Dual Rectifier - Channels 2 and 3

[Dino.]

I just purchased a new Dual Rectifier...
I used it at band practice for the first time last weekend and was really disappointed to find that it sounded really muddy and just got lost in the mix.

I use Channel 2 (modern) and Channel 1 (clean).
I never thought much about Channel 3. I just figured it was the same layout as Channel 2 and that was it. So last night, I set up Channel 3 IDENTICAL to Channel 2 and noticed WAY more presence and tone ... and less "mud". Is something wrong with my Channel 2 or is this by design?

Also ...
One of the reasons I went from my 5150 to the Mesa Dual Rectifier was because I needed the ability to have a good clean channel. Unfortunately, I can't get a true clean sound from Channel 1. It sounds distorted no matter what settings I try.

Is it possible to buy a new amp and need tubes? :?

 

[screamingdaisy]

Does your Recto have the multi-watt option (the ability to switch between 50w and 100w)?

Edit:

 

[Dino.]

Does your Recto have the multi-watt option (the ability to switch between 50w and 100w)?

Edit:

My amp has the "Spongy/Bold" switch on the back.
No "50w / 100w" switch on the front.

 

[deeman]

Sounds like you picked up a used amp (or a new amp that has been sitting a few years since the new dual recs have been multiwatt for a couple years now). It would be a good idea to swap out the tubes or at least change one tube at a time until you can fix the problem.

 

[Gnarkill3k6]

Download and RTFM :mrgreen: Helps a lot to understand how the amps knobs work. And trust me, if this is your first Mesa you don't how all things work until you do.

 

[screamingdaisy]

My amp has the "Spongy/Bold" switch on the back.
No "50w / 100w" switch on the front.

On that version channel 2 is optimized for vintage/raw and channel 3 is optimized for modern. You can use them the other way around but it requires some extreme EQ settings (particularly the presence).

 

[Dino.]

My amp has the "Spongy/Bold" switch on the back.
No "50w / 100w" switch on the front.

On that version channel 2 is optimized for vintage/raw and channel 3 is optimized for modern. You can use them the other way around but it requires some extreme EQ settings (particularly the presence).

Thank you so much!
I've read the manual over and over and nowhere did I see this.
I just assumed since both channels had the same switching setup (modern) that they were identical. Thanks so much for your help.

 

[Tone1026]

Look at my 2nd response to the "orange channel sounds muffled " topic under rectifier for a quote from the manual on the presence voicing between these 2 channels
;

 

[ryjan]

From the manual on MB's website.

NOTE: Though Channel 2 & 3 look identical there is one important difference to understand and keep in mind while you are searching out and dialing up your sounds. The PRESENCE Controls are different between the two channels and this affects how
you will find yourself configuring them to best suit your style.
CHANNEL 2 is optimized for the original Recto VINTAGE mode with a milder PRESENCE range and a blend of top end harmonics more suited to soloing. This helps RAW sound more vintage and warm as well. This PRESENCE has a slower taper and therefore a more gradual response. This means you have finer resolution for the upper harmonic frequencies which is great for achieving the warmest, fattest single note soloing sounds.
The trade off is that for the MODERN mode the PRESENCE peaks out before it reaches true mayhem and there is not the insane amount of top end available. But, fear not...that is the reason behind the difference in PRESENCE Controls
CHANNEL 3 is optimized for the legendary MODERN mode with a range of PRESENCE far exceeding that of CHANNEL 2. This channels’ PRESENCE picks up where CHANNEL 2 leaves off and allows top end harmonics that are downright dangerous. The trade off here is that for VINTAGE and RAW the PRESENCE is hyperactive and must be dialed with care to achieve the more warm and round sounds. You can think of it like this...a Presence setting equivalent to CHANNEL 2’s PRESENCE Control set to 5:30 (maximum), is found in CHANNEL 3 at approximately 10:00 on CHANNEL 3’s PRESENCE Control. This means that the whole range is compressed for these more vocal sounds and the resolution for brighter sounds is expanded.
The difference in these PRESENCE Controls produces a wonderful difference in the Channels and makes it possible to fine tune any of the modes to your liking. You might want two versions of RAW, one set warmer for purring blues sounds and the other set brighter for either soft clip, almost clean chording or stinging solo jabs. Or, you might need two MODERN modes...a super tight aggressive sound for grinding rhythm and a rolled off, compressed version for bold, but authoritative solo work. The differences create limitless possibilities for expression and we encourage you to learn these two PRESENCE Controls and keep in mind their response as you dedicate your channels and divide up their responsibilities.

Read the manual. It explains the entire amp rather well.
http://mesaboogie.com/manuals/user_manuals.html#gpm1_2

 

[Tone1026]

You can think of it like this...a Presence setting equivalent to CHANNEL 2’s PRESENCE Control set to 5:30 (maximum), is found in CHANNEL 3 at approximately 10:00 on CHANNEL 3’s PRESENCE Control

Right there's is a good test, set your presence accordingly with everything else identical, they are still voiced a touch different on my rev g triple rec, but very similar.

I would be slow to start buying and changing tubes until you thoroughly read through the manual multiple times to get a good baseline of what to expect, play around with the sample settings aswell. You wont have a good idea of what you want in regards to tone out of a tube until get used to the thing. Once you have a baseline to work off you can decide if you want to attempt to brighten it up, or warm it up etc..

Keep readin that manual it has helped me a lot in understanding they way mesa set these amps up. Mesa customer service is pretty good about answering your questions aswell... They have been very patient with me, as many on here have aswell

One of the reasons I went from my 5150 to the Mesa Dual Rectifier was because I needed the ability to have a good clean channel. Unfortunately, I can't get a true clean sound from Channel 1. It sounds distorted no matter what settings I try.

what are the settings you are using ?

 

[Dino.]

I would be slow to start buying and changing tubes until you thoroughly read through the manual multiple times to get a good baseline of what to expect, play around with the sample settings aswell. You wont have a good idea of what you want in regards to tone out of a tube until get used to the thing. Once you have a baseline to work off you can decide if you want to attempt to brighten it up, or warm it up etc..

Keep readin that manual it has helped me a lot in understanding they way mesa set these amps up. Mesa customer service is pretty good about answering your questions aswell... They have been very patient with me, as many on here have aswell

My Dual Rectifier is new but apparently it is an older model and did not come with a manual.
The only manual I was able to find online was apparently for the newer version of the Dual Rectifier ... and i did read it.
Thank god for this forum!

Everything stated about my Rectifier and the presence was dead on.
Thanks everybody, for all your help!

One of the reasons I went from my 5150 to the Mesa Dual Rectifier was because I needed the ability to have a good clean channel. Unfortunately, I can't get a true clean sound from Channel 1. It sounds distorted no matter what settings I try.

what are the settings you are using ?

By memory ... basically all settings at 12:00 with the master and gain controls both matched at around 9:00.

 

[ryjan]

:mrgreen:

 

[Tone1026]

By memory ... basically all settings at 12:00 with the master and gain controls both matched at around 9:00.

I know this may sound like a "no brainer" but make sure you are not in "pushed" mode.

The only manual I was able to find online was apparently for the newer version of the Dual Rectifier

Here is the manual for your amp:
http://www.mesaboogie.com/manuals/3chRecto.pdf
the multi watt:
http://www.mesaboogie.com/manuals/3chRecto_multiWatt.pdf
and the 2 channel if your curious
http://www.mesaboogie.com/manuals/2chRecto.pdf

Enjoy!