBE-TRACKING

RECTO

A

B

SPKR

offer or electric No userRefer sonnel

LOOP 1 & LOOP 2 SELECT SWITCHES:

EXTERNAL TRIGGERS:

Connect the SEND jack to the processor’s INPUT.

Connect the RETURN jack to the processor’s OUTPUT.

Dedicate and Dial in your sounds in each of the four preamp Channels and adjust Channel MASTER settings for volume balance

Engage the two LOOPS by selecting LOOP SYSTEM ACTIVE on the Rear Panel Loop Status Switch.

Adjust SEND level signal with the SEND LEVEL control to achieve a good INPUT level at your processor - “unity gain” is best.

Select LOOP SYSTEM ACTIVE on the Loop Status switch again and enjoy a switchably wet Road King.

It is important to understand that the two EFFECTS LOOPS were designed to work best with a unity gain signal

Road King’s

Why can’t there be more separation at this point in the circuit? There could be if we -and you - didn’t care about

REAR PANEL CONTROLS & FEATURES

(Continued)

WARNING

:

To reduce risk of fire or electric shock, Do not remove cover. No user-

LOOP SYSTEM

AC

TIVE

BYPASS

LOOPS, SOLO

& MASTER CONTROLS

SEND 1

RETURN 1

NORMAL

SEND LEVEL

SEND 2 RETURN 2

EFFECT LOOPS:

PATCHING EFFECTS:

LOOP 1 & 2:

PATCHING EFFECTS: (Continued)

Road King’s

Road King

These eight jacks are provided so that you may control the 4 Channels, the 2 LOOPS, The Reverb

Road King

jacks override the

Road Kings’

Footcontroller. Once

Two different A.C. power voltages may be Selected in your

Road King

by using the built-in Variac

switch.

in combination with the 2 x EL34 power section set to RECTO TUBE-

position is that tube life

Road King

for this reason alone…we have paid great attention to reliability and if you

runs all internal voltages at their normal operating range and would be considered the all around, best sounding selection.

REAR PANEL CONTROLS & FEATURES

(Continued)

FOOT

CONTROLLER

CH 2

CH 1

CH 3

FT

SW

CHANNEL

ROAD

KING

CH4 CH3

EXT.

SWITCH

CH2 CH1

REVERB SOLO LOOP 1 LOOP

2

WARNING

:

To reduce risk of fire or

electric

shock, replace fuse with

same type and rating only. Do not

ex

pose this unit to rain or moisture.

LOOP SYSTEM

AC

TIVE

BYPASS

LOOPS, SOLO

& MASTER CONTROLS

BOLD SPONGY

POWER FUSE

120 V~ 60 Hz 4 A

4 A SLO BLO

FUSE

EXTERNAL SWITCHING:

POWER: SPONGY / BOLD:

SPONGY:

BOLD:

FUSE:

This is the A.C.’s (Alternating Current) main fuse and provides protection from outside A .C. ﬂ uctuations as well as power

blow, replace it with the same rating in a Slo-Blo type package. The domestic U.S. version

if necessary.

The Serial Number of your ampliﬁ er is printed on a small metal tag attached to the tube side of the chassis

Road King

for different applications, you may ﬁ nd the following SAMPLE

REAR PANEL CONTROLS & FEATURES

(Continued)

BOLD SPONGY

POWER FUSE

120 V~ 60 Hz 4 A

4 A SLO BLO

FUSE

SERIAL NUMBER:

FACTORY SAMPLE SETTINGS:

