The CLASS A power selection harnesses two of the four output tubes (outer pair/far left and far right) and they
are wired in Class A Triode. This produces less power, approximately 25 watts, versus the “standard” more
ecient AB-style operating mode, which might produce roughly 50 watts. However, Class A operation lends a
warmer, smoother transition into clip. In Class A designs, the tubes produce more heat as they are dissipating the
same amount of current, whether there is signal running through them or they are just idling without amplifying
signal. You can think of it like they are always (at least partially) on. This is why the transition to clip is sooner,
smoother, and sweeter... they are warmed up and ready to sing!
There is also a nice upper harmonic component to the Class A story as well, and this can benefit both low and
higher-gain sounds, depending on your styles and needs. The upper harmonic region is more easily coaxed
out of the Lead Mode, and frankly, for much of the medium volume work, studio or live, you may not miss the
added low end the Class A sockets remove in trade for what they give in return in terms of harmonic lushness.
This lower-power Class A setting is great for sounds where you either want earlier clipping of the power section
or a less forward, punchy and focused character. The Class A mode also reduces the low end accentuation a bit,
so it can be handy if you don’t want or need really tight tracking of the low end for a specific style or application.
Applications for these character traits might be cranked “bluesy/rootsy” soloing in the Clean Mode where you
aren’t using the preamp’s Lead Mode for overdrive, but rather prefer a “traditional gain amp” driving the power
section toward clip and some power tube overdrive. Another application might be clean sounds where you
want a little looser low end and less hard-hitting punch in the midrange resulting from the lower power...more
like a traditional/vintage amp’s character.
Either way you choose to amplify the preamp sounds you craft, the Simul-Class output power here in the IIC+
is one of, if not the most, versatile, toneful, and alluring sounding power amplifiers out there. We are confident
you are going to appreciate its dimensionality and nuanced character as much as the countless players who
embraced it 40 years ago upon its release, on up through today’s vintage Mark IIC+ and later Mark Series
devotees.
That wraps up the Controls and Features on the Rear Panel, and you are now ready to enjoy your amplifier’s
sound while also understanding its signal path and the operation of its powerful controls. We sincerely hope
the Mark IIC+ brings you all the joy and musical fulfillment the originals have been bringing its fans over the
last 40 years. It is a dynamic and powerfully emotive amplifier that truly is a musical instrument and a perfect
platform for your expression...one we hope will propel you and your playing to new heights and keep inviting
you to explore new musical frontiers.
From all of us at MESA/Boogie, Congratulations, Cheers, and Welcome to the Family!
PAGE 28
To Next Page
Loading...
