The Modes In Depth: Channel 2 - Mesa/Boogie MARK 5 THIRTY-FIVE Owner's Manual

The MODES IN DEPTH: CHANNEL 2

Channel 2 in the MARK FIVE: 35, taken directly from the MARK FIVE's Channel 3, is a tribute to the entire line of MARK series
Channel Switching amplifiers and contains three circuits from the pinnacle of that architecture. The two most sought after of these,
the MARK II-C+ and the MARK IV, provided both the starting points and ultimate reference for this collection of Modes. These two
amplifiers share a long and prestigious list of credits and together are responsible for some of the most iconic high gain guitar sounds
ever recorded. Channel 2 contains the LEAD Channel of the II-C+ and two Modes from the MARK IV, LEAD and LEAD EXTREME.
These are all faithful recreations that benefit from our 45+ years of super-tuning high gain tube amps. The trade tricks, hidden secrets
and even the happy accidents we've uncovered along the way have all been employed in creating these ultimate MARK sounds.
Repeat (Almost) From Previous THE CHANNELS Section; This is the highest gain of the two Channels in the MARK FIVE: 35 and
would be thought of by many as the Lead Channel, however there are as many ways to apply these versatile sounds as there are
people who use them. The trademark mid-focus to the gain lends itself equally well to both chording rhythm and single note solo
sounds because of its articulate, tight-tracking response and lush harmonic layering. These circuits also provide amazing resolution
across the gain scale with great threshold-of-clip, pushed, clean sounds found at the low end of the GAIN control and searing, explo-
sive lead sounds at the high end. Between those regions a whole range of urgent, tight, crunch rhythm sounds can be found. This
fine resolution of gain and clear definition makes Channel 2 easily as versatile as Channel 1 and you'll have hours of fun exploration
ahead of you as you learn how best to utilize these powerful Channel Modes for your needs.
MK IIC+
This is a recreation of the much sought after LEAD Mode circuit of this two channel MARK series amp produced in the
mid eighties that became the voice of choice for so many recording artists of the day. Today there is a hard-core cult following for these
vintage II-C+'s and—when they can be found—they bring 3 - 4 times their original price. Many artists even now have standing orders
with their techs to buy these amps wherever they are found, regardless of price. There will probably be those who tout the tone and
authenticity of their prized vintage gems (yes, we are pleased and flattered)—and just like vintage guitars—this will probably always
be the case. However, rest assured, you now own a MARK II-C+ down to the last circuit detail (preamp-wise) and though you have
EL84s powering your IIC+ here in the MARK FIVE: 35, the basic character is intact. And far better... you don't have to compromise
your clean or lead sound because they share controls as they did in the original MARK IIC+ layout!
The II-C+ trademark sound is urgent and stripped but also has incredible focus despite its precious multi-dimensional layers of upper
harmonics. It works equally well for both aggressive high gain chording and blistering single note soloing in low or high regions of the
GAIN control. When dialed in here (GAIN 11:30–1:30, TREBLE 12:00–1:00, BASS 10:00–12:00, PRESENCE 8:00–10:30), it has a
lead voice that is unrivaled in articulation, nuance and time domain accuracy in the high gain genre. These qualities are especially
favored by those players whose technical ability demands instantaneous response and tight, detailed tracking of the pick attack. After
the attack, a beautiful morphing of harmonics occurs and the notes segue through a whole range of dynamic and frequency changes
that is a joy to experience. You will likely find yourself playing like never before and reaching newfound depths of expression.
For high gain rhythm work the II-C+ unleashed the other sound in '80s Heavy Rock Crunch. More complex and harmonically layered
than its British fueled counterpart, the IIC+ comes on like a grinding wall of gain that is truly menacing. This mid-heavy aggression
and sheer size is made even more impressive with the application of the on-board 5-Band Graphic EQ. The shameless scooping of
mids and rebellious boosting of both lows and highs simultaneously led to the iconic "V" curve becoming so popular in the eighties
C+ recordings, that it became synonymous with the II-C+ sound. This sound reached further notoriety and became referred to as
"Boogie Crunch" and later the "California Sound".
Throughout the nineties our Dual Rectifier's sub-low enhanced grind and punishing blend of attack and harmonics became the Pop-
Metal and Grunge sound of the decade. However, there remained a strong cult following for the MARK Series/Graphic EQ Crunch
rhythm sound (also re-introduced in the MARK IV) and this tighter, more articulate sound is now a classic and here to stay. In the
current decade the IIC+ sound has become the crunch of choice for Prog, Punk, Indie Rock and Nu-Metal, chosen once again for its
ability to stay glued to the pick attack and track tightly even at burning tempos and drop tunings.
There are no real danger zones or pitfalls with the C+ Mode settings-wise other than the obvious ... turn the BASS control down in
proportion to an increase on the GAIN control. Also, don't try to run the GAIN maxed out with the TREBLE and/or PRESENCE way
up as preamp tubes will most likely not handle this abuse and begin to show their individual tendencies toward microphonicity.
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