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Description

Unleash your inner rockstar with the Mesa Boogie Rectifier Badlander EL34/50 2-Channel 50-Watt Guitar Amp Head, a powerhouse that combines iconic Rectifier tone with modern versatility. This amp head is crafted for those who crave both precision and power, offering a streamlined yet robust feature set that adapts seamlessly to any playing environment.

With two channels and three selectable modes—Clean, Crunch, and Crush—you can explore a vast array of tones. Whether you're going for a crystal-clear sound or a high-gain punch, the Badlander has you covered. Its built-in CabClone IR technology provides top-tier cabinet simulations, allowing you to effortlessly craft studio-quality sounds, whether you're on stage or in your home studio. The reactive load box and impulse response capabilities mean you can dive deep into tone crafting without the hassle of mics.

Designed for flexibility, the Badlander includes a 2-way power reduction switch, letting you toggle between a powerful 50 watts and a more manageable 20 watts for those intimate jam sessions. Plus, with options like a Bias switch for tube swapping and a Bold/Variac switch for tone refinement, this amp head is as adaptable as it is powerful.

Key Features:

  • 50-watt tube amp head with versatile Rectifier sound
  • 2 channels with 3 selectable modes for diverse tonal options
  • Independent Gain, Treble, Mid, Bass, Presence, and Master controls per channel
  • Built-in CabClone IR for professional cabinet simulations
  • 2-way power reduction switch for adaptable output
  • Bias switch for swapping between EL34 and 6L6 power tubes
  • Bold/Variac switch for precise tone shaping
  • Fully buffered, tube-driven effects loop
  • 1-button footswitch for easy channel switching

Product specs

Brand Mesa Boogie
Model Rectifier Badlander EL34/50 2-Channel 50-Watt Guitar Amp Head
Year 2020 - 2025
Made In United States
Categories Guitar Heads
Built-In Effects No 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 EL34
Reverb None

FAQs

What kind of tones can I expect from the Mesa Boogie Rectifier Badlander EL34/50 amp head?

The Mesa Boogie Rectifier Badlander EL34/50 offers a range of tones from classic British-style crunch to modern high-gain sounds. Its EL34 power tubes provide a punchy, aggressive midrange, making it suitable for rock and metal genres.

Is the Mesa Boogie Rectifier Badlander EL34/50 suitable for live performances?

Yes, with 50 watts of power, this amp head is suitable for live performances, providing enough volume to cut through a band mix. Its two channels allow for versatile tone switching during gigs.

Does the Mesa Boogie Rectifier Badlander EL34/50 have built-in effects?

No, the Mesa Boogie Rectifier Badlander EL34/50 does not have built-in effects. It focuses on delivering pure tube-driven tones, allowing you to use external effects pedals for additional sound shaping.

How many channels does the Mesa Boogie Rectifier Badlander EL34/50 have?

The Mesa Boogie Rectifier Badlander EL34/50 features two channels, enabling you to switch between different tones and gain settings for increased versatility during performances or recording sessions.

What is the impedance of the Mesa Boogie Rectifier Badlander EL34/50 amp head?

The Mesa Boogie Rectifier Badlander EL34/50 amp head supports 4 ohms and 8 ohms impedance, allowing compatibility with a variety of speaker cabinets.

Does the Mesa Boogie Rectifier Badlander EL34/50 have a reverb feature?

No, the Mesa Boogie Rectifier Badlander EL34/50 does not include a reverb feature. It is designed to deliver straightforward, high-quality tube tones without additional built-in effects.

