Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier Solo Head Triple Channel

This is a three channel, Dual Rec, so probably bought originally within the last 3-4 years from the dude I bought it off of last year.
I play death metal with a bit of crust and hardcore. This is one of the most versatile amps on the market with an amazing reputation, so it covers everything. I wish I had held out for a Triple Rec cause the extra 50 watts can come in handy, though I can run this through a single cab (Marshall 1960BV 412) with ample volume left. I don't really like to push the volume too far past 6 on all fronts.
I can't complain about the features, this amp has a ton of options, I just wish it had a bit more range, which I'll get to next.
But I'm assuming that if you're looking at this page you're familiar with the basics about this head and feel no need to go into detail about that.

I have two 400 series ESP LTDs with active EMGs. The tone I go after is a modern death metal scooped sound with articulation but without mid chunk out. I've heard a lot of different sounds coming out of Mesas, but I think this is what it's best suited for. Want the mid heavy swedish death sound? Look at Peavey or Marshall, you can probably get it faster and cheaper that way.
As far as sound quality goes, it's hard to really judge this amp without bringing it up to volume. It's less like a 6505/5150 where you can judge fairly well at 1 or 2 how it'll sound up to 6 on the volume. This head changes pretty dramatically, especially on the low end (as is typically stated).
As great as the head can sound, I think it's a bit disappointing if you're going straight off the racks and I think that's something overlooked. The low end muds out, the mids can be chunky, and while it's certainly a high gain amp, I find the distortion lacking.
The sustain in general is weak. I got better harmonics off my previous head (6505+) with less effort despite less gain.
Out of the box, I'd give the sound quality a 7.
HOWEVER, this can be greatly improved. I have yet to have my amp modded, but am leaning towards at least getting an upgraded output transformer, if not upgrading the power transformer and choke as well. I've read this can be a massive improvement.
Also looking to get some new tubes. I bought this off craigslist and the person selling it claimed the tubes were months old. I doubted him then, and months later, I'm still doubting. But you can generally expect to buy this head used for around a grand and then have to get new tubes. I'm a 6L6 man though and that won't change.
That said, this is how I've gotten the head to sound ridiculously better: Ibanez Tube Screamer in the front and a BBE sonic maximizer in the effects loop. The TS gives the overdrive that you might think a Dual Rec would provide. Sustain issues are dealt with and you've got a few extra controls for feeling out the gain. I've seen people claim that you should be able to cut back the gain to 50-60% when you add a TS, but I prefer to keep the TS gain at 50% and the Rec gain at 65-70% (the pedal is unmodded for the time being).
The sonic maximizer can level out and widen the sound. That is it's job. If you use this, you can pull back the lows on the head and bring them back in a more balanced way with the sonic maximizer.
Those two things alone bring the sound quality from a 7 to a 9, easy. I think the modded head plus that would be a 10.
It does however get a bit noisy, but not as bad as a 6505. And until I get the cash up, switching to the clean channel is a lot cheaper than buying a noise reducer, but that's the more ideal route.

But, again, I want to warn folks who might think that buying the Mesa head guarantees the Mesa tone without mods or pedals. It capable of being far greater than what it is out of the box.

Mesa's reputation is solid. Being able to switch from tubes to diodes makes the amp it's own back up in a way.
I've never had to call Mesa, but I can tell you the schematics aren't very enticing to the uninitiated.
But I do have a problem with the volume on the clean channel where it's about 40-60% reduced in volume compared to the other channels. The pot works as the volume increase is reflected, but there's something internal that I'm still working on figuring to replace to bring it up to speed.
This isn't horribly odd for a head, but for being a few years old it's a little unnerving. Especially on a head like this where it's far less likely that you bought it for the clean channel anyways...

N/A

I've been playing for over a decade and a half and gigging nearly all of that time. I'm a bit of a gear nerd (though not able to toss a lot of money at it). I've gone through some Peaveys that I felt weren't quite as versatile and went the Mesa route. I was initially a bit disappointed, but realized that the potential is there, Mesa just expects you to fill it out.
I would definitely stick with Mesa even though I think there's some better 'out of the box' heads out there. It's really just super versatile and user friendly as long as you're not doing internal repairs. But knowing what this head is capable of doing and the sound that I'm getting out of it now, I love it. If Mesa had taken the time to put those few extra features into it, it'd be even better, but whatever, I've got it dialed now.
If I was buying it used I'd probably have it sent directly to one of the fine mod folks out there and just accept it as part of the cost. I'm sure they can do wonders for the head. But if you want a really articulate, high gain route, I think the TS and SM can instantly bring this up to speed.
There it is.

This is the all tube 3 channel version of the dual rectifier, each channel has a number of different options, Channel 1 - 'Clean' & 'Pushed' Channel 2/3 - 'RAW', 'VINTAGE' & 'MODERN'. It is possible to get any type of tone you are looking for with this fantastic head, from jazz clean to brutal crunch - you just need to learn how to use it. The only area where the amp is lacking is reverb, however there is the rect o verb amp available. The amp has a superb effetcs loop, which I run a reverb or delay pedal(T rex Replica/Roommate) through to add the icing on the cake.

This is one of the finest sounding amps of all time, in regards to some of the bad reviews below about the 'FIZZ' I just want to clear this up! It's not fizz, it's bright, the modern setting is extremley bright. Just think of all the amazing tones this amps distortion has created for bands such as Metallica, Alterbridge, Dream Theater and loads more. The distortion sounds a lot more tighter with an overdrive pedal in front of it, but that's just it. Do you think all of these bands plug ino it straight and achieve these amazing sounds!? they have lot's of other equipment to help them achieve this. The amp is quite quiet, use a noise suppressor if you are using an overdrive with the gain channels. The clean channel is sparkly, all you need to do to get super cleans at high volumes is to set he clean channel to your sound and then use the solo boost to set higher volume because this doesn't add gain.

I have never dealt with them, but heard great things about the guys at Mesa.

The Mesa Boogie dual rectifier is a must have amp in my rig, It's at the top of the game for high end amps and as for the guy who said that the Peavey Triple xxx is better!? That is a cheap rip off of the Recto! you have clearly never played the amp and are jeolous. Congraulations to anyone who buys the Mesa Boogie Dual Recto and if you want any advice on it send me an email

This thing has a decent amount of features. Three channels, each with at least two voicing options. Adjustable gain, volume, presence, bass, mid, and treble per channel. Parallel effects loop is awesome too. Clean channel and two distortions. You get the idea, its a basic three channel amp. Enough to satisfy most guitarists.

Here it comes. This amp can sound good, and it can sound bad. Bottom line, THE FIZZ WILL NEVER GO AWAY. On the clean channel, its muddy, but it can be cleaned up. Mostly. The orange channel, the raw setting is useless and the vintage sounds "muffled". Orange modern is IMO the best sound on this amp. But still fuzzy. Red channel is to be avoided. The red modern is so harsh and fizzy it will be painful to listen to. Even cranked, the fizziness just hovers over everything. And the lead sound is terrible. Not liquid at ALL. You have to fight the amp to solo smoothly which is frustrating as all hell. Overall, it was quite disappointing. Not versatile at all.

Very. Solid chassis, although the pots get loose easily.

Never dealt with Mesa.

Its a solid rhythm amplifier. Like i said, orange modern is pretty badass sounding for tight rhythm. But the lead is awful. It sounds like there's no gain even at max! It feels like there's just a bunch of fizziness surrounding a clean channel. Playing is nearly impossible on the lead sounds. Not the wisest purchase I've made. I'd say go for a Mesa Mark IV or an ENGL amplifier. Heck, anything else actually.

This amp has everything you need from a 3 channel amp, a separate eq, gain, and presence knob for each channel. The only thing that sucks is that it has no built in reverb.

OK, here's my story, I regretted buying this amp 5 months after I bought it because it just couldn't give me the type of tone that I was looking for. I was thinking of getting rid of it and search for a different amp. Out of manufacturing this amp sounds OK, with the 6L6 tubes that it comes with, but I just couldn't get the mids that I wanted out of this amp (without sounding like crap). The mids on this amp sounds naturally scooped if you ask me. The only thing that I really liked about it at that point was the thunderous lows that this amp will give you while playing hard and heavy rhythms, but it just didn't have the mids that I like for playing punk rock. I really didn't want to get rid of it unless there was no possible way that I could get good tone out of this thing so I did some research. After doing my research, I decided to change out the stock 6L6's it came with and went with JJ KT77 tubes...man, what a big difference! I totally found the tone I was looking for and I'm really happy about owning this amp now. The 6L6's just couldn't do it for me and the KT77's did the job. You can get mids like a marshall amp with these tubes. I use the KT77's in EL34 bias mode. I think that this amp sounds way better in EL34 mode whether your using EL34 tubes or KT77's(same tube family as EL34). With the KT77's, I could get the mids like EL34 tubes, and still have the thundering lows of 6L6's. Perfect tone for punk rock with monsterous and raunchy distortion. I am definitely glad that I didn't get rid of this amp. This is a definite keeper. I haven't tried using EL34's in it. Some day I'll try just for the heck of it. One good thing about this amp also is the fixed bias so you can change out tubes without having to set the bias. Just plug-in/out tubes and play. Now I've read lots of bad reviews about this amp about the sound and let me tell you, this amp does not sound bad at all with KT77 tubes. I am definitely happy about the sound that I got out of this amp. Another thing is that this amp doesn't have an eq like other amps. It really is sensitive to the kind of guitar you plug in. It seems to me so far that a certain eq setting for a certain guitar will not work for a different guitar. You will have to reset your settings. The eq setting for my schecter does not work for my gibson les paul. Two totally different eq settings, if you know what I mean. Overall, I'd like to say to people that have this amp now and are not happy with the sound, just try swapping tubes and try JJ KT77's or JJ E34L's. And it does make a difference in tone (in my ears at least). And if you're still not happy with what you get, then I don't know what else to tell you but to get rid of it and search for a new amp. This amp has more distortion than you'll ever need. I set mine just under 12'oclock position and it's perfect. This amps has to be played at high volumes if you're running 100 watts or else you just won't get a good tube tone. So if you want to play at lower volumes like in your bedroom then you should just run 50 watts. You could get a better tone out of the tubes at lower volumes. You could do this by removing the two center power tubes and one of the rectifier tubes. One last thing, I noticed about this amp that is different from other amps is that the louder the volume on this amp, the better it sounds. So it can handle jamming volumes very well. I've had other amps that would sound sound noisy and terrible at loud jamming volumes. This amp does the job. Oh yeah, when you first turn on the amp and the tubes are just warming up, the channel selector makes a popping sound the first time you switch channels but after the first time you switch channels, it doesn't make a popping sound anymore. It's not broken though, they're just known for doing that.

Nothing has broken on me yet, but we'll see after a few years. I constantly play on it almost every other day and no troubles yet.

They're kinda slackers over there but they'll return your phone call if you leave them a message.

Overall, If you're looking to buy this amp, just try it before you buy it. I had an experience with this amp like no other. I had to be really patient at mastering how to tweak good tones out of this amp.

Just a comment on Studpuppy's review below mine:

Again, this is THE amp that has defined modern Rock/Metal since the early 90's, with other amp manufacturers following suit. You could have at least admitted that perhaps the amp you tested had some issues, probably mostly related to bad tubes, or in some other way defective. Otherwise, it would have been better for you to simply say the amp isn't your particular style.

Too many people have found this amp extraordinary for it to receive a Sound Rating of 1 from anyone.

I had one in '03 and now have anothe in '08.

They can be hot or miss. One day I love it, the next I don't. They have the "tube mistique", that's for sure. When they are brutal, they are the BREWTAWLZ by far. When not, well, I reach for a Marshall. For me the Recto' sound their best with Marshall 1960 Vintage cabs. I do NOT like the sound of Mesa's V30 cabs, Standard or Oversized, as they sound too girthy for me. Soloing on Mt. Everest is one thing, but fitting into a band context is another.

The Mesa Recto is a complete beast in every way. You can strech it to a Marshall tone, but in the end if you want a Marshall tone you should get a Marshall. The Mesa Rectifier, however, has clearly defined a complete generation of players.

Ford tough maybe?

Great. They don't take me out to lunch of course, but they always answer my emails.

There are lots of great amp manufacturers out there today. But in the end it was Fender, Marshall and Mesa/Boogie who defined generations of Rock and Roll.

Whether I like this amp or not (which I do) is irrelevant. What I dig is that I now own another piece of Rock and Roll history. For that reason, I respect the Rectifier.

Pleanty of features, unfortunately few of them doing anything to actually improve your sound.

Are you kidding me? There was NOTHING I could do to get this turd to sound good. Why anyone would like the lifeless, dull, harsh sounds from this amp is beyond me. After changing out all of the tubes, calling Mesa, and trying other Mesa Boogies at my local guitar Center (they all sounded like crap) I sold this piece of dung and got myself a Peavey Triple XXX which blows this thing out of the water.

I wanted to like this thing.....I really did.

Honestly folks. Listen before you buy, or you will be disappointed.

Seemed reliable enough. Very solidly built.

The Guys at Mesa were fantastic to work with.

Honestly, I'm speechless. I dropped the green on this amp expecting it to deliver pristine Metal tones. Not only did it not deliver, I couldn't get a single tone from this amp that I could live with. I had a Mark III that I was unhappy with as well......you'd think I'd have learned my lesson from the first mistake.

What Mesa Boogie has is an incredible Marketing machine. They hype up their over-valued product line, and get guitarist to think that the only way to sound good is to drop $2K on their crap products.

You'd be better off buying a metal Zone and running it through a transistorized Crate Amp.

This amp was bought at the end of last year from the first buyer. I'am the second owner. This amp is certainly versatile enough to do many styles of music. But it's gear toward rock to nu-metal. If you dial it correctly you can cover just about any style from Jazz, blues and etc. This is a 3 channel head with channel switching capabilities. I wish it had a reverb other than that...it has all the features for my needs. For me I don't use the effects loop. It's definitely a must feature to have especiallly if you're into pedals. I use this amp for home, rehearsals and gigs and it has more than enough power to handle anything you can throw at it..especially a hard hitting drummer. It's been the standard for many bands around the mid 90's to 2000 era I don't see it changing anytime soon as with Marshall. These two amp companies set the standard for recording and for stage performances.

