Mesa/Boogie Nomad Amplifier 45 Owner's Manual
  1. Manuals
  2. Brands
  3. Mesa/Boogie Manuals
  4. Musical Instrument Amplifier
  5. Three Channel Dual & Triple Rectifier Solo...
  6. Owner's manual
Mesa/Boogie Nomad Amplifier 45 Owner's Manual

Mesa/Boogie Nomad Amplifier 45 Owner's Manual

Mesa/boogie nomad amplifier owner's manual model no. 100, 55, 45
Hide thumbs Also See for Nomad Amplifier 45:

Advertisement

Table of Contents

See also: Owner's Manual , Operating Instructions
Owner's Manual
The Spirit of Art in Technology
1317 Ross Street Petaluma, CA 94954
USA

Advertisement

Table of Contents
loading

Related Manuals for Mesa/Boogie Nomad Amplifier 45

Summary of Contents for Mesa/Boogie Nomad Amplifier 45

  • Page 1 Owner's Manual The Spirit of Art in Technology 1317 Ross Street Petaluma, CA 94954...
  • Page 2 Greetings from the Home of Tone and Welcome to the Mesa/Boogie Family! We would like to congratulate you on the purchase of your new Nomad Amplifier. If you have not yet realized the power and versatility of this instrument, we hope this manual will provide an enjoyable tour through the many stylistic regions this exciting platform was born to roam.
  • Page 3 Your Mesa/Boogie Amplifier is a professional instrument. Please treat it with respect and operate it properly. USE COMMON SENSE AND ALWAYS OBSERVE THESE PRECAUTIONS: Do not expose amplifier to moisture, rain or water, direct sunlight or ex- tremely high temperatures.

  • Page 4: Table Of Contents

    Table of Contents Precautions Overview & Instant Gratification ________________________________________________________ 1 - 4 Tips for the Desert ___________________________________________________________________ 4 - 5 FRONT PANEL CONTROLS & SWITCHES Gain, Master and Presence ____________________________________________________________ 5 - 7 Treble, Middle and Bass _______________________________________________________________ 7 - 9 CHANNEL MODES: Channel 1 - NORMAL &...
  • Page 5 Overview: Nomad amplifiers are available in many configurations in terms of power / speaker combinations, as well as “head only” formats. All Nomad amplifiers share basically the same pre-amp and since most Mesa/Boogies are available in many choices as to power and speakers, for all practical purposes, Nomad refers to this pre-amp.
  • Page 6 Overview: (Continued) Channel 1 switched to PUSHED reveals a much gainier region, perfect for all types of dirty chording or can be maxed for urgent high gain soloing. Channel 2 may be switched down to MODERN to unleash a tighter, meaner nature that works great for crunch rhythm or searing solo sounds.
  • Page 7 100 watt power sections, it is the obvious choice for those who find themselves in larger venues. An added bonus comes with the Nomad 100 as well with the fitting of the on-board 5 band Graphic Equalizer. A long time Mesa/Boogie tradition, this powerful shaping tool can either be footswitched in and out at will to enhance specific sounds - or engaged as a global shaping device to accommodate certain rooms or playing situations.

