Owner’s Manual
Greetings from the Home of Tone ...You, smart player and intuitive human, have put your trust in us to be your amplifier company. This is something we do not take lightly. By choosing this instrument to be a part of your musical voice, you have become part of the Mesa family...WELCOME! Our goal is to never let you down. Your reward is that you are the new owner of an amp, bred of fine all-tube heritage...
TABLE OF CONTENTS Precautions Overview__________________________________________________________________________________________ 1-3 Instant Gratification, Helpful Hints_____________________________________________________________________ 4-5 FRONT PANEL: INSTRUMENT INPUT__________________________________________________________________________________ 6 BRIGHT / NORMAL / ACTIVE SWITCH____________________________________________________________________ 6 CONTROLS: GAIN, BASS______________________________
Important Safety Instructions Read these instructions. Keep these instructions. Heed all warnings. Follow all instructions. Do not use this apparatus near water. Clean only with dry cloth. Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other apparatus (including amplifiers) that produce heat. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or grounding-type plug.
Important Safety Instructions WARNING: To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose this apparatus to rain or moisture. The AC plug is the mains disconnect. The plug should remain accessible after installation. WARNING: EU: permission from the Supply Authority is needed before connection. WARNING: Always make sure proper load is connected before operating the amplifier. Failure to do so could pose a shock hazard and may result in damage to the amplifier.
Operating Instructions Congratulations on your choice of the BASS STRATEGY Eight:88™ and welcome to the MESA/Boogie® Family! First, we would like to thank you for choosing us as your amplifier company and trusting us to help create your musical voice. This is something we never take for granted and you’ll find that we are here and ready to assist you should you ever need help.
Overview The STRATEGY begins with BRIGHT, NORMAL and ACTIVE INPUT Select choices feeding an all-new tube preamp that borrows subsections from our CARBINE hybrid architecture. This preamp design allows increased control over a broad spectrum of frequencies and incorporates active BASS and TREBLE controls with increased shaping power—while retaining the sweet, musical blend of our traditional passive MID control.
To handle virtually any speaker cabinet scenario the STRATEGY is fitted with 5 SPEAKER OUTPUTS capable of handling a variety of impedance loads. 2 x 4 OHM, 1 x 8 OHM and 2 x 2 OHM Outputs ensure that you can always find an impedance-correct match regardless of your cabinet choices. Next up is the D.I. OUTPUT, which provides a standard XLR interface to mixing consoles for both live and recording environments.
INSTANT GRATIFICATION The STRATEGY is about the easiest amp on the planet to get a great sound from quickly—and with the VOICE Control and the Graphic EQ—unlimited great sounds. Just set most of the controls at noon…and enjoy! From those settings, may we recommend you sweep the VOICE Control from position 1 to 5 and experience what a difference the various mid voicings combined with bass and treble enhancements can provide.
Though it goes without saying, FULL POWER on the POWER SELECT mini toggle delivers the maximum headroom, punch and perceived “speed” and control over the notes. The VOICE Control is the most powerful, single control on the STRATEGY and delivers many of the characteristics of several different manufacturer’s iconic amplifiers in one simple-to-use control. Use the VOICE Control to take a “broad aim” at the sound/playing style you are pursuing and then focus in and fine-tune with the rotary Tone Controls.
FRONT PANEL: (CONTROLS & FEATURES) INPUT: This jack is the instrument INPUT and it feeds the first tube stage in the tube preamp of the STRATEGY. Both passive as well as active instruments are provided for with a specific setting on the 3-position INPUT SELECT switch.
THE CONTROLS GAIN ACTIVE BRIGHT This control determines the overall character of the sound along with input gain and sensitivity. The lower regions of the control (below 12:00) offer the cleanest sounds and greater headroom with a scooped, brighter personality. The upper harmonics come through more prominently in this area of the control making the top end sound more transparent and crisp. This region is especially useful for funkier stuff when thumbing is in order.
tube growl as it is increased and actually pushes things toward the threshold of clip at higher settings… especially in the #3 “Flat” VOICE Position. Use this to your advantage when searching for aggressive Rock sounds with an edge or R&B Tones that have just a hint of tube saturation. This is easier to showcase and sounds more authentic in the HALF and LOW Power Modes.
Keep in mind these positions use a medium Q width to avoid a notchy sound and retain an organic quality. There will be some cut or boost on the adjacent frequencies. Once you have selected a VOICE mode to use, consider fine-tuning the sound with the standard tone controls. Remember that the rotary tone controls might seem to react differently than they do when the VOICE feature is BYPASSED (set to position 3)—as the basic character of the sound is altered substantially in positions 1, 2, 4 & 5.
will be illuminated on the front panel, on the optional STRATEGY footswitch and our optional single button switch with LED indicating your EQ is on. NOTE: The setting of the EQ mini-toggle overrides the buttons on the STRATEGY Footswitch. If the switch is set to “EQ IN”, you cannot take it out of the signal path with the Footswitch. If the mini toggle is set to “EQ O”, you cannot engage the SLIDERS via the Footswitch.