I use a Gibson Classic with JB/59 and ESP LTD EC-1000 w/JB/59. This combination along with my Mesa DR complements each other nicely. The amp is extremely quiet. Definitely a studio amp and why many bands have used it in their recordings. I run this amp with a Vertical recto 2x12 cab and it sounds fantastic and also an Avatar Vintage 2x12 with WGS Veteran 30's. The Avatar and DR sound incredible especially with the WGS speakers! I have to say that both are completely different sounding cabs. If you like a earlier break up with the Marshall tone the Avatar would be it since it's model after the enfamous bluesbreaker. The Mesa cab is very beefy with alot of braun. The sound of this amp is very clear, tight and focus. you need to watch the gain. It has a ton of usable gain that can make your amp a bit fuzzy sounding if you go crazy with it. The clean channel is great! Very warm and vibrant. Better than alot of high gain amps out there.

The thing that I did as with many tone freaks is changing the tubes, pickups,electronics and cables. For me I focused on tubes and pickups. I put all NOS preamp tubes in mind. I have Amperex for V1 and V5, Mullard for V2 and v3, Brimar for v4. I also switched the stock power tubes to Winged C 6l6 and it sounded alot better than the Chinese 6l6. It has alot of bass but certain frequencies on those tubes masked the amp making it sound like you have a blanket over the speakers. The Winged C 6l6 defintely gave it more of a 3D effect and the break up was smoother. Alot more balance than the chinese 6l6.

I hardly ever hear people having problems with Mesa. They build great amps. The quality control, components and craftsmanship are fantastic from a production amplifier. I have no doubt this amp will last me for many years to come.

They are great! They get back to you and they care about their customers.

I've been playing for 13 years and have played and owned many amps. I currently owned a Laney VH100R and that amp is unbelievable. It's my No.1 and the Mesa DR is my No.2 I've owned other Laney's like the TT50H(great versatilitiy but the tone didn't impressed me as much as the VH100R, AOR Pro II(it's too classic rock sounding for my taste), LH50R(great amp for everything except heavey metal, I still missed that amp) Mesa Stiletto( great tone but a bit too lose for the chugga chugga) Stiletto Ace( a nice improvement over the Stiletto in the palm muting department but doesn't have the natural organic tone that the Stiletto has. Rivera K55....nice cleans and very loud but very peircing and muddied . Orange Rockerverb 50( a nice sounding amp. Cleans don't stay clean when you turn up the volume, the distortion sounded a bit compressed for my taste..not worth the price for the performance). Engl Thunder 50( nice for recording but doesn't cut through the mix very well in live situations...as with the RV50 also. Marshall 2210...great amp but clean channel sucks not to mention the distortion bleeds through the clean the louder you crank her up. Marshall 30th Anniversary(blue EL34) Very organic sounding multi channel Marshall but has some high end fizz that is very difficult to get rid of. Marshall DSL 50....Great Marshall amp! Has the best cleans of any Marshall and the distortion is nice! Marshalls best sounding multi channel amp. I like it better than the JVM. Carvin MTS....crap! Line 6...Crap. I love everything about the DR. It's a killer amp in almost everyway like my Laney VH100R. I would buy it again if I lost or if it gets stolen. I would certainly look for a good deal first. I don't buy my amps used for quite sometime and I think alot of people are the same way. If you look carefully and patient. You'll always find great deals on just about any amp out there. I'm not going to fork out 1800.00 on a new DR or amp for that matter.

100W all tube amp. 3 channels, very versatile. FX loop, solo switch to give you a boost. Mine was made in 2006.

I'd like another FX loop. That way, I could use an EQ in one and actual effects in the other.

Absolute CRAP!! I bought this amp about 6 months ago, and was extremely disappointed. I probably tweaked the settings for days trying to get something that sucked a little less. Then, about a month ago I bought something on a whim...a MXR M-108 EQ pedal.

After I learned how to use the EQ, I've been able to get any kind of sound I want. The distortion is absolutely brutal, similar to System of a Down's Toxicity album. A lot of people hate the clean on this thing (I did too), but after figuring out how to get a setting that worked on the EQ pedal, it's been excellent.

I'm only giving the sound a 10 because of what it CAN be. On its own, it would be a 2.

No problems yet. Built like a tank.

Haven't talked with them, but the 5 year warranty is good.

I love this amp now. After learning how to use it, I would buy it again without even thinking. Loud as hell and sounds damn good.

My friend has a Peavey 6505 I've been playing around with. That too is a great amp, but this thing smokes it when trying to get a heavy scooped tone.

For anyone who has tried and hated this amp, give it another shot with EQs. I was very close to selling it and getting something better until I realized what it could do. Without Eqs, a POS like a Line 6 Spider sounds better.

Has three channels, etc. Others have already covered all this.

Some people may find this amp a tad basic compared to modern do everything amps, but personally for me it does more than enough, with a perfect mix of simplicity to gadgets. I love playing with knobs and buttons, but when gigging you don't want things to get too complex and fussy.

Suppose it would be nice to be able to mix in a more Marshal sound, but then it would be a Marshal Amp :) But maybe some sort of warm dial.. who knows. I'm very happy with it.

Has three channels ;
1 clean
2 Dist
3 Very Dist.

Personally I was amazed at how lovely the clean channel is. Maybe could be a tad warmer, but still lovely. I find I don't use channel 2 much, too half and half for me, but bought this amp for channel 3... fantastic. But its all personal.

Its been very reliable so far. Had it about a year now. I'm fussy about giving a 10 and a year isn't that long.

Haven't needed them.

Been playing about 20 years and had quite a lot of gear over that time. Personally I love this amp and would buy another if lost. The sound may be a tad personal so would probably recommend you hear it before buying.

Something that may be interesting is the cabinet type and volume. When played through a Mesa 4x12 this thing is awesome, but at low volumes in small cabs it obviously can't compare. What amp can ? But watch out for the weight of those large cabs... will put in A&E.

Not sure if its worth the money. For me yes, but maybe not for some. There is a lot of competition now.. some others are also very good.

My MESA DR 3CH was made in 2005. I play rock/metal it suites just fine... i fool around with other musical style... blues, funk, trash, etc... u name it... mesa delivers... not the best clean sound... but.. then again... just Fender clean will smash this little beast... it has tones of features... just try them all, figure out what they do n u'll see these r all useful.. it has 100W ... believe me.. enough horse power!!!

3 channels... 1 clean, 2 dirty... ch3 is has more muscle than ch2. ch2 is more bright.. and clean is just so sweet.. just use the EQ ;)

this baby has some heavy distortion... just turn it to modern sound (i prefer the vintage one...) and u can't go full gain!! its just so heavy.. :)

i own a Jackson soloist with emg 81/85. rhythm great.. solos awesome!

this Mesa can get very noisy using the FxLoop. u just have to figure out how to use the back controls for the FxLoop... and the noise will almost go away... add a noise gate and u'll be just fine...

harder than a rock... built for life... i gig with no backup... just my Mesa DR.

not yet... ;)

before i had this amp i tried other amps... some can level with mesa... not many... i like Wizard, Marshall, Diezel, Carvin... but i chose Mesa... I've been playing with my Mesa for 2 years now... i would not change this amp...

Made in 2003.

Excellent features. These has been covered. I gave it a 9 b/c of the lack of reverb. I use a Holy Grail verb through the loop - sounds good.

Plenty of power. Almost too much power, but sounds good at medium volumes.

I've had this amp for a few years and have been waiting for the right time to review. Had a Marshall TSL beforehand. Recently I bought another TSL as a backup and decided to use it ata gig for a change of pace and a reference point. The TSL sounds great, but now I remember why I bought the Mesa in the first place. Much fuller, warmer, rounder sound. I can live with both - some guys are Mesa guys and some guys are Marshall guys. To me, they both sound great, are versatile and useful enough, and I like using both of them depending on my mood.

It was a little hard getting past the stereotype that this amp brings. It is much more than a nu-metal amp. I use the amp for classic rock (no Nu-Metal stuff, just 70's, 80's, & 90's bar rock stuff). I also put JJE34L's and the ECC803S's and what a difference from stock Mesa tubes. The amp retains the darker tonal color but can be lively when dialed in right. The new tubes made all the difference in the world. EL34's don't make this sound like a Marshall, but do brighten the sound a bit. Less 'sonic destruction' and a little more musical.

I use a Strat with a Duncan Pearly Gates 'bucker in the bridge position. Beatiful, smooth sound. I couldn;t be happier.

Channel 1:
Keep on clean, not pushed. Generally keep all controls at 12:00.

Channel 2:
Vintage Mode. Excellent classic rock sound. I play this channel mostly with gain around 11:00.

Channel 3:
Also Vintage Mode, mostly for my lead tone. I keep the settings the same as channel 2 but with a little more gain to help disguise my poor chops.

I mix and match cabs & speakers (both 2X12, 1 open back & 1 closed back). They have Vintage 30's, G12T-75's, or a combination of the two.

I also have it set to Rectifier mode and Bold. The amp is a little tighter this way than Spongy mode, but still has a nice, liquidy feel to it. great for single note riffing.

The thing about this amp is that I first found it difficult to dial in a good sound. Some nights it sounded great, others sounded terrible. Once I got used to the dynamic EQ and got used to the different rooms we work, I figured out how to get a consistent sound that I am very happy with (it only took a few years).

I only use a reverb pedal, otherwise, its a pure signal path. This is an extremely quiet amp for such a thick distorion.

So many times at a gig people approach me and say "I've never heard a Dual Rec sound like that. What have you done to it?" I realize I'm in the minority when I use a Strat and play classic & pop rock, but I LOVE the sound I get from this amp. Couldn't be happier these days. (BTW - Like the PRS, My Les Paul sounds KILLER through the amp, its just not right/practical for what we do as a band).

Tank!!!!

I still bring a backup. Afterall, this is still an all-tube amp.

Haven't needed them.

Been playing for 25 years, mostly Marshalls.

I would replace this amp with a Mesa MarkIV. A little less 'recto' sounding and more versatile for what I need, but I still whole-heartedly recommend this amp.

I wish it had a power reduction feature or built-in attenuator. Using Spongy (lowers internal voltages) or pulling two tubes does not help the amp for lower volume applications.

Its funny reading the reviews here. I read all of them before I purchased. Of course, my ears were the ultimate judge, but I always find these reviews helpful. I think people either love this amp or hate it. All tastes are different. But I do know this: this amp needs patience, understanding, and tweaking. Unlike Marshalls which can be dialed in very easily, this amp is work. Sometimes too much work. But once it is understood, it is glorious.

This amp has everything that a rocker could ask for. The key is that you truly sit down and spend some time tweaking the sound on each channel. This thing costs a bunch, and its worth it, but you have to spend some time to get the sound your looking for.

To those who would rate this amp with nothing but 1's, I suggest you pick up a nice little Fender, or maybe a cool Crate and feel good about yourself. So many millionaires have been made by the sound this amp puts out that it boggles the mind. Obviously you have an ax to grind, but your bitterness falls onto deaf ears. The 3 channels on this amp will give you any sound one could imagine. You can make a Mesa sound like a Marshall, but there is NO way you can make a Marshall sound like a Mesa. Enough said!

I have owned a single Rec and now a Dual Rec. The single NEVER let me down, as I trust the dual never will. Built like tanks.

Never needed to contact them. I don't misuse my equipment, so chances are I will never need them.

I have been playing since 1969, so I'm no spring chicken, but I like my Mesa. I have spent a lifetime looking for the crunch Mesa has. If anyone tried to steal my amp my mixed-breed maniac mutt would have a chunk of his ass for dinner. So try...just try to relieve me of this tone monster...good luck!

100W head, made in 2006 (according to seller). 3 channels with different voicings (toggle) on each channel. Too many controls to count, but anyone reading this already knows that this is a professional amp with enough features for almost anyone.

From my experience, this amp can do absolutely anything. Granted, I bought it to play hard rock and it does that incredibly well (think Thrice, deftones, Norma Jean, Underoath). But it could just as easily be used for crystal clear cleans, soulful blues, country, death metal and anything you can throw at it.

There's plenty of power (too much really... i may pull tubes) to do almost anything. It's loud as hell.

Each of the three channels built into this amp are practically an amp in their own right. Unlike many other amps I've played though, it has a Jekyll and Hyde quality to it from the switches on the back. Flipping the tubes from "Spongy" to "Bold" opens up a set of sounds that just don't exist anywhere.

First, the clean. It comes with two voicings, clean and pushed. In the clean setting with the treble and presence rolled up, it's crisp, clean and almost fenderish. Still, the low end comes through really well, so, it's not so much a fender twin sound. On the pushed setting, this thing is a beast. This is the rhythm channel to use for awesome bluesy rhythm. The gain control on this channel is very responsive and gives great saturation to the sound so it breaks up rather nicely. the clean channel sounds best with tube rectification switched on and with tubes set to "Spongy"

Channel 2 is all about tone. Left in the "Vintage" voicing there's nothing it can't do. Anything from Santana-esque sustain to Metallica and Slayer growl.

Channel 3 is a fire-breathing monster. The presence control is even hotter than Channel 2 and when set above 12:00 with Gain above 12:00 is the definitive modern hard rock sound. It's just unparalleled.

never gig without a backup. never gig without spare tubes.

But i expect the amp to work for a while without problems.

I called them once before buying this to compare the triple rectifier head to the dual rec. I didn't reach them directly and was forced to leave a message. Their recording said "they call everyone back". I was pretty impressed when a bit later in the day a very knowledgeable guy from Mesa called me and answered all my questions.

been playing about 10 years and this is the first "good" amp I've owned. If someone stole it, I'd be pissed. It would be immediately replaced with a clone paid for by insurance.

This is a 2006 made amp. It would be in fact versatile, except that it really sounds disgusting in ALL three channels. This is the second one I purchased (unfortunately). The first one I purchased used, so I thought it was too beat up for it to sound good. However, I purchased the second one new and it still blows. I tried putting in expensive NOS tubes in it, and it still blows. Then I changed the preamp tubes to more expensive NOS preamp tubes and it still blows. The effects loop went bad after a few weeks of use and sounds horrible. There is too much noise added (and I know for a fact that is not due to my pedals, which are top of the line and all have true bypass in them). I really wish it was cleaner. This amp is ONLY good for that non-sense nu-rock BS that modern bands are coming up with. There is no sound definition at all. It does have a lot of power, but every tiny bit that you bring up the volume, it will add loads of noise. This was a major waste of money.

