Mesa/Boogie JP-2C Owner's Manual
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Mesa/Boogie JP-2C Owner's Manual

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Summary of Contents for Mesa/Boogie JP-2C

  • Page 1 Owner’s Manual...
  • Page 3 JP-2C continues to unveil it’s true worth.
  • Page 4 I was initially turned on to the players who would ultimately have the most profound influence on me as a young guitarist, such as Steve Morse and Al DiMeola, and it was also how I first heard of MESA/Boogie. I’ll never forget visiting a local music store (where I would eventually end up being employed as a guitar teacher) that one of these respected ‘elders’...
  • Page 5 I would bring on the road and into the studio. If you were to tell the 16 year-old me that one day there would be a MESA/Boogie IIC+ with my name on it, I would have laughed in utter disbelief and dismissed you as a mean-spirited charlatan. But alas...here we are.

  • Page 6: Table Of Contents

    Table of Contents PRECAUTIONS INTRODUCTION _________________________________________________________________________________ 1 OVERVIEW ____________________________________________________________________________________ 2-5 GETTING STARTED ______________________________________________________________________________ 6 HELPFUL HINTS ________________________________________________________________________________ 7 FRONT PANEL THE CHANNELS ______________________________________________________________________________ 8-10 THE CONTROLS GAIN _______________________________________________________________________________________ 10-11 MASTER _______________________________________________________________________________________11 PRESENCE __________________________________________________________________________________ 11-12 TREBLE ____________________________________________________________________________________ 12-13 MID __________________________________________________________________________________________ 13 BASS _________________________________________________________________________________________ 14 5-BAND GRAPHIC EQ x2 ______________________________________________________________________ 14-15 LOOP SELECT _________________________________________________________________________________ 15...
  • Page 7 USER PRESET DUMP & LOAD ____________________________________________________________________ 28 MIDI CONTROL CHANGE NUMBERS ______________________________________________________________ 29 SOFTWARE UPDATES __________________________________________________________________________ 30 SOFTWARE VERSION SysEx MESSAGE ___________________________________________________________ 31 JP-2C FACTORY PRESETS _______________________________________________________________________ 31 JOHN PETRUCCI SAMPLE SETTINGS _____________________________________________________________ 33 FACTORY SAMPLE SETTINGS ____________________________________________________________________ 34 USER SETTINGS _______________________________________________________________________________ 35...

  • Page 8: Important Safety Instructions

    Make certain grounding conforms with local standards. YOUR AMPLIFIER IS LOUD! EXPOSURE TO HIGH SOUND VOLUMES MAY CAUSE PERMANENT HEARING DAMAGE! Your Mesa/Boogie Amplifier is a professional instrument. Please treat it with respect and operate it properly. READ AND FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS OF PROPER USAGE.

  • Page 9: Introduction

    For all these reasons and many more, we’re breaking the mold here at MESA and celebrating his talent, his life-long dedication to his art–and ours–and the long relationship we’ve enjoyed with John and are proud to introduce a MESA first; The JP-2C. Our first unlimited-build Signature Amplifier.

  • Page 10: Overview

    Overview: Much like a racecar or a fighter jet, the JP-2C strips it down to bare essentials to get the job done effectively, in the simplest way, and get you from point A (inspiration) to Point B (or should we say “T” for Tone) in the fastest way possible. It’s a purpose-built, no compromises rendering that aims at one single goal;...
  • Page 11 5-Band Graphic Equalizers (usually EQ 1) and set the Sliders to the classic V-Curve (discussed later) to scoop the mids and boost the top and bottom end. This is by far the most widely used application for the Graphic EQ and here in the JP-2C, you have...
  • Page 12 This 2-position switch brings on line the Effects Loop the choice of IN all the time or Bypassed. REV (Reverb) The global REVERB switch in this section of the the JP-2C offers three choices; OFF (Bypassed in All Channels), FS (Footswitchable from the JP-2C Footswitch) and ON all the time (and Midi assignable).
  • Page 13 This new voicing Mode adds even more versatility to the already powerful array of sounds in the Encyclopedia of Heavy that is the JP-2C. And with the ability to have it active on one or both high gain Channels and combine that with your no-compromise EQ choices, you can now craft the ultimate Crunch rhythm and Lead sounds in the same amp and switch instantly between them.

