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Average Price: $1,699

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Description

1992-1999 2-channel 100W Dual Rectifier

Product specs

Brand Mesa Boogie
Model Dual Rectifier Solo Head 2-Channel 100-Watt Guitar Amp Head
Finish Various
Year 1992 - 2000
Made In United States
Categories Guitar Heads
Built-In Effects No Built-In Effects
Electronics Tube
Impedance 16 ohms, 4 ohms, 8 ohms
Number of Channels 2 Channels
Number of Inputs 1 Input
Output Power (Watts) 100
Power Tube Type 6L6 / EL34
Reverb None

FAQs

What are the core tonal characteristics of the Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier 2-channel 100W Solo Head?

The Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier is renowned for its aggressive, high-gain sound, making it ideal for rock and metal genres. It offers a bold low-end response and a rich, harmonic midrange, providing both powerful overdrive and clear clean tones.

Does the Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier 2-channel 100W Solo Head work well with pedals?

Yes, the Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier is known for its excellent compatibility with pedals. Its effects loop allows for seamless integration of modulation and time-based effects, enhancing your tonal versatility.

How does the Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier 2-channel 100W Solo Head handle different power tubes?

This amp head can accommodate both 6L6 and EL34 power tubes, allowing you to customize your sound. The 6L6 tubes offer a more American-style, scooped midrange tone, while the EL34 tubes provide a British-style, midrange-forward sound.

Is the Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier 2-channel 100W Solo Head suitable for live performances?

Absolutely, with its 100-watt output, the Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier is powerful enough for large venues and live performances. Its robust construction and dynamic range make it a reliable choice for gigging musicians.

What type of music is the Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier 2-channel 100W Solo Head best suited for?

The Dual Rectifier is particularly well-suited for rock and metal genres due to its high-gain capabilities and robust sound. However, its versatile channel options also allow for clean tones suitable for other styles.

Silas Fernandes

Silas Fernandes

Amps face Off: Dual Rectifier 2 ch vs 3 ch

Video thumbnail for Amps face Off: Dual Rectifier 2 ch vs 3 ch by Silas Fernandes

Amps face Off: Dual Rectifier 2 ch vs 3 ch

Silas Fernandes

Silas Fernandes

Video thumbnail for My Mesa Dual Rectifier Solo Head 2 Channel by Middle Aged Gear Junkie

My Mesa Dual Rectifier Solo Head 2 Channel

Middle Aged Gear Junkie

Middle Aged Gear Junkie

Reviews

PROS

  • Exceptional versatility with multiple modes and channel cloning for diverse soundscapes

  • Iconic 90s sound with rich, harmonic saturation

  • Takes pedals exceptionally well, enhancing tonal flexibility

  • Powerful bass response, especially on the red channel

  • Clean tones are often overlooked but surprisingly sweet

  • Modular design allows for simple modification to perfect series effects loop

  • Robust build quality, providing a reliable gigging option

CONS

  • Complex configuration; requires time to master controls and settings

  • Parallel effects loop may not suit modern processors without modification

  • Orange channel can sound dark and lacks dynamic response

  • High gain settings can lead to muddiness if not carefully managed

  • Prone to excessive loudness over prolonged use

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier 2-channel 100W Solo Head (1992 - 2000).

Features and functionality

  • The 3-channel version lacks a built-in attenuator, affecting volume control for home use.

    Source
  • The 3-channel version has three sets of three knobs, distinguishing it from other versions.

    Source
  • The Mesa Dual Rectifier's effects loop mod from parallel to series is considered essential by some users for optimal performance.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The 90s 2-channel reissue is sought after for its tonal qualities compared to modern models.

    Source
  • The original Dual Rectifier's preamp was a clone of the Soldano SLO 100, paired with Mesa's power section.

    Source
  • The Rectoverb 25 head, paired with a 2x12 vertical cab, is recommended for achieving a tone close to the old Dual Rectifier.

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Use cases and applications

  • Owners suggest running the amp in lower power mode with tube rectification for better sound at lower volumes.

    Source
  • Running the amp on the clean channel with the gain cranked delivers a tone suitable for heavy rock, grunge, and metal, akin to Alice in Chains.

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User experience

  • Users often pair the amp with a Boss SD-1 to enhance the tone, especially for metal.

    Source
  • Running a 2-channel Dual Rectifier through an Orange 1x12 cab is recommended for bedroom setups despite the amp's high power.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Replacing the 6L6 tubes with EL34s and using old stock RCA preamp tubes can enhance the Mesa Dual Rectifier's tone for a high-gain, Marshall-like sound with more bottom end.