CLEAN

TWEED

FA

T

CLEAN

BRIT

FAT

GAIN TREBLE MID BASS PRESENCE MASTER

CHANNEL 1 SETTING #1 Versa Clean

DIODE

TUBE-TRACKING

RECTO

A

B

SPKR

ON

OFF

LOOP

1

ON

OFF

LOOP

2

A +

B

REVERBPROGRESSIVE

LINKAGE

2x

EL34

2x

6L6

2x6L6

2xEL34

4x

6L6

2xEL+

4x6L6

CH 1

CLEAN

TWEED

FA

T

CLEAN

BRIT

FA

T

GAIN TREBLE MID BASS PRESENCE MASTER

CHANNEL 1 SETTING #2 Spank

DIODE

TUBE-TRACKING

RECTO

A

B

SPKR

ON

OFF

LOOP 1

ON

OFF

LOOP 2

A

+

B

REVERBPROGRESSIVE

LINKAGE

2x

EL34

2x

6L6

2x6L6

2xEL34

4x

6L6

2xEL+ 4x6L6

CH 1

CLEAN

TWEED

FA

T

CLEAN

BRIT

FA

T

GAIN TREBLE MID BASS PRESENCE MASTER

CHANNEL 1 SETTING #3 Elastic Tweed

DIODE

TUBE-TRACKING

RECTO

A

B

SPKR

ON

OFF

LOOP 1

ON

OFF

LOOP 2

A

+

B

REVERBPROGRESSIVE

LINKAGE

2x

EL34

2x

6L6

2x6L6

2xEL34

4x

6L6

2xEL+ 4x6L6

CH 1

CLEAN

TWEED

FAT

CLEAN

BRIT

FAT

GAIN TREBLE MID BASS PRESENCE MASTER

CHANNEL 1 SETTING #4 Fat Solo

DIODE

TUBE-TRACKING

RECTO

A

B

SPKR

ON

OFF

LOOP

1

ON

OFF

LOOP

2

A +

B

REVERBPROGRESSIVE

LINKAGE

2x

EL34

2x

6L6

2x6L6

2xEL34

4x

6L6

2xEL+ 4x6L6

CH 1

FACTORY SAMPLE SETTINGS:

CLEAN

TWEED

FA

T

CLEAN

BRIT

FAT

GAIN TREBLE MID BASS PRESENCE MASTER

CHANNEL 2 SETTING #1 Skinny Skank

DIODE

TUBE-TRACKING

RECTO

A

B

SPKR

ON

OFF

LOOP

1

ON

OFF

LOOP

2

A +

B

REVERBPROGRESSIVE

LINKAGE

2x

EL34

2x

6L6

2x6L6

2xEL34

4x

6L6

2xEL+ 4x6L6

CH 2

CLEAN

TWEED

FA

T

CLEAN

BRIT

FA

T

GAIN TREBLE MID BASS PRESENCE MASTER

CHANNEL 2 SETTING #2 Rhythm Mix

DIODE

TUBE-TRACKING

RECTO

A

B

SPKR

ON

OFF

LOOP

1

ON

OFF

LOOP

2

A

+

B

REVERBPROGRESSIVE

LINKAGE

2x

EL34

2x

6L6

2x6L6

2xEL34

4x

6L6

2xEL+

4x6L6

CH 2

CLEAN

TWEED

FA

T

CLEAN

BRIT

FA

T

GAIN TREBLE MID BASS PRESENCE MASTER

CHANNEL 2 SETTING #3 Power Rhythm

DIODE

TUBE-TRACKING

RECTO

A

B

SPKR

ON

OFF

LOOP

1

ON

OFF

LOOP

2

A +

B

REVERBPROGRESSIVE

LINKAGE

2x

EL34

2x

6L6

2x6L6

2xEL34

4x

6L6

2xEL+

4x6L6

CH 2

CLEAN

TWEED

FA

T

CLEAN

BRIT

FA

T

GAIN TREBLE MID BASS PRESENCE MASTER

CHANNEL 2 SETTING #4 Brit Grind

DIODE

TUBE-TRACKING

RECTO

A

B

SPKR

ON

OFF

LOOP

1

ON

OFF

LOOP

2

A

+

B

REVERBPROGRESSIVE

LINKAGE

2x

EL34

2x

6L6

2x6L6

2xEL34

4x

6L6

2xEL+ 4x6L6

CH 2

FACTORY SAMPLE SETTINGS:

