With 3 versatile Channels, 8 incredible modes of operation, a SOLO boost, a Programmable & Foot-switchable Parallel FX Loop with both Send and Mix Level Controls and a large stage-ready 5 Button Foot-controller, the Triple Rectifier Solo Head was built for Metal Heads looking for nothing but pure high-gain madness. At 150 watts, this amp is sure to send many of them on a power tripping frenzy! However, many who are NOT Metal Heads have also discovered it’s tonal secrets and are enjoying the unbelievable sounds and tone of this amp.

Quick Overview of the Features:

* 150 Watts, Class A/B Power, 6x6L6, 5x12AX7, 3x5U4
* Bias Select Switch (6L6 or EL34's)
* Independent Gain, Bass, Mid, Treble, Presence and Master Controls per Channel
* Output Level Control (over all channels, when activated)
* Solo Level Control (over all channels, when activated)
* Rectifier Select Switch (Tube or Silicon Diodes)
* Bold/Spongy "Variac" Switch
* Assignable Parallel FX Loop w/Send & Mix Level Controls
* Slave Out with Level Control
* External Switching Jacks for Channels 1, 2, 3, Solo & FX Loop
* 5 Button Footswitch (Channel 1, Channel 2, Channel 3, Solo & FX loop)
* 3 Fully Independent Channels with 8 modes (Channel 1 - Clean or Pushed, Channel 2 - Raw, Vintage High Gain or Modern High Gain, Channel 3 - Raw, Vintage High Gain or Modern High Gain)

Understanding the nature of the beast:

Mesa Boogie has created two very similar Rectifier amps, the 100 watt Dual Rectifier Solo Head and the 150 watt Triple Rectifier Solo Head. These are not toy amps. The Triple Rectifier Solo Head is a big, bad and loud beast of an amplifier. They just don’t get any more brutal than this. So don’t buy this amp for your 14 year old teenager who is looking for a bedroom practice amp. This simply won’t do, OK!

So, for those of you in the market for an excellent studio and gigging amp and for those of you still thinking about getting this amp to show off in your home simply because you have the money to spare, well, just remember I told you not to get it for bedroom practice sessions. Even if you have already figured a few things out by yourself, but if not, this review should help you out a hell-of-a-lot. I've been taking notes and trying out the Rectifier Solo heads for a long time. This review has been in the works and pending for years...lol! So lets get started.

First things first, are all the tubes already in place? If not, carefully install all the tubes and set the BIAS switch on the rear panel to match the tubes in use (6L6 or EL34), you are now ready to get started.

The first step is to connect the foot-switch DIN cable to the DIN jack located on the rear panel of your amp. Don`t forget to set the FX Loop rotary control knob at the rear of the panel to the foot-switch position. Also, set the FX Loop channel control knob to the foot-switch position as well. Now, this is very important, even if you do not have any FX Unit in your FX Loop, set both the SEND and MIX control levels to the “normal” position. But, if and when you do use an external signal processing device (and you will need one), for best tonal results and to retain a pure sound set the return MIX as close as possible to 10%. (More about needing an effects unit later…)

Connect your extension cabinet to the appropriate speaker output jack ensuring correct impedance for normal operation. Remember, if you don`t want to cause any damage to your amp, NEVER connect a lower impedance cabinet into a higher impedance output jack. In other words, never plug a 4 ohm cab into an 8 ohm output jack on your amp! THIS IS NOT RECOMMENDED! After connecting your extension speaker cab to your amp, you can plug your amp into a grounded A.C. outlet.

You should always check these settings whenever you move your amp around or change the tubes…costly accidental mistakes have been known to happen!

Before going any further, set the Rectifier BIAS switch on the rear panel to VACUUM TUBES and the Power “variac” switch to SPONGY.

Firing up the amp:

Follow this cold start every time: With the STANDBY switch in the OFF/Down position, flip the POWER switch ON/Up position. Wait one minute, make sure that the OUTPUT control knob is zero-ed or set very low, then flip the STANDBY switch to the ON/Up position.

The FX Loop must be activated for the OUTPUT control and SOLO control knobs to function properly. The SOLO boost will add volume above that of the OUTPUT control knob setting. To begin, you have to start somewhere so set all Channel EQ’s as follows (you may select any suggested factory sample settings that come with the manual as a starting point, I used the 24 hour clock for this example, times are between 07:00 hours and 17:00 hours (5 p.m.), adjust all control knobs accordingly:

Channel 1: Toggle switch set to CLEAN, Presence – 12:00, Master – 11:00, Gain – 12:00, Bass – 12:00, Mid – 07:00, Treble – 12:00.

Channel 2: Toggle switch set to VINTAGE, Presence – 11:00, Master – 11:00, Gain – 14:00, Bass – 12:00, Mid – 09:00, Treble – 12:30.

Channel 3: Toggle switch set to MODERN, Presence – 08:00, Master – 09:00, Gain – 13:30, Bass – 13:00, Mid – 07:00, Treble – 12:00.