  • Page 8: Tips For The Desert

    Overview: (Continued) REAR VIEW Nomad 100 CAUTION ! SWITCH MUST MATCH TUBES FTSW BIAS EL34 FUSE SPKR ON 3 A SB FOOTSWITCH SPKR MUTE SOCKET BELOW RECORDING SEND No matter which of these many Nomad platforms you have chosen, the basic operation is the same and the experience playing them is oo...fun and exhilarating.
  • Page 9 Tips for the Desert: (Continued) Quick Demo Settings: Clean Channel 1 NORMAL CLEAN (NORMAL) GAIN MASTER PRESENCE TREBLE BASS PUSHED INPUT Purring Blues Channel 2 VINTAGE VINTAGE (NORMAL) CH 2 GAIN MASTER PRESENCE TREBLE BASS MODERN Spank Blues Channel 3 MODERN MODERN (NORMAL) CH 3...
  • Page 10 The Controls: (Continued) GAIN : This control adjusts the predominant gain stage in each channels’ circuit with the function and taper being optimized for each individual channel. Remember that your Nomad is really three separate dual mode amplifiers built onto one chassis, so though each Most Balanced Brightest Warmer...
  • Page 11 The Controls: (Continued) MASTER : This control is the master feed from the end of the pre-amp to the driver stage and the Effects Loop. As you can see each Channel is fitted with its own MASTER Control, enabling the three channels relative volumes to be matched regardless of their extremely MOST SENSIBLE RANGE EASIEST TO BALANCE CHANNELS REASONABLE FX LOOP SIGNAL LEVELS...
  • Page 12 The Controls: (Continued) TREBLE : ( Continued) The one place you may want to throw caution to the wind and set the TREBLE Control above this median zone presents itself in Channel 1. In both modes ( Clean & Pushed ) the TREBLE Control can be used to dump extra gain into the mix. This is especially effective in the PUSHED mode for crunch sounds.

  • Page 13: Channel Modes

    The Controls: (Continued) The Bass frequencies are, as we mentioned, different in each channel and appear as follows: BASS: ( Continued) CHANNEL 1: Enhanced low and sub-low regions provide warmth and most importantly, breath for clean sounds which produces a bouncy, elastic feel and natural sounding fundamental, yet with plenty of air.

  • Page 14: Channel 2 Normal / Modern

    Channel Modes: (Continued) PUSHED: This mode is a radical departure from the sweet shimmering blend of the CLEAN / NORMAL modes low gain character. Huge increases in gain early on in the first stages of the pre-amp produce one of the biggest differences between modes in the entire amplifier and transforms what you thought to be a tame and gentle clean channel into a raging crunch machine.
  • Page 15 5 BAND GRAPHIC EQUALIZER : that the bonus gift of the On-Board 5 Band Graphic Equalizer is well worth the omission of the beautiful, but stoic, Nomad logo. This long OUTPUT SOLO FTSW 2200 6600 NOTE: When the EQ is switched out there will be a small amount ( 3% max. ) of its effect still on the signal. This small amount should cause no problem and is considered normal.
  • Page 16 FRONT PANEL CONTROLS: OUTPUT CONTROL : This control determines the overall output volume level of the amplifier. After the GAIN Controls have been set for the desired sound style and the three channels levels have been balanced with their respective channel MASTER Controls, the HI VOLTS AC MAINS OUTPUT...
  • Page 17 FRONT PANEL CONTROLS: AC MAINS : This switch delivers the A.C. power to the Nomad. Make sure the unit is grounded (all three terminals of the A.C. power cord must be connected whenever possible to avoid injury to the user as well as to the unit) and that the proper voltage is present.
  • Page 18 REAR PANEL CONTROLS & CONNECTIONS: CAUTION ! SWITCH MUST MATCH TUBES FTSW BIAS EL34 FUSE SPKR ON 3 A SB FOOTSWITCH SPKR MUTE SOCKET RECORDING BELOW SEND FOOTSWITCH SOCKET : This 7 Pin DIN type socket located on the underside of the chassis accepts the Nomad Footcontroller cable.
  • Page 19 REAR PANEL CONTROLS & CONNECTIONS: RECORDING OUT : This 1/4” jack captures the sound of your Nomads’ pre-amp and shapes the sound, enabling direct insertion into a console for both recording and live reinforcement applications. It produces a mono signal and can send a level that should be adequate, if not optimum, for most mixing consoles.

  • Page 20: Reverb

    REAR PANEL CONTROLS & CONNECTIONS: SEND, RETURN & FX MIX: Your Nomad is fitted with a parallel effects loop to provide optimum interfacing of outboard signal processing. In this way the maximum amount of pure amp signal with its attack character and warmth is retained because a large amount CAUTION ! SWITCH MUST MATCH TUBES FTSW...