DIODE

TUBE-TRACKING

RECTO

A

B

SPKR

ON

OFF

LOOP

1

ON

OFF

LOOP

2

A +

B

REVERBPROGRESSIVE

LINKAGE

2x

EL34

2x

6L6

2x6L6

2xEL34

4x

6L6

2xEL+

4x6L6

CH 3

RAW

MODERN

VINTAG

E

RAW

MODERN

VINTAG

E

GAIN TREBLE MID BASS PRESENCE MASTER

CHANNEL 3 SETTING #1 Purring Blues

DIODE

TUBE-TRACKING

RECTO

A

B

SPKR

ON

OFF

LOOP

1

ON

OFF

LOOP

2

A

+

B

REVERBPROGRESSIVE

LINKAGE

2x

EL34

2x

6L6

2x6L6

2xEL34

4x

6L6

2xEL+ 4x6L6

CH 3

CH3

RAW

MODERN

VINTAG

E

RAW

MODERN

VINTAG

E

GAIN TREBLE MID BASS PRESENCE MASTER

DIODE

TUBE-TRACKING

RECTO

A

B

SPKR

ON

OFF

LOOP

1

ON

OFF

LOOP

2

A +

B

REVERBPROGRESSIVE

LINKAGE

2x

EL34

2x

6L6

2x6L6

2xEL34

4x

6L6

2xEL+

4x6L6

CH 3

CH3

RAW

MODERN

VINTAG

E

RAW

MODERN

VINTAG

E

GAIN TREBLE MID BASS PRESENCE MASTER

DIODE

TUBE-TRACKING

RECTO

A

B

SPKR

ON

OFF

LOOP

1

ON

OFF

LOOP

2

A +

B

REVERBPROGRESSIVE

LINKAGE

2x

EL34

2x

6L6

2x6L6

2xEL34

4x

6L6

2xEL+

4x6L6

CH 3

CH3

CHANNEL 3 SETTING #2 Smooth Grind

CHANNEL 3 SETTING #3 Liquid Solo (Recto Vintage)

CHANNEL 3 SETTING #4 Giant Fur

RAW

MODERN

VINTAG

E

RAW

MODERN

VINTAG

E

GAIN TREBLE MID BASS PRESENCE MASTER

FACTORY SAMPLE SETTINGS:

RAW

MODERN

VINTAG

E

RAW

MODERN

VINTAG

E

GAIN TREBLE MID BASS PRESENCE MASTER

DIODE

TUBE-TRACKING

RECTO

A

B

SPKR

ON

OFF

LOOP

1

ON

OFF

LOOP

2

A +

B

REVERBPROGRESSIVE

LINKAGE

2x

EL34

2x

6L6

2x6L6

2xEL34

4x

6L6

2xEL+ 4x6L6

CH 4

CH4

RAW

MODERN

VINTAG

E

RAW

MODERN

VINTAG

E

GAIN TREBLE MID BASS PRESENCE MASTER

DIODE

TUBE-TRACKING

RECTO

A

B

SPKR

ON

OFF

LOOP

1

ON

OFF

LOOP

2

A

+

B

REVERBPROGRESSIVE

LINKAGE

2x

EL34

2x

6L6

2x6L6

2xEL34

4x

6L6

2xEL+

4x6L6

CH 4

CH4

RAW

MODERN

VINTAG

E

RAW

MODERN

VINTAG

E

GAIN TREBLE MID BASS PRESENCE MASTER

DIODE

TUBE-TRACKING

RECTO

A

B

SPKR

ON

OFF

LOOP

1

ON

OFF

LOOP

2

A +

B

REVERBPROGRESSIVE

LINKAGE

2x

EL34

2x

6L6

2x6L6

2xEL34

4x

6L6

2xEL+ 4x6L6

CH 4

CH4

RAW

MODERN

VINTAG

E

RAW

MODERN

VINTAG

E

GAIN TREBLE MID BASS PRESENCE MASTER

DIODE

TUBE-TRACKING

RECTO

A

B

SPKR

ON

OFF

LOOP 1

ON

OFF

LOOP 2

A +

B

REVERBPROGRESSIVE

LINKAGE

2x

EL34

2x

6L6

2x6L6

2xEL34

4x

6L6

2xEL+ 4x6L6

CH 4

CH4

CHANNEL 4 SETTING #1 Atlantic Blues

CHANNEL 4 SETTING #2 Stripped Grind

CHANNEL 4 SETTING #3 Hot Liquid Solo

CHANNEL 4 SETTING #4 Recto Modern

TUBE NOISE & MICROPHONICS:

You may occasionally experience some form of tube noise or microphonics. Certainly no cause

If they are hot and you

There are two main types of tube faults: shorts and noise. Both large and small tubes

