Mesa/Boogie QUAD PRE-AMP User Manual

- 1 -
QUAD PRE-AMP
OWNER OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
MESA/BOOGIE
The Spirit of Art in Technology
CONGRATULATIONS! By becoming the owner of the Mesa Quad Pre-amp, you have taken the
first step into a new world of tonal freedom. You are among the first of a new breed of players who
require the latest in digital footswitchability and yet refuse to sacrifice the old world "soul" of an all
tube amplifier. The Quad does this and much more.
You will be pleased to know that four years of planning and research went into perfecting this
instrument. Our experience as the leading force in guitar amplification for fourteen years helped us
in designing the Quad. This combined with input from players worldwide made it possible to deliver
sophisticated features in an easy to use format. So relax, and don't be intimidated! We've included
a complete description of all the controls and how they operate, as well as a very helpful settings
sheet. These are guidelines. Start here and as you become a more confident "tone pilot", feel free
to solo.
The Quad is a sensitive instrument, much like the guitar. Use this to your advantage. Read the
Owners Manual. Understanding the controls will help you create sounds you won't believe. With
time and patience you will find sounds that are uniquely yours and will provide you with a lifetime
of satisfaction and enjoyment from your music.
NOTE: THE QUAD PRE-AMP WAS DESIGNED FOR USE WITH THE SIMUL CLASS 295 OR
STRATEGY 400 STEREO POWER AMPS. THESE ARE ALL TUBE POWER AMPS AND ARE AN
INTEGRAL PART OF THE MESA RACK SYSTEM FOR GUITAR. USE OF THE QUAD PRE-AMP
WITH ALTERNATIVE POWER AMPS IS NOT RECOMMENDED.
TWO INDEPENDENT CHANNELS, FOUR MODES!
To achieve greater tonal flexibility and footswitchable freedom, the Quad is separated into two
channels sharing one common input. Each channel offers two modes and a pre-assignable 5 band
graphic equalizer. Channel 1 is very similar to the Mark IIC, while Channel 2 is very much like the
Mark III. These were the premier guitar amps for the last five years, winning the praise of such
guitar giants as Steve Lukather, Lee Ritenour, Michael Landau, Stevie Ray Vaughn, and many
more. We found that many of these players used more than one amp and switched between them
for different sounds. A great idea but very heavy and bulky to move requiring custom made
switching systems. Thus, the need for the Quad. Two incredibly versatile amps in one taking up a
mere three spaces in your rack.
THE QUAD HAS REVERB! And you've got to hear it to appreciate it. By combining two different
sizes of 3 spring reverb tanks, we've developed a reverb that dares the digitals. With three
dimensional depth and a perfectly smooth decay we feel confident in saying this is the most
beautiful sounding reverb ever found in a guitar amp. Combine these features with a stereo effects
loop and stereo outputs and you can imagine the possibilities. The fun has barely begun.

Mesa/Boogie QUAD PRE-AMP Specifications

General

Brand	Mesa/Boogie
Model	QUAD PRE-AMP
Category	Amplifier
Language	English

Summary

Mesa Quad Pre-Amp Introduction

Product Overview and Positioning

Welcomes users, introduces the Quad Pre-amp and its features, emphasizing tonal freedom.

Power Amp Compatibility

Specifies required power amps (Simul Class 295 or Strategy 400) for optimal use.

The Quad Reverb System

Highlights the unique reverb system with two tanks for depth and smooth decay.

Channel 1: Rhythm 1 and Lead 1

Rhythm 1 Mode Description

Describes the clean, sparkling rhythm sound with pull shifts for tonal flexibility.

Lead 1 Mode Description

Describes the classic lead tone with high gain, sustain, and pull shifts.

Channel 2: Rhythm 2 and Lead 2

Rhythm 2 Mode Description

Describes the versatile crunch rhythm sound with ample gain and pull shifts.

Lead 2 Mode Description

Describes the extreme high gain lead sound, offering exceptional sustain and touch sensitivity.

Control Operations - Volume and Treble

Volume Control Functionality

Explains the powerful volume knob's role in gain, signal level, and interaction with modes.

Pull Bright Functionality

Enhances sparkle and dimension in sounds, especially clean rhythms, with pull-shift.

Treble Control and Shift

Details the Treble knob's impact and its pull-shift function for tone shaping and gain.

Control Operations - Bass and Middle

Bass Control and Shift

Explains the Bass knob and its pull-shift ('Breath Control') for warmth and depth.

Middle Control Functionality

Describes the Middle control's role in adding midrange warmth, especially with other tone controls.

Control Operations - Deep, Master, and Lead Drive

Pull Deep Functionality

Accentuates bass frequencies for a deeper, more robust bottom end, distinct from Bass Shift.

Master and Lead Master Controls

Manages overall output levels for rhythm/lead modes and effects send.

Lead Drive Control Functionality

Adjusts gain, sustain, and sensitivity for lead modes, offering bluesy to metal tones.

Lead Bright and Graphic Equalizers

Lead Bright Functionality

Adds searing top end and gain to lead modes, potentially causing feedback at high settings.

Graphic Equalizer System Overview

Details the onboard 5-band EQs, their manual and preset activation, and creative usage.

Reverb, Output, and Power Controls

Reverb Control and Functions

Mixes dry and wet signals for a natural reverb sound, with cancel/boost functions.

Output Controls (A & B)

Sets final output level to power amps for optimal signal-to-noise ratio.

Power Switch and Pilot Light

Controls the unit's AC power and indicates operational status.

Rear Panel Features - Basic Operation

Standby Switch and LEDs

Describes standby function, mode/EQ indicators, and power-up behavior.

FU-2 Footswitch Operation

Explains the digital logic footswitch for accessing modes and equalizers instantly.

INPUT Jack

Details the main mono 1/4-inch instrument input jack.

Connectivity and Effects

Effects Loop Operation

Details the stereo effects loop (send/return) and level interfacing with external gear.

External MIDI Switching

Explains using external switches or MIDI systems to control modes, EQs, and reverb.

Main Outputs (A & B)

Describes stereo outputs capturing both channels for power amps and effects.

Recording and Maintenance

Recording Out Jacks

Provides direct EQ'd signal for studio use, simulating power amp and speaker sound.

Line Fuse and Cord

Covers the AC power protection fuse and the standard line cord.

Manual Summary and Support

Concludes with tips for using the manual, encouraging exploration, and offering support.

Sample Settings

Setting 1: Clean Rhythm/Crunch Rhythm/Grinding Lead/Screaming Lead

Provides specific knob settings for a versatile sound profile combining clean and high-gain tones.

Setting 2: Clean Rhythm/Grinding Rhythm/Searing Lead/Insane Lead

Offers settings for a different tonal character, emphasizing higher gain and saturation.

Setting 3: Clean Rhythm/Clean Rhythm/Singing Lead/Bluesy Lead

Provides settings for clean rhythm sounds and distinct singing/bluesy lead tones.

Setting 4: Clean Chording Rhythm/Single Note Rhythm/Brown Lead/Bluesy Singing Lead

Details settings for clean chording, single note, and warm lead sounds.

Setting 5: Jazz Rhythm/Warm Rhythm/Soft Clipping Lead

Offers settings for jazz rhythm, warm clean tones, and soft clipping lead.