Mesa Boogie Subway Blues User Manual
M
ESA
B
OOGIE
TM
The Spirit of Art in Technology
1317 Ross Street Petaluma, CA 94954
USA
Hello from the Tone Farm...
YOU, the 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 made a classic amplifier and by choosing this amplifier, 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 an amp bred of fine all tube amp heritage...benefiting from the many
patented pioneering Mesa/Boogie 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.
TM
Precautions _________________________________________________________________________________ 0
Overview ___________________________________________________________________________________ 1
FRONT PANEL:
Power-Up ___________________________________________________________________________________ 2
Inputs ______________________________________________________________________________________ 2
CONTROLS:
Volume (Gain) _______________________________________________________________________________ 2
Treble ______________________________________________________________________________________ 3
Midrange ___________________________________________________________________________________ 3
Bass _______________________________________________________________________________________ 3
Reverb _____________________________________________________________________________________ 4
TOGGLE SWITCHES
On / Standby ________________________________________________________________________________ 4
Power ______________________________________________________________________________________ 4
REAR PANEL
Ground _____________________________________________________________________________________ 5
Fuse _______________________________________________________________________________________ 5
Recording __________________________________________________________________________________ 5
FX Loop: Send & Return ______________________________________________________________________ 6
FX Mix _____________________________________________________________________________________ 6
Silent Recording _____________________________________________________________________________ 6
Speaker ____________________________________________________________________________________ 6
Personal Settings Page _______________________________________________________________________ 7
TUBE MAINTENANCE
Tube Noise & Microphonics____________________________________________________________________ 8
Diagnosing Power Tube Failures _______________________________________________________________ 8
Tube Noise __________________________________________________________________________________ 8
Diagnosing Pre-Amp Tube Problems ____________________________________________________________ 9
Bias Adjustment ________________________________________________________________________ 10,11 & 12
Part Sheet _____________________________________________________________________________ 13
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
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.
YOUR AMPLIFIER IS LOUD! EXPOSURE TO HIGH SOUND VOLUMES MAY CAUSE
PERMANET 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.
Precautions 0
Overview 1
FRONT PANEL:
Power-Up 2
Inputs 2
CONTROLS:
Volume (GAIN) 2
Treble 3
Midrange 3
Bass 3
Reverb 4
TOGGLE SWITCHES
On / Standby 4
Power 4
Operating Instructions
FRONT VIEW: SUBWAY BLUES
BRIGHT
FAT
VOLUME
TREBLE
REAR PANEL
Ground 5
Fuse 5
REAR VIEW: SUBWAY BLUES
Recording 5
FX Loop: Send & Return 6
1
A
A OFF B
GROUND
RECORDING
2
FUSE
1A SB
SEND
117V.
1A
60HZ
RETURN
0%
FX MIX
MID BASS REVERB
D
YNA -WATT
%
1
00
MUTE SPKR ON
SILENT RECORDING
P
OWER
TM
HANDBUILT IN PETALUMA, CALIFORNIA.
8 OHM
SPEAKERS
4 OHM
ON
ON
POWERSTANDBY
4 OHM
FX Mix 6
Precautions 0
Speaker 6
Overview 1
Silent Recording 6
FRONT PANEL:
INPUTS: First familiarize yourself with the layout of the front panel. Your SUBWAY amplifier is fitted with two INPUTS which are
voiced individually for very different personalities and feel. BRIGHT would be the choice for all clean playing styles where sparkling
highs are needed. This jack also lets the true sound of the instrument come through and would be the choice for traditional style solo
work. FAT enhances the lower to medium midrange frequencies producing a bolder voice that sings with conviction. This jack helps
saturate single notes while adding a percussive quality to the attack. It is very helpful when using guitars with lower output pick-ups i.e.
old single coils.
ON
POWERSTANDBY
BRIGHT
FAT
VOLUME
TREBLE
ON
MID BASS REVERB
POWER-UP: Connect your favorite guitar to one of the two instrument input jacks. Flip the POWER switch “ON” while leaving the
STANDBY switch set to “STANDBY”. It’s 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 life substantially. Next, set the controls per the example above:
NOTE: When disconnecting the instrument cable from the Inputs, it is normal to hear a metallic sound...This is not a microphonic tube
as you may have heard when tapping the faceplate of an all tube amplifier. This noise occurs because the Inputs are wired in parallel
and for a brief second they are floating as you unplug your instrument. Again, this is normal and no cause for concern. This noise
goes away completely as soon as you connect your instrument.
CONTROLS:
VOLUME: (Gain): This is by far the most powerful control in the amp. It not only determines the amplifier’s overall Gain amount,
shape and sensitivity...but it is also a powerful tone control. Generally speaking, whatever is dialed here ultimately determines the
amps personality. Set low, it allows cleaner, brighter sounds with enhanced dynamic response, especially in the higher frequencies. Set high, the whole personality of the channel becomes darker, fatter
and more overdriven.
BRIGHT
FAT
VOLUME
In the SUBWAY we worked hard to make sure the entire range of Gain available is usable and more
importantly, musical. Don’t think for a moment that this simple one knob layout limits you as to the
amount and texture of Gain. Long neurotic hours were spent to ensure the range of Gain was stylistically accurate.
This would be a good time to mention that most of the great sounds can be found by setting the SUBWAY’S VOLUME control
moderately. Use of moderation here will reduce the likelihood of pesky tube microphonic problems.
Precautions 0
Overview 1
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