The sounds that come out of this thing very poor, toneless. The clean chanel totally blows, it doesnt even sound clean at all. The distortion is brutal, but it is not defined. My 5150 does a better job than that. My guitars are mostly custom made. I own a Jackson RR1 with EMG-KFK set in it, a gibson les paul studio with burstbuckers, a washburn idol, a fender strat with rio grande single coil set, and a custom made guitar with rio grande crunchbox and rio grande fat bastard pickups. All of the past guitars are awesome and beautifully set up. I used to have a ESP, but I sold it years ago. None of these guitars sounded good through a recto. In regards to noise, it blows!! is TOO NOISY!!.

My footswitch cable went bad in the middle of a concert (they are really cheap and bad constructed). Few weeks after that my fooswicth stopped working (on the chanel buttons). I had to get it replaced. The effects loop in the amp stopped working after a while. Had to get it fixed. An input jack went bad so I had to get it fix as well. The pots are now all loose, so I tighten them up again. Its pathetic. Poor construction.

This is by far the worst feature of mesa. Their customer service is the worst. Is really hard to deal with them. They never took responsibility of fixing my amp. In addition, I have placed several orders from the store and they have taken up to two months to get my stuff. They are really cocky and disrespectful over the phone. Try calling and they will transfer you to an answering machine. Is sad, is pathetic.

Mesa/Boogie blows!! dont spend your valuable money in this non-sense. Buy something else. There are many alternatives in the market that are better than mesa.

I WAS a GAS (Gear Aquisition Syndrome) sufferer, until I got this amp!! This is one of the newer three channel versions. Plenty of headroom!! Loads of sounds available with the various modes (Clean/Pushed or Raw/Vintage/Modern) and with adequate control of prescence. This is clearly a more Rock/Metal amp. More difficult to attain a light crunch sound (other than in Ch1 one with pushed mode, but then you've got no clean!). I will keep this amp until one of us dies! I've sold all my rack gear, bought a few boss pedals and refound my love for guitar PLAYING and not just gear BUYING!

I play a Ibanez RG570 with original Ibanez pickups and a Les Paul Standard (also original pick-ups).

The best channel is CH2 in Vintage mode. A really nice singing solo sound with a good audible level of pick attack. You wont find a modelling guitar amp that can match it (trust me, ive tried).

CH3 IS that Recto sound (everything from Foo Fighters to Metallica). Dont go looking for it somewhere else, BUY a Rectifier! Brutal Distortion but still musical!

CH1 is possibly the only drawback to this amp (but it still gets a 10). The new roadster and road king have adopted the Lonestar clean channel for a reason. The Rectifier is much more bassy and if not trimmed carefully, you can end up with a tinny sound or too muddy to cut through the mix. The right sound is in there (providing your using a Rectifier cabinet) but it's not a simple to find as the other channels.

One short note to the Roadster and Road King. There both great amps (with great prices!) but they pop when switching channels! Especially between channels 2 & 3 (regardless of volume setting). Mesa know about this but I havent heard of any recalls or modifications for this. Threrfore, if you've got a tight budget and want that Recto sound buy an original Rectifier. You can easily use an overdrive pedal to get that extra light crunch sound.

Not had it long enough to say, but its built like a brick sh$thouse!

Never spoke with them.

I have been playing for 26 years. Owned a lot of other Mesa/Marshall gear. I've been looking for "that Sound" for 3 years and I am sure that I have finally found it! Tried all the different Modelling gear (GT-Pro/GX700/PODXT etc) but it isn't real. Valve amps are not as forgiving as a solid state pre-amp. The solid state high High frequencies and dynamics are not as transparent. But if you master your picking technique then the sound achievable from a Valve (or tube) amp is truly Fantastic!! In the end its not the guitar, effects or amp that make the quality of sound, it's the quality of the player! :0) The Mesa Boogie Dual Rectifier Solo Head is the most flexible, dynamic and best value amp for the hobby and professional player.

I purchased my dual rec in 2002 and after taking it home and messing around with the settings for a while I got an amazing tone out of it. As you all probably already know it has three channels with different tone selection modes on each channel as well as seperate eq settings for each channel. I really enjoy the ability to swap out the rectifier tubes without having to rebias anything. Also the raw power of this amp is amazing. At times it almost feels like too much for certain settings. It has a versatile effects loops but I have never used it because it doesn't fit my playing style or needs. To be honest I wish I had just gotten the 2 channel because I rarely ever use two channels much less 3. But alas that is all they had in stock and I was inpatient. It is a great sounding amp if you are looking for high gain.

As stated above this ap sounds great for any metal, hardcore or rock high gain sound you are going after. The clean channel sounds a little to thin for my taste but I hardly ever use the thing. On the positive side tho as long as the gain isn't really high on the clean channel the sound wond distort even at high volumes. I have been playing guitar for 6 or 7 years and always played through a gibson les paul standard. I think that the two complimented very well for the genre of music I play. I am in a post hardcore/hard rock band and this amp meets all my needs. Our other guitar player is running a gibson sg through an orange otr 120 head and orange cab and the two amps really sound great together.

I've been in a nationaly touring band for the past 4 years and have taken this head on the road with me for long periods of time with no backup and never had any problems. In fact our manager at the time dropped it from about 5 feet onto cement and other then some dings nothing was wrong with it. I've never had any tube or fuse problems because I regulary clean and take care of it. I would trust this amp to last me on the road without a backup. It has done just that for years and I bet it will for many more.

I've never had to deal with this. I've heard good things though.

All in all I really love this amp. Its not for every style and every player. It is made to be loud and sound great with high gain settings. Recently I switched to synth in our band because I've been programming and playing them for much longer than guitar and we have a new guitarist who uses my mesa rig. If it were broke or stolen I would make him help me buy another one. Maybe this time though only the 2 channel because this amp has more than I need. I would also think about buying an orange because I love their tone. When compared to marshalls though this head kills them hands down. Try it out before you buy one because it might not be what u need. Make sure u run it through a good cabinet and have the volume turned up because otherwise it doesn't showcase the sound it can create properly.

This amp was made in 2005
I play thrash metal, hard, fast heavy and brutally distorted, but I also play blues for fun. For the metal the amp is unparalleled, tyhe best money can buy, for blues it's a different story, I can still get that deep tube tone for blues, but not quite like the amazing tone of say eric clapton. but then again, it's a metal amp NOT a blues amp, with a few effects it can get a really amazing blues sound. It obviously has 3 channels, 2 different modes for the first, and 3 different modes for the second 2. an effects loop, a preamp out, a rectifier selector switch and a few other need doodads.
I use to play in a band and did a buncha show with the amp and it excelled, the amount of power this amp has is unbelievable.
The one feature I wish it had come with is a headphone jack, but I can't complain because you could never get the amazing tone you get out of a 4x12, through headphones. I give it a nine for the lack of headphones.

For an amp that isn't supposed to be a 'jack of all trades' the dual rectifier does a wide variety of sounds. the clean channel isn't anything to call home about but it's still a great sounding versitile channel that doesn't get distorted at high volumes.
The distortion is amazing, at high volumes the tone just melts out of the tubes and pools at your feet. I can not begin to describe how amazing this thing sounds. I use the 2nd channel on the modern mode. the 3rd channel is too bright for me. but be warned, it is not an amp that will have your dream tone programmed into it out of the box, you need to sit down with it and really get the feel of the amp, read the manual. Too really understand the EQ I had to sit down, read the manual and find out where each EQ fits in the circuitry, for example, the treble knob is at the front of the circuitry, therefore the treble knob will have more of an effect on your tone overall than say your presence knob.
Through the amp I play a Dean ML-X with an EMG-81 in the bridge and 60 in the neck, my guitar is best suited for metal, as is the amp.
The amp is quite noisy, but nothing a Noise gate doesn't fix easily. I give it a 10 because it is Not a one trick pony by anymeans, it is a versitile amp that sounds mind blowing for the music I play

I've had the amp for a year now, played a bunch of gigs with it, bashed it around, dropped it etc etc, and it has only ever had one problem. the problem it had was my drummer set up the amp before I arrived, and he plugged the speaker cab through the slave out, there was no load and therefor blew the fuse and a tube, that could be under the neglect catagory.
The lesson kids, let drummers stick with there acoustic drums.
Despite the one problem I'm still giving this amp a 10, because the failure wasn't because of the workmanship, it was because of improper use.

As stated above I blew the tube, I took it to an authorized mesa repair shop (Ho's Electronics in Vancouver, BC) and he fixed it under warrenty. In vancouver Ho has been refered to as 'Dr Ho' because he performs amazing surgeries on guitar amps, and he's a really nice guy to boot.

I've been playing 8 years now and I love this amp
before it I owned a Line 6 spider 112 combo, and although satisfied with the spider, I needed to upgrade to a more proffessional amplifier.
If this amp was lost or stolen I would easily buy a new one, although I am curious about the Mesa Mark IV, but I don't think anything can come close to touching this, except maybe the triple rectifer but thats just obserd.
This is not a practice amp that sounds great at low volumes. It needs be cranked, it's like a lambourghini, the full potential isn't met until it's taken out on the road and opened up.
again, it's not a one trick pony, but it's also not a 'jack of all trades but a master of none'. it's a well rounded versitile amp that sounds INCREDIBLE for metal.

First off, this amp is extremely versatile. It has all the features you could ever need, 3 channels, 8 modes and the best effects loop I've seen... Sure, some people might even say it's "too much!" Those are the people that shouldn't buy one! :) Anyways, like said this amp is very versaltile... It can cover just about any style of music but it excells in the area of hard rock!

I mainly use 2 PRS Singlecut's with #7 pickups, and a PRS custom 24 with HFS pickups live. I play modern hard rock and the combination between my guitars and this amp are perfect for my style. As far as my effects are concerned I use a TC Electronics Chorus/Flanger, a Boss Phaser, Boss Delay, Boss Reverb and a BBE Sonic Maximizer (rack mount) through the effects loop. I also use a Morley Power Wah and a Boss Acoustic Simulator wich run straight in after my guitar (I like to have options) I run the amp through (2) Mesa/Boogie 4x12 Recto Cabs... I also have this baby stocked with EL34 power tubes rather than the 6L6's. Mainly it tightens the low end and gives the amp more of a touch sensative feel. It's really a matter of opinion on what kind of tubes you use and it also has alot to with your playing style. I suggest you try the amp with both kinds of power tubes before you settle. Anyways here's my take on the sound:

CHANNEL 1

I leave this channel set on clean mode... I get a good clean sound out of this amp. It's not the best I've ever heard but it sounds good! So as long as you don't have your gain set too high like an idiot, it wont distort. Not even at high volumes!!

CHANNEL 2

I leave this channel set on vintage mode... I keep the presence only about a quarter of the way up and I do not "scoop" the mid, I keep it about half way up. It produces a dark creamy sound covered with sustain. I mainly use it for slower-phrased soloing, as well as for slow-less aggressive rhythms... All in all this channel kicks ass!!

CHANNEL 3

I leave this channel set on modern mode... This is the channel I depend on the most! I keep my gain alittle over half way up, my presence about half way up and it produces a crunch that is too sweet to describe... I use it as my main rhythm and with one step of the solo boost it also becomes my main lead channel as well (quick scale runs & sweep picking sound superb!!)

Just remember how important the PRESENCE nob is when you first go to tweak it... If you don't know how to properly set your presence your going to sound like shit! Also, don't use a shitty cab or a shitty guitar with this amp because it'll show through!! I give this amp a 9 on sound quality mainly because there are alot of high gain amps with better clean channels...

Never had a problem...

Mesa/Boogie is a very good company that takes pride in there amps... They will help you anyway they can!

I'm 22, I've been playing for 10 years. I'm a full time musician and the band I play for is currently touring on a national level. So as you can imagine I've owned and played many amps. I use a Dual Rectifier because it sounds good, it's built tough, and most of all it's versatile. I own a total of 2 Dual Rectifiers... I would be lieing if I said that this was the best high gain amp I've ever played through... There are indeed a few that I think sound better but they all cost over $4,000 and aren't very road worthy or versatile... So I think if the amp suites your playing and/or genre then it's the best amp you can find for the quality and price. Go for it!! If either were stolen I'd get a new one :)

First off, this amp is extremely versatile. It has all the features you could ever need, 3 channels, 8 modes and the best effects loop I've seen... Sure, some people might even say it's "too much!" Those are the people that shouldn't buy one! :) Anyways, like said this amp is very versaltile... It can cover just about any style of music but it excells in the area of hard rock!

I have mainly use 2 PRS Singlecut's with #7 pickups, and a PRS custom 24 with HFS pickups live. I play modern hard rock and the combination between my guitars and this amp are perfect for my style. As far as my effects are concerned I use a TC Electronics Chorus/Flanger, a Boss Phaser, Boss Delay, Boss Reverb and a BBE Sonic Maximizer (rack mount) through the effects loop. I also use a Morley Power Wah and a Boss Acoustic Simulator wich run straight in after my guitar (I like to have options) I run the amp through (2) Mesa/Boogie 4x12 Recto Cabs... I also have this baby stocked with EL34 power tubes rather than the 6L6's. Mainly it tightens the low end and gives the amp more of a touch sensative feel. It's really a matter of opinion on what kind of tubes you use and it also has alot to with your playing style. I suggest you try the amp with both kinds of power tubes before you settle. Anyways here's my take on the sound:

CHANNEL 1

I leave this channel set on clean mode... I get a good clean sound of this amp. It's not the best I've ever heard but it sounds good! So as long as you don't have your gain set too high like an idiot, it wont distort. Not even at high volumes!!

CHANNEL 2

I leave this channel set on vintage mode... I keep the presence only about a quarter of the way up and I do not "scoop" the mid, I keep it about half way up. It produces a dark creamy sound covered with sustain. I mainly use it for slower-phrased soloing, as well as for slow-less aggressive rhythms... All in all this channel kicks ass!!

CHANNEL 3

I leave this channel set on modern mode... This is the channel I depend on the most! I keep my gain alittle over half way up, my presence about half way up and it produces a crunch that is too sweet to describe... I use it as my main rhythm and with one step of the solo boost it also becomes my main lead channel as well (quick scale runs & sweep picking sound superb!!)

Just remember how important the PRESENCE nob is when you first go to tweak it... If you don't know how to properly set your presence your going to sound like shit! Also, don't use a shitty cab or a shitty guitar with this amp because it'll show through!! I give this amp a 9 on sound quality mainly because there are alot of high gain amps with better clean channels...

Never had a problem...

Mesa/Boogie is a very good company that takes pride in there amps... They will help you anyway they can!

