Mesa/Boogie Bass Prodigy, Owner'S Manual

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To handle virtually any speaker cabinet scenario, the PRODIGY is fitted with 3 SPEAKER OUTPUTS capable of handling a variety
of impedance/cabinet loads. One 8 OHM and two 4 OHM Outputs ensure that you can always find an impedance-correct match
regardless of your cabinet choices.
The PRODIGY Footswitch DIN Input resides just to the right of the SPEAKER OUTPUTS and here is where the optional Footswitch
& Cable is connected to your amplifier.
Finally, a MESA first – a 2 position BIAS SET switch and trim pot resides on the rear Tube Deck labeled Operate and Set Bias. This
SET-BIAS position allows you to check and set your bias quickly and easily for maintenance or when replacing power tubes to set
BIAS on the big KT-88s. There’s no need to take the amp to a technician when it’s time to change tubes as this bias method is com-
pletely user-serviceable and easy to dial in your bias just right.
INSTANT GRATIFICATION
The PRODIGY is about the easiest amp on the planet to get a great sound from quickly – and with the VOICE Control – several great
sounds.. Just set most of the controls at noon…and enjoy! From those settings, may we recommend you sweep the VOICE Control
from position 1 to 5 and experience what a difference the various MID voicings combined with bass and treble enhancements can
provide.
NOTE: COLD START PROCEDURE: When powering up your PRODIGY from cold, ALWAYS follow this Start Up Procedure: We
have found the currently available KT88s require substantially more time than 6L6s or EL34s to warm up to full operating temperature.
If you hit them with high voltage with the STANDBY sooner than three minutes, you may hear some crackling as well as a slow volume
increase as they get up to full temperature. This subsides once they are fully warm, and while it might not hurt the tubes per se, it is
better to warm them up for at least three minutes (or longer) whenever you can.
NOTE: IMPORTANT! – Do Not flip the STANDBY SWITCH in and out of STANDBY mode (on and off) while the amplifier is being
played or with any type of signal being amplified. The large amount of current involved in this scenario can damage the STANDBY
SWITCH.
1. Begin with STANDBY in the STANDBY Position.
2. Switch POWER to ON and WAIT at least three minutes or longer for the tubes to “warm up”. (With STANDBY OFF and POWER
ON, the tubes internal components are allowed to warm up slowly before hitting them with the high voltage controlled by the
STANDBY being switched to ON).
3. Flip STANDBY to ON.
4. PLAY!
Following this startup procedure will lengthen the musical life of your power tubes and decrease the chances of untimely power tube
failures.
Overview:
( Continued )
NORMAL
INPUT
POWER
ON
ON
STANDBY
D.I.
LEVEL SOLO
GAIN
BASS MID TREBLE VOICE MASTER
D.I. LIFT
GROUND
FULL
HALF PWR
D.I. PRE
POST
B
R
I
G
H
T
A
C
T
I
V
E
3
2 4
5 1
Four:88
™
MUTE
SIL. REC.
P
L
A
Y