Mark V noob...solo boost question.

[plapnab]

Hi all, noob question about the Mark V. I've been a Dual Rectifier Solo head owner for about five or six years now. I really like the versitility of this amp and after a lot of experimentation with different tubes and different EQ's and effects I finally like the tone. However, I'm still searching for that holy grail amp. Whenever I have explained to people what I'm going for the Mark V always has been suggested. So, I've just started researching. Anyways...to the point. I need to know if the Mark V comes with some sort of solo boost built in it. Something similar to the Dual Rectifier's. And if not, is there a common product that Mark V users lean towards to address this? Thanks

 

[JimHalinda]

Yes, it has a separate solo boost control and dedicated footswitch for it. You can set the solo knob to 0 for no boost, and go up from there. It works beautifully!

Note, however, that to use the Solo Boost and Master Volume knobs, the effects loop cannot be in the 'hard bypass' position. So if you're a purist who prefers the sound with the effects loop circuitry bypassed, you would have to make a choice between purity of tone and usefulness of the Master and Solo controls.

Personally, I think this amp still sounds incredible with the loop in use.

Regards,

Jim

 

[bucketbot]

If you check on the Mesa site all the info is there & also you can download the Manual.

http://www.mesaboogie.com/Product_Info/Mark_Series/mark5/mark5.html#gpm1_1

 

[plapnab]

Awesome! Thanks guys

 

[toneseeker911]

I've noticed that the tone changes with the solo boost.... maybe cause the power tubes are being driven harder, but I have problems getting a good tone both with and without the solo boost. Once I set my tone for normal operation, the solo boost adds extra grit and some sharpness.
Finally, I had to dedicate ch 3 as a solo channel and keep the channel master higher and stick with ch 2 for rhythm.

Does anyone else have this problem ?

 

[plapnab]

I've noticed that the tone changes with the solo boost.... maybe cause the power tubes are being driven harder, but I have problems getting a good tone both with and without the solo boost. Once I set my tone for normal operation, the solo boost adds extra grit and some sharpness.
Finally, I had to dedicate ch 3 as a solo channel and keep the channel master higher and stick with ch 2 for rhythm.

Does anyone else have this problem ?

I can't speak for the Mark V. But, this is exactly the case with my DR. Engaging the solo boost does add a lot of "grit and sharpness". It might be pushing the tubes a bit more or it might be a feature of the amp as it does add a bit more high mids. The result, at least from my perspective, is that it cuts through the mix better in the context of playing with a band. I guess I don't see it as being a problem...it just is what it is.