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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
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What kind of tones can I expect from the Mesa/Boogie Rectifier Recording Preamp?
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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.
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Does the Mesa/Boogie Rectifier Recording Preamp work well for live performances?
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Yes, the Mesa/Boogie Rectifier Recording Preamp is designed for both studio and live settings, offering versatility and robust sound suitable for stage use.
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How does the Mesa/Boogie Rectifier Recording Preamp differ from a full amplifier head?
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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.
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Can the Mesa/Boogie Rectifier Recording Preamp be used with a pedalboard?
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Yes, the Mesa/Boogie Rectifier Recording Preamp can be integrated with a pedalboard, allowing for additional effects and tonal customization.
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Is the Mesa/Boogie Rectifier Recording Preamp suitable for home studio recording?
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Absolutely, the Mesa/Boogie Rectifier Recording Preamp is excellent for home studio use, providing high-quality tube tones for direct recording.
Videos
Kev Reed Smith
Mesa Boogie Rectifier Recording Preamp + Stereo 2:50 Poweramp
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
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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.
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The Rectifier Recording Preamp is notably heavy and deep, making it cumbersome for live setups unless you have a robust rack system.
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The vintage mode offers substantial mid-range control, making it popular among users who value tonal versatility.
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Analog speaker-emulated outputs are often considered dull and fuzzy, prompting users to favor IRs for better sound quality.
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Comparisons
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The Rectifier preamp does not replicate the classic thrash or tight metal tones of a Mark IIC+, even with EQ adjustments.
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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.
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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.
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Use cases and applications
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Owners suggest integrating a Mesa 5-band graphic EQ pedal for more authentic Mark series tones when using the Rectifier preamp.
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For optimal sound in modern mode, it's best paired with a power amp that has no negative feedback, like the Mesa 2:100.
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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.
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Software and compatibility
User experience
Setup and maintenance
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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.
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4.5 out of 5
Based on 1 Review and 3 Ratings
52
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 artistExclusive 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.
According to Marcus's official site, he used Mesa Boogie Rectifier Recording Pre-Amp.
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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