Mesa/Boogie II specs

For silky, warm and round jazz tones, run the .50 Caliber in the Rhythm mode with the Treble set low and the Bass and Middle turned up higher. Add sparkle with the Presence control.

BASS, MIDDLE You've already read our recommendations for these settings in the TREBLE section above, and because the tone controls are interactive, all three must be set together.

That "sweet spot" setting for maximal funky clean tones also depends on the right amount of Bass and Middle. Settings of 4 to 6 for both of these controls will usually provide the best balance against "that perfect Treble setting" where the tone is springy and bright but not "hard" sounding.

The Bass and Middle response has been very carefully designed to allow fatness in the Rhythm mode while avoiding tubbiness or flab when footswitching to a crunch, lead or metal tone.

REVERB The .50 Caliber amplifier includes a 3-spring miniature Hammond-Accutronics reverb, and all-tube send/return electronics. Tonal quality is outstandingly good. NOTE: If both Reverb and Master(s) controls are set extremely high, acoustical feedback between the speaker and the reverb springs may occur. This does not indicate a fault or malfunction with the amplifier, and is only caused by an inappropriate and unnecessary combination of settings. Should this "reverb howl" begin to occur, turn down either the Masters or the Reverb.

PRESENCE This control lets you dial in your exact choice of extreme high frequencies and sets up the basic brightness of the overall tone. Brighter tones generally sound clearer and cleaner while less bright tones sound “warmer”. Season to your liking ... most players run the Presence between 5 and 9.

GRAPHIC EQUALIZER This feature is fun to use and definitely expands the tonal flexibility of the .50 Plus. (But for those who opt not to use the Graphic - don't worry! All of the R&D for tonal performance was conducted without using the Equalizer… so that it wouldn't be necessary for obtaining good tone.) The three-position EQ Switch selects either “EQ IN”(bottom position); “EQ AUTO” (which automatically activates the EQ whenever you switch to the Lead mode); or EQ OUT (the unlabelled center position). If you are using the optional EQ Footswitch to control the Equalizer remotely (via the rear panel “EQ Footswitch” jack), the front panel switch should generally be set to its center EQ OUT position, since the footswitch cannot override the “EQ IN” mode (although icant be used to turn on the EQ when you're in Rhythm mode with "EQ AUTO" selected).

Although there are hundreds of ways to set the Graphic, there is one setting that's particularly useful and popular - the classic “V”! Move the first and last sliders about three-fourths of the way up. Move the second and fourth sliders two-thirds of the way up. Move the center slider about three-quarters of the way down… then fine -tune your sound using just this center slider. (You'll hear how a slight adjustment at the 750 Hz position makes a dramatic difference in the sound, whether you're playing with moderate distortion, heavy distortion, or perfectly clean.) This “V” setting makes the amp sound even bigger, bolder, fatter and “hazier”… especially at very soft playing levels.

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II specifications

Mesa/Boogie II stands as a landmark in the history of electric guitar amplification, known for its exceptional sound quality and versatility. Originally conceived in the late 1960s by Randall Smith, the brand quickly gained traction among musicians seeking a sonic upgrade from traditional amplifiers. The Mesa/Boogie II, introduced in the mid-1980s, captured audiences with its unique features and technologies tailored to professional performers.

One of the standout attributes of the Mesa/Boogie II is its dual-channel design, allowing players to switch between clean, articulate tones and high-gain distortion with the press of a footswitch. The amplifier offers a remarkable range of tonal possibilities, from sparkling cleans suited for jazz and pop to saturated leads that can cut through a mix in rock or metal contexts. This versatility is enhanced by the addition of a three-band EQ, enabling finer tuning of the frequency response to suit various playing styles and preferences.

Technologically, the Mesa/Boogie II incorporates several innovative features. The inclusion of the "Simul-Class" power amp design allows for an exceptional blend of tube saturation and solid-state reliability. This design marries the warmth of tube amplification with the punchiness of solid-state, resulting in rich, dynamic sound that is both powerful and responsive. Additionally, the Mesa/Boogie II utilizes the "Graphic EQ" option, offering a 5-band equalizer for even more extensive control over the amp's tone.

The construction quality of the Mesa/Boogie II is another hallmark of the brand. Built with durable materials and attention to detail, these amplifiers are designed to withstand the rigors of touring and live performances. The rugged chassis and premium components contribute to its reliability and longevity, making it a favored choice among professional musicians.

In terms of aesthetics, the Mesa/Boogie II features a sleek, robust design, often adorned with retro-inspired graphics and high-quality knobs. This not only makes the amplifier visually appealing but also reflects the brand's commitment to craftsmanship.

Overall, the Mesa/Boogie II remains a legendary amplifier that has solidified its status among guitarists. With its exceptional sound quality, innovative technologies, and meticulous build, it continues to inspire a new generation of players who seek the perfect blend of power and versatility in their musical expression. Whether on stage or in the studio, the Mesa/Boogie II is an enduring icon in the world of guitar amplification.