Owner`s manual
NOTE: Introducing a bit of internal REVERB into the mix or even an outboard processor into the FX Loop set to a Delay Preset can
help the HEADPHONE Output sound more alive and natural, as it helps compensate for the air and “expansion” present when using
a speaker cabinet in a live room.
The MARK FIVE: 25 is the first, but probably not the last, MESA amplifier to include the CABCLONE D.I. circuitry and associated
HEADPHONE Output. This comprehensive direct recording and private monitoring feature greatly enhances the value, versatility and
convenience of the amplifier and will provide you with new options for quick, hassle-free, direct recording options as well as late night
(or any time) personal enjoyment of the FIVE: 25’s inspiring sound and feel.
NOTE: Plugging into the HEADPHONES jack defeats the CABCLONE D.I. XLR BALANCED Output. It is not possible to use the
HEADPHONE and D.I. OUT simultaneously as the headphones would load down the circuitry further and compromise the sound.
NOTE: As there is no HEADPHONE Volume Control in the CABCLONE™ passive circuit, you will need to use the Channel MASTER
Controls and the MULTI-WATT™ Power Select switches to determine the volume of the HEADPHONE output.
REVERB
The MARK FIVE: 25 features independent Channel Mix Level controls for the analog, tube-driven, 3-spring Reverb. Dif-
ferent types of sounds call for different saturation (blend) levels and this independent control allows you to perfectly tailor the REVERB
effect to the sound style you have dedicated each of the Channels to. These Mix Controls provide anything from a
subtle ambient effect, to a fully drenched, deep Reverb sound, and anywhere in between.
Generally speaking, lower gain Clean sounds are the traditional place for more drenched Reverb Mix levels. Low,
medium or higher gain single note sounds can also benefit from “wetter”, deeper Reverb blends, where it can add
more “dimension” and width to your soloing. Higher gain Crunch rhythm sounds usually call for little to no Reverb,
as these sounds are often used to play staccato parts with quick attack and cut-off characteristics and an abundance of Reverb will
negatively affect the “perceived tracking”. However, there is no rule when it comes to music and we encourage you to play with any
amount of Reverb you feel appropriate for your individual needs.
The Controls are laid out such that when reaching over the top of the amplifier, Channel 1’s REVERB Mix control is on the Left and
Channel 2’s REVERB Mix control is on the Right. This layout was the result of many players feeling this was the best setup for trouble
free adjustment of the REVERB levels from the Front of the amplifier when there is no room for Front-mounted controls.
SPEAKERS
Two 4 Ohm and one 8 Ohm SPEAKER Outputs are provided for interfacing the MARK FIVE: 25 to your cabinet of
choice. Most MESA/Boogie cabinets are built wired Standard to 8 Ohms unless Custom Ordered (or modified by an outside party,
example; a previously owned cabinet). One 8 Ohm cabinet should be connected to the 8 Ohm output. When using
two 8 Ohm MESA cabinets, connect one cabinet to the 4 Ohm output and “daisy chain” the second cabinet by
coming out of the first cabinet’s PARALLEL Out jack into the second cabinet’s INPUT jack (MESA cabinets provide
a Parallel jack for this purpose). If using two older 8 Ohm MESA cabinets (or two 8 Ohm cabinets by another
manufacturer) connect each 8 Ohm cabinet to one of the 4 Ohm SPEAKER Outputs. This will provide the best
impedance match and ensure optimum performance. If you have one 4 Ohm cabinet, connect it to the 4 Ohm
SPEAKER Output. This will be a proper impedance match, but you may experience a slightly softer attack characteristic than you
would using a single 8 Ohm Cabinet.
If you are using non-MESA cabinets with your FIVE: 25, it is very important to know your cabinet’s impedance and make sure you
are connecting speakers correctly and safely to the amp. Failure to connect speakers correctly can shorten tube life, put undue stress
on the output transformer and possibly even damage it. Damage caused by improper impedance matching is not covered under the
Warranty. ALWAYS make sure to connect your cabinet correctly to the SPEAKER Outputs on the amplifier. Check out the information
later in this manual regarding speaker impedance and speaker hook-up schemes. No matter how unusual your speaker setup, it is
usually possible to get optimum, safe performance through various speaker wiring techniques.
NOTE: We prefer an 8 Ohm Cabinet (Impedance) Load whenever possible and feel it provides the optimum impedance matching and
delivers the best performance. Other impedance Load scenarios work, but we feel the best combination of power (headroom), bold
PAGE 27
CLEAN
CRUNCH
FS
MK IIC+
MK
IV
XTREME
GAIN TREBLE
MID BOOST
MID PRESENCE MASTERBASS
EQ ON
EQ
O
O
EQ FS
SPKR
ON
CLOSED
BACK
OPEN
BACK
CabClone™
D.I.
SPKR
OFF
LIFT
GROUND
EQ ON
EQ FS
CAUTION: Unplug
power before
servicing
120 V~
60 Hz
1 A
1.25 A
SLO
BLO
AMPLIFIER
44YV
HEADPHONERETURNSEND
4 OHM 8 OHM
4 OHM
REVERB
CH 2 CH 1
MARK FIVE: 25™
VACUUM TUBE
AMPLIFIER
HANDCRAFTED
IN PETALUMA,
CALIFORNIA
80Hz 240 750 2200 6600
25 W
10 W
25 W
10 W
TUBE GUIDE
6 x 12AX7
2 x EL 84
PATENTED
7,602,927
(USE WITH TWO 8 OHM SPKRS)
FX
SPEAKERS
INPUT
FT SW
POWER
STANDBY
MARK
5
TWENTY-FIVE
™
CLEAN
CRUNCH
FS
MK IIC+
MK
IV
XTREME
GAIN TREBLE
MID BOOST
MID PRESENCE MASTERBASS
EQ ON
EQ
O
O
EQ FS
SPKR
ON
CLOSED
BACK
OPEN
BACK
CabClone™
D.I.
SPKR
OFF
LIFT
GROUND
EQ ON
EQ FS
CAUTION: Unplug
power before
servicing
120 V~
60 Hz
1 A
1.25 A
SLO
BLO
AMPLIFIER
44YV
HEADPHONERETURNSEND
4 OHM 8 OHM
4 OHM
REVERB
CH 2 CH 1
MARK FIVE: 25™
VACUUM TUBE
AMPLIFIER
HANDCRAFTED
IN PETALUMA,
CALIFORNIA
80Hz 240 750 2200 6600
25 W
10 W
25 W
10 W
TUBE GUIDE
6 x 12AX7
2 x EL 84
PATENTED
7,602,927
(USE WITH TWO 8 OHM SPKRS)
FX
SPEAKERS
INPUT
FT SW
POWER
STANDBY
MARK
5
TWENTY-FIVE
™