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Average Price: $1,672

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$801+

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Description

Experience the power and versatility of the Mesa/Boogie DC-5 Dual Caliber Head, a 50-watt powerhouse that brings your guitar tones to life with dynamic precision. Perfect for both stage and studio, this guitar amplifier head combines Mesa/Boogie's renowned craftsmanship with a dual-channel design, allowing you to seamlessly switch between crisp cleans and aggressive overdriven tones.

The DC-5 features a five-band graphic EQ, providing you with precise tonal shaping to tailor your sound to any musical genre. Its all-tube design ensures a warm, responsive tone that guitarists crave, while the presence and reverb controls add depth and space to your playing. The robust build and high-quality components make this amplifier head a reliable partner for gigging musicians and recording artists alike.

Whether you're aiming for classic rock crunch or modern metal madness, the Mesa/Boogie DC-5 delivers with its comprehensive control layout and versatile sound palette. The parallel effects loop allows for seamless integration with your favorite pedals and effects units, enhancing your rig's capabilities without compromising tone integrity.

Key Features:

  • 50-watt all-tube amplifier head
  • Dual-channel design for versatile tone options
  • Five-band graphic EQ for precise tonal control
  • Presence and reverb controls for added depth
  • Parallel effects loop for easy pedal integration
  • Built with high-quality components for durability and reliability

Product specs

Brand Mesa Boogie
Model Dual Caliber DC-5 2-Channel 50-Watt Guitar Amp Head
Finish Various
Year 1993 - 1999
Made In United States
Categories Guitar Heads
Built-In Effects Built-In Effects
Electronics Tube
Impedance 4 ohms, 8 ohms
Number of Channels 2 Channels
Number of Inputs 1 Input
Output Power (Watts) 50
Power Tube Type 6L6
Reverb Spring Reverb

FAQs

What type of tubes does the Mesa/Boogie DC-5 Dual Caliber Head use?

The Mesa/Boogie DC-5 Dual Caliber Head uses 6L6 power tubes, known for their robust clean tones and smooth overdrive characteristics, making it versatile for various music genres.

How many channels does the Mesa/Boogie DC-5 offer?

The Mesa/Boogie DC-5 Dual Caliber Head features two channels, allowing for a range of tones from clean to high-gain distortion, suitable for diverse playing styles.

Is the Mesa/Boogie DC-5 suitable for gigging with a band?

Yes, the Mesa/Boogie DC-5 Dual Caliber Head's 50-watt output provides ample power for live performances, making it suitable for gigging with a full band.

Does the Mesa/Boogie DC-5 have built-in effects?

The Mesa/Boogie DC-5 includes built-in spring reverb, which adds depth and ambiance to your sound without needing external effects.

What are the impedance options for the Mesa/Boogie DC-5?

The Mesa/Boogie DC-5 Dual Caliber Head offers 4 ohms and 8 ohms impedance options, allowing compatibility with various speaker cabinets.

Lessons with Cameron

Lessons with Cameron

Mesa Boogie DC-5 Amp Settings and Review

Video thumbnail for Mesa Boogie DC-5 Amp Settings and Review by Lessons with Cameron

Mesa Boogie DC-5 Amp Settings and Review

Lessons with Cameron

Lessons with Cameron

Video thumbnail for Mesa Boogie DC-5 Amp Demo by Lunchy and the Punk

Mesa Boogie DC-5 Amp Demo

Lunchy and the Punk

Lunchy and the Punk

Video thumbnail for Mesa Boogie Dual Caliber DC-5 | Playthrough by ChoptonesOfficial

Mesa Boogie Dual Caliber DC-5 | Playthrough

ChoptonesOfficial

ChoptonesOfficial

Video thumbnail for Mesa Boogie DC5 - Does This Amp Suck Or Can It Actually Sound Like Metallica? by Marty5150

Mesa Boogie DC5 - Does This Amp Suck Or Can It Actually Sound Like Metallica?