    Source
  • Using a Boss GE-7 EQ pedal in the effects loop can significantly enhance tone shaping, emulating the graphic EQ found in larger Mesa amps.

    Source

Build quality

  • Custom-built cabs with Baltic birch to Mesa Recto specs, loaded with a Celestion V30 and Creamback, are noted for their superior tone compared to standard Mesa cabs.

    Source

Critic Reviews

The Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier defined '90s high-gain guitar | Guitar World

guitarworld.com

The Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier is hailed as a definitive icon of 90s rock, boasting a versatile sound that caters to a wide range of genres, from grunge to metal. Its powerful, adaptable tone, characterized by rich mids and tight lows, has made it a staple for countless artists. However, while its complex features and multiple revisions offer great flexibility, some players may find the tonal nuances subjective, with earlier models potentially lacking clarity. Overall, it's a must-have for any serious guitarist looking to channel the era's signature sound.

positive

5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 1 Rating

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axel_tnl

The best of high-gain sound

My head is a Rev G, mass produced before the release of dual three channels. This is THE SOUND of the 90's. The rev G is the 'stabilized' version of the 2 channel dual rectifiers, the most produced, it is darker, has more bass and gain and has less mids or rather different mids compared to previous revisions. The first versions were closer to boosted Marshall or Soldano SLO 100.

100 Watt Amp Head: - 2 channels - 5 12AX7 preamp tubes - 2 rectifying lamps 5U4G - 4 x 6L6 power tubes - effects loop in series until revision F, in parallel thereafter. - 1 master, 1 presence, 1 bass, 1 mid, 1 treble and 1 gain per channel - 'copy' function from one channel to the other: in normal mode the two channels have a different voicing, in 'clone' mode they have the same voicing and their presence settings are added together; the two voicings are 'Modern' and 'Vintage', so you can choose to have a modern and a vintage or two vintage or even two modern. The sounds will never be identical but can be quite close. - 1st clean / crunch channel, rear switch - 2 outputs 4 ohm, 1 output 16 ohm, 1 output 8ohm - rotary selector for the effects loop (bypass, with orange channel only, red, both) - 1 relay for effects loop switching - 1 relay for channel selection - 1 slave out to power another power amp - 1 bias selector, depending on whether 6L6 or EL34 are used - 1 lamp (vacuum tubes) or diode (silicon diodes) rectification selector - 1 'spongy' / 'bold' power attenuator selector, allowing the lamps to work a little more, sound a little more vintage in 'spongy' mode, full power in 'bold' mode - 1 volume of effects loop, serving as general master when it is activated.

the config is not simple. The settings are not common to other amps I've had (Peavey, Krank). The potentiometers interact according to their travel...

Very important to understand how this amp works: the two presence buttons are linked and work together, regardless of the channel chosen (and the mode of voicing)!! the presence of the orange channel manages the treble, the 'incisive' side, while the presence of the red channel manages the 'brilliant' side and acts on lower frequencies. So be careful to try the race of the TWO presences when looking for a sound on one or the other of the channels.

The parallel effects loop is... crappy. Well no, but if you use recent effects processors, they only appreciate serial loops. And there, miracle, this dual rectifier can be modified VERY SIMPLY, and we can thus recover a perfect series loop, and that's what I hastened to do. The sound is now identical when I use the loop or not, whether it is disabled or bypassed (hard bypass). Adjusting the overall volume via the effects loop knob is a real plus, especially since the levels of the two channels are very sensitive and you can quickly burst your eardrums. You have to try everything to find what you prefer and it takes time: - 'Bold' or 'Spongy'? - Modern and Vintage? Modern and Modern? vintage and vintage? - Clear ? clearly boosted? light crunch? 2nd saturation? - vacuum tubes or silicon diodes?

Orange channel: - Clear as saturated it is quite dark. I found the clean usable but overall I don't like this channel, the only use that might interest me would be as an alternative overdrive channel, because you can overdrive it as much as the Red channel. The sound is thick, not very dynamic and the saturation is constant, whether you attack frankly or little. So if you like crunch vox or hughes & kettner, very clear and powerful which only saturate on frank attacks and on extreme frequencies, go your way.

