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CHANNEL 2
BLUES:
Channel 2 is aimed more at single note soloing, although both of the modes contained in this channel work well for rhythm
playing as well if the GAIN controls are set in their lower regions. BLUES is the lower gain of the two modes in this Channel and owns
the zone between the CLEAN and CRUNCH modes. It delivers a classic, old-school voice that can be set to achieve anything from
a warmer clean sound, through a purring, soft-clip break-up on up to a mournful, howling lead sound.
Because it derives its architecture more from a medium gain lead circuit, it will always be a little warmer and
thicker than the CLEAN mode even at the lowest regions of the GAIN control. Therefore, if you wish to use
BLUES as an alternate clean sound or, you prefer to use Channel 1 set to CRUNCH for an urgent lead sound
and BLUES as your main clean, you will need to run the GAIN very low (9:30), the TREBLE higher (1:30 – 2:00)
and the MID low (8:00 – 9:30). Following this scheme will give you the closest approximation of the scoop and
sparkle present in the CLEAN mode.
When using the PRESET feature with the BLUES mode, you will likely find the best results in the lower range of the control (9:30 –
1:00). Above this region the mid-dip EQ curve of the PRESET can get a little too extreme for most players searching for bluesy solo
sounds. However, this same curve can be a benefit to creating sweeter, more sparkling clean sounds as its mid-dip scoops some of
the heavier mids that are needed for a fat single note sound, but can be a bit clunky for a great clean.
Also be sure to check out combining the BLUES mode with the 5 Watt Power setting to explore some really cool low-volume Blues
magic. The single-ended wiring scheme utilized here produces a sweetness that enhances the BLUES mode perfectly… not to men-
tion that your roommates will love you for it.
BURN:
This is the highest gain of all the modes in your Express Plus and it is BURN that characterizes Channel 2 as the Lead
Channel. As mentioned in the Overview, this circuit has been evolving over the last 27 years and after you’ve dipped your guitar into
this river of undulating harmonics, you’ll come away a new soloist…baptized by gain that’s inseparable from the notes. Tight and
focused, searing yet vocal, BURN delivers the ultimate in Expressive high-gain.
At the lower end (8:30 – 9:30) of the gain range you will find a small overlap with the top zone of the BLUES
mode, although a bit fatter and more saturated, that offers some cool Blues or Roots melody line possibilities.
The similarities end abruptly here and a wide region of amazing Rock sounds appear in the middle range (9:45
– 2:00) of the GAIN control. This is where you will likely find the most musical and versatile of your high-gain
sounds…small adjustments here can make big changes in the attack and the body of the notes. From there on up
(2:15 – 5:30) the smoldering intensity of this channel is unleashed to produce a sound that is pure molten MESA. Legato and fluid, yet
with beam-like clarity and sustain, BURN is testimony that 42 years ago on a mountainside in Marin County…we invented high gain.
Perhaps no other mode in your Express Plus showcases the power and sonic potential of the GRAPHIC EQ and the PRESET feature
like BURN. Here, the entire range of the PRESET control produces useful and in fact, phenomenal high gain sounds. The lower
(8:30 – 11:00) range combined with lower GAIN settings works great for widening mid-gain single note solo sounds, while higher
settings (11:30 – 5:30) combined with more GAIN unveil a wall of crushing aggression that can be similar to our own Dual Rectifier™
line. Once you’ve auditioned the curve of the PRESET control, you can engage the EQ SLIDERS and begin shaping your own custom
curve. Be sure to explore this hellacious realm of sounds when you’re ready for some really big guitar sounds.
FrONT PANeL: CONTrOLS & FeATureS (Continued)
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