Front Panel Controls | Mesa/Boogie M6 guide

FRONT PANEL CONTROLS: (Continued)

VOICE: This simple to use feature puts the shaping power of a parametric EQ at your fingertips without the learning curve and allows you to go right to the most iconic sounds instantly. The 5 position rotary allows you to select from four distinct and different voices aimed at all the classic Bass sounds. Most of the dramatic changes occur in the midrange where the basic character of a sound is determined right away. There are two positions that feature scooped

midrange and two positions that utilize increased mids to achieve their curve. These curves are graphi- cally pictured around the 5 positions of the rotary control and with just a quick glance you probably can tell which of these are to become your favorites. Regardless it would be wise to get familiar with them all

so that you can go to a sound quickly in a performing situation. Remember that the rotary tone controls will react differently than they do when the VOICE feature is bypassed (set to position 3).

Here is a synopsis of the 5 choices found on the VOICE control;

Fairly extreme Mid cut centered at 540Hz. Excellent for dramatic thumbing/slapping styles or smooth chording.

Gentle scooping of Midrange also centered at 540Hz. Great for R & B and anytime you want to tastefully widen a sound.

Voice feature bypassed (Flat with Tone controls set at 12:00)

Midrange boost centered at 370Hz. Good choice for articulate finger style playing. Tracks your playing with articulation and enhanced definition.

Low Mid boost centered at 170Hz. Great for enhancing low mids. Works well for classic Blues or Reggae finger style work.

Keep in mind these positions use a medium Q width to avoid a notchy sound and retain an organic quality. There will be some cut or boost on the adjacent frequencies. Once you have selected a VOICE mode to use, fine tune the sound with the standard tone controls.

TREBLE: The TREBLE is also an active shelving style control like that found in the BASS and again, it was chosen for its ability to radically shape the upper harmonic region. Like the BASS, it also has a center Q point with harmonics above and below responding in harmony as it is dialed for either cut or boost.

As the control is increased past 12:00, it produces a 6db per octave rise in gain starting at 723Hz until +20db is reached. From this point, gain remains constant at +20db for all frequencies above 723Hz all the way out to 20Khz. This scheme lends a sweetness of sound while retaining all the necessary cut and focus associated with a traditional passive TREBLE control. As this control is dialed below 12:00, it begins a 6db per octave cut from 3.2Khz to the shelving point at 723Hz, where it continues to attenuate all frequencies above 723Hz until - 20db is reached where cut gain remains constant until the control reaches 7:30 (off). The ability to cut these frequencies more radically makes it possible to obtain incred-

ibly rich and warm old-school R&B and Jazz sounds that rival any recordings of the day.

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M6 specifications

The Mesa/Boogie M6 is a versatile, high-performance guitar amplifier that has captivated musicians with its robust build and extensive feature set. Renowned for its superior sound quality and innovative technology, the M6 is designed to meet the demands of both studio recording and live performances, making it a favorite among guitarists across various genres.

At the core of the M6 is its unique Mesa/Boogie preamp and power amp configuration, which delivers exceptional tonal range and clarity. The amplifier features a 6L6 power tube configuration, known for its warm, punchy sound with dynamic response. This setup provides guitarists with the ability to easily shape their tone, thanks to a meticulously crafted four-channel design: Clean, Crunch, Extreme, and Solo. Each channel offers a distinct voice, allowing players to explore everything from pristine clean tones to aggressive high-gain sounds.

One of the standout features of the M6 is its powerful EQ section, consisting of a three-band equalizer with an additional presence control that fine-tunes the high frequencies. This robust EQ allows players to sculpt their sound to perfection, making it easy to adapt to various playing styles or musical environments. The inclusion of a global presence and reverb control further enhances the amp's versatility, enabling users to create ambient textures and rich soundscapes.

Incorporating advanced technologies, the M6 features Mesa’s proprietary "Spongy" and "Bold" power switching, enabling players to choose between different power levels, which can be ideal for those seeking a more compressed sound at lower volumes. This feature is particularly beneficial for home recording or smaller venues where excessive volume isn’t practical.

Additionally, the M6 is equipped with a series of unique tonal shaping tools, such as the intricate "Gain" and "Master" controls that provide a wide range of output levels without sacrificing tone quality. With an intuitive layout, musicians can seamlessly transition between different settings, allowing for easy experimentation in live situations.

Constructed with durability in mind, the M6 features heavy-duty components and a robust chassis, ensuring it can withstand the rigors of constant use. The stylish design, coupled with impressive sound fidelity, makes the Mesa/Boogie M6 a compelling choice for both aspiring and professional musicians alike, promising to deliver exceptional performance for years to come. Whether on stage or in the studio, the M6 undoubtedly stands out as a remarkable amplifier that caters to the varied needs of guitar players around the globe.