MUTE/PLAY/SILENT RECORD PLAY This mini toggle provides a MUTE Mode for silent tuning, cable swapping or any time you need to mute the sound without powering down. The SILENT RECORD Mode allows for silent (no live speaker) recording when using the D.I. OUTPUT interfaced to a console. This function mutes the signal at the input of the Driver stage and also (for protection of the transformer and power tubes) at the SPEAKER OUTPUT jacks.
SOLO CONTROL™ PLAY MUTE Your STRATEGY is equipped with our patented SOLO™ Feature that provides you with a pre-settable, footswitchable boost for when it’s time to step out and showcase important parts during a performance. You can use the (optional) STRATEGY Footswitch to engage this feature or you can trigger the SOLO LEVEL via a tip-to-ground latching switch connected to the Rear Panel jack labeled SOLO in the EXT. (external) SWITCHING jacks section ON ™ (left rear).
STANDBY This switch controls the high voltage on the tubes. When set to OFF, this switch puts the STRATEGY in an “idle” mode that is essential at “cold power up” and very handy—even frugal—during breaks in performance. Be sure to follow the coldstart procedure outlined in the previous section on POWER to get the best tube life and reliability from your STRATEGY. ON ™ POWER STANDBY D.I.
3 EQ 4 1 PLAY ACTIVE 0 EQ FS 5 MUTE POWER REAR PANEL CONTROLS INPUT STANDBY FULL PWR D.I. PRE HALF MID TREBLE VOICE MASTER LOW PWR REAR VIEW: BASS STRATEGY EIGHT:88 USE WITH TWO 8Ω CABS 4 OHM 4 OHM 150 300 600 900 2K 5K 8K POST 8 OHM 2 OHM USE WITH TWO 4Ω CABS 2 OHM ON ™ SLAVE LEVEL - D.I.
NOTE: The STRATEGY draws a substantial amount of AC current due to its high power and robust power transformer. Having multiple amplifiers connected to the same AC source (power strip or even the same 15 amp Circuit), using long extension cords or playing at extreme volumes can increase the likelihood of a circuit breaker tripping. If a breaker does trip, check to see what else may be on that same circuit (refrigerator, fans in use, other amplifiers, etc.
3 EQ 4 AY 2 1 0 EQ FS 5 ON ™ SIL. REC. POWER STANDBY FULL PWR D.I. PRE D.I. LEVEL SOLO ON HALF VOICE MASTER Eight:88 SPEAKER OUTPUT (WITH AUTO-MUTE PROTECTION) These five jacks are the ¼” SPEAKER OUTPUTS for the MID TREBLE LOW PWR 80 150 300 600 900 2K 5K 8K POST ™ STRATEGY and they are responsible for delivering it’s massive Tone and Power to your cabinets of choice.
Each of the MULTI-WATT Power Choices can be shaped, colored and even placed “strategically” in the time domain by matching the Speaker Cabinet with the proper SPEAKER OUTPUT. While there really isn’t a “wrong” combination, there are some Load combinations that sound better to most players (tighter, more focused and bolder)—than others. You will want to experiment with your Cabinets and the SPEAKER OUTPUTS to find what suits your style and sound the best.
D.I. LIFT / GROUND This 2-position mini toggle offers the ability to lift the Circuit Ground from the Chassis Ground, effectively isolating the path to Ground for the STRATEGY circuit. This can be very helpful in live sound front of house or Monitor applications as well as in Recording environments. LIFT isolates the Circuit to Chassis Ground, preventing these types of ground loops when interfacing to consoles. GROUND connects the Circuit Ground to the Chassis and should be used whenever possible.
for a nominal fee and you can call us Direct and order one. You may also order one through your local MESA Dealer. TE NOTE: Use an unshielded cable for the LOOP EXT. SWITCH function. STANDBY D.I. LEVEL SOLO Eight:88SLAVE This jack is the output for the SLAVE circuit.
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FACTORY SAMPLE SETTINGS SAMPLE #1: Warm R&B 3 EQ 4 1 PLAY ACTIVE BRIGHT EQ IN 2 0 EQ FS 5 MUTE ON ™ SIL. REC. NORMAL POWER INPUT STANDBY FULL PWR D.I. PRE HALF GAIN BASS MID TREBLE VOICE MASTER LOW PWR 33Hz 80 150 SAMPLE #2: Motown Round 300 600 900 2K 5K 8K POST D.I. LEVEL SOLO ON Eight:88 ™ EQ Optional 2 3 EQ 4 1 PLAY ACTIVE BRIGHT EQ IN 0 EQ FS 5 MUTE ON ™ SIL. REC. NORMAL POWER INPUT STANDBY FULL PWR D.I.
PERSONAL SETTINGS SHEET ACTIVE NORMAL EQ IN 2 3 1 PLAY EQ 4 0 ON ™ EQ FS 5 MUTE VINTAGE POWER INPUT STANDBY FULL PWR D.I. PRE HALF GAIN BASS MID TREBLE VOICE MASTER LOW PWR 33Hz 80 150 300 600 900 2K 5K 8K ACTIVE NORMAL EQ IN 2 3 1 D.I. LEVEL SOLO ON Eight:88 ™ PLAY EQ 4 POST 0 ON ™ EQ FS 5 MUTE VINTAGE POWER INPUT STANDBY FULL PWR D.I.
