Mesa/Boogie Vacuum Tube Audio Installation, Unpacking, Location, Speaker Binding Posts

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Chapter 3 INSTALLATION:

3-1 UNPACKING:

power cord! Please retain the packing materials for future use and store in a cool, dry place. Should your TIGRIS ever require service at the factory, it is mandatory to ship the amplifier in the original packing materials to prevent in-transit damage. Also, should you change your living quarters, you’ll be glad to have this packing to protect your investment from the hazards of moving.

3-2 LOCATION:

The ideal location for the TIGRIS would result in the shortest lengths of speaker cable and interconnects. If you have to favor one over the other, we recommend keeping the speaker cable as short as possible. Being a Class A biased vacuum tube device, the TIGRIS produces considerable heat. Care needs to be exercised to insure proper ventilation. If the surrounding area includes objects, shelving or cabinetry, you should check temperatures after initial use to insure that nearby materials remain cool to the touch.

Do not remove the rubber feet. This would rest the amplifier directly on the bottom panel and prevent airflow to the transformers which could cause serious damage due to overheating. If you plan to experiment with cones or tiptoes, place them under or next to the rubber feet. The later option temporarily bypasses the factory-supplied footers and allows you to evaluate the sonic results of the aftermarket cones. If you plan to place the TIGRIS directly on a carpet, insert a slab of stone between it and the carpet, especially if your floor covering has long fibres - otherwise even with the rubber feet, airflow will be restricted. The top shelf of a medium-height equipment rack would be the most ideal placement. If you decide on an enclosed location, make sure you leave room for adequate ventilation or install a temperature-sensing whisper fan.

3-3 SPEAKER BINDING POSTS:

Once you have determined your optimum location for the TIGRIS, proceed to connect your speakers to the four-way binding posts on the Rear Bay. These binding posts are identical to those used on the BARON amplifier and some of the finest available. Do not connect the power cord yet!

NEGATIVE

4 OHM

COMMON

8 OHM

You’ll notice three posts per channel. The red center post is the Ground

/Common, the grey the 8 Ohm tap, and the black the 4 Ohm tap. Be- cause the TIGRIS inverts phase, you must use either the 8 or 4 Ohm post for the ground lead, and the center post for the hot lead. This is why the center post features the red marking as a visual reminder!*

FEEDBACK

However, use the common method on the speaker terminals - reverse

 

 

the hot-ground only on the amplifier terminals. On most speaker cable,

 

 

hot is referenced with the color red or “+” markers, and ground with the

color black, white or “-” markers. If your identifications are different, don’t worry. Merely insure that you reverse your connections on the amplifier, not the speaker end - do not use the same lead for hot on both sides. If you make a mistake, your speakers will be wired out-of phase. This does not cause any damage, but can make some recordings sound less than optimal. If you accidentally wire one speaker in-phase, the other out-of-phase, you will experience partial cancellation in bass output. This is easily remedied by re- connecting the speaker cable properly.

*If you have a CD-only system and your CD player or separate D/A converter offers a phase switch, you can compensate for the phase rotation of the TIGRIS by selecting the 180 ° setting. You could then maintain the usual practice for speaker connection and use the red common terminal of the TIGRIS for the ground lead of your speaker cable. Don’t use both 8 Ohm and 4 Ohm posts together, not even for bi-wiring!

How should you determine which tap to use, 8 or 4 Ohm? Mathematically, it seems a given that a speaker with a nominal 4 Ohm rating or lower should be connected to the 4 Ohm tap. However, experience indicates that sometimes a connection to the 8 Ohm tap

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Contents Vacuum Tube Audio Page Table of Contents Chapters USE Common Sense and Always Observe These Precautions PrecautionsOverview Operating InstructionsFront View Tigris Speaker Binding Posts InstallationUnpacking LocationHOOK-UP Options Speaker Binding PostsHOOK-UP Options HOOK-UP Options A.C. on / OFF Switch Detachable Power CordWarm / Operate Switches Congratulations Ground SwitchTandem State Imaging Advanced FeaturesAbout BREAK-IN CongratulationsTandem State Imaging Headphone Output Power Tube BlendAuto Bias Headphone OutputClass a Operation Cathode resistorClass a Operation On TRIODES, Pentodes & IrishmenOn TRIODES, Pentodes & Irishmen Triodes Tube Maintenance Tube Maintenance & Tube RollingPentodes Evolution of the Tigris Tube MaintenanceTube Rolling Evolution of the Tigris Mesa/Boogie Professional Heritage Customer ServiceSpecs Versus Performance Trouble ShootingSpecs Versus Performance Basic Specs14 1 Within the US Warranty14 2 Outside the US Warranty Registration Form From Mesa Boogie Spirit of Art in Technology

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.
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