  • Page 21: Speakers

    REAR PANEL CONTROLS & CONNECTIONS: 50 / 100 WATT : (Nomad 100 Only) are put in a standby mode when the 50 watt position is selected reducing the RMS power to approximately 50 watts. This switch may be operated at any time during performance. For optimum performance it is recommended that you change the speaker or cabinet from the 8 ohm 100 WATTS to the 4 ohm jack when switching down to the 50 watt position.
  • Page 22 REAR PANEL CONTROLS & CONNECTIONS: SLAVE: This jack captures a signal directly from the speaker jacks and is “padded” to provide a way to use the entire sound ( pre- amp & power stage ) and send it on to other power amplifiers. This enables you to use your Nomad as the master amp in a large venue rig where multiple amps are used for increased coverage.

  • Page 23: Sample Settings

    CHANNEL 1 - Factory Sample Setting Page CHANNEL 1 - Warm Vintage Clean GAIN MASTER TREBLE INPUT CHANNEL 1 - Hyper Clean GAIN MASTER TREBLE INPUT CHANNEL 1 - Twang GAIN MASTER TREBLE INPUT NOTE: All Settings pertain to all Nomad Series amps CLEAN (NORMAL) PRESENCE...
  • Page 24 CHANNEL 1 - Factory Sample Setting Page CHANNEL 1 - Warm & Round GAIN MASTER TREBLE INPUT CHANNEL 1 - Old School GAIN MASTER TREBLE INPUT CHANNEL 1 - Classic Rock GAIN MASTER TREBLE INPUT NOTE: All Settings pertain to all Nomad Series amps CLEAN (NORMAL) PRESENCE...
  • Page 25 CHANNEL 1 - Factory Sample Setting Page CHANNEL 1 - Agro Crunch GAIN MASTER TREBLE INPUT CHANNEL 1 - Fast Track Solo GAIN MASTER TREBLE INPUT CHANNEL 1 - Mid Punch Clean GAIN MASTER TREBLE INPUT NOTE: All Settings pertain to all Nomad Series amps CLEAN (NORMAL) PRESENCE...
  • Page 26 CHANNEL 2 - Factory Sample Setting Page CHANNEL 2- Fat & Purring GAIN MASTER CH 2 TREBLE CHANNEL 2 - Violin Vibe GAIN MASTER CH 2 TREBLE CHANNEL 2 - Pretty Clean & Brown GAIN MASTER CH 2 TREBLE NOTE: All Settings pertain to all Nomad Series amps VINTAGE (NORMAL) PRESENCE...
  • Page 27 CHANNEL 2 - Factory Sample Setting Page CHANNEL 2- Rotundo GAIN MASTER CH 2 TREBLE CHANNEL 2 - Edge GAIN MASTER CH 2 TREBLE CHANNEL 2 - Agro Solo GAIN MASTER CH 2 TREBLE NOTE: All Settings pertain to all Nomad Series amps VINTAGE (NORMAL) PRESENCE...
  • Page 28 CHANNEL 3 - Factory Sample Setting Page CHANNEL 3 - Mocombo GAIN MASTER CH 3 TREBLE CHANNEL 3 - Clean Clone GAIN MASTER CH 3 TREBLE CHANNEL 3 - Rocked Out GAIN MASTER CH 3 TREBLE NOTE: All Settings pertain to all Nomad Series amps MODERN (NORMAL) PRESENCE...
  • Page 29 CHANNEL 3 - Factory Sample Setting Page CHANNEL 3 - Flat Out GAIN MASTER CH 3 TREBLE CHANNEL 3 - Blues Punch GAIN MASTER CH 3 TREBLE CHANNEL 3 - Implosion GAIN MASTER CH 3 TREBLE NOTE: All Settings pertain to all Nomad Series amps MODERN (NORMAL) PRESENCE...
  • Page 30 Nomad 45 TUBE TASK CHART View looking down on to chassis (as if looking down through the cabinet) Partial View Of Chassis AC Receptacle Footswitch DIN plug NOTE: Before changing tubes, turn the POWER SWITCH to the off position or to STANDBY. CAUTION..Tubes are HOT when they have been in use.
  • Page 31 Nomad 55 TUBE TASK CHART View looking down on to chassis (as if looking down through the cabinet) Partial View Of Chassis AC Receptacle Footswitch DIN plug NOTE: Before changing tubes, turn the POWER SWITCH to the off position or to STANDBY. CAUTION..Tubes are HOT when they have been in use.
  • Page 32 Nomad 100 TUBE TASK CHART View looking down on to chassis (as if looking down through the cabinet) Partial View Of Chassis AC Receptacle Footswitch DIN plug NOTE: Before changing tubes, turn the POWER SWITCH to the off position or to STANDBY. CAUTION..Tubes are HOT when they have been in use.