Often caused by contamination within in a tube, the culprit can usually be identiﬁ ed, and by lightly tapping on the glass,

Road King

on Standby, remove it from its socket and turn it back

Road King

brieﬂ y with one power tube missing. You may notice a slight background hum,

DIAGNOSING POWER TUBE FAILURE:

TUBE NOISE:

DIAGNOSING PRE-AMP TUBE PROBLEMS:

Because your ampliﬁ er is an all tube design, it is quite possible that you will at some

BIAS ADJUSTMENT: (Part of a continuing series)

Mesa

put bias adjustments

MESA/Boogies

Boogies

don’t have bias adjusters are primarily in the business of selling tubes - not amps. They don’t want to throw away 30 percent

MESA

tolerance tubes.

— which is quicker) what you are doing is establishing the correct amount of idle CURRENT that ﬂ ows through the power tubes.

PLATE

Structure of a 6L6 / 5881

Beam Power Pentode.

BEAMCONFINING ELECTRODE

SCREEN GRID

GRID

CATHODE

.

( )

,

( , )

( )

BIAS ADJUSTMENT: (Continued)

control grids.

BIAS ADJUSTMENT: (Continued)

Again, this has some merit .. but it’s still not as good as using tubes that are matched in the ﬁ rst

— come together to give the best sonic performance, consistently and reliably. Every part and voltage is important — yet no one

circuitry where there are two different bias voltages used for separate pairs of power tubes ...

MESA

tubes into one of our amps and you’re ready for tone. Guar-

MESA/Boogie

players you couldn’t estimate.

MESA/Boogie

Pro Center or from us directly. Nobody

Boogies

only please! Until then, Relax, Breathe and Nourish your soul!

MESA/Boogie Ltd.

SPEAKER IMPEDANCE MATCHING & HOOK-UP GUIDE:

Wiring up speakers to provide the most effective load and making sure that all of them are in phase will help in

MESA/Boogie

ampliﬁ ers can handle 4 and 8 ohms effectively. Never run below 4 ohms in a tube ampliﬁ er unless you are absolutely

MESA’S Bass 400+

). You can always have a higher resistance ( 16 ohms, for

When running a higher resistance ( for example: 8 ohm output into 16 ohm cabinet ), a slightly different feel and

When you wire ( hook-up ) speakers in Series, the speakers resistance ( as measured in ohms ) is additive - i.e. put-

Speaker A = 8 Ohms

Speaker B = 8 Ohms

SERIES:

Connect the Negative side of Speaker A

to the Positive side of Speaker B

POSITIVE =

NEGATIVE

=

B

L

A

C

K

S

H

A

D

O

W

B

L

A

C

K

S

H

A

D

O

W

IMPEDANCE:

MIS-MATCHING:

WHAT IS MY CABINETS IMPEDANCE:

SERIES:

SPEAKER IMPEDANCE MATCHING & HOOK-UP GUIDE: (Continued)

When wiring in parallel, the resistance of the speakers decreases. Two 8 ohm speakers wired in ( hooked-up )

This is really just two sets of Series wired speakers connected in Parallel. This is

POSITIVE

Speaker

A

8 Ohms

Speaker

B

8 Ohms

NEGATIVE

Total Load = 4 Ohms

B

L

A

C

K

S

H

A

D

O

W

B

L

A

C

K

S

H

A

D

O

W

SPEAKER A

SPEAKER B

SPEAKER C

SPEAKER

D

NEGATIVE

All 4 Spkrs. are 8 Ohms

POSITIVE

B

L

A

C

K

S

H

A

D

O

W

B

L

A

C

K

S

H

A

D

O

W

B

L

A

C

K

S

H

A

D

O

W

B

L

A

C

K

S

H

A

D

O

W

PARALLEL:

COMBINATION OF SERIES & PARALLEL:

