Mesa/Boogie Mark 5, Owner'S Manual, Page: 41 / 70

BASS:
Much like the MID, the BASS control responds like a typical Tone control and blends in a fairly wide slice of rich bottom
end to round out the sound. Internal switching that occurs when the different Modes are selected re-voices both the location and the
frequency of bass present for each of the nine circuits (Modes). This difference is crucial to the sounds
and a big part of their character.
The CLEAN and FAT Modes of Channel 1 incorporate a much lower bass frequency that adds depth,
dimension and air to the sound and needs a much slower taper pot to balance this huge low end with
the sounds in the higher gain circuits. The TWEED Mode in Channel 1 and most all the Modes in Chan-
nels 2 and 3 (except MARK I in Channel 2 which uses a large amount of a very low frequency) utilize a much higher bass frequency.
This produces a more resonant, thumping quality and keeps things tracking tighter and gives gain sounds a more bouncy alive feel.
These higher frequencies can be used in greater proportions as compared with the lower – and possibly more tone-dangerous –
frequencies used in the CLEAN, FAT and MARK I Modes because they have less of a tendency to slow things down or get in the way
during faster playing.
You can really utilize higher settings of this higher frequency on the BASS control in the EDGE Mode of Channel 2 and the EXTREME
Mode of Channel 3 where there is a huge amount of high- mid/low-treble attack in the sound. Try running the BASS in the 11:00 – 1:30
range in these two Modes for some huge crunch rhythm sounds.
In the MARK I Mode of Channel 2 you will need to be especially sensitive with the BASS control as this Mode utilizes a very low
frequency of bass in the circuit – which is an integral part of this Modes fat character. Because of this extended low-end single notes
sound huge and warm and high gain chording sounds come at you like a giant, thick, wall of crunch. We recommend setting the
BASS control in the low end of its’ sweep (7:30 – 10:00) for both single note and chording sounds whenever high GAIN settings are
in place. You can take a little more liberty with BASS settings (10:00 – 11:30) as the GAIN is decreased to add breath and fullness
to purring pushed rhythm and Blues solo sounds.
Now that we’ve covered the Channels, the Modes and their Controls we can move on to the many other Features of your MARK V
that will be invaluable to creating your individual and unique voice.
frOnt panel: t
He
C
OntrOlS
(
Continued
)
GAIN MASTER PRESENCE
CLEAN
TWEED
EQ ON
O
EQ FS
10 W
45
CH 1
NORMAL
BOLD
90 W
CH
1
F
A
T
TREBLE MID BASS
PAGE 37