  • Page 33: Tube Noise & Microphonics

    TUBE NOISE & MICROPHONICS You may occasionally experience some form of tube noise or microphonics. Certainly no cause for alarm, this quirky behavior comes with the territory and the Tone. Much like changing a light bulb, you don’t need a technician to cure these types of minor user serviceable annoyances and in fact, you’ll be amazed at how easy it is to cure tube problems...by simply swapping out a pre-amp or power tube! First may we suggest that you set the amplifier up on something so that you can get to the tubes comfortably without having to bend down.

  • Page 34: Diagnosing Pre-Amp Tube Problems

    DIAGNOSING PRE-AMP TUBE PROBLEMS: Because your amplifier is an all tube design, it is quite possible that you will at some point experience minor pre-amp tube noise. Rest assured - this is no cause for alarm and you can take care of the problem yourself in a matter of minutes by simply swapping tubes.
  • Page 35 BIAS ADJUSTMENT: (Part of a continuous series) An Article written by Randall Smith that we thought you might find interesting. Here’s a question we often hear: “Why doesn’t Mesa put bias adjustments in their amplifiers?” Well, there’s a short answer and a long answer to this question. The short answer is that during my 12 years of repairing Fenders, one of the most frequent problems I saw was bias controls that were either set wrong or that had wandered out of adjustment due to vibration.
  • Page 36 BIAS ADJUSTMENT: (Continued) When you scrape your feet across a carpetted floor in dry, wintery conditions, your body can become charged with 50,000 to 100,000 volts of static electricity. And when you reach for the door knob, a spark jumps and you feel it! The voltage is super high but the current (measured in micro-amps) is tiny - otherwise you would die from electrocution.
  • Page 37 How much money and trouble that has saved Mesa/Boogie players you couldn’t estimate. Our rigorously tested and hand selected tubes are available at your nearest Mesa/Boogie Pro Center or from us directly. Nobody offers better price, quality or warranty than we do ... so why swerve? Next time we’ll talk about our part in developing the great Sylvania STR 415 type 6 6 and how we’re on the verge of seeing something...
  • Page 38 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.
  • Page 39 SPEAKER IMPEDANCE MATCHING & HOOK-UP GUIDE: PARALLEL: When wiring in parallel, the resistance of the speakers decreases. Two 8 ohm speakers wired in ( hooked-up ) Parallel results in a 4 ohm load. It’s easy to calculate the effect of a resistive load when all the speakers are all the same resistance. It is really not suggested to wire different resistive load values in Parallel ( 8 and 4, 16 and 8 etc.
  • Page 40 WIRING SCHEMES...Amplifier to Speaker Cabinets Partial back view of amplifier Partial back view of amplifier 8 OHM 4 OHM 4 OHM 8 OHM 4 OHM 4 OHM 8 Ohm Cabinet Partial back view of some Mesa amp 8 OHM 4 OHM 4 OHM MISMATCH MATCH CORRECT...
