Mesa CabClone, Owner'S Manual

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Featuring an internal (resistive type) load that can also be defeated, the CABCLONE can be used to capture a direct signal either with or without a
live speaker connected to the amplifier. When used with a Speaker (connected to the Rear Panel THRU jack) the dynamic content will be increased
along with a slight increase in top end. Without a speaker connected the internal resistive load provides a very good representation of the amplifier’s
feel (considering it is a fixed impedance and does not change with frequency) and is rated for 100 Watts @8 Ohms (Standard). The CABCLONE is
designed for amps rated at 100-Watts or less and the standard format is wired for a nominal impedance of 8 OHMs. Also available are 4 OHM and 16
OHM versions that allow proper impedance matching with other MESA—as well as non-MESA—amplifiers. Using this internal load scenario, you can
transform any amplifier into a powerful “silent” recording tool.
The Front Panel features an adjustable D.I. (OUTPUT) LEVEL control that accommodates a wide range of destination input requirements ranging from
MIC (-30dB) to Instrument/ Line (-10dB) to Pro LINE (+4dB) and anywhere in between. This adjustable pot allows you to fine tune the signal strength
for virtually any kind of monitoring or recording environment.
A PHASE FLIP switch is provided as well to allow inverting of the phase 180 degrees when blending the CABCLONE signal with other sources in
recording or live environments.
The Front Panel GROUND/LIFT switch allows you to lift the CABCLONE BALANCED DIRECT OUT XLR’s PIN 1 (GROUND), from the Circuit and
Chassis Ground. In many cases this can remove annoying ground loops that can occur from “grounded” devices that have their own different ground
reference when interfacing to consoles.
At the far right of the Front Panel there is a VOICING switch giving you three popular choices for the style of Speaker Cabinet simulated. The upper
CLOSED BACK position scoops the midrange and also allows more of the upper harmonic region through, simulating the response of a 4x12 cabinet
loaded with British-style 60 watt speakers and pays tribute to our Rectifier® Traditional Cabinet. This response is often preferable for heavily saturated
rhythm and/or lead work where you want a midrange scoop and a huge sonic spread (width). The center OPEN BACK position takes the lid off a bit
so the upper harmonics can shine through and provide a more open, three-dimensional sound with accentuated top end. This position works well for
clean work and overdriven rhythm applications where a brighter, “faster” response is in order. The lower VINTAGE CABINET position is the darkest,
most compressed choice and offers the best response for single note soloing, especially when higher gain sounds are in use. This setting will keep
lead work fat and round and free of “buzzy” gain artifacts.
Within these three selectable VOICING positions you‘ll find the ability to tune the CABCLONE’s response to work well for almost any sound style. Keep
in mind that adding a live speaker to the THRU may affect the sound and the sound of these VOICING choices... possibly making things more reactive
dynamically and perhaps brighter as well, depending on the speaker’s inherent characteristics that you have chosen.