I'm 22, I've been playing for 10 years. I'm a full time musician and the band I play for is currently touring on a national level. So as you can imagine I've owned and played many amps. I use a Dual Rectifier because it sounds good, it's built tough, and most of all it's versatile. I own a total of 2 Dual Rectifiers... I would be lieing if I said that this was the best high gain amp I've ever played through... There are indeed a few that I think sound better but they all cost over $4,000 and aren't very road worthy or versatile... So I think if the amp suites your playing and/or genre then it's the best amp you can find for the quality and price. Go for it!! If either were stolen I'd get a new one :)

There is more on this amp than you will know what to do with. You can research Mesa for all the features. I have never felt that I needed more control or options than this amp provides. Amazing versitility. It's all there, and then some. TONS of tonal options. Full controls for whatever rig you can dream up.

Big bonus:
This head I like better than the Triple Rec because you can cut the power from 100watt to 50watt by removing two tubes for more tone options when the tubes are pushed harder. Plenty, believe me, PLENTY of power here.

No reverb or other effects, so it gets a 9. 9.5 if I could.

Amazing....simply amazing. Short of sparkly cleans, this amp will do it ALL. So many controls for tone that you seriously have 10 amps in one, and the cool thing is you've got 3 channels so you can footswitch between three different tones, volume boost, and your FX loop. A few tones I've dialed up with great delight are Vox, Marshall, Orange type stuff.

With enough nob tweaking, your sound is in there no matter what you want. And it will sound very, very good. Warm or thin, course or smooth, tight and punchy or breathy and natural, whatever. It's all there. Obviously you'll want to get a guitar/pickups that will give you the other half of the picture.

On top of all that, what this amp does that no other will do is a very tight and course roar with alot of bite. HUGE is the best description. Large and mean.

4 years, no trouble. Get's played about 4 hrs/week. Alot of gigs and transporting. Take care of it and you'll be alright. All tubes are inherently prone to go out though.

no need.

I've been on guitar for about 10 yrs. I play a Gibson SG with seymor duncan humbuckers and a Squier Stratocaster (all single coil) and get some really good rock tones. It has never let me down when I've reached for all kinds of tones and rig setups. In the end, it'll do the sound of any other amp, but no other amp can sound like this one.

Questo amplificatore ?? il piu versatile tra tutti quelli che io abbia mai visto, forse la Diezel Herbert pu?? competere, ma a quel punto il prezzo diventa veramente inacessibile. Tre canali completamente separati per eq, gain, master e presence. Per quasi ogni canale sono disponibili tre modi (anche se si differenziano solo per quantit?? di gain). Fx loop tra i pi?? sofisticati che abbia mai visto, anche se a causa del genere (thrash metal) che suono, non sfrutto. L'opzione solo ?? molto utile specialmente per le vie di mezzo tra il lead e la distorsione. Inoltre il controllo finale dell'output permette di mantenere ben proporzionati i livelli dei tre canali tra di loro. Insomma...una Mesa.

Sono passato da un solid state Marshall a una Mesa. Il cambiamento si ?? sentito e nei suonandola le prime volte sembrava un suono povero di gain, ma questi incovenienti capitano quando si passa dall'ascolto di armoniche dispari (emesse dai solid state) alle armoniche pari (emesse dagli ampli valvolari). Ed ?? un bene. Credetemi il suono valvolare sembra inizialmente piatto, ma non ?? cos??: ovviamente dipende dal tipo di cassa che si ha disposizione. Personalmente consiglio il Celestion V30. Fantastici. La mia testata e la mia cassa (Mesa Recto Cab 4x12) creano un volume enorme di eq, con un gain diverso dal solito ronzio dei solid state (a livello di gain battuto solo forse dalla mitica Peavey 5150). Questo ?? il vero suono, almeno per me, ognuno ha il suo...

Adesso che l'ho scoperta non potrei farne a meno. Quando mi capita di suonare con qualche altro ampli rimpiango amaramente di aver lasciato a casa il mio amplificatore. Per quanto riguarda la resistenza e l'affidabilit?? di questo amplificatore penso che potrei portarmela anche in guerra, ovviamente ora la tratto come un oggetto di cristallo delicatissimo, comunque questi ampli, Mesa in generale, sono magnifici...solidi come carrarmati.

Inizialmente ho avuto problemi per l'attesa della cassa che la mogar mi ha consegnato, tramite il rivenditore, circa tre mesi dopo la testata. Dopo un periodo liscio come l'olio, si ?? rotta una valvola finale e mi sono fatto una dozzina di volte la strada per il rivenditore dove ho comprato il tutto. Adesso sto esaminando il mio suono, forse un p?? cambiato o forse no...chi lo sa, in questi casi anche la mente fa brutti scherzi, sopratttutto quando ci sono in ballo parecchi soldi.

La pi?? versatile testata mai provata. Il suono pi?? pieno mai sentito. Possibilit?? sonore infinite. Silenziosa anche con il gain a livello massimo.

Mesa Dual Rectifier Solo Head Triple Channel

Per me, il massimo.

The features on this amp are amazing. There are so many features that it may be overwhelming for a novice, but given time and patience anybody can learn how to use this amp to their advantage. I really like the effects loop and different distortion settings. The only reason I am not giving it a 10 was I wish there was a wattage selector like on the Roadster and Road King.

I am playing a PRS Custom 24 with HFS Pickups and a '69 Les Paul Custom with EMGs. I have the 2x12 cab with vintage 30's in it, and Monster Rock cables through out. This amp can run the gauntlet between crystal clear and holy crap I have a monster in the room.

Seriously there is no sound you can not get. If you are a player that turns the treble up to 10 mid to 0 and bass to 10 then play a guitar with EMGs and think this is going to sound great, you're wrong. The secret to getting good tone with this amp is to read the manual play with the suggested settings, then adjust to your needs. I also can not stress this enough...FIND A CAB THAT FITS WITH THE HEAD AND YOUR DESIRED TONE. If you have spent this much on an amp head, go the rest of the distance.

I play just about every style, and this amp can do it all. Take the time to learn it and again READ THE MANUAL. If you bought it used and don't have one, download it from www.mesaboogie.com

Works great, no problems.

I spoke to Chris from Boogie before I got this amp. He took the time to help me narrow down which amps to demo prior to making my selection.

I have been playing for 26 years and hands down this is one of the best non boutique amps out there. If it were stolen I would buy it again. The only thing that it lacks is the wattage switch, everything else is there, you just have to find it.

2005 model, waited a year to review this. This thing has more than enough features, for me anyway. 3 channels, each with different modes, 4 different power combinations that completely change the tonality of the channels. Parallel effects loop, took some time for me to get use to but now I appreciate it's affectiveness. I use this for everything from small 20-30 crowds up to 1000+ crowds and any gig that this isn't powerful enough for, they better have a house PA and decent soundman.

OK, heres the opinion part, the first few weeks I had this amp I spent countless hours with the EQs and Power options and modes, and I'd be lying if I said it wasn't frustrating at times, but it paid off. Once you learn how the EQ works,(a bit different than any other amp I've owned) especially the difference of each guitar plugged into it, it's an amazing tool. The cleans are beautiful, the gain control is perfect for adjusting between high output and low output pup's (of course low output pups sound better for clean sounds). Where the gain control is affects the rest of the controls as well. If you run the gain high lower all the eq's. The distortion is everything from creamy smooth to ear shattering crazy. This is the first amp I've owned that I didn't have a multitude of pedals running through to get my tones. There is buzz on the highest gain settings, but not nearly as bad as most tube amps I've owned, I don't even use a gate on this if that tells you how little hum there is.
I play in a few bands everything from progressive metal to classical and pop to jazz, and this amp fits every personality that comes out of my fingers.

The only problem I've ever had with this amp is the footswitch, the one it came with didn't work for all the functions, but I bought it from GC so they gave me a working one the next day, no hassles. If you treat this right it'll treat you right. Replace the tubes consistently, carry spare fuses and the such. I've never needed a backup, but always have my practice amp with me just incase, I can always run it through the pa.

Haven't dealt with them, but have heard great things. This came with a 5 year transferable warranty, but I think it might outlive me.

I've been playing professionally for about 10 years and I've found that no matter what you play through there are some good sounds to be found. Before you go and blow your wad for an expensive amp make sure it has a sound that will suite YOUR playing, I've had guitarists plug into my amp and hate it, and I've plugged into other expensive amps and hated them, and I've also loved the tones I've gotten out of cheap, beat up, and used heads, so just make sure your buying a tone and not a name. I can't complain about these being to expensive, because it's worth every penny to me, if you think it's over priced DON'T buy it. For how long I plan on having this it sure makes up for buying amp after amp after amp and selling them for half what I paid.

Made in 2006. This amp is very versatile and has features up the wazoo. Mostly, they are popular for modern metal but you could use is for just about anything. That's one of the problems. There are so many features it takes weeks to find the exact sound you want.

One thing it doesn't have is reverb. At this price and with all the features you think they could put some reverb in.

Very loud. Makes a good sounding rhythm guitar amp for rock and metal. This head did not provide a useful tone for leads without a bunch of effects going through the loop. I bought this head to replace a Peavey XXX but I like the Peavey XXX tone better for the 80s style metal/thrash that I play. And you can get a decent lead tone out of the XXX without effects.

Only had it three weeks and then returned it. Seemed pretty solid.

Called Mesa three times. Always got someone on the first try and the guy was very friendly and helpful.

Been playing 22 years and own several guitars and a Peavey Triple XXX. This amp was overkill for my situation. If I were a full time professional musician with a tech to make your settings, patch the effects loop, etc. I would probably have kept this head. But playing out once a week with a band it was not worth the investment. There are other amps on the market where the sound difference is subtle but costs $1000 less. You can't play a Mesa head at home because the volume where it starts to sound good is way too loud for a bedroom or basement. I admit when I bought it I thought it would be cool to show off a Mesa Dual Rectifier but I would rather get another nice guitar and keep my Triple XXX.

This amp features 3 channels. The three channels all have different modes as well totaling out to 8 modes. Channel one has clean and pushed. Channels two and three both have raw, vintage, and modern modes as well. It also comes with a 5 way foot switch. The rear panel features a bold a spongy mode, as well as a selection between vacuum tubes and hi power tubes. You can swap out the stock 6l6 and put in el34 tubes without getting the amp re-biased. The features are endless on this thing.

I use a Fender Fat Strat with stock pickups. This amp is unbelievable. At first when I bought this I didn't really get to crank it up at my music store. When I got home I didn't crank it up that loud either, so I didn't think the amp was exactly worth the money then, until I cranked this beast. I have it hooked up to a mesa 2x12 cab, and i was blown away. This thing sounds amazing. You can tell that this is what the big bands use. It gives you that chugg chugg chugg tone and goes from a warm overdrive, to a super heavy, blow your face off distortion. This really is the balls.

It seems pretty sturdy, I wouldn't want to drop this thing though, it is expensiivee. The tubes are probly going to have to be changed once in a while, but, no bid deal.

I've never have dealed with the company yet, but comes with a 5 year warranty and a 6 month warranty on the tubes.

I have playing guitar for about 5 years now, so im pretty good. If this thing were stolen, I would think about getting a marshall tsl after i beat the crap out of the ass crack that stole it, but I'd probly just try and save up for another. I did get ripped off on ebay trying to buy this used, so after I losst that money, I started saving up again and just bought it new. I love everything about this amp. Sure it's pretty damn expensive, but it is worth it. Rock on

Three channel: clean, vintage gain and modern (chunky) gain. Separate eq for each channel, can use 6L6 or EL34 power tubes, fixed biased, two rectifier tubes, bold/spongy switch, tube/diode switch, fx loop level control, 5 button footswitch and no reverb.

Versatile? Hell yeah!

Has everything I need and more. Don't care at all the Recto has no reverb because I never use it on other amps either.

I play a Gibson SG Standard (naturalburst) and a Gibson Flying V (ebony). The SG use to be my favorite guitar, but the Flying V has grown on me and definitely gets more play time.

I play some Punk and some Metal, but mostly play hard rock, think AC/DC, Velvet Revolver, Queens of the Stone Age, Foo Fighters, Soundgarden, etc. The Recto is a kick ass machine and I couldn't be happier with it. I like the fact that I can get vintage style distortion and then kick it into serious metal chunk. Even though I mostly play hard rock, I also like playing that "chugga chugga" metal and need an amp that can do both.

I traded in a Marshall DSL100 for this bad boy. I liked the DSL for the hard rock stuff, but it was lacking in that super saturated Metal chunk. I had to run an EQ in the loop and an overdrive in the front to come close to a decent metal tone and even then I still wasn't satisfied. I tried different pre-amp and power tubes, but still no luck. I tried everything, but at the end of the day all I had were a bunch of pedals, cords and dead batteries all over the floor and still no chunky tone. Too much hassle in my book and too many pedals to stomp while I'm playing. So I traded in the DSL and got the Recto. Now I'm only running the EQ in the loop and I don't have to fuss with any pedals, except the footswitch to change channels.

My only complaint is the clean channel, but honestly it's not even a complaint because I know high gain amps don't have the best clean tones. The cleans on the Recto are ok, it's not the best, but it's useable. High gain amps like the Recto will never sound like Fender or Vox clean because Recto's are made for distortion. Just like Fender and Vox will never have that killer distortion because they're made for cleans. I mostly play music with distortion so if I had to choose between a good clean or good distortion, I'll take distortion everytime.

Built like a tank. Fortunately, I've never dropped it and try to be careful with it, but you know how that goes. It is built solid. I've only had it a short while, but I'm fairly confident it will take a beating and still rip out that sweet tone.

Never dealt with customer service and I hope I never have too. I've heard Mesa's customer service is second to none, but I still hope I never have to find out.

I've been playing since 1984, mostly just plucking the strings when I was bored, but I've been playing seriously now for about 6 years. If it were stolen or lost, I might buy it again, but I might buy something different instead. There is always something better out there and I like trying different equipment. The recto is definitely kick ass, but there are a ton of other amps out there that I would like to have. I wish I had a lot of money because I would probably buy them all. Anyway, I give the Dual Rectifier two thumbs up........kick ass tone machine and definitely worth the price.

