Mesa Boogie Rocket 44 User Manual
M
ESA
OOGIE
B
TM
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 your amplifier company. This is something we do not take
lightly. Our reward is that we’ve designed and built another fine guitar
amplifier that is destined to become a classic. By purchasing and choosing this unit to be a part of your musical voice, you have become part of
the Mesa family...WELCOME! Our goal is to never let you down. Your
reward is that you are now the owner of a great amp, bred of fine all
tube amp heritage...benefiting from the many pioneering and patented
Mesa circuits that led to the refinement of your new instrument. Feel
confident, as we do, this amp will inspire many hours of musical satisfaction and lasting enjoyment. It was built with you in mind, by players
who know the value of a fine musical instrument and the commitment it
takes to make great music. The same commitment to quality, value and
support we make to you...our new friend.
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:
Do not expose amplifier to moisture, rain or water, 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.
Insure adequate air circulation behind amplifier.
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.
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.
Remove the power plug from the AC 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.
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.
READ AND FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS OF PROPER USAGE.
TM
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Precautions______________________________________________________ Page #
Overview: ____________________________________________________________ 1
FRONT PANEL: Description & Usage
Power-Up / Instrument Input_____________________________________________ 2
Connecting Footswitch _________________________________________________ 2
Mode Select (sample settings) ____________________________________________ 2
CONTROLS
Gain _________________________________________________________________ 3
Master _______________________________________________________________ 3
Treble ________________________________________________________________ 3
Middle _______________________________________________________________ 4
Bass_________________________________________________________________ 4
Reverb_______________________________________________________________ 4
Toggle Switches (Rhythm/Lead&Contour) ___________________________________ 5
REAR PANEL: Description & Usage
Fuse _________________________________________________________________ 6
Record / Phones _______________________________________________________ 6
FX Loop - Send & Return ________________________________________________ 6
FX MIx _______________________________________________________________ 7
Silent Recording _______________________________________________________ 7
Speakers _____________________________________________________________ 7
Factory Sample Settings Page ___________________________________________ 8
Personal Setting Page __________________________________________________ 9
Tube Task Chart ______________________________________________________ 10
Tube Noise & Microphonics ____________________________________________ 11
Diagnosing Power Tube Failure _________________________________________ 11
Tube Noise __________________________________________________________ 11
Diagnosing Pre-Amp Tube Problems _____________________________________ 12
Bias Adjustment ___________________________________________________ 13 -15
Parts Sheet __________________________________________________________ 16
TM
Operating Instructions
Overview:
The ROCKET 44 ushers in a new era of compact, portable and affordable combo amplification that boasts no compromise, quality
construction throughout. Don’t let small size and the sparse layout fool you...the ROCKET 44 is an extremely versatile single
channel, Tri-Modal amplifier that provides a georgious clean sound, a soaring high gain lead and a giant, grinding crunch - way too big
for its humble size.
The Three Footswitchable Sounds (Modes) of world class personality housed in a Baltic Birch cab, along with our custom-designed
magic ten inch ROCKET 44 speaker, make the ROCKET 44 a mighty ally in the studio, rehearsal hall or anywhere else that you
might be in need of Heavyweight Tone in a Bantam-watt arena. Its powerful footswitching capabilities and all the Gain a player could
need, make the ROCKET 44 well suited for Rock, Pop, Country , Top 40 or any other style where versatility is the name of the game.
Looking to the ROCKET 44 s ’ Rear Panel assures that your interfacing needs are covered. A parallel Effects Loop with a MIX control
provides tone insurance for even those questionable effects. Three speaker jacks ( one 8 Ohm and two 4 Ohm ) are provided to
ensure the proper impedance match to the many types of speaker enclosures. A RECORD / PHONE OUTPUT jack (stereo or mono)
is provided to capture the ROCKET 44’ s soulful character direct to tape or into your own personal headset. The SILENT RECORDING MUTE switch located to the left of center on the chassis’ under side and just beneath the Rear Panel, is a handy feature for those
late night sessions when live speaker volumes are just too loud or not needed. Reverb...the 44 has it. A rich and natural sounding
analog Reverb circuit has been added to complete an already healthy compliment of features.