1

2

5

4

4 Ohm Cabinet

3

8 OHM 4 OHM 4 OHM

Partial back view of

some Mesa amp

8 Ohm Cabinet

SAFE MISMATCH

WIRING SCHEMES...Amplifier to Speaker Cabinets

4 OHM 8 OHM 16 OHM

Partial back view of amplifier

16 Ohm Cabinet

4 OHM 8 OHM 16 OHM

Partial back view of amplifier

16 Ohm Cabinet

SAFE MISMATCH

8 OHM 4 OHM 4 OHM

Partial back view of amplifier

8 OHM 4 OHM 4 OHM

Partial back view of amplifier

8 Ohm Cabinet

4 Ohm Cabinet

8 Ohm Cabinet

8 OHM 4 OHM 4 OHM

Partial back view of amplifier

8 Ohm Cabinet

6

8 Ohm Cabinet

16 Ohm Cabinet

8

4 OHM 4 OHM 8 OHM

Partial back view of amplifier

SAFE MISMATCH

8 OHM

Partial back view of amplifier

SERIES BOX

8 Ohm

4 Ohm

4 Ohm Cabinet

4 OHM 4 OHM

8 OHM

Partial back view of amplifier

PARALLEL BOX

8 Ohm

16 Ohm

16 Ohm Cabinet

9

4 OHM 4 OHM

7

WIRING SCHEMES...Amplifier to Speaker Cabinets

CORRECT MATCH

CORRECT

MATCH

CORRECT

MATCH

4 OHM 4 OHM 8 OHM

Partial back view of amplifier

8 Ohm Cabinet

SERIES BOX

16 Ohm

8 Ohm

8 Ohm Cabinet

10

SAFE MISMATCH

12

4 OHM 4 OHM

Partial back view of amplifier

16 Ohm Cabinet

11

8 OHM

8 Ohm Cabinet

16 Ohm Cabinet

4 OHM4 OHM8 OHM

Partial back view of amp

PARALLEL BOX

8 Ohm

16 Ohm

WIRING SCHEMES...Amplifier to Speaker Cabinets

CORRECT MATCH

SAFE MISMATCH

4 OHM 4 OHM 8 OHM

Partial back view of amplifier

8 Ohm Cabinet

SERIES BOX

16 Ohm

8 Ohm

16 Ohm Cabinet

13

SAFE MISMATCH

WIRING SCHEMES...Amplifier to Speaker Cabinets

4 OHM4 OHM8 OHM

Partial back view of amplifier

16 Ohm Cabinet

PARALLEL BOX

8 Ohm

16 Ohm

16 Ohm Cabinet

SAFE MISMATCH

14

ON TRIODES, PENTODES & IRISHMEN:

ON TRIODES, PENTODES & IRISHMEN: (Continued)

Thus a diode tube - one with a cathode and an anode - is mostly used to

This section is a continuing technical treatise on the workings of Irish Pubs but to make it easier for the layman to

Occasionally though, bar doors - even the louvered type - were found to be too effective, and too many customers

TRIODES:

PENTODES:

PENTODES: (Continued)

Thus the proper cocktail waitress - visible through the louvers - is scantily clad so as to be all the more

8-16 OHM

COMBO

FOOT

CONTROLLER

CH 2

CH

1

CH 3

FT

SW

CHANNEL

BOLD SPONGY

POWER FUSE

120 V~

60 Hz

4 A

SLO

BLO

WER FUSE

FUSE

HANDBUILT

IN PETALUMA

CALIFORNIA, USA

SEND 1

ROAD

KING

CH4 CH3

EXT

.

SWITCH

CH2 CH1

REVERB SOLO LOOP 1 LOOP

2

WARNING

:

To reduce risk of fire or

electric

shock, replace fuse with

same type

and rating only. Do not

ex pose this unit to rain or moisture.

WARNING

:

