BIAS ADJUSTMENT: (Continued) But don’t these alterations imply that you are second-guessing the amp designer and that there’s a better set of operating conditions that the designer missed but the tube sellers have discovered?

Now some players may like the sound of their amp altered by tubes with extreme characteristics and with the bias set to help compen- sate. But often it is the mere novelty of change that they’re really responding to and when the amp goes back to the proper original way, we’ve seen them be far happier still!

Because every part in every one of our designs has been meticulously evaluated, compared and stressed over — no matter how seemingly insignificant it might be. And with every design we look for a “sweet spot” where all the parameters — including the bias — come together to give the best sonic performance, consistently and reliably. Every part and voltage is important — yet no one com- plains that these other parameters aren’t available for tinkering.

Consider our patented Simul-Classcircuitry where there are two different bias voltages used for separate pairs of power tubes ... and changing one voltage also changes the other. Great care goes into getting this just right and we think we’d be asking for trouble to have it adjustable for the world to play with ... unless you like paying to have your amp messed up. Sorry, I meant to say, “Uh, ... your amp needed biasing.”

If that doesn’t appeal to you, then merely plug a matched set of Mesa tubes into one of our amps and you’re ready for tone. Guaran- teed. You’d be amazed at the number of service calls we field every day that lead to a diagnosis of out-of-tolerance, non-spec tube problems. To think these would be prevented by including a bias adjustment is something of an insult to you and us. If you put the wrong size tires on your car, do you think changing the pressure will make them right?

Please, don’t think this is a blanket indictment of the other guys selling tubes — it isn’t. And their tubes aren’t all bad either. It just doesn’t make sense to pay more of your hard earned cash for tubes that were probably made in the same Russian or Chinese factory and which have the possibility of being outside the performance window we select for your amp. And it pains us to hear the hype and mystique built up around biasing when twenty-five years of evidence affirms our decision to make bias circuits that “never need adjustment”. How much money and trouble that has saved Mesa/Boogie players you couldn’t estimate.

Our rigorously tested and hand selected tubes are available at your nearest Mesa/Boogie Pro Center or from us directly. Nobody offers better price, quality or warranty than we do ... so why swerve?

Next time we’ll talk about our part in developing the great Sylvania STR 415 type 6 6 and how we’re on the verge of seeing something fairly close reappear on the market. Remember, we still have some of these super rugged mondo-bottles available for older amps — Boogies only please! Until then, Relax, Breathe and Nourish your soul!

Cheers!

Mesa/Boogie Ltd.

Randall Smith

Designer & President

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Mesa/Boogie 45, 100, 55 owner manual Cheers Randall Smith Designer & President
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45, 55, 100 specifications

Mesa/Boogie, a name synonymous with innovation in the guitar amplification world, has carved out a niche in the hearts of musicians with its formidable lineup of amplifiers. Among these, the Mark series stands out, particularly with models like the Mark 100, 55, and 45. Each model brings its unique flavor and versatility, allowing players to craft their sound with precision.

The Mesa/Boogie Mark 100 is a powerhouse in the 100-watt category. It boasts multiple channels, allowing guitarists to switch between clean, crunchy, and high-gain tones effortlessly. One of its standout features is the onboard EQ, which facilitates fine-tuning for different guitars, pickups, and musical styles. The Mark 100 is engineered with Mesa's signature Dyna-Watt technology, providing a dynamic response at various volume levels without sacrificing tonal quality. This responsiveness makes it ideal for both live performance and studio recording, as it yields rich harmonic overtones and a wide dynamic range.

Moving to the Mark 55, this model offers a refined approach with 55 watts of power. It retains many features present in the Mark 100 but is more accessible for players who prefer a slightly lower wattage. The Mark 55 excels in mid-gain settings and is popular among blues and rock guitarists. Its Dual Rectifier circuitry can dial in everything from smooth, bluesy overdrive to tight, aggressive rock tones. The amp also incorporates a versatile effects loop, providing seamless integration with pedals and processors, making it a favorite among pedal enthusiasts.

The Mark 45, perhaps the most compact of the trio, brings 45 watts of power to the table, making it a versatile choice for players seeking portability without compromising tone. It retains critical features such as multiple channels and a powerful EQ section while being lighter and easier to transport. The Mark 45's sweet spot is found in its ability to deliver rich, saturated tones at manageable volume levels. Often favored for intimate gigs and home recordings, its versatility allows players to explore genres from jazz to metal with equal flair.

All three Mesa/Boogie amplifiers utilize high-quality components designed for durability and peak performance. Their construction is robust, ensuring reliability on stage or in the studio. With advanced features such as power scaling and tube rectification options, musicians can tailor their sound precisely.

In summary, the Mesa/Boogie Mark 100, 55, and 45 each present guitarists with distinctive tonal characteristics and features that enhance playability and sound. From the powerful performance of the 100 to the compact yet versatile 45, these amplifiers deliver the high-quality, rich tones that Mesa/Boogie is renowned for, catering to the diverse needs of players across genres.
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