Ola Englund

Ola Englund

NEW MESA BOOGIE RECTIFIER - BADLANDER

Video thumbnail for NEW MESA BOOGIE RECTIFIER - BADLANDER by Ola Englund

NEW MESA BOOGIE RECTIFIER - BADLANDER

Ola Englund

Ola Englund

Video thumbnail for RECTIFIER® BADLANDER™ 50 – Demo by MESA/Boogie

RECTIFIER® BADLANDER™ 50 – Demo

MESA/Boogie

MESA/Boogie

Video thumbnail for MESA/Boogie RECTIFIER® BADLANDER™ - Overview & Tone Examples by MESA/Boogie

MESA/Boogie RECTIFIER® BADLANDER™ - Overview & Tone Examples

MESA/Boogie

MESA/Boogie

Reviews

PROS

  • Smooth, thicker low-mids without being muddy or boxy

  • No need for extra EQ to sound great

  • Highly responsive EQ makes tone dialing easy

  • CabClone feature praised for direct recording and home use

  • 50W/20W power selection offers versatility

  • Takes pedals very well, especially on clean channel

  • Different sound profile from typical Rectifiers, tight low end

  • Great metal tones, competitive with 100W heads

  • Sensitive controls with noticeable tonal changes

  • Excellent for classic rock and metal tones

CONS

  • Lacks bass depth compared to other models, can be gritty under high gain

  • No 16 ohm speaker output, limiting cab compatibility

  • Effects loop isn't footswitchable

  • Built-in CabClone IRs not well-regarded by some users

  • Lacks a third channel for more tonal diversity

  • Comes with a flimsy 18-gauge power cable

  • No SPAX7 in V1, which is expected at this price point

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Mesa Boogie Rectifier Badlander EL34/50 2-Channel 50-Watt Guitar Amp Head.

Features and functionality

  • The built-in CabCloneIR allows for silent playing, eliminating the need for additional equipment like a $600 Torpedo Captor X.

    Source
  • The Badlander 50 watt head can switch between 25 and 50 watt modes, providing flexibility for different volume needs.

    Source
  • The 50 watt head includes a feature allowing duplicate channels to be dialed in differently, offering versatility for various voicings.

    Source
  • The Badlander integrates a reactive load and IR-based cab sim from Two Notes, enhancing its live performance capabilities with modern simulation technology.

    Source
  • The Badlander’s circuit is entirely original, not derived from previous Mesa models, focusing on a UK tone by reconfiguring the circuit with multiple relays.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Owners find the Badlander easier to dial in for versatile tones compared to other Mesa rectifiers, especially in live settings.

    Source
  • Users note the Badlander 100 has less bass and gain compared to a Dual Rectifier, with a midrange similar to many Marshall amps.

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  • The Badlander is described as a modded JCM800 with more gain but less "attitude" than a true JCM800, lacking the gain of a traditional Rectifier.

    Source
  • The Badlander is reported to have a Marshall tone stack with specific values: 33k slope and 500p/22n/22n caps, aligning it closely with Marshall’s design.

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Use cases and applications

  • The amp's crunch channel paired with a TS9 boost provides a favored tone, with settings at presence 1 o'clock, bass/mid/treble at 1/11/2 o'clock, and gain at 3 o'clock.

    Source
  • The Badlander 50 watt head with EL34 tubes excels in producing tight sculpted heavy metal tones, particularly for 7-string rhythm guitar.

    Source
  • The Badlander is considered versatile for those seeking a British tone, with its crunch mode offering flexibility and a clean mode approaching Plexi and JCM800 territory.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Users are experimenting with different overdrives, such as the Klon KTR, to enhance the clean channel's overdrive, starting with base EQ at 666 and presence around noon.

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  • A recommended mod is the Mr. Scary Mod from Legendary Tones which enhances the Badlander 100's tone.

    Source
  • Users suggest that despite initial marketing, the Badlander benefits from the Mr. Scary Mod to enhance its performance, indicating the stock setup might be lacking for some.

    Source

User experience

  • Some owners report headroom issues on the clean channel with hot pickups, recommending setting the volume high and gain low to mitigate this.

    Source

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Artist usage

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See how Mark Morton uses Mesa Boogie Rectifier Badlander EL34/50 2-Channel 50-Watt Guitar Amp Head

Mark Morton

Guitarist

Lamb of God

...
Verified via YouTube

At 11:18 in the video "Rig Rundown: Lamb of God's Mark Morton" by Premier Guitar, Mark Morton is shown displaying a Mesa Boogie Rectifier Badlander EL34/50 2-Channel 50-Watt Guitar Amp Head, placed at the bottom of his amp rack.

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