SPEAKER IMPEDANCE MATCHING & HOOK-UP GUIDE:

IMPEDANCE: Wiring up speakers to provide the most effective load and making sure that all of them are in phase will help in creating the best sound possible. This is not too difficult, as long as you understand a few things about loading and how to connect your speakers to provide an optimal resistive load.

Mesa Boogie amplifiers can handle 4 and 8 ohms effectively. Never run below 4 ohms in a tube amplifier unless you are absolutely certain that the system can handle it properly; this can cause damage to the Output transformer. A few amplifiers can handle 2 ohms effectively without damaging them ( for example the Mesa’s Bass 400+ ). You can always have a higher resistance ( 16 ohms, for example ) without damaging results, but too low of a resistance will likely cause problems.

MIS-MATCHING:When running a higher resistance ( for example: 8 ohm output into 16 ohm cabinet ), a slightly different feel and response will be eminent. A slight mismatch can provide a darker smoother tone with a little less output and attack. This response is a result of the amplifier running a bit cooler. Sometimes when using more than one cabinet a mismatch will be the only option.

WHAT IS MY CABINETS IMPEDANCE: If you have only a single speaker, you just match that single speakers impedance to the amplifier, and you are done. In many cases, you will have a number of speakers, and then you must calculate the “load” that the amplifier will need to support. There are generally three ways to wire multiple speakers together. They are as follows:

SERIES: When you wire ( hook-up ) speakers in Series, the speakers resistance ( as measured in ohms ) is additive - i.e. putting two 8 ohm speakers in Series results in a 16 ohm load.

POSITIVE =

NEGATIVE =

 

 

 

S

 

 

 

 

S

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

H

 

K

H

 

K

 

A

 

 

A

 

 

 

 

 

 

D

C

Made by

 

A

 

Made by

A

 

O

 

 

 

O

 

 

 

C

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

D

Electro-Voice

L

 

Electro-Voice

L

 

 

 

 

W

 

 

 

W

 

 

 

B

 

 

 

B

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Speaker A = 8 Ohms

Speaker B = 8 Ohms

SERIES: Connect the Negative side of Speaker A

to the Positive side of Speaker B

PAGE 34

Page 38
Image 38
Mesa/Boogie 55, 100, 45 owner manual Speaker Impedance Matching & HOOK-UP Guide

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.