Use the foot-switch to “activate” Channel 1. The toggle switch for Channel 1 should already be set for CLEAN mode operation. Making sure the volume pot on your guitar is maxed out, strum a chord on your guitar and then quickly set the front panel OUTPUT control knob at the required or desired playing volume. Congratulations, you now have sound. :)

See what clean sounds you get just by toggling between the pick-ups on your guitar? For fun, activate Channel 2 with the foot-switch…sweet, eh! Now, set the solo boost on the front panel at 11 o’clock and activate it to experience what the professionals do during live performances when they want to shine and cut through the mix. De-activate the solo boost and play out. I know you`re already thinking about it. So when you’re ready, Go for Channel 3! Welcome to the world of high gain madness! :)

To enhance your experience and performance, choosing the appropriate Rectifier mode, either VACUUM TUBES or SILICON DIODES, is also very important. If you followed my instructions from the beginning, you have been enjoying a softer more elastic liquid feel and the best sweet sound for soloing with the VACUUM TUBE Rectifier in use. On the other hand, if you would prefer loud clean playing or tight rhythm playing at extreme high gain settings with a tighter bottom end, then SILICON DIODES will provide the best results for that particular sound. It is also possible to attain extreme high gain sounds at very low volumes in the SILICON DIODE Rectifier Mode. Why don’t you switch Rectifier modes now from VACUUM TUBES to SILICON DIODE in order to experience this whole new world of sounds! :)

Before investing in a hotplate for the Vacuum tube Rectifier mode, you may want to experiment with this amp a little more. As you probably already have noticed, the Rectifier was designed to provide amazing gain and tone at less than extreme settings without having to crank everything all the way up. Which brings me to the SPONGY and BOLD Power Selections at the rear of the panel…

Choose SPONGY if you prefer that extraordinary “brown sound” which appears to reduce the power of the amp, making it easier to achieve an overdriven sound when the Rectifier Select Switch is in the VACUUM TUBE position. In the BOLD position, one obtains maximum power and volume. So, while in the SILICON DIODE Rectifier mode, why don’t you switch that Power “variac” switch to the BOLD position to sample and hear the difference in sound and volume for yourself.

Experimentation is required here, you can try lowering the FX Loop Send and Mix level controls at the back of the amp and see how that affects your sound. This will definitely reduce the overall output of the amp to bedroom levels if need be!

EQ Controls:

The GAIN and TREBLE knobs are perhaps the most powerful controls on all channels and modes of operation. Some of the best sounds and tone are found when these two control knobs are set somewhere down the middle.

Another very important EQ control that is crucial to the overall voicing of the amp is the PRESENCE knob. When set low it fattens and compresses the sound and you get a scooped vocal quality that is just great for lead work. When set higher, above 12 o'clock, it tightens the sound considerably, ideal for Channel 3's MODERN mode of operation. This is "the knob" to use to fine tune your sound! There is a lot to learn about this most powerful tone/voice shaping tool.

When Playing LIVE:

Considering the fact that each channel is equipped with its own MASTER control knob, it is possible to match and equalize all three channels relative volume levels when using only one mode in Channel 1, one mode in Channel 2 and one mode in Channel 3. However, there will be a noticeable increase/decrease in volume levels whenever switching between varying modes of operation within each individual Channels and between other modes of operation where the volume was not matched and equalized at the very beginning. Confused are you? I can explain this much better with an example.

Tip: When using two or three Channels during a live performance, create a chart of all EQ settings in every preferred MODE of operation, including MASTER volume settings for each Channel. For instance, I may have three alternate settings of each Channel that I like to use in any given live situation:

So, my FAV settings are:

1. Most versatile set up:

Channel 1 PUSHED, Channel 2 VINTAGE, Channel 3 MODERN. Play your guitar and foot-switch between each mode of operation matching and equalizing all master volumes so that you don’t hear any noticeable volume increase or decrease when foot-switching from one mode to the next. Write down those settings including all individual EQ settings for each channel as well. Don’t forget to adjust the solo boost. You will only have to adjust the solo boost once!

2. Rock:

Channel 1 CLEAN, Channel 2 RAW, Channel 3 VINTAGE, continue the exercise and match and equalize all master volume settings and write them down including all new individual EQ settings for each channel as well.

3. Rhythm and soloing:

Channel 1 PUSHED, Channel 2 VINTAGE. Only two modes here to match and equalize master volume settings and write down all individual EQ settings for each channel. These should all be your FAV settings!

Mesa Boogie provides a blank personal sample settings chart in their manual. Make photo copies of the chart and use them. Your final FAV list can include as many different setups as you like, just keep the CHART you created close to your amp (tape it on top of the amp if you have to), so that when you need to setup your amp quickly, no matter what song or what live situation you find yourself in, you can do so very quickly and effectively without having to double check your sound every time you modify your setup. With a Chart, you can even make adjustments between songs, no problem. :)

But what do those Channels and each mode of operation actually sound like?