  • Page 14: Getting Started

    2. Connect the A.C. Cord to a grounded (3 pin) A.C. outlet. 3. Unpack the JP-2C Footswitch and connect the 7 pin DIN Footswitch cable to the FOOTSWITCH DIN jack on the right side of the Rear Panel. If you intend to use a Midi Controller to access the Channels and Features, connect your Controller (or Computer) to the Midi IN jack on the JP-2C Rear Panel.

  • Page 15: Helpful Hints

    This is done so a person can read only the sections they are interested in, and yet still get the important points they should know or NEED to know about the JP-2C. We apologize if this gets annoying for the cover-to-cover reader (often our most loyal fans and MARK aficionados), but even they may appreciate it some time in the future when referencing this Guide quickly for a specific topic.

  • Page 16: Front Panel

    100 watts of power on board, that will be a relatively loud exercise and possibly not one with the desired results. The JP-2C is intended to provide a pristine clean sound for Intros, Breakdowns or any other rhythm part that needs to be really sparkling clean with virtually no hint of clip.
  • Page 17 MARK II-C+ Pull Pots, so the number settings are general reference points and are ap- proximate. The actual settings here in the JP-2C are achieved with a network of resistors per Mode (internally preset “missing” pot) with values that were arrived at through relentless scrutiny and are very precise.

  • Page 18: The Controls

    GAIN This is, by far, the most powerful control in the JP-2C and its setting determines the style and personality in each of the Channels. It meters the gain in different tube stages depending on the Channel called up and it sets Input Stage headroom, which determines whether the sound will be more or less saturated.

  • Page 19: Master

    The MASTER is nothing more than a variable resistor that offers an infinite range of settings possibilities and makes the amplifier many times more versatile with no sonic penalty. If you prescribe to this old school approach, then by all means, use the JP-2C this way...

  • Page 20: Treble

    TREBLE If the GAIN control is the most powerful control in the Channels of the JP-2C, the TREBLE comes in a close second. The TREBLE is responsible for shaping the character of the entire Channel. It can overpower the rest of the Tone controls easily and therefore its setting is crucial to a rich and balanced sound in all three Channels.

  • Page 21: Mid

    (sounds) you may be used to on other amps, including MESA’s, may be found at lower settings here in Channel 1 of the JP-2C. The frequencies carried in the preamp are identical, there is just more amplitude (more mid) available. You might think of it this way;...

  • Page 22: Bass

    SRD 2+3 Welcome to EQ Hollow… your Five-Band Graphic Paradise! Seriously though, the JP-2C is the only other MESA besides the QUAD PREAMP ever to incorporate TWO Graphic Equalizers and provide independent Five-Band equalization control for any two of the three Channels–or all three if you can use the same EQ SLIDER setting on one of the EQs to create sounds that work for you in two...

  • Page 23: Loop Select

    As with the EQs, the current mode of activation (Front Panel REVERB toggle or JP-2C Footswitch REVERB button), overrides the position/status of the other. So if you turn the REVERB Circuit ON with the Front Panel mini toggle, you can turn it off with the JP-2C Footswitch, or trigger it ON from the JP-2C Footswitch, you can turn it OFF with the Front Panel mini toggle.

  • Page 24: Channel Select

    4. Move the SHRED mini toggle to the corresponding (for the Channel you are storing) SHRED assignment position; “ SHRED 2” or “SRD 2+3”. 5. Toggle the STORE switch on the far left (when viewing from front of amp) of the Rear Panel of the JP-2C one time. The current Channel and SHRED voicing mode status has been written to the currently displayed Midi program location on the Midi controller.

