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Description

Unleash the sonic powerhouse of the Mesa/Boogie Rectifier Recording Pre-Amp and let your guitar tones reach new heights. Designed for musicians who crave the iconic Rectifier sound without the hassle of a full rig, this preamp delivers the authentic feel and dynamic range of a Recto Stack in a compact, rackmountable format. Whether you're in the studio or on stage, the Rectifier Recording Pre-Amp provides a versatile palette of tones, from crystal clear cleans to thunderous high-gain, making it an essential tool for any guitarist's arsenal.

Engineered with two fully independent channels, this preamp offers a total of six distinct modes. Channel 1 serves up Clean, Fat, or Brit tones, letting you dial in lush, harmonic-rich sounds. Meanwhile, Channel 2 is your playground for crunch and distortion, offering Raw, Vintage High Gain, and Modern High Gain settings. The analog "Recto Direct" circuitry ensures pure, uncolored sound, eschewing digital modeling for an authentic tube-driven experience. Plus, with features like a Live Bright/Warm Record voice switch and a comprehensive effects loop, your creative possibilities are endless.

Key Features:

  • Handbuilt in Petaluma, California
  • Pure Analog "Recto Direct" Recording Circuitry with 6x12AX7 tubes
  • 2 Fully Independent Channels with 6 Modes (Channel 1: Clean, Fat, Brit; Channel 2: Raw, Vintage High Gain, Modern High Gain)
  • Independent Gain, Treble, Mid, Bass, Presence & Master Controls per Channel
  • Live Bright/Warm Record Voice Switch and Parallel FX Loop with Stereo Returns & Mix Control
  • Solo Level Control and "Live" Output Control
  • Independent Stereo Main & Recording Outputs
  • 2-button Footswitch for Channel and Solo selection

Product specs

Brand Mesa Boogie
Model Rectifier Recording Preamp
Finish Black / Silver
Year 2001 - 2015
Made In United States
Categories Guitar Preamps
Electronics Tube
Number of Channels 2 Channels
Number of Inputs 1 Input
Pedal Format Rackmount
Reverb None

FAQs

What kind of tones can I expect from the Mesa/Boogie Rectifier Recording Preamp?

The Mesa/Boogie Rectifier Recording Preamp delivers a wide range of tones from classic clean to aggressive high-gain distortion, making it ideal for rock and metal genres.

Does the Mesa/Boogie Rectifier Recording Preamp work well for live performances?

Yes, the Mesa/Boogie Rectifier Recording Preamp is designed for both studio and live settings, offering versatility and robust sound suitable for stage use.

How does the Mesa/Boogie Rectifier Recording Preamp differ from a full amplifier head?

Unlike a full amplifier head, the Rectifier Recording Preamp focuses on preamp tones and requires a separate power amp or direct recording setup for amplification.

Can the Mesa/Boogie Rectifier Recording Preamp be used with a pedalboard?

Yes, the Mesa/Boogie Rectifier Recording Preamp can be integrated with a pedalboard, allowing for additional effects and tonal customization.

Is the Mesa/Boogie Rectifier Recording Preamp suitable for home studio recording?

Absolutely, the Mesa/Boogie Rectifier Recording Preamp is excellent for home studio use, providing high-quality tube tones for direct recording.

Kev Reed Smith

Kev Reed Smith

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Mesa Boogie Rectifier Recording Preamp + Stereo 2:50 Poweramp

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Kev Reed Smith

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Video thumbnail for Mesa Boogie Rectifier Recording Preamp + Rectifier 2:One Hundred Demo METAL by AlanCessa

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Video thumbnail for MESA/Boogie Rectifier Recording Preamp (USA-2500$) VS R&R SOLO (RF-500$) by Лев Балыков

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Video thumbnail for MESA BOOGIE RECTIFIER RECORDING PREAMP without power amp by mr amp

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Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Mesa/Boogie Rectifier Recording Pre-Amp.

Features and functionality

  • The Rectifier Recording Pre-Amp lacks a cabinet simulator, making Hi-Fi speaker setups sound thin without additional gear like the Two Notes Torpedo C.A.B.

    Source
  • The Rectifier Recording Preamp is notably heavy and deep, making it cumbersome for live setups unless you have a robust rack system.

    Source
  • The vintage mode offers substantial mid-range control, making it popular among users who value tonal versatility.

    Source
  • Analog speaker-emulated outputs are often considered dull and fuzzy, prompting users to favor IRs for better sound quality.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The Rectifier preamp does not replicate the classic thrash or tight metal tones of a Mark IIC+, even with EQ adjustments.

    Source
  • The distortion quality of the Rectifier Preamp falls short compared to the Mesa Multiwatt Triple Rectifier and requires specific power amp pairings to reach its full potential.

    Source
  • The Rectifier preamp's vintage mode is preferred over the Soldano SLO preamp for its mid-range control, despite similarities in the power amp sections.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Owners suggest integrating a Mesa 5-band graphic EQ pedal for more authentic Mark series tones when using the Rectifier preamp.

    Source
  • For optimal sound in modern mode, it's best paired with a power amp that has no negative feedback, like the Mesa 2:100.

    Source
  • The clean mode on the rhythm channel is highly regarded for its fullness and clarity, even though it wasn't the primary reason for purchase.

    Source

Software and compatibility

  • Synergy preamps with the IICP module are noted for closely replicating the IIC+ high gain thrash tones, with built-in DI and cab simulation features.

    Source
  • The Helix HX is commonly used for post-gain effects, delivering enhanced tonal flexibility when paired with the Rectifier preamp.

    Source

User experience

  • Direct outs have been criticized for poor quality, leading to user dissatisfaction in both live and recording contexts.

    Source
  • Owners appreciate the Rectifier preamp's lack of compression through IRs and power amps, contributing to its full, fat sound.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Users have reported phase problems with parallel effects loops, recommending a modification to convert it to a serial loop for better compatibility with effects like Eventide.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Using a tube screamer pedal in front of the preamp is suggested to achieve optimal performance and tonal quality.

    Source

4.5 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 3 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
B

The dirty channel is superb, the clean channel is limited

Mesa Boogie is famous for their overdrive tone stacks and this preamp is no exception. What I don't like about it is the clean channel as it does not chime the same way a Fender amp does, so in that sense it is more British than American.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Richard Zven Kruspe uses Mesa/Boogie Rectifier Recording Pre-Amp

Richard Zven Kruspe

Guitarist

Rammstein

...
Verified via reverb.com

Exclusive gear from the private collection of Richard Z. Kruspe. Has been played live or in the studio with Rammstein and Emigrate. Every item comes with a certificate of authenticity, signed by Richard himself. Mesa Boogie Dual Rectifier Recording Preamp, used by Richard Z. Kruspe of Rammstein & Emigrate in the studio & on tour. A signed document of authenticity is included.

See how Marcus Siepen uses Mesa/Boogie Rectifier Recording Pre-Amp

Marcus Siepen

Guitarist

Blind Guardian

...
Verified via Marcus Siepen

According to Marcus's official site, he used Mesa Boogie Rectifier Recording Pre-Amp.

See how David Bergeaud uses Mesa/Boogie Rectifier Recording Pre-Amp

David Bergeaud

Guitarist, Keyboardist

...
Verified

David Bergeaud confirmed his use of the Mesa/Boogie Rectifier Recording Pre-Amp by listing it among his synthesizers on eBay, indicating its role in his various game projects. For further information, refer to the Facebook group post on Ratchet & Clank fans.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/ratchetclankfans/posts/8289617861060344/

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 Rectifier Recording Pre-Amp, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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