Mesa CabClone, Owner'S Manual

Page: 8 / 12

REAR PANEL
IN (FROM AMP SPKR. OUT)
This is the main Input to the CABCLONE and it accesses both the Internal Load and the Cabinet Simulation circuitry. The
Internal Load is rated for 100 Watts RMS and the STANDARD Impedance Load is 8 OHMS. This resistive load (a high power resistor) presents a static
impedance that does not change with frequency. This is in contrast to a dynamic load (a loudspeaker) where the impedance DOES vary with frequency.
Connect your choice of the host amplifier’s SPEAKER OUTPUTS (4, 8 or 16 OHM) to the IN of a CABCLONE built for the matching Internal Load
Impedance and you’re ready to capture the amplifier’s sound direct. All you have to do now is decide whether you want to add a live speaker cabinet for
personal monitoring or additional feeds to a Console with a microphone(s) in addition to the BALANCED DIRECT OUT signal. If so, proceed to the next
feature description (THRU) and connect the cabinet of your choice.
NOTE: WARNING: Playing your amplifier at very high volume (output) levels will create excess heat, produce less than optimum sound, wear your power
tubes early, increase the likelihood of tube problems and possibly even damage the internal load resistor. Use the CABCLONE as you would your speaker
cabinet. DO NOT USE IT IN PLACE OF A POWER ATTENUATOR (SOAK). The INTERNAL LOAD IS NOT A POWER SOAK! It is intended to allow silent
recording at similar volume settings as you would use with your amp connected to a speaker cabinet. Use common sense and preserve your tubes and
attain the best sound by using the CABCLONE with your amp set in its lower to medium range. You can clip the power section a little, especially in lower
wattage amps, but DO NOT use the higher range of the amp’s power (MASTER) or turn your amp all the way up using the Internal Load.
NOTE: A good way to determine optimum volume range is to have your basic preamp sound dialed up and begin increasing the amplifier’s MASTER
volume control until the sound begins to fill out and get warm and round, but the attack hasn’t softened yet due to power clipping. If you need an extreme
“power section clipping” sound, use an external Power Attenuator (SOAK) in-line between the SPEAKER OUTPUT of the amplifier and the CABCLONE
“IN” jack.
NOTE: If the CABCLONE gets hot to the touch, back down the amplifier’s Output (MASTER) and take a break for a minute or two and let it cool.
NOTE: The STANDARD CABCLONE INTERNAL LOAD IMPEDANCE is 8 OHMS and the WATTAGE RATING IS 100 WATTS. If you intend to use 4
OHM or 16 OHM SPEAKER OUTPUTS as the default output impedance on your host amplifier, order a CABCLONE built for the matching Internal Load
Impedance. This will ensure the proper impedance match and deliver the best response as well as preserving output tube life.
IMPORTANT: IMPEDANCE GUIDELINES! When using the CABCLONE Internal Load and there is no speaker connected to the THRU jack, follow these
impedance guidelines;