IT FEATURES JUST WHAT YOU NEED!!! Mine is a 2005, the amp is very versatile you just have to mess with it a little to get the hang of it.. but u can pretty much dial nething in after u figure it out.. dont listen to people who call this thing a metal amp... there are better clean channels.. but for almost ne type of disortion or overdrive.. this amp does better than any of them. I USE to be in a christian hardcore band.. not nemore i went off to college, but it does fine. IT IS SO LOUD!! the other guitarist in my band used a peavy 5150 head.. I could easily drown him out haha, such a great amp.

lets see... i use an american fender texas special fat strat with a seymour duncan in the bridge, and a american series telecaster. I recenly used an SG standard through it and fell in love.. plan on purchasing one soon. As again i play hardcore/metal/southern rock and does all 3 great. SO nething rock this thing is gonna own. IS IT NOISY??? if you want it to be it is.. if u dont u have to mess with the treble and turn it down.. see in mesa's the treble has alot to do with the gain..the more u turn the treble up the gain goes up. THIS THING IS KILLER!! the distortion is simply the best!!

well never gigged much with it.. but i have friends who gig with there and have been for 3-5 years.. and they do fine. MINE FEELS TOUGH.. I KNOW THAT FOR SURE.

I almost wasnt able to get one.. i had to call a guitar center in california for a new one in the box.. cuz all of the guitar centers have them on the floor.. but i wanted one in the box.. i mean c'mon if ur gonna spend this kind of money why not. But newayz the company helped me locate a new one.. and the closest one was in california and i was able to ship it down here.. man was i lucky!! but anyways the company seems fantastic!!

Ive been playing for around 3 and a half years... my guitars include american texas special fender fat stratocaster, a 2001 fender american tele, and a 2003 mexican standard fender fat strat(my first guitar, in which i wouldnt give up for nething). I plan on buying a gibson SG standard soon! amp wise i have my dual rectifier and i run it through a standard 4x12 mesa cab with vintage 30's, i also have a fender hot rod deluxe i love to jam on. and then i have some crappy fender champion 30(solid state PFT!!!) all i use besides this is a boss tuner pedal, im not much of an effect guy. IF THIS AMP WAS STOLEN I WOULD HURT THE PERSON WHO TOOK IT VERY BADLY.. if i could keep that same one due to damage.. i would deff. buy another one. I chose this over the triple rec. becuz i still like to play in my bedroom.. and you cant do that sorta thing with triple.. ITS JUST TOO LOUD.. i can barely do that with the dual.

Its a Mesa Dual Rec you knw what the deal is.

I use epiphone loaded with dimarzio pickups. It is the best amp I have ever played.It takes awhile to understand and it does have its qirks but it is an unbelieveable tool once you understand it. Now alot tof amps just seem unsophisticated to me. I know alot of people get on it beacause they are hard to get tot sound good but I never had too much trouble with it.

Bought it used havent changesd the tubes and it works great.

wouldnt know since I havent need tot to use them.

Alot of guys have opinions on this amp that are coming from a dislike of the music the amp is used for. Hey I dont get on victorias cause I dont like blues and I dont get on VOX because I dont like pop rock. If my REC were stolen the person responsible would be hunted down like a dog and shot. I have played plenty of amps from bogners to diezels to VHT to riveras and marshalls. Most of these amps are amazing, but I personally get the tone in my head out with this amp so Ill take it you guys with your voxs and marshalls and peavys go have fun.

Made in 2005, 3 channels blah blah blah, you know all the features.

I use a peavey 5150 4x12 cab with it, which blows the mesa 4x12 away.

I use Ernie Ball Music Man Luke guitars with it. I bought this amp about 6 months back now, l bought it cause thats what the other members in the band wanted me to get so l thought l'd buy it for the greater good of the band, l never have liked Mesa Boogie amps, and l haven't changed my mind. First things first, throw out the stock tubes, they are complete junk, sound like sh!t, l put jj tubes in, a huge improvement on the sound.

The clean channel, l can't get this channel clean, it distorts a bit, and it annoys me.

Another thing l should note as well, your pickups effect the tone of this amp, i've found l can only use the EMG's in my Luke to get any sustian out of this amp, if l use Dimarzio, which would sound fantastic through my old amp would sound fantastic, though this amp they sound like sh!t.

I'm gonna try putting el34 tubes in it, if the sound doesn't improve, l'm gonna get rid of it and get what l really wanted a rivera knucklehead.

It seems like a realiable amp, l've used it a couple of times for gigs, l probably wouldn't take a back up for it, it hasn't broken down yet.

I'd just recommend changing the tubes straight away.

Haven't dealt with them

I used to have a Peavey 5150ii, Randall, Marshall. I'd prefer the Peavey and Randall amp over the Mesa.

If it was stolen l wouldn't get it replaced, l'd buy the Rivera Knucklehead instead.

amp made in 2004? I've had it for about 2 years. I have played in various bands in the past 2 years and it went from pop to rock to currently hard rock. i've gone from relying on the effects loop to now not using it at all, so it's nice that the features are there. not a one trick pony at all. i love the clean too. my first tube amp, and it wasn't impossible to figure out.

i have 2 of the LTD EC-1000's. one with a JB/59 setup and one with a 490/498T set up. they both sound great through it. i have both a 4x12 and a 2x12 and though the 2x12 doesn't have the same low end, they both sound great with this head. a little hiss at times, but that's what volume pedals are for. i don't like the *pop* that y0ou get when you change from channel 2 to channel 3.

i love this amp. fires up every time. my roadie dumped it (4 foot drop, landed upside down in the dumpster juice) during a load in at the biggest show of the year last year, and it fired right up.

i'd say mesa's staff is freakin awesome. g mart's people suck. when i bought it, it was missing a rectifier tube and they gave me the wrong channel switcher cable. i called mesa instead of dealing with the clowns from g mart, and they shipped me a new cable and got on g mart's case about stealing tubes from the floor models. (jerks) i also called them about the tubes, because i am new to tube heads... and they assured me that it wasn't going to blow up.

i've been playing for about 15 years, and playing crappy gear for most of it(guitars AND amps). my buddy had a 2 channel recto when they first came out, and i was jealous. he was single, i wasn't. i waited 10 years to get my recto, and God himself won't pry it out of my hands.

i tried out other amps, mainly the nomad, and a few marshalls (ballpark around $1500) and i guess i loved it before i tried it... and even going head to head on a few models, the 3 channel recto is perfect for me. if i could change anything, it'd be that *pop* while switching channels.

YOU KNOW THEM ALL. I HAVE THE THREE CHANNEL SOLO HEAD. HAD IT FOR 2 YEARS NOW. JUST THE MOST THOUGHT OUT FEATURES A GUITARIST COULD ASK FOR..INCREDIBLY DESIGNED AND LAID OUT, A PIECE OF ART!

GIBSON LES PAUL. HAMER DIABLO(AMERICAN W/SEYMORE DUNCANS)...AMONG OTHERS...I PLAY MOSTLY METAL...80'S TO NUMETAL..FIRST OFF, THESE MORONS THAT SAY IT SOUNDS CRAPPY THROUGH A MARSHALL 1960 CAB..GET A CLUE YOU IDIOTS..YA OK MARSHALL AND CELESTION SPEAKERS ARE LIKE THE FOUNDATION OF THE ROCK GUITAR SOUND UNLESS YOU GREW UP IN A CAVE..YOU PROBABLY NEVER EVEN OWNED ONE...I PLAYED MARSHALL FOR OVER 20 YEARS AND THEY ARE GOOD AMPLIFIERS, AND THE BEST CABS..BUT THE MESAS JUST TOOK IT TO THE NEXT LEVEL...IF YOU ALWAYS PLAYED MARSHALLS BUT ALWAYS FELT IT WAS JUST A TINY BIT LACKING (MAYBE HAD IT MODDED, OR CONSIDERED IT?) THIS IS THE AMP FOR YOU..MARSHALLS ARE GREAT AND ILL PROBABLY OWN A FEW MORE IN THE NEAR FUTURE, BUT WHEN I SAY THEY ARE A LITTLE LACKING, YOU KNOW WHAT I MEAN DONT YOU???JUST NOT ENOUGH GAIN, NO BOOST FOR SOLOS,WEAK EQ, OR A GOOD CLEAN CHANNEL..AND IM NOT TALKING TO YOU MUSICIANS THAT HAVE NEVER OWNED A MARSHALL, BECAUSE IF YOU ARE SERIOUS ABOUT GUITAR YOU HAVE OWNED AT LEAST 1 MARSHALL( AND I MEAN TUBE MARSHALL) THE SOLID STATE ONES ARE NOT MARSHALLS...ALL IN ALL IF YOUR SERIOUS ABOUT GUITAR THE DUAL RECTIFIER IS THE NEW MARSHALL...

KEEP NEW TUBES IN IT AND KEEP IT CLEAN...COMMON SENSE STUFF....

GOOD PEOPLE TO DEAL WITH...AND ITS ALL AMERICAN (PRICELESS)!!!

IVE BEEN PLAYING PROFESSIONALLY FOR 15 YEARS.IVE OWNED PRETTY MUCH EVERY BRAND OF AMPLIFIER AT ONE TIME OR ANOTHER...AND LIKE I SAID, THIS REVIEW IS FOR SERIOUS GUITARISTS WHO HAVE ACTUALLY OWNED QUALITY GEAR IN THE PAST AND HAVE SOME KIND OF IDEA HOW HIGH END AMPLIFIERS WORK...NOT THESE KIDS GOING FROM A ROLAND CUBE 30 TO A BOOGIE, THEN TELLING ME A DUAL RECTIFIER SOUNDS LIKE ASS THROUGH A MARSHALL CABINET WITH CELESTIONS IN IT LMAO...IF YOUR SERIOUS ABOUT MUSIC AND WANT THE BEST ROCK GUITAR SOUND. SPEND SOME FRIGGIN MONEY ON YOUR EQUIPMENT, CHRIST IT WILL LAST FOREVER...MESA IS THE NEW AND IMPROVED MARSHALL..

3 channels, 8 modes, variac switch...etc. The two most important features on this head is 3 INDEPENDENT CHANNELS and the external switching capabilities. A lot of amps claim to have 3 channels but few truly are. Not one nob is shared with any channel exept for the master volume and "solo" which can be disabled. This is extremely important because it allows you to dial up 3 sepereate tones and switch between them easily. A lot of amps make you choose between a nice clean sound or nice distorted tone because the channels share key feauters like e.q. and presence. I have found very few so called 3 channel tube amps capable of this besides the dual rectifier . With my marshall i always had to re-tweak the e.q. and presence when i would switch between my clean and overdrive channel. The clean would be too thin or the overdrive too muddy. The other important feature is the external swithching. This allows you to control the amp with a midi footswitch and essentially change effects and channels simultaneously!!!! As a pro musician this is a feature that i found sets this amp apart from many of the others in its class. I take one point off only because of no reverb. Even though I use rackmount effects for reverb I think it would be nice a nice feature to have.

I have found this amp to be very sensitive to what guitar and pickups I use. I play and own a lot of different guitars ( Les Paul, Strat, Custom Ibanez and Charvels) and the amp responded diferently to all of them. The Les paul sounded fat and heavy, like it should. And the bolt on necks sounded thinner with more attack. You need to fine tune this amp to respond with the guitar you play and if your guitar has bad tone or no tone this amp will exploit that. With that said i found the amp to be pretty versatile but keep in mind that this amp has a tone and characteristic of its own!!! (more so than most mesa's) Thats why they are so popular!! Although you can dial up a variety of sounds the amp sounds best doing what its built to do which is be a high gain crunch machine. I got turned on to Mesa Boogie because i was tired of using overdrive pedals and this amp truly doenst need them!!! What it does need is to be cranked up. This isnt a bedroom amp. It's made to record with and play live. You need to get the volume up and let the amp breathe to get the kind of sustain and gain Mesa Boogie is known for. You wont even need to have the gain maxed out once you learn how to operate the amplifier. Also dont spend $1600 on a head and play it through a crappy cabinet. The difference is night and day. A GOOD CAB CAN NOT MAKE A BAD AMP SOUND GOOD, BUT A BAD CAB CAN RUIN A GREAT AMP!!! I like this head paired with a marshall 1960 slant cab personally. It sounds brighter than the mesa cab to me. I give it an 8 because the amp is what is. If you like it you love it and if you dont, you dont.

These things are tanks. I love it!!!! (Heavy too!!)

I havent had any problems and therefore have not needed customer support but their manuals are very thorough and useful. Read them!!!!!!

I have played in many different bands and situations ranging from big bands playing stuff like Glenn Miller with a small fender combo to baseball stadiums with marshall stacks blazing and I have found Mesa Boogie to be the best bang for the buck when it comes to high gain "boutique" amps. To get an amp with more tone or features you are looking at $3200-$4000+ for either a Bogner or a Diezel. And even then there are people who would still rather have the Dual Rectifier because its just got "That Sound". My advice is to go to a high end retailer like Tone Merchants where can try them all out right next to each other with people who know how to use the eqipment and get a good sound out of each amp because each one has its own pros and cons.

2004 or 2005 model. This amp is very versatile and suitable for many styles including light rock, rock, hard rock, nu-metal, modern metal. I have trouble getting an "old-school" metal sound with this amp. It is voiced a little harsh.
I still give it a 10 though. It has more sound options than most other brands...but all Mesa's do!

I play strats, ESP's equipped with EMG 81/60Alnico, Gibson Les Paul Studio with Stock Gibson pups(490 & 498), Washburn Dimebag Darrell 333 Signature Model(replaced bridge pup with Seymour Duncan Screamin Demon), and soon a schecter c-1 classic.
I get very different and very great tones with all of these guitars.
The downside is that with so many tonal options from the amp, and so many different pups, its hard to consistantely get the same tones. I am always turning knobs on this thing!
The amp is almost dead-quiet when I'm not playing and I don't use any noise reduction units. This may be in part due to the fact that I only hit a wah pedal in my signal chain. More effects usually equal a bunch of noise and loss of tone and high end texture.
The clean channel is one of the best I've heard from ANY amp. If you know how to dial it in, you can get a beautiful, acoustic-like shimmering tone!
The distortion from this ranges from mild bluesy clip, to ultimate razor sharp metal distortion. There are also some nice "brown" sounds in the middle using the "vintage" voicing.
The fx loop is parallel. I run a Line 6 Pod Pro rackmount unit in the loop and dedicate it to my clean channel. When I switch on my clean it automatically has reverb(which is unfortunately missing from the head), delay, and chorus or whatever I assign on my Pod.
I'll give it a 9 because it does sound amazing, but the modern voicing IMO could be slightly less harsh and reverb should be on every amp!
One more thing about the tone...use a mesa cab with V-30's!!! I've tried this amp with tons of different speakers and the V-30's sound the best. They really smooth out the sound. Not to mention the amp was voiced for these speakers. Besides, Mesa cabs are the best-looking and best built!

This amp is of the highest build quality. Mesa has an attention to detail that no other company comes close to! I've owned Carvin heads, Marshalls, Soldano, Line 6, and the Mesa is the best-looking and most durable.
I gig consistantely and have never had a problem with tubes or anything.

I haven't dealt with the company concerning any issues with the amp(haven't needed to)
I have however called to talk about using the amp's slave-out option and other random setup situations, and they treated me like a friend and talked for awhile about guitars and whatnot...they are very nice and helpful.

I've been playing guitar for 10+ years. I attended Music Tech College and am a tone-freak. I mentioned already the gear that I own/have owned. If this amp were stolen, I would either buy another one, or a Hughes & Kettner Trilogy(same price) just to try something else. But all in all, this is one of the nicest amps out there for the styles I listed above.
I love how this baby looks, feels, smells, plays, sounds, tastes.
If I could change one thing, it would be adding tube reverb, but the Dual Rectifier Roadster coming out in 2006 will have this feature, along with some features from Mesa's Road King.
For what it's intended to do, which is provide a multitude of varying tones from mild to extreme and everything in between, I give it 9...there's always room for improvement!

Arond 2000 or sooner.
The amp is extremely verstatile for Metal, Rock, Blues, Emo, etc, raw, crunchy, thick, etc. The channel switching is nice, the effects loop has total control.
If anything, I wish it had less features. All the switched may contribute to why the 3 Channels sound inferior to older Mesa models.
I don't use this amp anymore as I am rocking a 2 Channel Triple Rectifier. It has enough power and volume for sure.
All tube. However, it comes with pretty bad sounding chinese tubes. I would recommend replacing them immediately with something with more clarity and grit.

I use an LTD MH-400 with EMG 81/60 setup. It is a little thin for metal. It has quite a bit of hiss, but that is normal for tube amps. It does make crappy popping sounds when switching channels though. The amp can cover a broad spectrum of fat, to thin, to cold, to harsh, and hi-gain applications. The clean channel distorts or can be totally clean at high volumes depending on how the gain is dialed. I personally like a slit bit of breakup.
The disortion is not very brutal at all (unlike the older 2 channel models). For some reason, the 3-Channel distortion sounds more like a stomp box; extremely thin and choppy. The low end is very thick, but very sloppy. The definition is harsh and lacks clarity.
I give the 2 Channel a 9 for tone, and these a 5. This head possibly sounds as bad as a 5150, but not nearly as bad as a Triple X or a Marshal JCM 2000.

Its a beast. Probably the most brutally built amp. No worries about that. I broke the master volume pot, but that was my fault for loading it poorly into the trailer. The fix was easy an inexpensive. The tubes do need frequent replacement, but its good for a vibrant sound.

Great. Return phone calls promptly with answers. However, they have a lack of authorized service centers.

I have been playing for 11 years. I currently am playing a 2-Channel Triple Rectifier, and a Krank Revolution Series 1. I have also owned a 2-Channel Rectifier, and a Peavery 5150 EVH Head.
I would not buy this amp again. I would recommend finding a used 2-Channel. Superior sound.
I have compared it side by side with 2-Channel rectifiers, and swapped tube setups.
I wish this amp circuitry sounded like 2-Channels, but retained its 3-Channel features.
Despite this amp having mroe versatile features, it is dissapointing in sound compared to its predecessors. It is nearly impossible to get a huge metal sound without using a compressor and sonic maximizer. Mesa had been making the best amps of all time (putting Marshall and Randall to shame), but with this generation, the amps were a serious letdown. Simultaneously, other Manufacturers are producing amps that are rivalling.

I bought a Mesa Dual Rectifier 3 channel Solo Head new this year so I assume it is a 2005.

If you have read any of the other posts on this site then you know how much this amp has to offer. I seriously recommend reading the manual in depth (it's available for download through the Mesa site if you buy one used) however because there is so much to know in order to get the right tone. This is not a plug and play head. You need to know what you are looking for and how to tweak everything.

As mentioned this model has 3 channels with an effects loop and solo option for a little volumne boost to push your gain over the top.

The clean channel could use a little reverb but, a Boss Digital Reverb gives me all that I need.

I play an Ibanez SZ720 with Duncan IBZ pick-ups and let me say this....do NOT buy a Mesa head unless you have the guitar to play through one. As great as it is it WILL NOT compensate for cheap pick-ups or a shoddy guitar.

So far the only minor disappointment I have is that at first I couldn't get enough volume from my clean channel without turning up the gain giving it a grittier sound. I've solved this problem by clicking on the solo option with the level set high enough to bring it up to the same as the other two channels.

The tone is amazing whether pounding out muted chords or running leads. As I said above (along with everyone else who has taken the time to learn this amp) it takes some work to find the tone that suits you. A Mesa Recto Cab carries a heavy low-end already so I've found that with my rig I need to keep the low down about 8-9 (picturing the setting as a number on the face of a clock) or it makes the tone muddy. The mid's I had a harder time tweaking because I need to keep a chunky palm-muted sound but, crisp enough for leads. So far I have had the best luck with it set slightly below the low around 8. The Treble I have set higher at about 12. I found that anything lower and I lost some of the distinction between individual notes. This can also be resolved by boosting the presence a bit.
As other users have also mentioned this amp only sounds good when you are pushing plenty of volume through the tubes. The harder you work them the more natural overdrive you get.

So far the only issue I have had was with the footswitch. During the last song of a recent gig I switched from channel 2 to channel 3 but, noticed immediately that something was wrong. Looking down I was shocked to see every light across the pedal illuminated. After a few dumbfounded seconds I began clicking the switches that should not have been lit and they switched off eventually giving me the channel I had originally selected.

This (so far) has been a one time occurance and I am at a loss as to the explanation but, other than that I have had no problems. The Tolex is a little delicate but, then again a little nail polish has fixed the few small dings.

I have not yet had any interaction with the company. The warranty is pretty sweet though and I was able to find a list of authorized service centers pretty easily.

Over-all, I'd say this amp lives up to everything I was hoping for and dreamed about when first learning how to play. I played Marshall for a long time but, finally made the decision to put up the extra money to step up to the Mesa level and I have not been disappointed. I would absolutely buy another one if it were ever lost or stolen.

You all know the features to this product, if not scroll down or visit Mesa's website.

I use 2 guitars right now on "the Mesa". A custom Les Paul and a Ibanez with modded pickups. This is the most amazing amp EVER. If you get bad tone out of it, you're an idiot. Granted it takes time getting used to the knobs, but once you get it, you'll be overwhelmed by it.

Most of the fools on this site don't know squat. They are stupid metal heads who look at an amp as a toy. I, on the other hand, am not a metal-head, i used to be, but not anymore. Notice how every "metal-head" on here says "this amp doesn't have enough gain". I found the solution to your problems. 1) Call Mesa, ask them why you have no gain. 2) They will tell you the following: "You have too much bass in your eq.....Mesa is ALREADY a bass heavy, HIGH GAIN amplifier....turn the bass down between 10-12 oclock." I know this because I called them and asked them. They told me that, i did it, and it worked. I have crushing tones now. The bass is still there (at 11oclock on my tone) and it's still "punch you in the face". It's not a traditional solid state amp, you CAN NOT have the bass set to MAX and the Gain MAXED. If you do, well then you're gonna get crap for tones.

I've played through all kinds of amps before i bought this one, and nothing compared. And now that i've been playing on it for a year and a half, i know i could never be parted from it.

It's reliable. Tubes suck and so do blown fuses. Be sure to have spares.

They are awesome, although their hours suck. They know my amp better than i do, it's incredible.

I've been playing guitar for over 6 years now. Music my whole life. I've owned Marshalls, Ampegs, and Line 6s. I've owned over 8 guitars. If this amp was stolen, i'd die. I would buy it again, but i'd try to find this amp first. I don't know if could save up for another 7 months to buy it. I love every aspect of this amp. The way it looks is intimidating. I swaped out the Red Power light for a Crystal Purple light....it's rad as shit.

Plenty - all listed below already. Controllable solo boost is brilliant.

This is a tough one. I must admit I bought this amp because of the hype/buzz around it and didn't give it a full work-out at the store when I bought it. "It's a MESA it must sound amazing" - wrong! For months I've struggled to get a decent sound out of it. You turn up at a gig/jam with a MESA and everyone assumes that you will be a fantastic player with an incredible sound - so anything less makes you look pretty stupid and as the other reviews on here show it is easy to sound really bad through this amp. There are some many options that you have to work through lots of bad settings to get to the good ones. The manual talks about the "sweet spot", but doesn't tell you that until you find it you are screwed! The EQ works in a totally non-standard and non-intuitive way, so forget everything you think you know from your other amps. But once you get it sorted it's pretty amazing.

The main things that turned things around for me were getting a decent cab and setting the EQ way down. I'd been running through a Marshall 1936 2x12 and that sucked the life out of the sound. I'm now using a GENZ BENZ G-Flex 2x12 and it rocks! I've taken the gain down to around the halfway mark and put the presence close to zero. This has really helped. I've also stopped using the Modern mode on any of the channels and stuck an MXR ZW44 as a boost in front of the amp. I tried a BBE Sonic Maximiser in the effects loop but that sent everything a bit OTT.

I can now get huge tone and that ideal "clean distortion", if you know what I mean. Every individual note sounds distorted and "heavy" but they don't run into each other in a noisy mush. It still isn't the best amp for shredding - I'd say the 5150 is better for that - but if you want a fat quality tone that cuts through and impresses people then this is it.

I've had other MESA gear and it was unreliable trash (e.g. NOMAD series). The Dual Recto seems rock solid though. I still take a backup (5150) to gigs just in case.

Never needed it

The most frustrating amp I've ever owned - but it can sound amazing if you work at it. Worth the effort.

its awesome...more than enough for me.

everyone with the tight metal tone problems....ok, i play through a gibson sg voodoo...WAAAY too much bass....but i run directly in through a boss eq pedal, and then a boss noise suppressor..i use the the eq as a volume boost and i also take out some of the lows but i leave everything else in the middle...then as far as the amp goes, i leave my bass at 11:00, my mid at 11:00, treble at 1:00, presence at 12:00, master at 10:30, and gain at 2:30..sometimes 3:00. but thats it..i had a lot of trouble tightening up the sound but its because there is just too much tone ...and trust me the other guitarist uses a line 6 and they sound nice on their own but even when our volumes are matched perfect all you can hear out of his is really high notes and thats about it...

take care of it and it will take care of you...

havent had to yet but you can only get ahold of them at certain times and you would think that...oh well...i dont know..theyre getting a 5

ive had it for quite a while now and ive been playing shows since i bought it and it has held up fine...any problems that i ever had with it live were because of the place we were playing and not because of the amp..(bad wiring, wires everywhere, bad grounds..) its made for some interesting times though...picking up local radio stationes during a show...some people would get mad but i dont..i like noise.

$3600 (AUD)
Features: 8
Paid AUD$3,600 new in Australia, sold for $3,000 almost 2 years later on Ebay with 4 brand new EL34 tubes.


Excellent features - see other review for a more detailed description. High quality build and presentation (best looking amp out there IMO).


The one feature I do (did) not really like was the fixed bias switch (EL34/6l6) although it is cool being able to choose the type of power tubes used. The rather cold bias does not bring the best out of this amp. I think it might be a bit of a con to get you to use the over priced Mesa tubes (mesa dont actually manufacture tubes but select them from other brands and put a messa logo on them). An adjustable bias would allow the amp to truly shine. If I had the time and money to install this mod I would have done so and maybe I wouldnt have sold it. BUt in the end I was just happy to get rid of it and start again (with a FRAMUS COBRA!).

A deep switch like the one on the COBRA (and ENGL) may have also helped to tighten this amp up a bit.

Sound Quality: 6
First. This is a good amp and they CAN sound great. But it didnt suit me. BE YOUR OWN JUDGE....My opinion is based on a desire for heavy metal, TIGHT, responsive, articulate, brutal distortion.

I enjoy a variety of styles but mainly play heavy metal (i.e.death, power, speed, thrash, shred, all metal...). I use a Gibson Les Paul, EMG 81 in the bridge...and forced to use a tube screamer as a boost (also tried metal zone, + others), Boss GE7 EQ, digitech RP2000....and more. Tried the mesa cab but traded it for the oversized Marshall mode four 400 cab which sounded better to my ears + $600AUD cheaper.

Sadly, I sold the amp. IMO it is not really that good for fast, heavy, articulate metal. Great for limp bizkit, linkin park, foo fighters, papa roach, korn, punk pop, teeny bopper shit, nu metal.... but not for shadows fall, killswitch, chimaira, slayer, vai, satriani etc.(I know killswitch, metallica etc. have used them but they also used boost pedals, EQ and $$$$$ worth of gear behind it ... which at this price is totally unnacceptable to me, isnt it designed for metal? You should be able to plug in and get that sound without cheap pedals)

DISSAPOINTING. Believe me, I tried VERY hard to love this amp. It was like being with this really hot, popular chick, everyone wants her, your blinded by the beauty, status and prestege, you lust over her but when she's finally yours you realise that shes not that good and you start to look elsewhere....lol. At times I thought it sounded great and I was quite happy, but overall unsatisfied especially when considering the price, 'tricks' I had to do to boost/shape the tone etc.

I could get close to the sound I wanted by using boost pedals and graphic EQ but this created unwanted noise, and feedback at volume. I tried hush, noise gates etc but this just $ucked tone. Frustrating. Friends and other bands were using much cheaper amps (eg. 5150's) and getting a better, tighter metal tone, better harmonics etc. without ANY pedals!I was in denial at the time but can now admit being a bit jealous. I would have a go on their amps (im talking about amps now, not chicks! lol) and not want to swap back (not that I let them know)

It wasnt untill I started playing in a band that I really noticed the amps flaws and decided to sell, thankfully I got a great deal and didnt loose out too much (it cost lessthan $1 a day!). On the other hand, the guy who bought it played rock (foo fighters kinda stuff) and loved the amp... It can sound great alone, in the studio or with vocals, but throw in drums, bass etc. and its a different story.

I did everything to try and keep it, different tubes (Sovtek El34 made it sound 100% crappier!) looked into mods etc. Mods are really expensive in Australia and not many people want to touch these amps. The guys who offered to do mods didnt seem very experienced with mesa, it would have been a gamble. If I lived in the USA i would have taken it to Voodoo amps for sure.

Oh and they are right about the clean channel, dont but it for this as its not great although I personall dont mind a dirty clean sound.