To reduce risk

of fire or

LOOP SYSTEM

ACTIVE

BYP

ASS

LOOPS, SOL

O

& MASTER

CONTROLS

RETURN 1

NORMAL

SEND LEVEL

SEND 2 RETURN 2 EXT. TRIGGERS

LAT

C

HIN

G

P

U

L

S

E

2x

EL34

2x

6L6

2x6L6

2xEL34

4x

6L6

2xEL+

4x6L6

REVERBPROGRESSIVE

LINKAGE

CH 4

TUBE-TRACKING

RECTO

B

SPKR

OFF

LOOP

1

OFF

LOOP 2

DIODE

A

ON ON

A+B

2x

EL34

2x

6L6

2x6L6

2xEL34

4x

6L6

2xEL+

4x6L6

REVERBPROGRESSIVE

LINKAGE

CH 3

DIODE

TUBE-TRA

CKING

RECTO

A

B

SPKR

ON

OFF

LOOP

1

ON

OFF

LOOP

2

A+B

2x

EL34

2x

6L6

2x6L6

2xEL34

4x

6L6

2xEL+

4x6L6

REVERBPROGRESSIVE

LINKAGE

CH 2

DIODE

TUBE-TRACKING

RECTO

A

B

SPKR

ON

OFF

LOOP

1

ON

OFF

LOOP

2

A+B

2x

EL34

2x

6L6

2x6L6

2xEL34

4x

6L6

2xEL+

4x6L6

REVERBPROGRESSIVE

LINKAGE

CH 1

DIODE

TUBE-TRACKING

RECTO

A

B

SPKR

ON

OFF

LOOP

1

ON

OFF

LOOP

2

A+B

LEVEL

OUT

SLAVE

CAUTION:

USE SHORTING PLUG IF NO SPKRS IN B

4 OHM 4 OHM

SPEAKERS

USE WITH TWO 8 OHM CABS

A

B

OOGIE

B

M

ESA

SWITCH

pt#

KNOB pt#

ROTARY POT

pt #

FUSE

HOLDER

pt#

ALL 8 JACKS

pt#

SWITCH

pt #

JACKS

pt#

SEND 1 & RETURN 1

JACKS pt

#

POT pt#

KNOB pt#

408113

592378

JACK pt#

618356

408113

REVERB CONTROL KNOBS ( all 4 ) par

t#

ALL 4 PROGRESSIVE LINKAGE 5 WA

Y

ROTARY CONTROLS pt

#

4 KNOBS (chrome / knurled) pt

#

608300

KNOB

#

408113

600115

608100

(6) SPEAKER

JACKS

pt# 618357

REAR PANEL:

ROADKING

FRONT PANEL: ROADKING

OUTPUT SOLO

CLEAN

PUSHED

FA T

CLEAN

PUSHED

FA T

GAIN TREBLE MID BASS PRESENCE MASTER

CH1 CH3

FX

LOOPS

GAIN TREBLE MID BASS PRESENCE MASTER

RAW

MODERN

VINTAGE

RAW

MODERN

VINTAGE

AC MAINS

ON

HI VOLTS

ON

2xEL342x6L6

2x6L6

PROGRESSIVE LINKAGE

RECTIFIER TRACKING

DIODES5U4

5U4

2 TREBLE POTS pt# 593148

2 MID POTS pt# 592378

2 BASS POTS pt# 593148

2 PRESENCE POTS pt# 592738

2 MASTER POTS pt# 593792

INSTRUMENT INPUT

JACK pt# 610120

SWITCH

pt#

SWITCH

pt#

2 GAIN POTS pt# 593794

2 GAIN POTS

pt#

592794

2 TREBLE POTS

pt#

592738

2 MID POTS

pt#

593737

2 BASS POTS

pt#

593739

2 PRESENCE POTS

pt# 593151

2 MASTER POTS pt# 593792

ALL KNOBS ON FRONT PANEL CHROME / KNURLED pt# 408110

SWITCH

pt#

SWITCH pt#

POT pt#

BOTH SWITCHES

pt# 600631

BULB pt# 703047

LENS pt# 703782

NOTE

607303

593748

408110

790346

618357

607101

618356

LATCHING & PULSE

JACKS pt#

618357

ROTARY POT #

593736

SWITCH pt#

607131

SWITCH pt#

607133

SWITCH pt#

607131

SWITCH pt#

607131

408116

ALL 4 LOOP 2 MIX CONTROLS pt#

4 KNOBS (chrome / knurled) pt

#

593737

408116

REVERB CONTROL

CHANNEL 3 &

4

part# 592151

REVERB CONTROL

CHANNEL 1 &

2

part# 593150

The Spirit of Art in Technology

OOGIE

B

M

ESA

Thank you

for trusting MESA/Boogie to be your amplifier

company

and we wish you many years of toneful enjoyment from

this handbuilt all tube instrument.

The Spirit of Art in Technology

1317 Ross Street Petaluma, CA 94954

USA

(707) 778-6565 FAX NO. (707) 765-1503

Mesa Boogie Road King 2 Operating Instruction

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual