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Description

Unleash your guitar's potential with the Mesa Engineering TransAtlantic TA-30 Head. This amp head is an embodiment of versatility and power, all neatly packed in a compact, road-ready design. Whether you're on stage or in the studio, the TA-30 provides a treasure trove of tones and textures, making it a favorite among musicians who demand flexibility and quality.

The TA-30 features two footswitchable channels, each capable of delivering a unique sonic experience. Channel 1 offers pristine clean tones with two modes, perfect for shimmering arpeggios or crisp rhythm work. Channel 2 ramps up the intensity with three modes tailored for higher gain, providing everything from gritty blues to searing rock leads.

What sets the TA-30 apart is its patented Duo-Class and Dyna-Watt technologies, allowing you to switch between different wattage and operating class settings on each channel. This means you have unparalleled control over your amp's headroom and power tube saturation, letting you tailor your sound precisely to your needs. Add in independent reverb and FX sends, and you have an amp head that is as flexible as it is powerful.

Whether you're chasing vintage British tones or modern American gain, the Mesa Engineering TransAtlantic TA-30 Head is your passport to a world of musical possibilities.

Key Features:

  • Two footswitchable channels with five distinct modes
  • Patented Duo-Class and Dyna-Watt technologies for versatile power management
  • Independent reverb and FX send controls
  • Compact and durable design for easy transport
  • Broad 2-band EQ for detailed tone shaping

Product specs

Brand Mesa Boogie
Model TransAtlantic TA-30 2-Channel 40-Watt Guitar Amp Head
Finish Various
Year 2011 - 2015
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) 40
Power Tube Type EL84
Reverb Spring Reverb

FAQs

What power options does the Mesa Engineering TransAtlantic TA-30 Head offer?

The TA-30 Head provides three power options: 15 watts with 2 power tubes in Class A, 30 watts with 4 power tubes in Class A, and 40 watts using Mesa's Dyna-Watt™ technology for Class A/B power.

How does the Mesa TransAtlantic TA-30 handle different musical styles?

The TA-30 features two channels with five style modes, including Brit Clean, Brit Overdrive, American Clean, Brit Gain, and Boogie Gain, making it versatile for various genres from clean to high-gain tones.

Can the Mesa TransAtlantic TA-30 Head be used with effects pedals?

Yes, it includes a footswitchable, fully buffered FX loop that can be assigned to either channel, allowing seamless integration of effects pedals into your setup.

What type of reverb is included in the Mesa TransAtlantic TA-30 Head?

The TA-30 features an all-tube, long spring reverb with independent controls for each channel, providing rich and authentic reverb tones.

Is the Mesa TransAtlantic TA-30 suitable for live performances?

Yes, with its 40-watt output using Dyna-Watt™ technology, the TA-30 is powerful enough for live gigging, offering plenty of headroom and punch for stage performances.

Reviews

PROS

  • Extremely versatile with a wide range of tones from Vox to Marshall

  • Excellent power switching options for varied playing levels

  • Great portability for gigging musicians

  • Delivers powerful tones with a 2x12 cab setup

  • Comparable sound quality to renowned amps like the AC 30

  • Compliments on tone are common at live performances

  • EL84 tubes ensure a distinct, vibrant sound

CONS

  • Blue LED lights can be blinding during adjustments

  • White lettering on silver is hard to read from certain angles

  • Some units experience a notable hum with reverb/FX loop engaged

  • Modifications or tube swaps may be needed to resolve noise issues

  • Known issues not always disclosed in promotional materials

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Mesa Engineering TransAtlantic TA-30 Head.

User experience

  • Some early TA-30 units experienced a high noise floor in the reverb and FX loop, contributing to a "hissy" reputation that affected initial user perceptions.

    Source
  • Despite some reliability issues, users affirm the TA-30's durability and consistent performance over years of gigging and recording, even with multiple retubings.

    Source
  • Some owners find the amp's operational noise significant on the green Vox-voiced channel, impacting its usability for certain setups.

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  • Despite the amp's high operating temperature, the built-in fan is quiet and effective, contributing to a positive overall experience for many users.

    Source
  • Owners have noted that the amp may take longer to warm up compared to models like the AC30 or Rockerverb, but delivers exceptional sound quality once ready.

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  • The amp's high-end output can be moderated with foam on the speaker, particularly beneficial for live settings where sound balance is crucial.

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  • Owners report the amp runs hot, potentially causing permanent discoloration on the chrome trim if fingerprints aren't promptly cleaned.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The blue LEDs, while visually striking, have been disconnected by some users who find the glow unnecessary during performances.

