Using Mesa Boogie Studio 22+ as preamp

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jokkos

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I got a Mesa Boogie Studio 22+ 1922 and I think the sound is really good if I connect the send output to a solid state Fender M-80 Chorus input. I have read that you can damage the valve amp if it not gets any load, but there is still sound coming from the Mesa Boogie amp speakers, even when the return is not connected. Anyone know if I'm going to damage anything? or if there any better way to do this?
 
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When there are speakers connected to the power output of the 22+, no problem.
 
When there are speakers connected to the power output of the 22+, no problem.

Thank you very much for your reply. The sound comes out of the boogie-speaker even though another amplifier is connected to the send output, so I bet that means that the sound goes out to the boogie power output.
 
I am using Effects Send. Is direct out a better choose?
Speaker is still makes sound when Effects send is used, so I hope this is a non-destructive solution..
 
so I hope this is a non-destructive solution.
as @D-Max mentioned you are safe since you have a load with the speaker connected.

I am using Effects Send. Is direct out a better choose?
The Direct out signal comes off of the output transformer. You can use either into your Fender amp. It just depends on your ears which one sounds better :sneaky:
 
as @D-Max mentioned you are safe since you have a load with the speaker connected.


The Direct out signal comes off of the output transformer. You can use either into your Fender amp. It just depends on your ears which one sounds better :sneaky:

Many thanks to both of you for your great help. I'll find out what sounds best.
 
I am using Effects Send. Is direct out a better choose?
Speaker is still makes sound when Effects send is used, so I hope this is a non-destructive solution..
You can use either, I was just curious.

Here's the info on the direct out and the effects loop from the manual:

DIRECT This feature provides a variable strength signal output originating right from the output
transformer. Thus, good tone is supplied, all effects and Reverb are included, and there is absolutely
no loss of the Boogie's tone when "slaving" into another amplifier. If used for direct recording, bear in
mind that speakers themselves exert a tremendous coloration to the tone, primarily by rolling off the
highs very steeply above 5 to 6 kilohertz; thus, you'll want to approximate this effect with the EQ on
your mixing console. But most players will probably still prefer the recorded sound of a microphone
“listening” to the speaker.

In many sophisticated guitar rigs, players run their Direct output into their effects rack, and then
connect the outputs from the last effects unit into external power amplifiers. However, in such a
set-up, you cannot route the last effect unit back into the original Boogie. This would create a
feedback loop. Also note that a speaker or load resistor must remain plugged into one of the .22's
speaker jacks at all times, even when using the Direct output. Otherwise the amplifier will be
operating without a load, and damage will likely result. (Suggested value for a load resistor is 8-ohms,
25 watts minimum.)

EFFECTS SEND & RETURN These jacks provide a low-noise patch loop within the Studio .22's
preamp for connecting external effects units. Compatibility is quite good with most line-level effects
(although you may need to adjust the input level controls on some units to avoid overload).
Floor-pedal effects and "guitar processor" devices may not be compatible with your .22's Effects
Loop, as they are often designed to accept instrument-level signals rather than line-level. If such
units are used, they may need to be patched between the guitar and the amplifier input.

The Send jack can also be used as a "preamp output" without breaking the signal path that leads to
the .22's power section. If you're using the Send jack for this purpose and you want to hear the .22's
internal speaker, leave the Master turned up. If you don't want to hear the internal speaker, turn the
Master to zero.

The Effects Return on your .22 can also be used as an "auxiliary" line input for connecting an
external device, providing access to the .22's power section and speaker (and bypassing the preamp
section). Use the Master control to adjust the output level. The Graphic EQ (optional) and the
Presence control will also be active.
 
You can use either, I was just curious.

Here's the info on the direct out and the effects loop from the manual:
Thank you very much! This was very useful information. I tried using "Direct output", but it did not output any sound to the other amp, so maybe something is broken. It doesn't matter anyway, because I am now using "Effect send" and it works perfectly. Based on your information, this will also be best since I do not have any external speaker connected via jack. I have never been able to record such a great and suitable guitar sound as now, so I am very excited. Again, thank you all very much.
 
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Ikon bekreftet av brukerfellesskapet
 
As long as a speaker load is connected to both amps, it's fine. Yes, the preamp passes thru to the power amp, even if you plug into the Send. If you want to mute that speaker, plug a cable into the Return and don't connect the other end to anything. Or just a dummy plug.
 

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