Controls; Gain; Controls Gain; Master - Mesa/Boogie Rocket 44 Owner's Manual

CONTROLS:

GAIN:

This is by far the most powerful control in each of the three different Modes that are activated by the Mode switch. It not only
determines the overall gain amount, shape and sensitivity of the Mode selected...but it is also a powerful Tone control. Generally
speaking, whatever is dialed up here ultimately determines the Modes' personality. Set low, it allows cleaner and brighter sounds
GAIN
INPUT
where between through
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occurring, while at the same time making all three Modes easier to balance in volume and FX send strength.

MASTER:

The individual MASTER controls serve three purposes in the layout of the ROCKET 44. FIRST: They serve as level balancing
controls for each of the two channels. This enables a wide range of front end Gain settings to be matched to a given listening level and
the level of the other Modes.
RHY
GAIN
INPUT
LEAD
crease them to the proper level. This minimizes the possibility of blowing speakers or eardrums in the event the engineer has an
extremely sensitive input headroom setting in place at the console.

TREBLE:

As with most guitar amplifiers, the TREBLE control is the strongest of the three rotary controls. Its setting on the ROCKET 44
determines the blend and strength of the MIDDLE and BASS controls. Set high, it is the dominant control, minimizing the amount
RHY
GAIN
INPUT
LEAD
with enhanced dynamic response, especially in the higher frequencies. Set high, the whole personal-
ity of the Mode becomes darker, fatter and more overdriven.
We worked hard to make sure that the entire range of Gain available is usable in the ROCKET 44 and
more importantly, musical. Don't think for a moment that this simple layout limits you in any way in regards
to the amount and texture of Gain that is available. Long neurotic hours were spent to ensure that the
ranges of Gain were stylistically accurate. It's probably a good time to mention that most of the great
sounds can be found in the ROCKET 44 by setting the GAIN control moderately, especially in the LEAD
MODE... somewhere between
. Use of moderation here will reduce the likelihood of pesky tube microphonic problems ever
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SECOND: They act as Effect Send controls for each Mode in the Effects Loop. As with many of
the controls on the ROCKET 44, the best results for balance and tone are usually found in the
medium range of this control.
MASTER
THIRD: The MASTER control is the Record / Phones Send Level control. When using the direct
RECORD / PHONES jack found on the Rear Panel to interface directly to a mixing board or
recorder, this control will determine the amount of signal you will be sending via this jack. In this
application it is usually best to start with the MASTER controls set to
of Mid and Bass that would otherwise be possible in the mix. Set low, the
TREBLE becomes the recessive control and a warmer, darker blend is pro-
duced.
Dial with care! Subtle tweaking of this control tends to produce the best results.
MASTER
TREBLE
through . In the RHYTHM position, try setting this control some-
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and gradually in-
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