Marty5150

Marty5150

Video thumbnail for Mesa Boogie DC-5 | Getting Deboogered by Psionic Audio

Mesa Boogie DC-5 | Getting Deboogered

Psionic Audio

Psionic Audio

Video thumbnail for Mesa Boogie DC-5 demo by Andrew MacDanel

Mesa Boogie DC-5 demo

Andrew MacDanel

Andrew MacDanel

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Mesa/Boogie DC-5 Dual Caliber Head 50 watts.

Use cases and applications

  • The DC-5 can achieve Corrosion of Conformity tones like those on the "Deliverance" album, highlighting its versatility for heavy rock and metal genres.

    Source
  • The DC-5 handles diverse genres from vintage to modern metal tones, making it suitable for players aiming for bands like Metallica and Black Sabbath.

    Source
  • The DC-5's cleans are praised for their quality, and using a closed-back cabinet can significantly enhance its sound for live performances.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The DC-5 is considered by some as one of the best Mesa amps, with a clean channel inherited from the Mark IV, providing both modern and vintage sounds.

    Source
  • The DC-5 is praised for its versatile high-gain tones, blending Rectifier and Mark series characteristics, offering a darker, saturated sound.

    Source
  • The DC-5 offers a textured, crunchy distortion compared to the Rectifier's thick wall, making it suitable for those seeking Mark IV-like chunkiness in their tone.

    Source
  • The DC-5 has more saturation and distortion than the Mark IV, approaching Rectifier levels, but is tighter and more defined than the Rectifier's thicker distortion.

    Source
  • Owners find the DC-5's gain looser and less defined than the tighter gain of Mark series amps.

    Source

Build quality

  • Mesa's older amps, like the 50 Caliber, may need maintenance such as replacing critical resistors prone to overheating, given their age.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Mesa amps often require specialized servicing; common techs might struggle due to their complex engineering, but factory service is generally efficient.

    Source
  • Experimenting with a 10-band EQ in the effects loop could help tighten the amp’s sound.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners report the DC-5 is slightly darker sounding than the Mark series, often brightened by pairing with a Marshall 1960A cabinet.

    Source
  • Some owners prefer maxing mids and treble while gradually increasing bass to avoid a thin sound on the DC-5.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Swapping the output transformer is considered to potentially revitalize the amp's performance and tone.

    Source
  • Using a tube screamer with low drive, mid volume, and tone at 3 o'clock can tighten the DC-5's loose bottom end.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The DC-5's clean channel is based on the Mark IV's ultraclean, with gain boost options to emulate Mark V crunch tones, effectively making it function as a 3-channel amp.

    Source
  • The DC-5's EQ structure differs from Mark series; its 3-band EQ is post-gain, similar to Dual Rectifiers.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 5 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
sixstring_stew

My amps still going strong after more than 20 years service!

I dont have the amp head version, rather I have the 1 x 12 combo. I bought it second hand in the 1990's and have gigged it hard ever since. It's travelled around alot in it's flight case and still going strong. When it has broken down (as amps will do during this time) then its always been a simple fix such as a blown fuse or a valve (or the power lights bulb). My amp once fell out a flight case and bounced down a set of concrete steps, All that had to be replaced was a couple of valves and the amp was back in action. These amps still hold their value and having been the proud owner of one I'm not surprised to see why.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how John Konesky uses Mesa/Boogie DC-5 Dual Caliber Head 50 watts

John Konesky

Guitarist

Tenacious D

...
Verified via Kone Home

this is one of the amps mentioned on his website

See how Hernán Valente uses Mesa/Boogie DC-5 Dual Caliber Head 50 watts

Hernán Valente

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via YouTube

"Tengo un Mesa Boogie DC5 que tiene dos canalsitos. Es muy potente"

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Mesa/Boogie DC-5 Dual Caliber Head 50 watts, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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