Mesa/Boogie Mark 5 Owner'S Manual Download Page 17

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CHANNEL 3:

This Channel is the overall highest gain in the

MARK V

and is dedicated to creating the best high gain sounds from the fabled MARK II-C+

and the MARK IV. Though the entire channel is aimed at high gain sounds, many expressive and dynamic me-
dium to low-gain sounds can be found here with the GAIN control set lower (below 12:30). Again, this channel
defies classification as to style and is extremely versatile for both low and high gain, chording and single note
sounds.

MARK II C+

is exactly that. This Mode is a faithful – down to the last detail – recreation of the LEAD Mode of

this legendary circuit. Blistering focused gain and explosive attack that gives way to morphing harmonics are it’s soulful signature and after
20 years, these sounds remain at the forefront of Rock. The tight mid-punch focus of this sound provides an open canvas for coloring with the
Graphic EQ and the classic “V” setting has become a staple ingredient of the II-C high gain sound for heavy music.

MK IV

is a faithful re-creation of the MARK IV’s Lead Channel. Because of the vast options in configuring this channel on the MARK IV –

combined with the fact that the MK II C+ Mode covers a wide range of brighter sounds, we have configured this Mode for a slightly warmer
sound.  The MK IV Mode has a substantial increase in midrange gain that creates the impression of a roll-off in the upper harmonics resulting
in a huge, wide sound.  It’s a different flavor of fatness as compared to Channel 2’s MARK I Mode, as here the midrange is voiced higher and
stays tighter.  Because of this characteristic the graphic EQ does an amazing job of shaping this sound into whatever you want it to be.  The
EQ doesn’t have to compete with the increased low end early in the preamp of the MARK I Mode and can be used to dial in some incredibly
big sounds that won’t get flubby.

EXTREME

is exactly what it sounds like…extreme! This Mode also takes it’s architecture from the MARK IV, but is voiced almost opposite of

the MK IV Mode in this Channel. Forward, aggressive, tight and fast are it’s signature and it is the highest gain and loudest of the

MARK V’s

nine Modes. You will experience a substantial increase in volume when selecting EXTREME from either of the other two modes in Channel
3… and this is after we padded it all we could without affecting the Tone.
Use this mode when you want crushing impact and stop-on-a-dime dynamics. EXTREME is most suited for heavy styles where maximum
gain and lightning fast attack are the order of the day.

NOTE: Increased sensitivity in the power section in the EXTREME Mode causes more background noise because the power amp and driver
are “listening harder”. This is normal and no cause for alarm.

CHANNEL 3 : BRIGHT / NORMAL

This two-position switch determines the amount of upper harmonics present in the sound of all 3 Modes in Channel 3.  Some sounds bring
forward the action of this switch more than others, depending on the amount of top end in the sound to begin with, but it adds  or reduces
brightness at its location in the signal path in all Modes of this Channel.  For example; you will hear its action more in the MK II C+ Mode than

you will in the MK IV (FAT) Mode - because the high frequencies are more rolled off and recessive in the MK IV Mode and
therefore there are less of these frequencies present for the BRIGHT switch to bring forward.

In the

BRIGHT

position (switch down) the sound will be infused with an upper harmonic halo around the note(s). This added top

end becomes more apparent as the GAIN is increased, especially in the MK II C+ and EXTREME Modes where the BRIGHT
circuit has more highs to work with. The BRIGHT position is great for adding harmonic grind to high gain chording sounds in

these two Modes. It lets these highs pass at a specific earlier stage in the preamp so that the PRESENCE and GRAPHIC EQ, can be used
to blend and shape them down the line.
In the

NORMAL

position (switch up) this region of upper harmonics is rolled off, creating a darker, warmer blend that works well for single note

soloing. The NORMAL position is great for adding a feeling of girth and fatness in low gain sounds and removes unwanted sizzle and buzz
that can result from low output pickups in high gain settings.

GAIN

MASTER

PRESENCE

GAIN

MASTER

PRESENCE

GAIN

MASTER

PRESENCE

TREBLE

MID

BASS