  • Page 41 WIRING SCHEMES...Amplifier to Speaker Cabinets Partial back view of amplifier 8 OHM 4 OHM CORRECT MATCH 8 Ohm Cabinet Partial back view of amplifier 8 OHM 4 OHM CORRECT MATCH 8 Ohm SERIES BOX 4 Ohm 4 Ohm 4 Ohm Cabinet 4 OHM CORRECT MATCH...
  • Page 42 WIRING SCHEMES...Amplifier to Speaker Cabinets Partial back view of amplifier 16 Ohm 4 OHM 4 OHM 8 OHM SERIES BOX 8 Ohm 8 Ohm 8 Ohm Cabinet 8 Ohm Cabinet 8 Ohm Cabinet SAFE MISMATCH Partial back view of amp Partial back view of amplifier CORRECT MATCH 8 OHM...
  • Page 43 WIRING SCHEMES...Amplifier to Speaker Cabinets Partial back view of amplifier 16 Ohm 4 OHM 4 OHM 8 OHM SERIES BOX 8 Ohm 8 Ohm 8 Ohm Cabinet 8 Ohm Cabinet 16 Ohm Cabinet SAFE MISMATCH Partial back view of amplifier 8 OHM 4 OHM 4 OHM...
  • Page 44 ON TRIODES, PENTODES & IRISHMEN: A look into the inner workings of the Vacumm Tube With apologies to Friends and Relatives from the Emerald Isle - who will make their appearance soon enough - the humor which follows is dedicated to the memories of Spec McAuliff and Fae (Rafael) McNally, two of the True Greats. As their numerical references suggest, the terms Diode, Triode and Pentode indicate the number of elements within the vacuum tube i.e.
  • Page 45 ON TRIODES, PENTODES & IRISHMEN: ( Continued ) Thus a diode tube - one with a cathode and an anode - is mostly used to rectify alternating current into direct current by passing it without restriction, but in one direction only. This also explains why closing time is stricly enforced at Irish pubs: During normal operation, the traffic flow is similarily unimpeded and uni-directional toward the bar and this process rectifies the work-day negativity.
  • Page 46 PENTODES: (Continued) Thus the proper cocktail waitress - visible through the louvers - is scantily clad so as to be all the more effective at reinforcing the attractive influence of her bar and by being located in between the door and the bar, she serves as bait to lure customers past the door’s negative influence.
  • Page 47 FRONT PANEL Nomad 45 SWITCH pt# 607101 JACK 610120 POT pt POT pt POT pt 592150 592739 592792 CLEAN (NORMAL) GAIN MASTER PRESENCE TREBLE BASS PUSHED INPUT POT pt POT pt POT pt 592736 592148 592148 LED pt# 395550 REAR PANEL Nomad 45 FUSE 790347 KNOB...
  • Page 48 FRONT PANEL Nomad 55 SWITCH pt# 607101 JACK 610120 POT pt POT pt POT pt 592150 592792 592739 CLEAN (NORMAL) GAIN MASTER PRESENCE TREBLE BASS PUSHED INPUT POT pt POT pt POT pt 592736 592148 592148 LED pt# 395550 REAR PANEL Nomad 55 FUSE 790347 KNOB...
  • Page 49 FRONT PANEL Nomad 100 SWITCH pt# JACK 610120 POT pt POT pt POT pt 592150 592739 592792 CLEAN (NORMAL) GAIN MASTER PRESENCE TREBLE BASS PUSHED INPUT POT pt POT pt POT pt 592736 592148 592148 395550 LED pt# REAR PANEL Nomad 100 SWITCH pt# KNOB FUSE...
  • Page 50 OOGIE The Spirit of Art in Technology Thank you for trusting MESA/Boogie to be your amplifier company and we wish you many years of toneful enjoyment from this handbuilt all tube instrument.
  • Page 51 The Spirit of Art in Technology (707) 778-6565 FAX NO. (707) 765-1503 1317 Ross Street Petaluma, CA 94954...

Table of Contents