Mesa CabClone, Owner'S Manual

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IT IS ACCEPTABLE to use a higher impedance (lighter internal load) CABCLONE “IN” connected to the host amplifier’s SPEAKER OUTPUT. Example:
a 16 OHM CABCLONE “IN” jack connected to an 8 OHM SPEAKER OUTPUT (output transformer tap) on the host amplifier, or an 8 OHM CABCLONE
“IN” connected to a 4 OHM SPEAKER OUTPUT (output transformer tap) on the host amplifier.
DO NOT use a lower impedance CABCLONE “IN” (heavier internal load) on the host amplifier’s SPEAKER OUTPUT. Example: a 4 OHM CABCLONE
“IN” jack connected to an 8 OHM SPEAKER OUTPUT (output transformer tap) or an 8 OHM CABCLONE “IN” connected to a 16 OHM SPEAKER OUT-
PUT (output transformer tap). Doing so will cause excessive heat and tube wear and possibly cause damage to the host amplifier’s output transformer.
As mentioned many times throughout this Guide, it is always best to use a CABCLONE of matching impedance to your preferred SPEAKER OUTPUT
on the host amplifier.
NOTE: If the CABCLONE gets hot to the touch, back down the amplifier’s Output (MASTER) and/or take a break for a minute or two and allow the
CABCLONE to cool. Avoiding high Output levels with your amplifier (especially with 100+ watt amplifiers) will prevent the internal load from getting hot.
THRU (TO LIVE SPKR. CAB)
This jack enables the coupling of a live speaker cabinet for use in combination with the Compensated BALANCED
DIRECT OUT. The THRU utilizes a switching-type jack that automatically defeats the Internal Load when a Speaker (unshielded) Cable is inserted. In
this scenario the Load on the SPEAKER OUTPUT of the amplifier is whatever the impedance of the speaker cabinet is connected to the THRU jack.
NOTE: When the THRU is used to connect a live speaker cabinet, the Internal (fixed) Load is automatically defeated and replaced by the reactive load
of the Speaker(s) connected. This may alter the EQ curve (sound) and tactile response (feel) possibly resulting in added top end and a more dynamic
attack characteristic.
NOTE: To use an additional 8 Ohm MESA Speaker Cabinet (8 OHM Cabinet x 2) for personal monitoring with greater coverage while the CABCLONE
is still feeding direct to a console; connect the 4 OHM SPEAKER OUTPUT of the amplifier to the IN on the CABCLONE. Connect the first 8 OHM
speaker cabinet to the THRU on the CABCLONE. Connect the second 8 OHM speaker cabinet to the PARALLEL OUTPUT (2nd Jack) on the MESA
speaker cabinet jack plate. This scenario will create a proper impedance match (4 OHMS) and provide optimum sound and response. Keep in mind
that if the cabinets used are of different impedances (1 x 8 OHM and 1 x 16 OHM) simply multiply the impedance values of each cab then divide that
number by the sum of both impedance values ( i.e. 8 x 16 = 128, 8 + 16 = 24, Divide 128 by 24 = 5.3 OHMS). This example would require the use of
the 4 OHM SPEAKER OUTPUT of the amplifier. In other words, the closest SPEAKER OUTPUT of lower impedance. Two 4 OHM cabinets paralleled
is NOT recommended as that would produce a 2 OHM load which is not compatible with MESA amplifiers (and most other tube amplifier brands).