  • Page 25: Standby

    -age for the first few seconds or so of use, increased longevity is the result. The STANDBY is the amp’s equivalent to a dimmer and using it in the above described method will ensure the longest life and best performance from a set of tubes (especially Output tubes). JP-2C™ MADE IN PETALUMA, CA ALL TUBE MUSIC WITH THE WORLD’S...

  • Page 26: Reverb

    Mix with the control associated with the Channel you wish to play in. Once you have activated the REVERB, you may mute the REVERB (turn it on and off) via the MESA JP-2C Footswitch. The REVERB Indicator LED on the Front Panel will track the status of the REVERB.

  • Page 27: Headphone

    FINEST MATERIALS age in large venues. It may also be used to capture the “dry” sound of the main JP-2C head and send a signal first to an Effects Rack for processing, and then on to a pair of amplifiers to reproduce a stereo (or one amp for mono) “wet” setup. This setup is often...

  • Page 28: Speakers

    Using this patch point usually ensures the best sonic performance as well as signal to noise ratio with your outboard processors. JP-2C™ MADE IN PETALUMA, CA That said, it is important to point out that this is a critical junction in the JP-2C’s circuit path and whatever is inserted ALL TUBE MUSIC WITH THE WORLD’S...

  • Page 29: Cabclone™ D.i

    Channels with the Front Panel Channel Select mini toggle, the status of the FX (Loop) will be determined GLOBALLY by the setting of the FX mini toggle in the EQ Window. When using Midi to control the JP-2C, the FX (Loop) status will be determined by either the Factory-burned settings in the JP-2C’s processor or whatever was last stored at a given Midi Program Number location...

  • Page 30: Spkr On/Spkr Off

    This array of controls and Output comprises perhaps one of the most valuable and welcome feature set on any MESA amp, expanding both the functionality and enjoyment potential many fold. The JP-2C is the third of our amplifiers to include this powerful tool built right in for speedy and convenient recording applications without sacrificing authenticity and Tone.

  • Page 31: Cabclone D.i. (Xlr Output)

    (100/60) switch will determine your send level strength at the CabClone D.I. Output. NOTE: It is a wise practice to get in the habit of beginning every Direct session with the JP-2C’s Channel MASTER Controls set to “0” and the STANDBY switch set to “0” (switch down). This will help avoid unpleasant and/or embarrassing level surges through the Console and/or Playback Monitors should the Faders (INPUT Attenuator) be up already or set too high.

  • Page 32: Mesa Ftsw

    MIDI CHANNEL TUBE GUIDE PATENTED To use the JP-2C Footswitch; Connect the 7-Pin Din Cable to the MESA FTSW jack on the Rear Panel (left most DIN jack when fac- 5 x 12AX7 6,621,907 4 x 6L6 ing Rear Panel) making sure to line the pins up correctly with the guide on top and the pins on the bottom. Do NOT force the cable into the jack! When the pins are aligned it will fit easily though snugly, into the jack.

  • Page 33: Midi Channel

    That pretty much wraps up our tutorial of the JP-2C’s features. Now it’s your turn to take this powerful tool into your musical world and put it to use exploring uncharted frontiers. We sincerely hope it takes you places you’ve never been and allows you to express in new and exciting ways.

  • Page 34: Midi Operating Instructions

    The JP-2C Footswitch has a built-in cable check feature which is activated when the Midi Channel rotary DIP switch is set to Channel 1 (position ‘0’). So, if the JP-2C Footswitch cable is damaged at anytime, or there’s a communications failure with the amp, all of the JP-2C Footswitch LEDs will blink steadily, assuming it is still receiving power from the amp of course.

  • Page 35: Midi Channel

    Select the Midi Program Change Number on your Midi Footcontroller. • Manually select the JP-2C Channel and other functions you would like on or off in the preset, using the amp’s toggle switches. • Engage the STORE SWITCH, and the STORE LED will illuminate briefly as an indication that the preset has been saved.

  • Page 36: User Preset

    When receiving a User Preset Dump File, it is first saved in the JP-2C’s RAM memory, and does NOT overwrite the existing presets saved in the non-volatile EEPROM memory. The existing presets will ONLY be overwritten after the entire User Preset Dump File...