CHANNEL 1 – CLEAN

Start with Gain set at 12 o’clock and set to taste from there. Set lower for more sparkle and higher for more warmth. Set the gain all the way up and enjoy that solo sound with the single coil neck pick-up on your strat. :)

CHANNEL 1 – PUSHED

When activated, transforms your gentle clean channel into a raging bull. Very nice crunch and excellent solo sounds available here. When you max out the GAIN, set TREBLE below 2 o’oclock and use the PRESENCE knob to add brightness if needed.

CHANNEL 2 – RAW

Low GAIN - blues sound
High GAIN - grinding crunch rhythm sound

CHANNEL 2 – VINTAGE

This is the sound Mesa Boogie is famous for! That "Recto Voice" and fat creamy feel that can be found on countless recordings. For BEST results, always use this channel mode in conjunction with the tube rectifier. One word explanation: SWEET! :)

CHANNEL 2 – MODERN

Brutal in every aspect of the word. Warmer sounding than Channel 3`s Modern mode which has a more compressed nature and an added tightness in the low end response.

CHANNEL 3 – RAW/VINTAGE/MODERN

The most BRUTAL Channel with the most CRUSHING of all modes of operation - the MODERN mode. Metal Heads will have pre-mature ejaculations and will experience wet dreams just by laying in bed at night dreaming about the Triple Rectifier Solo Head.

What I wish it had?

With NO built in effects, you will need an FX Box to add Reverb, Tremolo and Chorus...just to name a few.

I wish this amp had a half power switch or better yet, a 50 watt, 100 watt and 150 watt toggle switch. Since the amp has no half power switch for the tube rectifier, if you haven’t been able to get the right amount of tube saturation that you want at bedroom levels then you will also need a hotplate. Nevertheless, as I have explained there are other options available to you to reduce power and volume levels. Furthermore, I believe you could get by with the SILICON DIODES (solid state) Rectifier as there is absolutely nothing wrong with this option for practice sessions and band rehearsals. Tone is in the fingers and you will sound "like you" no matter what rectifier you use. Of course, with this amp I would hope that in a live situation you will go with the tube rectifier. :)

On a side note, it is possible to reduce in half (50 watts) the Power of the DUAL Rectifier Solo Head by removing the two 6L6 center tubes, leaving the far left and far right tubes in place. To ensure correct volume match between channels remove a rectifier tube as well. The Dual Rectifier may be a very good choice for someone starting out in a band while the Triple Rectifier is probably better suited for the experienced gigging musician. Oh yeah, this method of reducing power is not possible on the Triple Rectifier Solo Head. :(

There is no headphone jack for late night practice, but I understand why they did NOT include one.

It would be a very neat feature if each Channel was equiped with a Rectifier Select Switch in order to allow the user the option to choose between VACUUM TUBES or SILICON DIODES. Say that you prefer playing Channel 1 with the Rectifier Select Switch set to SILICON DIODES, Channel 2 with the Rectifier Select Switch set to VACUUM TUBES and finally Channel 3 with the Rectifier Select Switch set to SILICON DIODES. Now that would be something to write home about!

So who actually uses a Mesa Boogie Rectifier Solo Head in the studio and/or during live performances? Check them out here...

DUAL RECTIFIER SOLO HEAD USERS:

American Hi-Fi - Both Stacy Jones (Fender Mustangs and Jaguars) and Jaime Arentzen (Gibson SG junior)
Hoobastank - Dan Estrin (Paul Reed Smith Custom 24)

And those enjoying TRIPLE RECTIFIER SOLO HEADS:

Creed - Mark Tremonti (Paul Reed Smith Single Cutaway)
Disturbed - Dan Donegan (Paul Reed Smith Single Cutaway and Gibson Les Paul Standard)
Eve 6 - Jon Siebels (Guild Bluebird and Fender Strat)
Nickelback - Chad Kroeger (Paul Reed Smith Single Cutaway) and Ryan Peake (Gibson ES-135)
Puddle of Mud - Wes Scantlin (Gibson Les Paul’s) and Paul Phillips (PRS Custom 24's)
Saliva - Chris Dibaldo (Gibson Les Paul guitars)
Opeth - Mikael Akerfeldt and Peter Lindgren (Paul Reed Smith Custom 24's)


RECAP:

The clean channel is equipped with a boosted re-voiced PUSHED mode that is just perfect for rhythm playing and medium gain solos.

The solo boost is a valuable feature that allows you to foot-switch to a preset amount of volume boost during a live performance.

The VINTAGE mode on Channel 2 is definitely the overall “sweet spot” of the Triple Rectifier Solo Head’s amazing sound.

Create a Chart of your FAV settings that also matches and equalizes the master volume between each individual channel and your choice of “single” mode of operation.

I recommend you use the VACUUM TUBE Rectifier in conjunction with the SPONGY Power “variac” setting and the SILICON DIODES Rectifier in combination with the BOLD Power setting.

You wanna dial in gain so thick and so brutal that it will rupture and may cause the people at your show some serious bodily harm, then buy a Recto Solo Head, simply a Metal Heads Dream Amp!

Finally, play safe - and don’t play so damn loud!

~Vanwarp~

Recommended: Yes