FRONT PANEL: (Continued)

BASS: This control determines the amount of low end present in the sound. Unlike most amplifiers, the BASS Control on the MARK

Iis extremely powerful. Although it is fed by the TREBLE Control and is subject to its settings, the BASS Control is less sensitive to the TREBLE than in other amplifiers. Amazing amounts of rich, fat bottom end can be obtained, making clean sounds very warm and

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breathy. Because the BASS Control is so active, especially when in

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10

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10

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10

1

10

 

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1

channel 1 with the VOLUME 1 and VOLUME 2 set high, it should be

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used sparingly. Too much Bass will cause a flabby unfocused sound

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8

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0

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7

 

 

 

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10

 

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that can’t be dialed out because excessive Bass has been introduced

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VOLUME 1

VOLUME 2

MASTER

TREBLE

 

BASS

to the pre-amp in the early stages.

 

 

MIDDLE: This is the least significant of the three tone controls. Like the BASS Control, its strength is also dependent on the TREBLE

Control setting. It is very useful for smoothing out single note lead sounds, making them less “buzzy” and more focused. Clean sounds

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

need midrange for punch and attack to produce a bigger,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

bolder sound. An interesting sound in channel 1 for lead

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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playing is achieved by turning the TREBLE and BASS Con-

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

trols to 0, and the MIDDLE Control to 10. This will reveal

 

0

 

 

 

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0

 

 

010

 

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5

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1

10

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3

the frequencies that this control works with, as well as pro-

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1

ducing a fat, warm and very smooth tone.

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10

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2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

VOLUME 1

VOLUME 2

MASTER

TREBLE

BASS

 

MIDDLE

NOTE: With all three tone controls set to 0, the amplifier

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

will not produce any sound. At least one tone control must

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

be set above 0 to produce sound.

60/100 SWITCH: This switch sets the power output level of the MARK I.With the toggle switch up (100 watt position ), the amplifier will produce 100 watts rms of clean power. To achieve full power in the 100 watt position, the speaker should be connected to the 8 Ohm speaker jack located on the Rear Panel of the chassis. With the toggle switch down ( 60 watt

 

 

 

 

position ), the two middle power tubes are in a “standby mode”, thus reducing the overall power to 60

100 RMS

ON

POWER

 

 

 

 

watts rms. To achieve full efficiency in this position, the speaker should be connected to either of the

 

 

 

 

4 Ohm speaker jacks.

 

60 RMS

STANDBY

TWEED

NOTE: Power and tone differences can be achieved through matching or mismatching speaker

 

MARK I

 

impedances. This can not hurt your amplifier and is an interesting experiment that we encourage

 

 

 

 

you to try. For example: with the 60 / 100 switch up ( 100 watt position ) and the speaker connected

 

 

 

 

to the 8 Ohm speaker jack, the amplifier will sound and feel very bold and punchy. ( Perfect for loud clean playing, or cutting through a loud stage mix. ) Some players, however, find this sound and feel too stiff and revealing of mistakes. If you encounter this, no prob lem. Simply connect the speaker to the 4 Ohm speaker jack and you have reduced your overall power to about 75 watts, while softening the sound and feel substantially.

By using the 60 watt position ( toggle switch down ) with the speaker connected to the 8 Ohm speaker jack, a different sound and feel can be achieved. Somewhat less “midrangey” and more hollow sounding, this set-up works whenever a clean sound is desired that has a little different personality. Keep in mind that this mismatch ( 60 watt position - 8 Ohm speaker jack ) is a mismatch in the lower than proper match direction. This causes the 6L6 power tubes to wear faster, and produces a much “harder” clip. Again, we encourage you to experiment and find the tonality that suits you best.

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Mesa/Boogie MARK 1 owner manual Front Panel
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MARK 1 specifications

The Mesa/Boogie MARK 1 is an iconic guitar amplifier that has significantly influenced the world of music since its introduction in the late 1960s. Designed by Randall Smith, the MARK 1 was one of the earliest examples of a high-gain, boutique-style amplifier, aimed at offering guitarists a versatile tool for achieving rich tones across various genres.

One of the standout features of the MARK 1 is its innovative preamp design, which utilizes multiple gain stages to produce a wide range of tonal options. This allows players to achieve everything from sparkling clean sounds to aggressive, saturated overdrive. The two-channel configuration—clean and lead—enables users to switch effortlessly between different sounds, making it a favorite among performers looking for adaptability in their rig.

The MARK 1 is also equipped with a powerful EQ section, featuring a 5-band graphic equalizer that grants further control over tonal shaping. This level of customization is rare in amplifiers of its time, allowing musicians to tailor their sound to perfection, whether in the studio or on stage. The “Fat” switch adds additional low-end response and gain, enhancing the amp's overall character and making it suitable for heavier genres.

Another hallmark of the MARK 1 is its compact design, which was revolutionary at the time. Weighing significantly less than traditional tube amplifiers, the MARK 1 was constructed with portability in mind, making it easy for gigging musicians to transport. This combination of power and portability made the MARK 1 a popular choice for artists across various genres, from rock to blues and jazz.

The MARK 1, like many of Mesa/Boogie’s offerings, is built with high-quality components, ensuring durability and reliability. The use of premium tubes in the power section contributes to its dynamic response and harmonic richness, vital for expressive playing.

Overall, the Mesa/Boogie MARK 1 is more than just an amplifier; it's a landmark in guitar amplification technology. With its versatility, compactness, and powerful tone-shaping capabilities, the MARK 1 paved the way for future amplifiers and continues to be revered by musicians around the world for its outstanding performance and timeless sound. Whether performing live or recording in the studio, the MARK 1 remains a trusted companion for guitarists seeking to explore the full spectrum of their musical expression.
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