FRONT PANEL CONTROLS:

INPUT: This jack is the instrument INPUT which feeds the first tube in the all-tube preamp of the M6 CARBINE. It is set up with enough headroom to handle both passive and active style instruments. For active instruments you may find yourself running the GAIN control somewhere between 10:00 and 2:00 for optimum headroom. If you do hear a soft clip creeping in at higher settings, don’t worry, this is the beauty of a tube front end.You may feel free to drive the preamp for a more furry character when hyper-clean is just too clean.

VACUUM TUBE PREAMPLIFIER

MOSFET POWER

NOTE: When driving the preamp with higher settings of the GAIN control it is wise to reduce the BASS control and any low frequencies dialed up on the ACTIVE MID control. This will protect accidental damage to speak- ers and help avoid tubbiness or lack of tightness in the low end.

ACTIVE / PASSIVE: This mini toggle switch controls the input headroom and impedance of the INPUT. As you might have VACUUM TUBE PREAMPLIFIER guessed, the switch selects either the full strength PASSIVE input impedance circuit or a “padded” higher

MOSFET POWER

headroom ACTIVE circuit. Standard passive basses that don’t incorporate an onboard preamp should be

 

 

used in the PASSIVE setting, while more modern instruments that utilize active pickups and/or an onboard

 

 

 

 

preamp should be used in the ACTIVE setting.

GAIN: This control determines the overall character of the input sensitivity. The lower regions of the control (below 12:00) lend greater headroom and provide a scooped, brighter personality. The upper harmonics come through more prominently in this area of the control making the top end sound more transparent and sweet.This region is especially useful for funkier stuff when thumbing is in order. It keeps the rubber-band feel intact in the lows and mids while voicing the snap just high enough

to avoid harshness, or the dreaded “gak” when the G string is plucked.

As the GAIN control is increased past 12:00 a richer, more “well-rounded” voice becomes dominant and headroom starts to diminish in increments until eventually, a tube overdrive sound appears as the 12AX7 input tube is driven into saturation.

The region between 12:00 and 2:30 is where the classic, warm tube sound resides and within this narrow band you will discover a world of tone. Tiny increments here produce subtle, but important dif- ferences in the attack characteristic which in turn, feel like changes in the time domain.

By experimenting with the amount of gain, you can actually voice the amp to feel as if it bounces just ahead of the groove - or lays back a little deeper to produce a more Fatback feel. The difference in attack and sustain produces striking results as to how the bass- ist - and in fact the whole band - perceives things in the time domain.

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Mesa/Boogie M6 owner manual Front Panel Controls
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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.
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