BIASING THE KT-88 POWER TUBES – by Designer Randall Smith First and foremost: Bias adjustment is only required when replacing power tubes. Checking bias as routine maintenance or if a tube problem is suspected is quick and easy but shouldn’t often be necessary. And since those big KT-88s in your amplifier are only running about half their maximum rated dissipation, they should last for years.
Owners - it is not necessary to remove the Bottom Cover on your PRODIGY to set the BIAS when replacing Power Tubes. Located on top of the chassis are two 2-position mini-toggle switches, one for each quartet of KT-88s, along side two precision Trim Pots and two LEDs. The BIAS ADJUST circuit allows for precise setting of the Bias for the Technician using a Current Meter—or—a “near perfect” setting of the Bias for the not-so-technically-minded Musician/Owner with a very small “flathead” screwdriver.
SPEAKER IMPEDANCE MATCHING & HOOK-UP GUIDE: IMPEDANCE: Wiring up speakers to provide the most effective load and making sure that all of them are in phase will help in creating the best sound possible. This is not too difficult, as long as you understand a few things about loading and how to connect your speakers to provide an optimal resistive load. MESA/Boogie amplifiers can handle 4 and 8 ohms effectively.
PARALLEL: When wiring in parallel, the resistance of the speakers decreases. Two 8 ohm speakers wired in (hooked-up) Parallel results in a 4 ohm load. It’s easy to calculate the effect of a resistive load when all the speakers are all the same resistance. It is really not suggested to wire different resistive load values in Parallel (8 and 4, 16 and 8 etc.) The formula for figuring the total impedance in Parallel is the multiplication of the two loads divided by the sum of the two loads - i.e.
WIRING SCHEMES...
6 WIRING SCHEMES...
WIRING SCHEMES...
WIRING SCHEMES...
TUBE NOISE & MICROPHONICS: You may occasionally experience some form of tube noise or microphonics. Certainly no cause for alarm, this quirky behavior comes with the territory and the Tone. Much like changing a light bulb, you don’t need a technician to cure these types of minor user serviceable annoyances and in fact, you’ll be amazed at how easy it is to cure tube problems...
Sometimes making the diagnosis is more trouble than it’s worth and it’s faster and easier to merely replace the small pre-amp tubes ONE AT A TIME with a replacement known to be good. But MAKE SURE you keep returning the tubes to their original socket until you hit the one that cures the problem. You’ll notice that tubes located nearer to the INPUT jack always sound noisier...but this is because they are at the start of the chain and their noise gets amplified over and over by the tubes that follow.
V2 12AX7 KT-88 V6 V1 12AX7 V3 12AX7 FULL = V4 - V11 HALF = V4,V5, V8, V9 LOW = V4, V8 KT-88 V11 POWER TUBES KT-88 V10 KT-88 V7 INPUT JACK BEFORE CHANGING TUBES FLIP POWER & STANDBY SWITCH TO OFF KT-88 V9 KT-88 V5 FRONT OF CHASSIS Bass Strategy Eight:88 KT-88 V8 KT-88 V4 TUBE REPLACEMENT OPERATE SET BIAS PREAMP TUBES V1A- 2nd Gain Stage V1B- 1st Gain Stage V2A&B- Driver/Phase Inverter V3A&B- Driver 2nd Stages TO MAINTAIN WARRANTY, USE MESA/BOOGIE TUBES WHEN REPLACEMENT IS NECESSARY
STRATEGY Lid Removal Instructions Please read these instructions all the way through before proceeding. It is not necessary to remove the trim bars in order to remove the lid. 1. Remove 4 screws from each side of the lid: 2. Remove two screws from the back panel: 8 OHM + OUTPUT MUTE ON UNLESS SPKR IN 4 OHM 2 OHM USE WITH TWO 4Ω CABS 2 OHM VOICE MUTE - D.I.
598794 BRIGHT ACTIVE 590051 TREBLE 1 1 4 OHM BASS STRATEGY VACUUM TUBE AMPLIFIER ACTIVE 2 3 608320 4 4 5 5 4 OHM VOICE 3 USE WITH TWO 8Ω CABS SPEAKER 2 CAUTION! VOICE 4 OHM EQ IN EQ FS 0 LOW PWR HALF FULL PWR EQ 2 x SWITCH pt# 607233 590379 MASTER EQ IN 0 MUTE ON UNLESS SPKR IN 8 OHM EQ EQ FS LOW PWR HALF ® PWR FULL HOME OF TONE ® MASTER MUTE ON UNLESS SPKR IN 8 OHM HOME OF TONE ® ® 33Hz 80 150 OUTPUT USE WITH TWO 4Ω CABS 600 600 HAND BUILT IN PETALUMA,
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