FRONT VIEW
6
7
8
9
10
0
GAIN
4
5
INPUT
6
7
8
9
REAR VIEW
WARNING:
Unplug power
before replacing
fuse or removing
bolts mounting
chassis.
POWER FUSE
120 V~
50-60 Hz
2 A
FOOTSWITCH
SOCKET
BELOW
2 A
SLO
BLO
2A S.B.
RECORD / PHONES
STEREO OR MONO
TM
5
4
3
RHYTHM
2
1
3
2
1
LEAD
0
10
S
E
U
F
F
U
E
S
7
8
9
10
MASTER
8
9
10
0
PREAMP PATENT
4,701,957
FX
SEND
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
7
6
5
4
3
1
2
10%
TM
7
8
9
10
0
1
TREBLE
%
0
0
1
6
5
4
3
2
4
5
6
7
8
9
MIDDLE
3
2
1
0
10
4
5
6
3
7
2
8
1
9
0
10
3
2
4
1
5
0
10
6
7
9
8
BASS REVERB
DYNA-WATT POWER
TM
F
T
S
W
RHYTHM
CONTOUR
L
E
A
D
STANDBY
FX MIX
RETURN
MUTE SPKR ON
SILENT RECORDING
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.
CAUTION: To reduce risk of fire or electric
shock, do not remove cover. No userserviceable parts inside. Refer
servicing to qualified personnel.
HANDBUILT PETALUMA, CA
8 OHM
ON
SPEAKERS
4 OHM
ON
POWER
TM
4 OHM
PAGE 1
FRONT PANEL
POWER-UP:
First familiarize yourself with the Front and Rear Panels of your new ROCKET 44. 1.) Connect your favorite guitar to the instrument
INPUT jack. Now turn the power switch ON while leaving the STANDBY switch set to STANDBY. It is always a good idea to practice
this start up procedure as at least 30 seconds of warm-up time lessens the shock on cold power tubes, thus prolonging their toneful
life substantially . 2.) Connect the R OCKET 44 s’ Mode Select Footswitch ( which is included ) to the Footswitch jack that is located
just under the left (when viewing the amplifier from the rear) corner of the chassis. If the footswitch is not available, you may use the
Mode Select toggle located to the left of the STANDBY switch to audition the 44’s three distinctly different sounds (SEE NOTE.) 3.)
Using the example below as a guide, set the controls as illustrated and flip the ST ANDBY switch to the ON position to fire up your new
ROCKET 44. Now its time to play ! Run through the three Modes and feel free to experiment with the controls.
NOTE: The Mode Selector ( RHYTHM - LEAD - CONTOUR ) switch must be in the center ( MIDDLE ) position for the Mode
Select Footswitch to work. This will select the Lead Mode until you choose another Mode with the Footswitch.
