Mesa's take on the Dual Caliber series

[eschoendorff]

The origin of the sound of the DC series is often disputed.... but here is an ad for the DC series from 1995. Aparently, the rhythm channel is derived from the Mark IV and the lead channel is from the recto. Check it out:

http://www.grailtone.com/images/catalogs/catalog-1995-dcseries.jpg


Interesting, eh?

 

[Monsta-Tone]

:lol: Fucking marketing! :lol:
The clean channel is much warmer than the IV's, and the circuit for the lead channel is nothing like the Recto!
I love my amps, but everytime I crack open a manual, I feel like I'm buying a car!
:lol: 'You may not know this little brother, but it'll cure your asthma too.....' :lol:


The circuitry for the DC is sort of an anomoly. The lead channel is very close to the IV, but they added a fake tone stack where the IV's tone stack is and they put the adjustable one after most of the gain stages. This is how the amp can stay so focused with the knobs turned up past half way. I loved the tones that I got out of both of my Mark IV's (both A & B versions), but the bass on the Lead channel can't be turned past 4 if the gain is turned past 4.......??????.......?????? Seems odd to me!

 

[Ken j]

The origin of the sound of the DC series is often disputed.... but here is an ad for the DC series from 1995. Aparently, the rhythm channel is derived from the Mark IV and the lead channel is from the recto. Check it out:

http://www.grailtone.com/images/catalogs/catalog-1995-dcseries.jpg


Interesting, eh?

I have that catalog somewhere.

 

[kekam35]

Yeah marketing, if I remember correctly the DC series came out before the DRs.

 

[madryan]

Yeah marketing, if I remember correctly the DC series came out before the DRs.

Same year pretty much.

 

[MusicManJP6]

That is interesting. Mark IV clean is nothing like the DC's and the Lead channel is not Rectifier, but more Mark than anything!

 

[Monsta-Tone]

Too bad their marketing was so far off! I would have liked to see them last longer than they did!

 

[Ken j]

Too bad their marketing was so far off! I would have liked to see them last longer than they did!

They should reissue the DC-5.

 

[kekam35]

I'm kinda glad they stopped making them when they did, makes them hold their value better.

 

[Monsta-Tone]

I seem to remember reading somewhere that the DC-5 was the most produced amp in their lineup. I bet the Mark IV passed by now though.

 

[Ken j]

I seem to remember reading somewhere that the DC-5 was the most produced amp in their lineup...

I was told this when I made a call to Mesa about 4 or 5 years ago.
Records are made to be broken.

 

[Monsta-Tone]

I seem to remember reading somewhere that the DC-5 was the most produced amp in their lineup...

I was told this when I made a call to Mesa about 4 or 5 years ago.
Records are made to be broken.

Good! then the price will go back down and I can afford to get another one!

 

[igfraso]

Monsta-Tone:
Is the DC-5 in triode and the DC-10 in pentode?
Thanks
daniel

 

[Monsta-Tone]

Both are pentode.
The DC-5 uses 2 6L6's and the DC-10 uses 4.

It is really easy to add a Pentode/Triode switch to these amps though!

 

[edward]

Funny thing about the DC series, and my DC5 combo: When I first got it, I thought, "how cool is this, I own a Mesa Boogie, even if it is one of their budget amps." That was over 10 years ago. After having owned and tried many other Boogies in said timespan, I have now learned that I own one of their best amps ever produced. Period. No hyperbole. I have owned/tried other Boogs (not all) and the DC5 still ranks as one of the most versatile and best sounding for my style and play; yes, even irrespective of price. I am curious about the MkV however as Mesa finally discovered their folly and brought back the GEQ. But even then, my DC5 has been and continues to be my #1 go-to amp.

Edward

 

[dodger916]

I am curious about the MkV however as Mesa finally discovered their folly and brought back the GEQ. But even then, my DC5 has been and continues to be my #1 go-to amp.
Edward

I don't understand. GEQ never left the Marks, just changed from an option to standard equip.

 

[edward]

I am curious about the MkV however as Mesa finally discovered their folly and brought back the GEQ. But even then, my DC5 has been and continues to be my #1 go-to amp.
Edward

I don't understand. GEQ never left the Marks, just changed from an option to standard equip.

I was a bit unclear. I meant to say that Mesa stopped including the GEQ on their product line that went beyond the MKIV. Translation: every amp outside the MkIV. I even had a discussion with a higher up (let's just say really high up ) about that. He gave me this reason and that. I retorted (politely, of course) as to why I personally felt the GEQ was superior to any Contour knob, old or current style, and a definite enhancement to any of their existing tone stacks. I went on to phrase it as a plus to any amp, and offers no downside. Heck, you can even make a hard bypass if you really want to for pure tone geeks. Finally, and a bit on the quiet side, he finally said too many folks are put off by the perceived complexity of a GEQ ...you know, they want a "simple" amp and Boogies are "too complex" for many. Ugh. I was satisfied by the honesty; a bit bummed at what I feel is a concession. Thus, I am glad to see that the GEQ is back on what Mesa likely considers its flagship amp. Or maybe I am completely wrong and they intentionally keep em off the 'kings, 'stars, and rectos. But IMHO, that is folly.

Edward

 

[Space_cowboy]

Both are pentode.
The DC-5 uses 2 6L6's and the DC-10 uses 4.

It is really easy to add a Pentode/Triode switch to these amps though!

This might be OT but what would switching between Pentode/Triode do with your amp? and how would you install such a switch?

 

[Monsta-Tone]

No hyperbole.

:lol: :lol: :lol:


George Mueller couldn't believe me when I told him that the DC's had a 'Cult' following!
He said that the Mark III was a much better amp!

 

[edward]

No hyperbole.

:lol: :lol: :lol:


George Mueller couldn't believe me when I told him that the DC's had a 'Cult' following!
He said that the Mark III was a much better amp!

Well, he's certainly entitled to his opinion ...even if he is wrong
...FWIW, I loved my MKIII Simul; just a great amp. But that's now gone. hehehe

"No hyperbole" ...that's me story and I'm a stickin to it! And it ain't no cult, just a, ohhh, "devoted" following ...I know I know, preaching to the choir.

Edward