Mesa/Boogie Mark Five Owner's Manual page 12

GettinG StarteD:
HELPFUL HINTS:
1. The Rear Panel CHANNEL SELECT Rotary control must be set to the FTSW (all the way right from rear) position for the Footswitch
to trigger the Channels.
2. The OUTPUT and SOLO Controls are active only when the EFFECTS LOOP has been engaged and is in the signal path. When
the LOOP is not in use the individual Channel MASTER Controls function as the overall master level controls. To engage the
EFFECTS LOOP and use the OUTPUT and SOLO controls, flip the Rear Panel EFX LOOP mini toggle (left center, low) to the
LOOP ACTIVE (up) position AND SET THE EFX SEND LEVEL CONTROL TO 12:00. NOTE: BE SURE TO START WITH THE
Front Panel OUTPUT CONTROL SET at 9:00 (or below).
3. The SOLO feature can only be activated by the SOLO button on the FOOTSWITCH or the Rear Panel EXTERNAL SWITCHING
jack. It is not active without the Footswitch connected as it is a live performance feature. Remember that the EFFECTS LOOP
must be active to use the SOLO feature.
4. The SOLO feature can be used to achieve a footswitchable Boost above the level set by the OUTPUT control. It can not be used
as a footswitchable "cut" or go below the level set by the OUTPUT.
5. The GAIN and TREBLE Controls are the most powerful tone shaping controls in each Channel and should be used with taste.
They determine much about the attack characteristic and the overall personality of the sound in all the Modes. Many of the great
sounds in all the Channels will find these two Controls in their middle ranges. Avoid setting the TREBLE high (above 2:00) when
the GAIN is to be set high as this brings about the tendency for a slightly microphonic tube to ring or squeal.
6. When using high GAIN settings try the EQ for adding extra top end as it comes later on in the signal chain and will be less stress-
ful on the preamp tubes in many cases. Remember the MARK V is a high performance amp in every sense. Just like a highly
tuned car, you don't need to drive it "wide open" to have fun. You can get amazing performance in the middle ranges of all the
controls. Yeah sure, there are times when you are going to run flat out...but just like the car needs special tires to run flat out, it
takes a rare set of preamp tubes to do that all the time.
7. You will experience a volume increase when selecting the Channel 3 EXTREME Mode from the two prior Modes in that Channel.
This is normal and a result of changing the negative feedback in the power section.
8. The PRESENCE is very powerful at shaping the voicing of high gain sounds in Channels 2 and 3 (and even TWEED in Channel
1). Set low it fattens and compresses the sound, making for a more voice-like focused note. Higher settings "open up" the sound
and allow the full spectrum of harmonics to flow through. Use this control to fine tune your lead sounds after you have dialed the
rest of the preamp controls to your liking.
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