Mesa/Boogie Mark 5, Owner'S Manual, Page: 29 / 70

Hints for the C+ Mode might include these:
Use the Graphic EQ - SLIDERS or PRESET - if you need extreme low end with high GAIN settings - this comes later in the circuit
and will have less tendency to get loose and flubby than that of the rotary BASS control.
Work with the GAIN, TREBLE and PRESENCE in finite increments when searching for your ideal lead voice as these interact greatly
and have a big effect on pick attack sensitivity and focus. The PRESENCE compresses things in its lower regions creating a more
voice-like character and opens up the upper harmonic region in higher settings creating a more cutting, blade-like attack.
For lead sounds - Roll in the amount of BASS you want after fine-tuning the attack signature with the GAIN, TREBLE and PRESENCE.
Fill things in just enough but don’t create flub. The MARK Series BASS control brings in beautiful rich low end but can also overtake
the balance set by the other controls quickly and degrade the attack.
Don’t overlook this Mode for lower gain sounds! Because of the harmonic content and instant attack properties, the C+ Mode excels
at low gain Blues sounds – both rhythm and single note – and even can produce some threshold of clip, almost clean sounds. It’s
open and dynamic and responds great to plucking techniques as well. Traditionalists have even commented on how well the old
“guitar volume knob” or “old- school channel switching” approach works with this sound. Set low enough, the C+ Mode works great
just backing off for clean and cranking up for lead on the guitars’ Volume pot. When the GAIN is this low you can dial in more BASS
on the rotary control to add warmth and three-dimensionality.
IMPORTANT NOTE! Be sure to experiment with the TRIODE/PENTODE switch located on the Rear Panel under the Channel 3
REVERB Control. This switch re-wires the power tube configuration to produce a radical sound and feel difference. We have found
many players like it only one way – citing that it makes or breaks the vibe for them or that they can’t play as well when it’s not set to
their favorite way. We feel it is a powerful stylistic parameter and should be explored fully for its usefulness to your sound.
TRIODE softens the midrange attack and accentuates the upper harmonic region creating a silky, more liquid feel and lowers overall
output power. PENTODE accentuates midrange punch and lowers the upper harmonic region for a bolder, tighter attack – especially
in the low end – and increases output power and headroom. ALL original II-C+ were hardwired to TRIODE.
This is an addicting mode to play and one of – if not the most expressive - of the 9 Modes in your
MARK V
. Do yourself a favor and
spend some quality time exploring how the controls interact… once you dial it in for your individual style… magic will happen.
frOnt panel: M
ODeS
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