  • Page 37: Midi Control Change Numbers

    STORE LED will flash quickly, indicating a valid Midi message has been received. NOTE: If you experience any odd or unexpected Midi behaviour, it is more than likely a result of the JP-2C receiving both Midi Control Change and Program Change Numbers at the same time, ensure this is not the case before contacting us for support.

  • Page 38: Software Updates

    SOFTWARE UPDATES Software updates should be performed with the amp in STANDBY, and the Midi THRU/OUT and MESA FT.SW. jacks, left unconnected. To perform a software update, you’ll require a firmware update file (which can be obtained from us via the web or e-mail), a computer, a Midi/USB Interface, and a Midi app/utility capable of sending and receiving Midi SysEx files (the two free ones that we recommend are SysEx Librarian by www.snoize.com for Mac users and Midi-OX via www.Midiox.com for Windows).

  • Page 39: Software Version Sysex Message

    SOFTWARE VERSION SysEx MESSAGE A short Midi SysEx message will follow every User Preset Dump, as a simple means of ID’ing the amp’s Midi interface software version. To view this message, you’ll need a computer, a Midi/USB Interface, and a Midi app/utility capable of sending and receiving multiple Midi SysEx messages in succession (the two free ones that we recommend are SysEx Librarian by www.snoize.com for Mac users and Midi-OX via www.Midiox.com for Windows users).
  • Page 40 NOTES...

  • Page 41: John Petrucci Sample Settings

    JOHN PETRUCCI SAMPLE SETTINGS JP – CLEAN CH 1 ™ CH 3 CH 1 EQ 1 CH 2 EQ 1 CH 3 EQ 1 GAIN MASTER PRESENCE PULL GAIN MASTER PULL PRES PULL GAIN MASTER PULL PRES POWER EQ 2 STANDBY TREBLE BASS...

  • Page 42: Factory Sample Settings

    FACTORY SAMPLE SETTINGS HEADROOM, GRIND & SOAR NOTE: Channel 3 PULL PRES Pulled Out. CH 1 ™ CH 3 CH 1 EQ 1 CH 2 EQ 1 CH 3 EQ 1 GAIN MASTER PRESENCE PULL GAIN MASTER PULL PRES PULL GAIN MASTER PULL PRES POWER...

  • Page 43: User Settings

    USER SETTINGS CH 1 ™ CH 3 CH 1 EQ 1 CH 2 EQ 1 CH 3 EQ 1 GAIN MASTER PRESENCE PULL GAIN MASTER PULL PRES PULL GAIN MASTER PULL PRES POWER EQ 2 STANDBY TREBLE BASS TREBLE TREBLE BASS BASS EQ 2...

  • Page 44: Tube Troubleshooting Guide

    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...
  • Page 45 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 46: Speaker Hookup Guide

    MESA/Boogie amplifiers can handle 4 and 8 ohms effectively. Never run below 4 ohms in a tube amplifier unless you are absolutely certain that the system can handle it properly; this can cause damage to the Output transformer. A few amplifiers can handle 2 ohms effectively without damaging them ( for example the MESA’S Bass 400+ ).
  • Page 47 SPEAKER IMPEDANCE MATCHING & HOOK-UP GUIDE: (Continued) 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 48 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 4 Ohm Cabinet 8 Ohm Cabinet...
  • Page 49 WIRING SCHEMES...Amplifier to Speaker Cabinets Partial back view of amplifier Partial back view of amplifier 4 OHM 4 OHM 8 OHM 8 OHM 4 OHM 4 OHM 8 Ohm Cabinet 8 Ohm Cabinet 16 Ohm Cabinet 8 Ohm Cabinet SAFE MISMATCH CORRECT MATCH Partial back view of amplifier Partial back view of amplifier...
  • Page 50 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 51 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 52: Tube Task Chart

    PAGE 44...

  • Page 53: Parts List

    PAGE 45...
  • Page 56 16/03/17...

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