Mesa/Boogie DC3 manual Slave, Speakers

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REAR PANEL: (continued)

SLAVE:

This 1/4" jack and control provide a signal derived from the speaker jack. Perfect for using the DC-3as a master pre-amp, or additional power amps may be connected for more power when needed. Some players use this to derive an FX Send Signal and go to other amps for their wet sound.

SLAVE

NOTE: Once a signal is taken from the SLAVE it can not be inserted back into the FX Loop Return jack or a feedback loop will occur. Much like holding a microphone into the PA system’s cabinets...a loud high pitched squeal will result.

SPEAKERS:

One 8 ohm and two 4 ohm speaker jacks are provided. The DC-3is not overly sensitive to speaker mismatches and will not be damaged by them, except that very low ohmage loads will cause the power tubes to wear faster. A single twelve-inch 8 ohm speaker should generally be connected to the 8 ohm output. When using two 8 ohm speakers, connect them

both to the 4 ohm outputs provided (because the total load is 4 ohms in that case.)

SLAVE

 

 

4X12 cabinets may be 4, 8 or 16 ohms; if you are not sure of the impedance of your cabinet, you may

SPEAKERS

 

need to remove the rear panel to see what the ohmage of the individual speakers are. Mesa/Boogie

 

 

4X12 cabinets come standard wired to 8 ohms. They have four 8 ohm speakers wired in series-parallel.

8 OHM 4 OHM

4 OHM

Some Non-Mesa4X12 cabinets are wired 16 ohms using four 16 ohm speakers. By wiring all four

speakers in parallel, you can reduce the cabinet to an impedance load of 4 ohms (assuming the speak-

 

 

 

 

ers are 16 ohms each.) No matter how unusual your speaker setup, it is always possible to get good

performance. If you need two 8 ohm speaker jacks (in order to run two 16 ohm cabinets at the same time), you can use a Y-box and daisy-chain the cabinets together.

Feel free to experiment with the speaker jacks, trying different loads. Many great sounds and feels may be achieved by experimenting with different combinations of speaker impedance. Keep in mind the greatest clean headroom is always achieved with proper imped- ance loads...i.e. an 8 ohm speaker connected to an 8 ohm jack.

NOTE: Always use a load on the DC-3when playing, unless you are recording direct and have the silent recording switch set to the Mute position.

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Contents Dual Caliber DC Hello from the Tone Farm USE Common Sense and Always Observe These Precautions DC-3 DC-3Operating Instructions Gain POWER-UPUse of the EQ. see page 5 for more information on EQ Midrange TreblePurpose MID Control From 0 to about BassAround PresenceINPUTdominant in the mix MasterGraphic EQ Output LevelPower Toggle Switches Rhythm / LeadOn / Standby EQ Select FuseFtsw EQ/REV Ing tradition and save the replaced set as sparesFX MIX FX Loop Send / ReturnRecording Silent RecordingSpeakers SlaveChannel SamplePersonal Settings 12AX7 Tube Noise & Microphonics Diagnosing Power Tube FailuresTube Noise Diagnosing PRE-AMP Tube Problems Here’s a question we often hear Why doesn’t Mesa put bias adjustments in their amplifiers?Bias Adjustment Cheers Randall Smith Designer & President Your amp needed biasingRear View DC Front View DCMesa Boogie 707 778-6565 FAX no

DC3 specifications

The Mesa/Boogie DC-3 is a highly regarded guitar amplifier known for its versatility, power, and distinctive tone. Introduced during the early 1990s, the DC-3 has become a staple among musicians who appreciate its unique blend of classic and modern sounds. The amplifier is part of the Mark series, renowned for its innovative design and exceptional sound quality.

One of the standout features of the DC-3 is its all-tube preamp, which contributes to its warm and rich tonal characteristics. The amplifier utilizes three 12AX7 tubes in the preamp stage, providing a dynamic response that enhances the natural tonal qualities of the guitar. This all-tube configuration is complemented by a powerful 2x6L6 power tube setup, delivering a powerful 30 watts of output. This combination allows the DC-3 to produce a wide range of tones, from clean and sparkling to thick and saturated drive.

The DC-3 is equipped with a unique two-channel design, offering a Clean channel and a Lead channel, each with its own set of controls for ultimate tonal shaping. The Clean channel is characterized by its bright and articulate sound, making it suitable for a variety of genres, including jazz, pop, and rock. The Lead channel, on the other hand, offers greater gain and sustain, perfect for heavier styles like hard rock and metal. These channels can be blended together using the shared EQ, allowing for a truly customizable sonic experience.

Mesa/Boogie's innovative graphic equalizer further enhances the versatility of the DC-3. It features a five-band EQ that allows players to sculpt their sound with precision. This feature makes it easy to dial in the perfect tone for different performance environments, whether in the studio or on stage.

The DC-3 also includes a built-in reverb, adding depth and ambience to the overall sound. This is a valuable addition for musicians looking to enrich their performances without the need for additional effects pedals.

Robust construction and attention to detail are hallmarks of Mesa/Boogie amplifiers, and the DC-3 is no exception. It is built to withstand the rigors of touring and the demands of professional musicians. With its impressive tonal palette, reliable performance, and durable design, the Mesa/Boogie DC-3 continues to be a favorite among guitarists, making it a worthy investment for anyone serious about their craft.
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