PULL DEEP:

FRONT PANEL CONTROLS: (Continued)

BASS: This control is responsible for the basic mix of low frequencies in the tube pre-amp. The BASS control is an active shelving type control as opposed to a passive style control. This means that a center Q point has been chosen and this control allows you to either boost or cut that frequency. This control differs from the low bands of the Parametric in that it has a broader Q point with a more

gentle ramp as opposed to the Parametric’s’ narrow Q that is used with a separate GAIN control.

The BASS control is actually a gain and frequency control all rolled into one with the Q center at 55Hz and harmonics in both low and high directions are affected because of its broader band nature. As the control is increased past 12:00 there is a 6db per octave rise in gain with the frequency topping out at 321Hz. With 12:00 straight-up representing “flat” (a no boost/no cut setting). As the BASS control is dialed below 12:00, 55Hz and all associated harmonics are reduced and eventually notched completely out of the signal. Conversely, there is a 6db per octave cut beginning at 55Hz going down to 20Hz where the shelving ends with a cut gain of -20db as the control approaches 7:30 (off).

This type of broad band, active rotary control makes it possible to achieve bass characteristics far beyond that of a conventional passive type control. It can increase the low end to an almost absurd level and with a flick of the wrist, dip it to near transistor radio skinniness. Needless to say, with any control this powerful a certain amount of finesse must be applied to achieve musical results. Be especially mindful of this when using the VOICE control in conjunction with the BASS control.

The M6 CARBINE features a pull shift for the BASS control that allows you to choose between two different regions of low end and affects how the control will react.

When the control is pushed in (normal) the bass frequencies are higher and a cut-off is employed so that below a certain point, sub-low frequencies are not part of the mix. This results in a tighter, faster feeling response that is more articulate and will stand out and be heard in a live stage environment. This also works well for recording scenarios where the Bass part needs to sync-up with a complex kick drum line or anytime you need a defined, punchy sound that won’t get lost as the layers of other parts get applied.

PULL DEEP (control pulled out) allows the entire range of low frequencies to pass and fill in the curves creating a warm, rich sound that is foundational for smaller groups. Along with these deeper lows, a subtle enhancement of the super-high frequencies is added to create a round, breathing cushion of air the whole band can ride. Be sure to check out this setting for three-piece Rock or Blues combos and playing R & B styles where you need to ad juice to thumbing part.

MID: This is the only passive style control in the string of rotary tone controls. This scheme was chosen for its inherently musical blend and for the way the passive style midrange control, with its wide spread and smooth taper, fills in the holes. Unlike the BASS, this control is a boost only, and while it can competently remove this broad spectrum of midrange from

the mix, it cannot provide the extreme attenuation of an active style control.

You will find, as we did, that this control works amazingly well for shaping the midrange frequencies with a natural earthiness and character that is a perfect counterpart to its neighbors. It is hard to find bad sounds with this more forgiving control as it seems to give you just enough and no more.

For radical and specific scooping or boosting of the midrange frequencies for modern R&B and Funk

styles, there is plenty of control that is infinitely more accurate to be found in the VOICE control. Be- cause of this, we opted for the tried and true passive style midrange control that has been working great

in all of our amplifiers for decades. It’s hard to improve on a classic.

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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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