April 2009 \ Eye Candy \ Sneak Peek \ Sneak Peek: Mesa Boogie Mark V

Sneak Peek: Mesa Boogie Mark V

A detailed look at Mesa Boogie's new Mark V amp
Premier Guitar April 2009
(2 of 3)

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
mesaboogie.com



1. Mode Switch
The Mode switch allows you to switch between three separate modes for each of the three channels, totaling nine different amp sounds in one box.		 2. EQ Switch
The EQ switch on each channel allows you to select whether you will use the actual sliders or a preset contour. 		3. Multi-Watt Switch
The Multi-Watt switch determines the wattage (90, 45, or 10) and configuration of power each preamp channel will be coupled with to create a classic sound.
4. Channel Voicing Switch
Each channel has a voicing switch: Normal/ Bold on Channel 1, Normal/Thick on Channel 2 (Mark I only), Normal/Bright on Channel 3. 		5. Channel-Specific Tone Controls
Each channel features Gain, Master, and Presence controls in the top row, and Treble, Mid, and Bass controls in the bottom row.		 6. Sliders/Preset Switch
A separate mini-toggle for each channel located in the left side of the Graphic EQ section allows you to select whether you will use the actual sliders to shape your individual EQ curve or a preset contour based on the ever-popular V curve.
7. Graphic EQ
On-board 5-band graphic EQ comes at the very end of the signal chain so you can shape the final sound with the only consideration being how much of a certain frequency your speakers, cabinets, and ears can handle.		 8. Output and Solo
These two control the overall output level of the Mark V when the effects loop switch on the rear panel is switched into the FX ACTIVE position. Solo provides a footswitchable boost.		 9. Standby/Power Switches
Standby shuts down part of the high voltage to the power tubes so that they can rest at idle without wear. A built-in variac is also included on the Power switch so that you may run the entire amp on a reduced voltage “brown-out” condition.

Click next to check out the back of the amp and read about its channels...

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Comments

 (25 comments) display by
UsernameComment
Road Worn
on 01/03/2011 		I'm been saving for a Roadster for sometime also and I'm just about ready to pull the trigger. But, last week, I decided to demo the Mark V and I was quite impressed. I too like the heavy metal sound of the Roadster and I tried to get the same sound out of the Mark V. I got close, but it wasn't the same. That being said, my band is playing all types of songs, anything from Foo Fighters to Tom Petty. I'm thinking the Mark V might be a better choice for the music I like to play. I must say, the YouTube video of Lamb of God playing Mark V's on the tour bus makes me think it can do metal when using EMG pickups http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2t9Hax53G NY&feature=related I'm quite impressed with this amp and now I'm thinking I might get tired of the Roadster down the road because it's more geared towards metal. P.S. Now Mesa just came out with the TA30 which looks cool but it's not a Mark V.
Jonathan
on 11/25/2010 		I just purchased the Mark V. This is one amazing amp. It's a tone beast! From sparkling "Fenderesque" cleans to beautiful creamy saturation, this amp is everything I heard it would be and more. If you're looking for metal sounds, get a pedal or an amp geared to metal like a Marshall or Dual Rectifier. I play classic rock, and the Mark V covers those types of tones in spades.
Nathan
on 05/10/2009 		I just thought that I would update my comments of 4/19 with a bit more insight. I picked up my new Mark 5 on May 7. I purchased the 1x12 combo and have a 1x12 extension cabinet connected to it. Well, after reading the manual and playing it to the point of driving my wife bananas, I think that this amp is all of what they (Mesa) say it is. It is and will prove to be a great amp. With that said, again, it is not for everyone. Although I love metal (Sabbath first released on my 13th birthday!), it is my humble opinion, that this is not the best amp for metal. This amp has a very distinct "vocal" quality, which once set up correctly, can sound as if a voice is singing in the texture of the note. I know that this may sound a bit weird, but it's the best way I can describe it. Combining the class A with class A/B circuits with Simul-Class gives the sound a very pleasing quality. So, if Heavy Metal is you ambition, try a Mesa Roadster. If your ambition is a well rounded palette, this amp paints a beautiful clean that sparkles like a soft morning rain, to a fat freight train chugging, to an assault of a flamethrower. Play on and play well!
SS EastCoast USA
on 04/24/2009 		I have been saving to purchase a new mesa dual or triple rectifier amp for quite sometime. I am very interested in the Mark V because it seems so much more versitile and a amp that I can grow into as my tastes in guitar tone change over time (as I get older). I am sure it has versitility but will the amplifier give me the tones of the dual and triple rectifier that I seek now? (of course this would be with proper knob adjustments and eq, and a modern guitar with the proper high gain hbucker pickups. Can someone who has heard/used this amplifier in person comment please. Thanks. Great article about the amps controls, which seem to have more purpose than many amps with 24 knobs on their control panel, after reading in detail this is very deep. So, will it do the dual/triple rectifier sound (scouped modern hi gain)? Thanks for constructive help in advance,SS
Joe T
on 04/19/2009 		I would agree with Nathan's comment. I have gigged with a Zinky Custom Encore for 7 years and have had nothing but positive comments about my tone. However, my brother-in-law (a fantastic musician, producer, and guitar addict of 35 years) said it wasn't really his thing. Good tone is good tone but, I believe it's all a matter of what one is trying say.
Nathan
on 04/19/2009 		Tone is subjective. What might be candy to my ears, may not be to yours. I've played guitar for 45 years and have owned a few amps. I've also been a Mesa owner for 19 years and have found that they are not for everyone. I like them and feel that Mesa has their reputation on the line with this model. With that said and my very good experiences with these amps, I have (already ordered) the first Mark Five that gets to my dealer.
milwaukeemik e
on 04/15/2009 		I,d like to hear a honest response from Mesa themselves regarding the quality and durability of these new amps, after all they know the real situation as they have to deal w/warrenty issues. I'm sure someone at Premier Guitar could hook that up, (if they actually read this stuff) given that all comments are subject to editing or deletion by the Premier Guitar staff. Will Mesa speak the truth?? Sometimes mass production isn't the answer, slow down, and pump out quality instead of quantity.
Me
on 04/14/2009 		Mesa amps are just as durable today as they've always been (if not more so due to better and more consistent components). The difference is they make A LOT more amps today. There are WAY more Mesa amps out there compared to when the company was young. We also have the internet now and a million and a half forums and review sites for people to chronicle their experiences with products. They don't break more often, you just hear about it more often. The internet is one giant rumor mill that constantly churns out tons and tons of mindless bs and opinion expressed as though it were fact. Just my 2 cents.
TEXAS JAKE
on 04/13/2009 		Yeah..well for my money,I will continue with buying used Nomad models..they had the magic and were bullet proof!
Dan
on 04/11/2009 		No Body said there was anything wrong with the MESA BOOGIE F5O AMP. Only that its been discontinued Four years ago by Mesa, And the quality is not there any more for the New amps made by Mesa.



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