RHYTHM ( up position )
6
INPUT
8
9
10
GAIN
1
2
3
4
5
7
4
3
RHYTHM
2
1
0
10
0
9
8
LEAD
7
6
5
6
7
8
9
10
0
MASTER
10
0
1
2
3
4
5
5
4
3
2
1
9
8
7
6
6
7
8
9
0
10
TREBLE
5
4
3
2
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
MIDDLE
7
1
0
10
9
8
6
8
5
9
4
3
10
0
2
1
BASS REVERB
3
2
4
1
5
0
10
6
7
9
8
F
T
S
W
RHYTHM
CONTOUR
L
E
A
D
STANDBY
ON
ON
POWER
TM
LEAD ( switch in the center position )
10
0
1
2
3
4
6
5
MASTER
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
ON
ON
POWER
TM
F
T
S
W
RHYTHM
CONTOUR
L
E
A
D
STANDBY
9
8
7
6
5
7
4
8
3
9
2
1
0
10
2
1
0
10
TREBLE
7
8
9
10
0
1
MIDDLE
6
5
4
3
2
2
1
3
0
4
10
5
9
6
8
7
BASS REVERB
3
2
4
1
0
5
10
6
7
9
8
INPUT
2
3
10
0
1
4
GAIN
8
9
1
10
0
9
8
RHYTHM
7
6
5
7
6
5
4
LEAD
3
2
CONTOUR ( down position )
6
5
7
4
8
3
9
RHYTHM
2
10
1
0
GAIN
8
7
9
INPUT
6
5
10
LEAD
0
4
1
3
2
NOTE: It is normal for the volume of the CONTOUR Mode to be a little louder than that of the LEAD Mode, as the voicing of the LEAD
Mode is being drastically re-shaped and some frequencies are being boosted quite dramatically to achieve this sonically powerful
sound.
6
7
8
9
10
0
MASTER
4
5
6
7
8
9
5
4
3
2
1
3
2
1
0
10
6
7
8
9
0
10
TREBLE
5
4
3
2
1
0
1
2
3
4
5
MIDDLE
10
6
9
9
8
7
10
7
6
8
5
4
3
2
0
1
BASS REVERB
3
4
5
6
7
8
2
1
0
10
9
F
T
S
W
RHYTHM
CONTOUR
L
E
A
D
STANDBY
ON
ON
POWER
TM
Again, these are merely examples of how to set up your new ROCKET 44 for its maiden voyage. Experimentation will lead you to
many different sounds in each mode. Now that you have heard the three distinctively different Modes, let’s move on to understan ding
the controls and their interactive roles in achieving the sounds that you want to hear.
PAGE 2
CONTROLS:
GAIN:
This is by far the most powerful control in each of the three different Modes that are activated by the Mode switch. It not only
determines the overall gain amount, shape and sensitivity of the Mode selected...but it is also a powerful Tone control. Generally
speaking, whatever is dialed up here ultimately determines the Modes’ personality. Set low, it allows cleaner and brighter sounds
with enhanced dynamic response, especially in the higher frequencies. Set high, the whole personal-
6
5
7
4
8
3
9
2
1
10
0
GAIN
8
7
6
9
INPUT
where between
5
10
4
0
3
1
2
3
occurring, while at the same time making all three Modes easier to balance in volume and FX send strength.
MASTER:
The individual MASTER controls serve three purposes in the layout of the ROCKET 44. FIRST: They serve as level balancing
controls for each of the two channels. This enables a wide range of front end Gain settings to be matched to a given listening level and
the level of the other Modes.
ity of the Mode becomes darker, fatter and more overdriven.
We worked hard to make sure that the entire range of Gain available is usable in the ROCKET 44 and
more importantly , musical. Don’t think for a moment that this simple layout limits you in any way in regards
to the amount and texture of Gain that is available. Long neurotic hours were spent to ensure that the
ranges of Gain were stylistically accurate. It’s probably a good time to mention that most of the great
sounds can be found in the ROCKET 44 by setting the GAIN control moderately, especially in the LEAD
MODE... somewhere between
through 7. In the RHYTHM position, try setting this control some-
2
through 8. Use of moderation here will reduce the likelihood of pesky tube microphonic problems ever
3
2
INPUT
4
5
RHY
6
7
8
9
GAIN MASTER
LEAD
8
9
10
0
1
2
1
0
10
7
6
4
3
the controls on the ROCKET 44, the best results for balance and tone are usually found in the
medium range of this control.
THIRD: The MASTER control is the Record / Phones Send Level control. When using the direct
5
RECORD / PHONES jack found on the Rear Panel to interface directly to a mixing board or
recorder, this control will determine the amount of signal you will be sending via this jack. In this
SECOND: They act as Effect Send controls for each Mode in the Effects Loop. As with many of
application it is usually best to start with the MASTER controls set to
and gradually in-
3
crease them to the proper level. This minimizes the possibility of blowing speakers or eardrums in the event the engineer has an
extremely sensitive input headroom setting in place at the console.