The volume levels alter dramatically between modes/channels and the effects loop is absolute shit.

I give it a 4 without clean boost pedals and a 6 with pedals and EQ. If I was into simple strumming power chord type rock, grunge or nu metal slop and didnt need an tight bottom end, I might give it a 7 or 8.

Reliability: 8
At first it seemed to be a totally reliable, trustworthy amp. I did take extremely good care of it though.

BUT......

* It did blow some fuses mysteriously, had it serviced under warranty and they found nothing wrong with the amp.It had the wrong fuse installed (fast burning). Im not sure if this was the initial problem or if the music shop had given me the wrong fuse after the first or second time. Anyway, they put a new fuse in(slow burning. It was fine for another 6 months then blew agin while playing at bedroom level. Wiered. (first time it occured in a rehersal studio, other times at home).

It also had this problem around the same time with one of the power tubes glowing RED HOT. Again they couldn't find any problems within the amp, the tube was only slightly worn, they replaced it any way (charging me $40).

BUT, they are built tough.

Customer Support: N/A
Never dealt with mesa USA personally. Their Australian warranty representative was helpful but did not 'have time' to mod my amp, fair enough but disapointing. He also gave me some advice saying not to use EMG81 pickups if I want a tight bottom end. Cant really take this seriously because the 81 actually made a huge improvement over the gibson bridge humbucker to the distortion, and how many pro metal players choose to use 81's (how many dont? lol).

Overall Rating: 6

Been playing for 16 years. I would say that I have a fair amount of experience. Believe me, I tweak the shit out of this thing. Yes the controls are extremely sensative and you can find some BETTER tones if you tweak, and tweak, and tweak but in the end I was just not satisfied.

Mainly used Marshalls before the mesa, now own a Kick ass Framus COBRA, which are actually cheaper than mesa in Aust.(satisfaction at last!). If it was stolen or lost I would be very pissed off, eventually get over it, claim the insurance and buy a different amp (COBRA).

In the end I sold it for AUD$3,000 (after spending $170 on new tubes the previous week) and bought a brand new COBRA for AUD$3,300. MESA realy hold their value and are quite easy to sell, they're very popular, and not so common in Aust. due to the overly high retail price (AUD$4,595). So if you do buy one and decide to sell (at least in Aust) it is no big deal. You will get a decent price (as long as you take good care of it).

I really wish the Recto had what I was after, I tried, but in the end simply had to move on. If the distortion was tighter (without having to use pedals) I would have been very satisfied, everything else was ok.

If your thinking of buying one, try it out. And I dont mean in a music shop. Try to borrow or hire one and play it over the weekend. Let the novelty, beauty, and hype wear off, then decide if its really what you want. You will either love it or decide to move on as I did (it just took me a couple of years to face facts).

Dont get me wrong, its a great amp in many ways (construction, its somewhat versatile, trademark rock/soft metal tone, # of features) but it is not for everyone.

DONT THINK IT WILL BE PERFECT FOR HEAVY METAL BECAUSE ITS IMPRESSIVE METAL GRILL AND PLACE ON METALLICA'S STAGE. Looks can be decieving.

Submitted by Bradman006.

150 Watts Class A/B Tube

This amp is great although it is very intricate and requires learning to use almost as much as learning to play the guitar.

It would be nice to have a headphone jack in the back of it--its a bit loud for an apt.

I play a 97 Gibson SG with a stock 490T on the Bridge and a PRS Dragon 2 Bass in the neck. I play the Triple Rectifier 3 Channel through a Standard Recto Cab, but have also played through Marshall 1960A?s with the GT-75 Speakers. I look for a tone somewhere in the hard-core to hard-rock arena. Before owning this amp, I had a 1996 Tremoverb. After a couple of partially frustrating years of changing pick-ups (JB, SH14, Dragon 2 Treble, EMG 81), twisting knobs to no end, adding pedals (including the Aphex Aural Xciter and compressors), I believe I finally know what I wanted to hear out of this amp.

I did blow a fuse once when I first recieved it from the shipper on ebay--but have not had any issues since (that was 2 yrs ago)

I called the Mesa tech-support line and the guy called me back the same day after hours!! I was impressed!! I must have talked with the guy for an hour about my questions in finding the tone I was looking for.

It has always seemed that I have been unable to produce the mid-range girth in the Modern voicing (Channel 3) without compromising the hugeness of the Dipped-Mid?s tone that everyone buy?s this amplifier for. In the manual it suggests an instant gratification setting of 12-1 on the Bass, 7-8 on the Mid?s and 12 on the Treble. My experience with this setting has been the Mid?s are obviously non-existent and the bottom-end is great, the treble is thin and very compressed-feeling with little or no attack. Logic would tell me that I would need to turn up the Mid?s to meet my preference of the aforementioned desired result. What I notice as I turn up the Mid?s is that by the time I reach noon on this control the ?Chunk? is completely gone and the strings are extremely focused and difficult to play. For some reason no matter where I place the Mid-Range knob, there is a hollow-ness in the Lower-Mid?s where you get the nice, big attack that you hear in the recordings. Recommendations in the Mesa manual suggest that you place the Treble control in the 11-1 range ?For the most balanced representation of the 3 regions?. I have noticed that as you turn the Treble from nothing to 12 or more the clarity of sustain is increased but the signal, intern, is thinned out and the entire spectrum of the mid-range is thinned to hollowness and no attack. This thinning starts after the 10 range on the Treble dial. Right @ the 9 spot I noticed that the girth in the Mid?s was introduced. By the time I reached the 10-10:15 region more than enough clarity of sustain while retaining girth in the notes and harmonics. As of this minute I find my best settings with the Bass in the 12-1 region, Mid?s in the 10 region and Treble set to the 10-10:15 region. I keep the Presence @ 11-11:30 to bring out clarity and growl, Master set to about 10, and the gain is usually between 1:45 and 3:00. I sincerely hope that @ least 1 person reads this and is able to shave months of frustration off of their never-ending tone quest. Also, I have read some postings that down the duals and triples, saying that they are crap and cannot be used for metal, and bla, bla, bla. I would like to be quoted as I say ?The only thing I have ever found Mesa guilty of is sacrificing ease-of-use for versatility.? The one thing that all should know when using a Mesa is that it will challenge you to know what it is that your ear is hearing before it will give it to you. It is not a Marshal or other amp that can have the Bass pegged, Mid?s off and Treble @ half to get a good even tone. I would like to encourage all out there who are discouraged with this amp to keep on it?the sound is in there, it just takes the right key to unlock it. Also, before you spend everything you have trying to buy new pick-ups, stomp-boxes etc?. Remember that you didn?t spend $1800 for something that you should have to. Pick-ups, stomp-boxes etc... are great to accent what you are doing?but the bottom line is that you should be able to get almost right on without them.

It was made in around 2003 purchaces from machine head music in surry england, The amp is fairly versatile having the three different channels with three different modes within the orange and red channels and the clean having two. There are almost too many features, it has EL34 6L6 Bias selectability, Built in variac and solid state rectifier. Very good effects loop. I uses this amp both in the studio, at home and with my mates in a classic rock covers band and a progreassive 80's rock/metal band.

I use this amp primarily with my PRS Custom 24 and a Gibson SG standard, initially it suited my musical styulings very well and i was able to dial in tones similar to a mark IV which is the amp i really wanted but to be honest could not justify paying the money for it. Initially it souned great but as time went on a problem surfaced and one of my resistors had blown causing the volume of the amp to drop from 100 watts to 30 watts. before this the tone lost all of tits bottom end and, wen t tinniy and sounded really lame and brash, i changed the preamp tubes to 12AX7 ELECRO HARMONIX which are better than mesa , but with no joy. i Bought this amp to get a close john petrucci sound and for a while i did but now it sound like a 10 watt peavey practice amp.

I Must say that I hate mesa boogie as a company and the way they deal with overseas customers, buying amps is a little like running a car. I live in london england and here all the techs are very good but all dont really know how to repair mesa boogie circuits as mesa are stingy and difficult and make their circuit diagrams difficult to get a hold of. Furthermore in the uk it costs us #100 to revalve the power section with mesa valves, so at the slightest hint of any problem mesa just say "replace the valves", the problem is we pay twice the price for evereything in the UK. I used to have a dual channel head and even that had its fair share of probelms. MESA BOOGIE are i am afraid not what they once were, they are now more akin to a big corporation and lack the customer care or international service of soldano, bogner or cornford. There is only one liscend mesa boogie repair man in the whole of the south of england and he is an old fart who doesnt know fuck all about sound or amp tone. He just used to fix televisions. Another gripe with mesa is they arent very road worthy, they use the finest leather etc which is all well and good in the showroom and in your bedroom but when you are in a proffessional stage environment or at a rehearsal they are very fragile to superficial cutes in the leather and scratches to the grill. Once again i played mesa exclusivley for 5 years and its taken me this long to realise that sound is not what it is all about. Its all about reliability, customer service and dependebility. My mesa blew fuses all the the time before the TONE WENT SHIT. If u live in America then mesa would be fabulous, but in england we pay twic the price for everything ang get no customer service, mark at westside is sucking his own nob about how mesa boogies never break, but the fact all products are susseptable to breaking.

CRAPPY, IN THE UK MESA CUSTOMER SUPPORT IS ZERO, YOU may as well be in IRAQ. My buddy playes marshall hand wired series (which is amazing) and he had a slight problem with a faulty pot, and marshall have repair centers and well informed service centers all over the UK. America is fairly far away especially california, and hence if i have a problem i am half way round the world from people who can fix it. If you are buying a chevrolet instead of a bmw in Europe it is gonna be a real headache for maintenence and Parts, same with mesa. I am gonna get it fixed and go back to my trusty marshall tone (different but still an awsome hi gain sound with the JMP1) deftones, Iron Maiden and Dave mustaine all sound pretty decent in metal with marhsall. Mesa isnt the only way in high gain boys and girls! and the marshall factory is only a 2 hour drive from my house.

I have played for many years and used and abused, Marshall,Mesa, Randall, Cornford and Fender Amps. MY BIGGEST ADVICE TO ANYONE IS if you live in the UK look for a UK amp manufacturor. I loved the mesa sound but i am selling my Dual Rec for a Marshall EL34 100/100 and jmp 1 rack system. I know mesa is all hand wired and shit but it doesnt mean shit to me, if an amp sounds shit i am not gonna keep it, and after paying close to $3500 for a dual rec, (thats what we pay for em over here with shit service)Marshall and cornford are the best for the English! I cant wait to sell it then i dont have to deal with westside distribution and mesa boogie service reps with too much pride and not enough focus. If u are British Buy British Amps and you will save a lot of hassel.

This amplifier has a ton of cool features. Having this amp for over a year, I am still surprised by the things I am learning about it. I really like the 3 distortion modes (raw, vintage and modern) on the 2 distorted channels. This feature lets you dial in just the right sound for your music. Anything from classic fuzz to bone crushing distortion can be attained! The clean channel has 2 voice selections (clean, pushed) that can be used to take you from crystal clear clean to that early pushed gain sound. The effects loop is really sensitive, so it takes quite a while to figure out the right levels and configurations for using processors. The solo boost on this amp is amazing. There is a spongy/bold selection switch on the back that allows you to go from a warm, classic gain to a really powerful gain that incites feelings of armageddon!

Using my Gibson Les Paul Studio, I can get any sound out of this beast. Have played in several genres with this amp, including metal, punk, classic rock, this thing is built to handle any style you can think of! Beware cranking the eq and presence on this thing, because it will give you way more than you are used to with other, lesser amplifiers. I get the best sound out of this thing by keeping all the eq below 12 o'clock, except for treble which I run at 1 o'clock. Without the presence on, you unlock a totally new beast. I am the type of person that really enjoys high gain, no matter what style I am playing, and this amp really does not disappoint in that area. It has gain for days. But when you wanna lower the gain for a more polished sound, it will do that without problem. Having owned most other "high end" brands, I can truly say that this monster crushes them all. I would suggest taking the time to read the manual a few hundred times. There are so many options that you really need to learn before you jump out on stage with this thing. I have owned mine for a year, and I am still learning what this thing can do. Any sound can be achieved from this mammoth beast.

I will admit it, I am too cheap to buy a road case for my amp. But touring all over the United States with my Dual Rec unprotected has not phased it a bit!! It has been through falls, bumps, jiggling, drunk roadies, and STILL cranks out the tunes! I have not changed my tubes since the day it came to me direct from Mesa, and it still purrs like a lion. It has been through many temperature and climate changes, lots of moisture, and came out unscathed! I have total faith in this thing, enough so that I sold my back up amp. Don't need it when this Goliath is built so tough!

I got mine straight from Mesa as an endorsed artist, and they were great! Never had to speak with them after I received it. I have talked to them about different tubes and how they would change the sound, and they get back to me asap! They are the greatest!

After 13 years of touring and owning several other amplifiers, I can say that this is the only thing I will own! I have played other "boutique" amps, and none can hold a candle to Mesa's craftsmanship. As long as you take time to know your amplifier inside and out, you will not find a more versatile amp anywhere. I have owned Fender, Marshall, Budda, VHT, Peavey 5150(total crap), and NOTHING compares to the Dual Rec 3 channel. I have played through a Bogner several times, and after being told they are the best, I was really let down. But my Mesa NEVER lets me down! It never ceases to amaze me. If you want to get the best amp ever made, then I suggest you go out and buy a Mesa Boogie Dual Rec 3 channel!!!

I bought this amp new in 2005 with the standard 4/12 cab for $2,700. I play mostly hard rock/ heavy metal style music; being influenced by bands such as Tool, In Flames, The Deftones, A Perfect Circle, and Alice In Chains. I'm not too much of a shredder; more of a melodic leader myself. This amp includes three, footswitchable, channels that include clean, overdriven (which can be pretty bad-ass), and the bone-cruching heavy distortion that it's known for. There is no headphone jack, i would imagine because of the amount of power this amp pushes out. I use this amp for everything! Live shows, recording or just for the occasinal jam. For a long time I've been looking for an amp that could produce beautiful, mind-blowing tone, serious bottom end, and the right amount of power to play in any type of condition; outdoor, indoor,etc. I've tried Marshall, Saldano, Line 6, Randall, and Peavy and this amp stood out more than any other.