Red Channel: There it thickens, the sound is there, powerful, raspy, thick, bass worthy of a sub with a good big quality 412, highs that pierce the eardrums. Attention to the setting of the presence, if you do not want his fuzzy you have to put little, I am about 3/4. The gain starts to drool at 7, we get closer to a sound like Entombed on uprising when we push further. I prefer a gain of 6/7 and the addition of a Lichtlaerm Audio Aesahaettr upstream (boost with eq) and there, it's huge.

I play hardcore, I'm the only scratch.

The sound is very typical, but that's why we turn to this kind of amp. Well adjusted, we have a saturation rich in harmonics which covers all frequencies well, and which does not get lost with the bass in the mix. For me, the sound has never been so clean in repeats.

I plug on a Ltd ec-1000t ctm

I've had it for a few years, but it puts the slap in the face to everything I've had before in the overdriven channel. I never liked the sound of dual rectifier outputs later and yet I can not part with it. I was impressed by the quality that emerges from the head, at each level, to the ignition switch and the connection of each cable, you have to manipulate all that to realize it.

From Gear Setup

Artist usage

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See how Daron Malakian uses Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier 2-channel 100W Solo Head (1992 - 2000)

Daron Malakian

Singer, Guitarist

System of a Down

...
Verified via YouTube

In this video recorded by Sylvia Massy, the audio engineer for System Of A Down's first album, a Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier 2-channel 100W Solo Head can be seen behind him.

See how Wes Borland uses Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier 2-channel 100W Solo Head (1992 - 2000)

Wes Borland

Singer, Guitarist

Limp Bizkit

...
Verified via YouTube

Wes Borland used the Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier 2-channel 100W Solo Head (1992 - 2000), as confirmed by a video on YouTube by ANALOGr titled "Mesa Boogie Rectifier from Wes Borland," which highlights the Wes Borland ArtistFirst collection available at ANALOGr.com.

See how Tony Rombola uses Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier 2-channel 100W Solo Head (1992 - 2000)

Tony Rombola

Guitarist

Godsmack

...
Verified via YouTube

In Godsmacks music video for "Keep Away," Tony Rombola is seen at around 0:24 using a Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier Solo Head. This identification is based on the visible number of knobs, which indicates it is not a 3-channel model, but rather a Dual Rectifier Solo Head.

See how Todd Jones uses Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier 2-channel 100W Solo Head (1992 - 2000)

Todd Jones

Singer, Guitarist

Nails

...
Verified via YouTube

In a live performance with Betrayed on August 13, 2011, Todd Jones used a Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier Solo Head 2-Channel 100-Watt Head, as seen in a video by hate5six.

See how Martin Stewart uses Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier 2-channel 100W Solo Head (1992 - 2000)

Martin Stewart

Guitarist

Terror

...
Verified via YouTube

You can see Martin use the rectifier rev G

See how Cyril Roger uses Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier 2-channel 100W Solo Head (1992 - 2000)

Cyril Roger

Guitarist, Composer

Shaka Ponk

...
Verified via Photo

Cyril actually used a Mesa/Boogie DUAL Rectifier 2 Channels and not a TRIPLE 2 Channels during Shaka’s early years and first album tour.

See how Nick Jett uses Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier 2-channel 100W Solo Head (1992 - 2000)

Nick Jett

Singer, Drummer

Terror

...
Verified via Photo

In an Instagram post by Nick Jett, the Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier Solo Head 2-Channel 100-Watt Head (1992 - 2000) is prominently featured among his gear collection.

Album Usage

The Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier 2-channel 100W Solo Head (1992 - 2000) has been featured on the following albums:

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier 2-channel 100W Solo Head (1992 - 2000), it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Community setups

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axel_tnl

axel_tnl

Gear IQ 2135

axel_tnl

axel_tnl

Gear IQ 2135

3 alternative and related items for Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier 2-channel 100W Solo Head (1992 - 2000), curated by the Equipboard community.

Universal Audio Knuckles '92 Rev F Dual Rec Amplifier Pedal

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similar sound cheaper alternative mod

A amp emulation pedal, based on the 1992 Mesa Boogie Dual Rectifier.

Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier 100W 3-channel Solo Head (Multi-Watt)

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newer similar sound high-end alternative

A newer 3-channel version of the dual rectifier, less beloved among purists and fans of the original.

Mesa/Boogie '90s Dual Rectifier 100-watt Tube Head

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newer similar sound

A new for 2025, reissue of the classic spec dual rectifier of the 1990's.

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Gear Guides

  • Added to Equipboard on by

    axel_tnl
    axel_tnl

    Gear IQ 2135