Evolution of the Tigris | Mesa/Boogie Vacuum Tube Audio specification

7 - 1 TUBE MAINTENANCE: (Continued)

When the time comes to replace tubes, make a note of the color code on your power tubes before you call us with your order. At the bottom of the tubes, you will find a label listing a three letter abbreviation such as GRY, WHT, YEL, GRN...this is our in-house system of separating our computer- tested tubes into different Bias categories. Tubes with the same color coding draw identical current and thus insure perfectly matched behavior. This is important when you only replace isolated tubes and don’t retube the entire amp. Being a push-pull design, the two rows of three tubes per channel need to be perfectly matched to each other, and left to right channel. Even a single mismatched tube will throw off the balance, resulting in performance degradation and potential premature tube failure. It also prevents the auto-bias system from working properly.

7 - 2 TUBE ROLLING:

This term refers to experimenting with brands of tubes other than those supplied by the manufacturer. You have good reason to assume that we equip our amplifiers with the best tubes available for the purpose. After all, we select particular tubes to be part of the individual models from the very beginning of the design stage. Any and all modifications we incorporate during the design process are in response to these tubes chosen and account for a finished product that was optimized and voiced to work perfectly with the type and origin tubes that the amp is shipped with.

However, some listeners may wish to experiment and have access to tubes of the same type, but by a different manufacturer that could result in a change of the amp’s sonic signature. You are welcome to experiment along those lines, but please remember to only substitute tubes of the same type and pin configuration!

Any damages caused by shorting out Internal Circuitry due to a tube mismatch are NOT covered by the warranty.

The term NOS stands for New Old Stock and is applied to never-used surplus tubes that are no longer manufactured. You may find 12AX7s by Mullard, Telefunken or Tesla, or EL 84s from Sylvania or other old manufacturers. Inserting any of these tubes will result in a definite overall sonic change of character - whether for better or worse will be for you to decide. If you find NOS tubes that you prefer over our stock tubes, remember to purchase excess amounts for continuous maintenance - you might otherwise find that the limited supplies of your NOS have sold out by the time you need to retube your amplifier.

Chapter 8 - EVOLUTION OF THE TIGRIS:

For those curious about the design process, from idea to prototype to final product, we like to give you some background on the evolution of the TIGRIS: from the original prototype through generation II and III to the final production version. This will help you understand the passion for refinement and the concern for your satisfaction that went into it.

Beginning with our Mesa BARON as an engineering platform, we originally conceived of the TIGRIS as a dual-mono design taken to the equivalent extreme. The BARON’S dual-mono nature duplicates On/Off, Standby, Meter and Ground switches, even the power cords, and the circuit board layout is fully mirror-imaged and features separate power- and output transformers for each channel.

In the TIGRIS, this concept manifested externally as dual Volume controls, dual Input selectors and a single row of mirror-imaged RCA input terminals on the Rear Panel, while internally duplicating the BARON’S parameters of mirror-image layout and dual power- and output transformers: dual-mono taken to its logical conclusion. However, potential customers and retailers alike felt that taken this far, dual-mono would be more inconvenient to use than offer a real performance advantage. This would be of interest only to a small group of dedicated audiophiles willing to trade basic convenience for the theoretical purity of the design’s uncompromising execution. We quickly returned to the drawing room.

Without altering the design’s internal dual-mono construction, we redesigned the Rear-Panel for the more conventional dual rows of closely-spaced RCA jacks and simplified operations and the appearance of the Front Panel by substituting stereo controls for the formerly duplicated Input selector and attenuator. We also added the Headphone Output and buffered Preamp Output. To investigate

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Vacuum Tube Audio specifications

Mesa/Boogie is a revered name in the world of vacuum tube audio, renowned for its high-quality amplifiers that have shaped the sound of modern music. Founded in 1969 by Randy Smith in California, Mesa/Boogie began by transforming Fender amplifiers into customized, high-gain models, ultimately gaining a reputation for producing powerful, versatile, and low-noise amplifiers. The signature sound of Mesa/Boogie is characterized by a complex harmonic richness, warmth, and clarity that resonates with guitarists and audiophiles alike.

One of the standout features of Mesa/Boogie amplifiers is their all-tube design. Utilizing vacuum tubes as the primary amplification source, these amps deliver a dynamic range and tonal complexity that solid-state amplifiers struggle to match. The quality of the tubes used, often hand-picked or specifically designed by Mesa, contributes to the unique audio characteristics of each model. The use of EL34, 6L6, and 12AX7 tubes in various configurations allows for a range of tonal options, from lush cleans to searing leads.

Mesa/Boogie amplifiers are also distinguished by their innovative technologies. The brand pioneered the dual rectifier system, which allows players to switch between tube and solid-state rectification. This feature gives musicians the ability to tailor their sound to preference, enhancing the responsiveness and feel of the amplifier. The Contour controls found on many models further exemplify Mesa’s commitment to versatility, allowing for fine-tuning of EQ settings that adapt to different musical styles.

Another hallmark of Mesa/Boogie designs is their attention to build quality. Each amplifier is crafted with robust materials, ensuring durability and reliability even in demanding performance environments. The custom cabinets and speaker selections are optimized to complement the amplified tone, providing a cohesive sound that resonates in live settings.

Mesa/Boogie’s reputation is enhanced by their extensive lineup, including the Mark series, the Rectifier series, and the Lone Star series. Each line caters to different playing preferences and styles, from jazz to metal. The versatility of these amplifiers makes them suitable for diverse genres, allowing musicians to explore their sonic identities.

In conclusion, Mesa/Boogie remains a leading force in vacuum tube audio, combining traditional craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology. Their dedication to quality, innovation, and tonal versatility ensures that they remain a favorite among guitarists seeking the ultimate sound experience. Whether in the studio or on stage, Mesa/Boogie amplifiers continue to inspire musicians to push the boundaries of creativity.