Right now I'm using a Gibson SG fitted with High-output, Burstbucker pick-ups. This amp together with the Burstbucker-fitted SG creates exactly the sound I've been looking for. It has enough heavy gain to crush a small town and still maintains a tone that could make your mother cry. I've found this amp's sound to be consistant at some of the highest volumes. The only problem i've found, really, is that it doesn't sustain that well. For the amount of gain that this thing pushes out, it's pretty damn quiet. For some people the clean channel might not be the greatest sounding but combined with some reverb and delay it's the perfect clean sound for me. I use a Boss digital delay, digital reverb, phase shifter, and flanger. Because this amp has no reverb of its own (which may upset some people) i usually keep the Boss reverb on all of the time. Some people may think this might be a tad risky, however this amp's effects loop is amazing! None of my effects (besides the phaser because I increased the effect's depth) decrease the volume, or the quality of the sound/tone. This may be different with other owners due to the types of effects thy use, but with the ones i have (all Boss), it's perfect. I even use the Delay and Reverb together when playing in channel three!!! and it still maintains tone and volume perfectly!

I've had this Amp for a while now and I've never had one problem with it what so ever.

I've called up Boogie a few times and everytime All of my questions have been accomidated with the exact answer i was looking for.

I've been playing for a little over 7 years and out of all the amps I've tried this one came through with flying colors. If it were lost or stolen i would cry because my pockets can't handle anymore and I would have lost something great. However, i would definately save up for another one. I love everything about this amp. Everything I've stated has been my opinion. Everything this amp has to offer suits me and the sound i wanted to get perfect, however this might be totally the opposite for some people(which you've probably read). My best advice is to try out as many amps as you can because you can't take someone else's opion on something this important and crucial! I, personally, love this amp.

9 'cuz there's no reverb. but you can sorta get a reverby tone out of the amp, and computers can add reverb while recording.. but the thing is.. this amp has VERY good distortion and can be made to be anything from huge low end to blazin' high end solo. when i first got my amp.. a 2005.. i couldn't get the tone i wanted out of it. twitching from the tubes to the diodes makes a bigger change than you would expect. the guy at guitar center said the diodes would be better but i like the rectifier tubes better. i play anything from hardcore to black metal and some death metal. if you get this amp you have to realize you have to be patient. having the gain half a milimeter than it should be will make the distortion sound wak.. basically you just have to mess with the knobs and turn them a tiny bit to make it sound good. if you look in the back of the user manual.. they have a some good sugestions for getting good tones.none of them are in the modern setting but all you do is switch the vintige to modern if you want good low end. if you want a good high end gain then keep it on vintige 'cuz it's got a tighter feel. also.. i strongly suggest that you have the master volume on the indivual channel as low as you can without cutting out that sound and turning up the master volume for the whole amp up. that gives you WAY better tone when playing over drums, or just louder in general. also. i STRONGLY SUGGEST YOU GET A MESA CAB! THEY'RE NOT ONLY A COUPLE INCHES TALLER! (WHICH GIVES MORE BOTTOM END) BUT THE MARSHALL 1960 CAB'S CUT OFF THE GAIN AND THERE'S NO DEBTH AT ALL!! i was going to get a marshall 1960 cab but compared to the meas 4/12 it sounds like ass. too many people just assume marshall makes the best cabs 'cuz they've been around for ever but the mesa cab was just soooo much better. i dont' know about the mode 4 cabs though 'cuz they're taller than the normal marshall cabs. the mesa's also come with casters.

GREAT distortion, and i play with en epiphone explorer. it even has pretty good clean sound.. if you go by what the back of the book says for the settings. 'cuz my mother's making me to freakin' jazz band this year.. and playing through this cheap washburn hallow body it doesn't sound half bad for jazz. but i'm not a jazz finatic so it works for me. got a way better clean than marshall's hi gain.

this thing's a tank. the only thing kinda cheasy is the metal bar in the back. but unless someone stuck a knife through the back and broke a tube this thing's indistructable. one of my buddy's got his knocked over in a show and everything still worked after that so yah..

never delt with them.

excelent amp! in my mind the best out there. i've played an assortment of marshalls but none of them had the low end i wanted. this amp will do me for life. the only amp that's played well aslo is the good 'ol 5150, but still not as good of a low end. the orange rockerverb 50 is pretty cool too. but i'd get a dual rec over the orange 'cuz they're cheaper and have good high AND low gain. but if you don't wanta spend that much money.. i'd recoment the 5150 2 or the 6505, both by peavey. but there's payment plans. which is how i got mine.. 'cuz guitar center has the "guitar player's card" or something liek that. when i got it it was no interest for a year. now it's 15 months. but if you don't pay it of in time it's 25% inerest. so yah. hah.

I have a Dual Rectifier (3 channel) solo head that was made in 2002. I bought is used off Ebay and had it sent to Australia about 18 months ago. I play mainly rock and am very happy with this amp so far. There are many features on this amp and it does take some reading the manual to really get your head around what the amp can do for you and the sound you are after. I love the slave out which I sometimes use. I also love the fact that it has 16, 8 & 4 ohm outs to the speakers that I find very useful. Another feature I really like is the ability to switch to silicon diode (hi power) mode which can really change the sound alot! I can agree with most of the others about the clean channel, but then I didn't buy this amp for the clean channel. The other thing to consider for those who haven't is that you can crank the main output up to get more volume from the clean channel and then turn down on the individual master channels 2 & 3. This way you can balance the volume for all 3 channels if you really get a hard on for the clean channel. The killer feature of this amp is the solo button the foot switch which again can really give you a "fat" sound. Sometimes I use this feature even during rhythm playing.

I play all Fender guitars, but really am hooked on my 1983 USA Strat which has a "Seymour Duncan Hotrail" in the bridge position. I am currently using this head through my Laney VC50 combo amp which I am only using the speakers which are HH Premier Vintage 60's and I am getting the hottest sound that I have been looking for in ages. Currently I am using Channel 2 in the modern mode with the following settings to achieve this sound: Presence at about 11:00 O'Clock, Master at about 11:00 O'Clock, Gain at about 1:30 - 2:00 O'Clock, Bass at about 10:00 O'Clock (you may have to adjust this a bit higher as my 1983 strat doesnt have the routing cut of the back of the guitar or the cup jack). Mids at about 11:30 - 12:00 O'Clock and Treble at about 11:00 O'Clock. I tell you, if you don't like this sound then you aren't alive!!. I also have a couple of JV Fenders that sound totally hot on the same settings, but because the pick-ups on the JV's are stock they have a very "Strat" sound. As I mentioned before, you really need to spend some time with these amps to dial up a sound, but once you do, you will never look back!. Channel 3 has the ability to "melt" you and although I like that channel too, I prefer the above settings I detailed.

Well, like many other before me..... these are built like a tank!

Well hard to say at this stage, but I did call the U.S. and spoke with a technician regarding some questions on the EQ (bass, mids, treble) and found them to be very good at answering my questions. I have never had problems with this amp, so I have to rate it highly in this category over the last 18 months.

I have been playing on and off for about 13 years and have owned Marshall's & Fender's previously. I currently own my Dual Rectifier as well as a Laney VC50 which I sometimes slave out of the Dual Rectifier and into the Laney (this is fucking awesome!). I can't stress enough to mess around a fair bit with the amp and different switches/settings to achieve the sound you are after because you WILL find it if you persevere!.

not sure what year, i think its a 2003 or a 2002, i bought it in 2005.
everyone knows the features, or lack of. 3 channels, 1 clean, 1 mid rangy gain, one high gain. the clean channel sucks, but people dont buy this amp for its clean tone, i know i didnt. no reverb, which is bogus maybe but its not necessary, any recording can have reverb added to it via computer, all live gigs have natural reverb, and you can get a pedal. no big deal.

i use an LTD MHB-400 (emg 81 pickups) and a marshall 1960 A lead cab. ive played this amp with a shitload of other guitars, though, including a washburn face eraser, a fender stratocaster, an epiphone gothic flying v, a gibson sg, and an epiphone les paul. the stratocaster sounded like shit for the amount of gain i use, i play death/thrash/melodic metal, and i use a lot of gain. i have the gain on channel 2 set at about 3 o clock. more than that kills note definition and makes it sound hissy as fuck.

here are my problems with this amp:
tone: the lack of tone variety on this amp is astounding. before i bought this amp i talked it up because all these bands use them, and then as soon as i bough it everyone swtiched to the peavey XXX, the peavey 6505(+) and the framus cobra. i cant blame them. i try tons of different settings combinations on the amp and then tone is always the same. if you turn up the treble, you lose low end, if you turn up the low end, you lose treble, and if you turn up the mids, you lose everything. this amp is supposed to be fantastic for getting "your" sound, but its impossible to get that good of a variety, tone wise. the XXX is fantastic and very versatile and i plan on selling my recto for either a XXX or a 6505+.

the distortion on this amp is brutal, but, its a weird kind of distortion in my opinion, its kind of a replica of the first distortion ever; and amp turned so loud it broke up and made shit sound fuzzy and hard to hear. the distorion takes away note definition and does not have good sustain at all. XXX amps have fucking awesome distortion with perfect note definition and sound brutal as fuck.

tank. indestructable.

watch out for blown fuses though, i blew one the other day, not the amps fault, just unplug your amp post-use and let the tubes warm up for a little befroe swtiching the standby off.

never had to deal with them. i heard they will put any modifications on any mesa FOR FREE if you own the product. that sounds good to me. WARNING: Mesaboogie products are the most sought after products in the world. the company is so backed up right now if your amp breaks you either have to wait 3 months for it to get fixed, or you need to call up and yell at them to do it fast. im giving this an 8 because no one wants to wait 3 months for thier amp to get fixed, and no one wants to be forced to yell at some guy over the phone to get it done faster.

this amp is not worth 1699 dollars. with that money i can get a peavey XXX, or a 6505 plus, and an MXR 10 band EQ, a Boss Noise gate, a Boss Chromatic tuner, and a BBE sonic maximizer. the tone is not as versatile as everyone says it is, and would cost 400 dollars less if it didnt have a fat ass grill that says mesa boogie on it. you pay for the name, not the quality. if you have 1700 saved up, wait another month or so and buy a friggin Framus, or a Bogner. or get a XXX or 6505+ and all the shit i listed above. thats a better deal. im giving this amp a 5. it drained my pocket, and dissapointed. dont hesitate to get a traditional recto cab though. they sound fucking fantastic and are the best cabinets out there.

Year: 2003
Versatility: Excellent, I play mostly punkrock, and it has served its purpose perfectly !
Channels: 3
Features I'd like: as mentioned before by many players, REVERB !!!
I use this amp for gigging, practicing, etc. it has enough power to demolish my house !!! believe it, why do you think the triple doesnt cost that much from the dual ?? because 150 watts of all tube is just TOO MUCH. if you are f*cking Metallica u can consider it, but the DUAL is perfect. believe me

100 W of pure all tube blistering power !!
Im rating it 9 because of the lack of reverb

I use seymour duncan distortion pickups, seymour duncan invader and gibson dirty fingers. pure high gain beasts. !!
It suits my music style perfectly, but honestly, I wouldnt recommend it for blues or something that plays mostly on clean sound. This thing is for its distortion not for its clean channel.
Still, I love that it is 2 channels for distortion, you can have trashing satiration in one and little crunch on the other one without sacrificing your clean channel.
Do you rally wanna know how brutal the distortion is ?? JUST READ EVERY REVIEW AND YOULL KNOW.

Ive had it for 3 years and it has never let me down. Of course, you always need to have a couple of fuses just in caseandALAWAYS, ALWAYS ! disconnect it after using.
And yeah, tubes dont last forever so be prepared for spending a hundred bucks on them.

This thing is solid as a horse.

never dealt with them (luckily)

In my opinion, this is the best amp on earth. But i strongly recommend on trying several other amps, beause this is my hubmle opinion. This may be the best amp for me, but everyone has different taste, so TRY TRY TRY. Most probably u'll go to the store, try this amp and know u found ur soul partner. hope this review was helpful !!

-I bought the amp in 2002
-100 watts
-3 channels
-Parallel FX loop (NOT series)
-Solo & FX loop on/off on foot sw
-Variac
-It can take 6L6 or EL34 power tubes
-Selectable tube rectifier or diodes

The FX loop should have had the option for parallel OR series. As it is you can only get 90% wet.

I highly recommend studying the user manual pdf from http://www.mesaboogie.com/manuals/3chRecto.pdf, before you buy.

-Used with a Gibson Explorer & a Strat with a humbucker in the bridge
-I did use it with a marshall 412, now I use an 80's PV 412
-I also use it with a Digitech 2112 and a crybaby.
-When the power tubes are driven it gets it's sound
-Channel switching results in loud pops when master is set low
-Very good at classic rock sounds
-The clean sound does break up when you crank the clean channel volume, but it still sounds really good to me

-No problems so far

n/a

I've been playing 16 years. If it were stolen and the insurance gave me enough money for a Soldano, I would seriously consider it. If you want serious "chug" this your amp.

I am the owner of a 2001 Mesa Dual Rectifier (3 Channel) with matching 4x12 cab (not the oversized bass beast). This amp, in my humble opinion is made for one thing: Nu Metal! It is not the versatile amp I was hoping it would be. The channels: Channel 1 (clean) is probably the most dissappointing of them all - with very little headroom and the clean sound only a chainsaw operator could love, it is almost useless. Channel 2 (Orange) is the channel I use the most in VINTAGE mode with gain no higher than 1pm. This channel has an amazing lack of sustain and harmonic complexity. Channel 3 (Red) - Mostly used in MODERN mode, it is loud and is the modern gain type channel - it too lacks sustain and is not versatile. The amp is buzzy, not tight on the low end and basically one trick pony. Anyone that tells you differently has NO IDEA what they're talking about (Or you need to question their motives for giving a glowing review). If you like CREED and want to pund away on chords all day long, this is the amp for you. Anything else and look for another amp to buy!

I use an Ibanez 770 as my main guitar equiped with stock Dimazio pick-ups. I also use a modified Fender Strat with SD Customs in it. I play mostly 80's era hard rock and need an amp that is made for shredding...THIS IS NOT THE AMP FOR SHREDDING! It is the amp for Drop D chord bashing and nothing else. As I mentioned, no sustain, no harmonics and a flubby low end that turns everything to mush. If you want to get lost in the mix (not cut through in the band), then get this amp...otherwise find another amp!

It's built like a tank...no problems there. It's as sturdy as they come.

Great...again, this ain't the problem

I've been playing for 23 years (almost all of it professional). I am mostly a guitar to amp guy, no effects to speak of...

The bottom line: Not made for playing lead, flubby bass response, no sustain, harmonics are no where to be found, etc.