TREBLE:
As with most guitar amplifiers, the TREBLE control is the strongest of the three rotary controls. Its setting on the ROCKET 44
determines the blend and strength of the MIDDLE and BASS controls. Set high, it is the dominant control, minimizing the amount
of Mid and Bass that would otherwise be possible in the mix. Set low, the
TREBLE becomes the recessive control and a warmer, darker blend is produced.
Dial with care! Subtle tweaking of this control tends to produce the best results.
INPUT
GAIN
RHY
LEAD
MASTER
6
7
8
9
0
10
TREBLE
5
4
3
2
1
PAGE 3
7
CONTROLS:
(Continued)
MIDDLE:
Through endless daily tone dreaming, the “if-only” design dictum led to the MID control that doubles as a dial-in gain boost. From
to about 3 the taper is adjusted to act as a very effective MID control. As you increase the MID to 4 and above, you will hear the
lower Mids getting more pronounced and fatter. When the MID control is
INPUT
GAIN
RHY
LEAD
MASTER
TREBLE
6
7
8
9
0
10
MIDDLE
set above
control and becomes a truly usuable GAIN control.
5
4
3
2
1
This upper range is a smokin’ addition to the ROCKET 44’s RHYTHM
Mode and in conjunction with the GAIN control all kinds of higher gain
rhythm sounds are possible. Try the MID control set high and the GAIN
control at about
the MID leaves behind the old notion of being a tone
for a cool blues solo sound. For a grinding
8
7
crunch rhythm sound “Dime” the MID control and stand back! If this still
isn’t crazy enough for you...”Max” the GAIN and TREBLE controls, this should be sufficient enough fuel to get you to the next planet!
The versatility that this dual purpose MID control lends to the RHYTHM Mode of the R OCKET 44 greatly expands its usefulness as
both a clean and overdrive Mode.
0
In the Lead and Contour Modes, the lower region of the MID control
0
determines midrange punch and boldness in lower
3
gain sounds and a smooth “vocal like” blend in high gain sounds. It can be very effective acting as a “cut through the band control” in
certain situations. Dial to taste, remembering that the setting of the TREBLE control greatly effects this control’s strength.
BASS:
This control blends in the lower frequencies and its effectiveness, again, depends on the setting of the TREBLE control. It should also
be set with moderation, as extreme settings in either low or high directions can produce an unbalanced tone. In any one of the three
Modes, be especially careful using higher Gain settings. T oo
much Bass will cause a flabby unfocused sound that can’t
be dialed out because excessive Bass has been introduced
to the pre-amp in the early stages.
Try setting the BASS control to
RHYTHM Mode and
or below when dialing up High Gain
4
for clean sounds in the
7
INPUT
GAIN
RHY
LEAD
MASTER
TREBLE
MIDDLE
7
8
9
10
BASS
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
overdriven sounds in this Mode.
In the LEAD Mode, try setting the BASS somewhere between
0
. These settings will depend upon the amount of Gain and
3
Treble that you have dialed up.
REVERB:
Your new ROCKET 44 is equipped with a rich, natural sounding analog Reverb circuit. The REVERB control enables you to dialin just the right amount of Reverb to be mixed with the dry signal. It is normal for extreme settings of the REVERB control to slightly
alter the character of the amplifier as the voicing
of the Reverb circuit becomes more dominant in
the mix.
NOTE: Avoid using high setting the REVERB
10
control when High Gain and Treble settings are
in use. This reduces the likelihood of annoying
microphonic problems occurring.
INPUT
GAIN
RHY
LEAD
MASTER
TREBLE
MIDDLE
3
4
5
6
7
8
BASS REVERB
2
1
0
9
PAGE 4
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