Mesa/Boogie 500 manual What Is Switchtrack?

WHAT IS SWITCHTRACK?

SwitchTrack is like having two stereo power amps in one: Track 1 can be set for clean while Track 2 is set to enhance distortion. It's like having Channel-switching in your power amp - only more - because SwitchTrack is not limited to switching between clean response and distortion.

You can easily set it to switch between two different clean sounds. Or two different distortion sounds (one for crunch, another for lead) with different lows, highs, power levels and gain structures.

HERE'S HOW SWITCHTRACK WORKS:

Each of the stereo channels (labeled A and B) has two separate control Tracks: 1 and 2. (Think of them as recording "tracks" so they don't become confused with the stereo "channels").

Each Track has its own Level and Presence controls, so there are switchable settings for loudness and top-end. Plus, the tonal response of each Track can be shaped way differently by using the two small rocker switches:

DEEP EXTEND boosts the bass frequencies for a huge, tight low-end "chunk," and HALF DRIVE produces power amp distortion at greatly reduced volume levels, perfect for smaller rooms or recording.

Whether used separately or together, these tone shapers reconfigure the power amp's circuitry and dedicate it to profound distortion response. And when switched out, the world- famous clean power of this amp's predecessor is retained with all it’s shimmering detail and breath taking three-dimensionality.

Three-position rocker switches let you select whether each effect is "off" in both tracks (OUT), "on" in both tracks (1 & 2), or "switched" on automatically whenever Track 2 is called up (TRACK 2).

Virtually any switcher will work when plugged into the "Track Switching" jack on the rear. Our TriAxis™ MIDI Pre-amp even has programmable switching ports built in.

TYPICAL USES:

To demonstrate how the tone-shapers sound, just flip the rocker switches into the center “1&2” position and you will hear how the sounds change on Track 1 (It is not necessary to have a remote switcher plugged in until you want to switch back and forth between Track 1 and Track 2).

When using the DEEP EXTEND for distortion sounds, you should turn up the Presence control for a radical but balanced blend of thickness and edge. And to get the most out of HALF DRIVE, you may want to increase the Level setting to generate more power amp distortion. Notice how Half Drive makes your guitar feel more fluid and easier to play. Also note that using Half Drive reduces the strength of the Deep Extend. This is normal.

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