Mesa/Boogie BASS STRATEGY Eight:88 Owner'S Manual Download Page 22

Page: 22 / 42

PAGE 17

Each of the MULTI-WATT Power Choices can be shaped, colored and even placed “strategically” in the time domain by matching the
Speaker Cabinet with the proper SPEAKER OUTPUT. While there really isn’t a “wrong” combination, there are some Load combina-
tions that sound better to most players (tighter, more focused and bolder)—than others. You will want to experiment with your Cabinets
and the SPEAKER OUTPUTS to find what suits your style and sound the best. Below are some scenarios we like best:

FULL POWER—Follow the Guidelines above

HALF or LOW POWER - 8 Ohm Cabinet into one 4 OHM SPEAKER OUTPUT

4 Ohm Cabinet into the 4 OHM SPEAKER OUTPUT

SPEAKER OUTPUT AUTO-MUTE FUNCTION

Your STRATEGY has built-in Output Transformer protection against a

No-Load scenario in the form of an AUTO-MUTE Circuit via switching built right into the SPEAKER OUTPUT jacks.

When the Speaker Cable is inserted to any one of the five SPEAKER OUTPUT jacks, the AUTO-MUTE circuit is bypassed and audio
signal is allowed to pass and power your speakers. However, this does not mean that you should throw common sense to the wind
and depend solely on this circuit to care for your amplifier as you still need to make sure the other end of your cable is plugged into
the cabinet (the AUTO-MUTE circuit does NOT protect against this scenario). As with any amplifier with an all-tube Output Section—
ALWAYS MAKE SURE THERE IS A SPEAKER CONNECTED TO YOUR SPEAKER OUTPUTS.

The STRATEGY is a high power amplifier with very high current running through the Power Tubes and Output Transformer. Sending
a signal through it without a Load (Speaker Cabinet or other adequate Load) connected would almost certainly damage the Output
Transformer and Power Tubes and is NOT covered under warranty.

The AUTO-MUTE Circuit was designed primarily to avoid accidental no-load conditions but it is VERY IMPORTANT for YOU to be
vigilant and get in the habit of checking your SPEAKER OUTPUTS every time you play and anytime you hear no sound when you
expect you should. BEFORE you flip the POWER—and definitely the STANDBY switches—always confirm that a speaker load is
present by confirming the connection at your cabinet AND the amp.

NOTE: When there is nothing plugged into the SPEAKER OUTPUTS the front panel MUTE LED will be ON. This is an indicator that
there is No Load connected.

NOTE: IMPORTANT! MAKE SURE YOU HAVE A SPEAKER CONNECTED TO THE SPEAKER OUTPUT JACKS AT ALL TIMES!

NOTE: IMPORTANT! NEVER UNPLUG THE SPEAKER LOAD (Cabinet) WHILE THE AMPLIFIER IS IN USE (being played)

D.I. OUTPUT

This 3-pin male XLR handles the interface connection between the D.I. OUTPUT (Direct Out) of the STRATEGY

to Live Consoles or Recording Devices. Depending on the setting of the Front Panel D.I. SELECT mini toggle, the D.I. OUTPUT cap-

tures either the unaffected, direct sound of your instrument when PRE is selected—or—when POST is selected,
the signal consists of the instrument AND the all-tube preamp, Tone Controls, VOICE selections and Processing in
the FX LOOP. Both PRE and POST D.I. selections produce a “balanced” signal at the XLR D.I. OUTPUT, so longer
cable lengths will not affect your sound due to increased cable capacitance.

The signal strength present at the D.I. OUTPUT is affected by all the settings on your preamp (in the D.I. POST Posi-
tion). However, the final output level that appears at the D.I. OUTPUT jack is set by the D.I. OUTPUT control on the

Front Panel. The overall range of signal available is optimized for Console interfacing and you will likely find a setting of 12:00 noon
provides a good nominal signal strength that is in the ball park for most Consoles. It’s a good habit to ZERO your D.I. OUPUT control
before plugging into a console or recording device and roll the D.I. LEVEL up slowly once signal can be monitored. Should you need
more or less signal, the range of the Front Panel D.I. LEVEL offers increments in both directions.

NOTE: The D.I. OUTPUT will have signal present when in the PRE selection even when STANDBY is used to mute the signal to the
power section (STANDBY position) as this is the direct signal straight from your instrument before it goes through the amplifier.

INPUT

MAINS

FUSE

EXT

SWITCHING

LOOP

EXT

SWITCH

HAND BUILT

IN PETALUMA,

CALIFORNIA U.S.A.

TUBE GUIDE