    Source
  • The TA-30's red channel offers a "Bassman" mode, praised for its exceptional tonal quality and versatility, particularly in recording settings.

    Source
  • The TA-30's dual-channel footswitch supports channel select, FX loop in/out, and amp reverb bypass, offering flexibility for varied reverb settings across channels.

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  • The TA-30 offers wattage settings of 15/30/40, with the last 10 watts using DynaWatt technology for increased headroom and tighter bass without typical solid-state characteristics.

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  • The amp's top-mounted controls, inspired by Vox and Marshall designs, are less typical for Mesa, possibly limiting ease of access during live performances.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The amp is favored for indie/alternative music, with the red channel in tweed mode delivering impressive dirt tones when paired with pedals like the Timmy.

    Source
  • Users highlight the amp's strength in country rock genres, with each channel/mode offering distinct benefits for live performances and recordings.

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  • The tweed channel is highlighted as particularly impressive, offering a distinct sound that stands out even among dedicated Vox amplifiers.

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  • Users find the TA-30 excels in achieving Vox-style cleans and Marshall-style dirty tones, ideal for early U2 album tones but possibly limiting for diverse genres.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The 1x12 combo version reportedly sounds better compared to the 2x12 combo, offering a more desirable tonal quality according to some owners.

    Source
  • The TA-30's EL-84 and C-90 speaker combination provides a brighter top end and less bass compared to other Mesa models, impacting tonal depth for some users.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Replacing the first 12AT7 tube with a Tung-Sol NOS 5751 can reduce gain by 30% on channel one, warming the high end and smoothing distortion.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 1 Rating

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Andy Timmons uses Mesa Engineering TransAtlantic TA-30 Head

Andy Timmons

Guitarist

Danger Danger

...
Verified via Andy Timmons Clinic Dates: August & September in California and Illinois | MESA/Boogie®

Mesa posted a video on their page with him playing through the TA-30 head. Also, this one has been listed as one of his most favourite amps.

See how Lee Ritenour uses Mesa Engineering TransAtlantic TA-30 Head

Lee Ritenour

Guitarist

GRP All-Star Big Band

...
Verified via Lee Ritenour | MESA/Boogie®

According to his artist page on the official MESA/Boogie® website, guitarist Lee Ritenour uses the Mesa Engineering TransAtlantic TA-30 Head.

See how Casey Crescenzo uses Mesa Engineering TransAtlantic TA-30 Head

Casey Crescenzo

Guitarist

The Dear Hunter

...
Verified via MESA/Boogie®

Casey is listed as using this head on Mesa's website.

See how Tim Reynolds uses Mesa Engineering TransAtlantic TA-30 Head

Tim Reynolds

Guitarist

Dave Matthews Band

...
Verified via Tim Reynolds | MESA/Boogie®

According to his artist page on the official MESA/Boogie® website, Tim Reynolds uses the Mesa Engineering TransAtlantic TA-30 Head.

See how Chris Haskett uses Mesa Engineering TransAtlantic TA-30 Head

Chris Haskett

Guitarist

Tool

...
Verified via Chrishaskett

For "real" gigs I use a Mesa Boogie TA-30 stacked on an extra 1 x 12" cab.

See how Adrian X uses Mesa Engineering TransAtlantic TA-30 Head

Adrian X

Guitarist

Blaxam

...
Verified via Adrian Eccleston | MESA/Boogie®

According to his artist page on the official MESA/Boogie® website, guitarist Adrian X uses the Mesa Engineering TransAtlantic TA-30 Head.

See how Paul Provosty uses Mesa Engineering TransAtlantic TA-30 Head

Paul Provosty

Guitarist

...
Verified via MESA/Boogie®

According to his artist page on the official MESA/Boogie® website, guitarist Paul Provosty uses the Mesa Engineering TransAtlantic TA-30 Head.

See how Errol Cooney uses Mesa Engineering TransAtlantic TA-30 Head

Errol Cooney

Guitarist, Music Producer

...
Verified via facebookapp

A Facebook post by Mesa Boogie confirms that guitarist Errol Cooney uses the Mesa Engineering TransAtlantic TA-30 Head.

See how Juan Pablo Daza uses Mesa Engineering TransAtlantic TA-30 Head

Juan Pablo Daza

Guitarist

...
Verified via MESA/Boogie®

According to his artist page on the official MESA/Boogie® website, guitarist Juan Pablo Daza uses the Mesa Engineering TransAtlantic TA-30 Head

R

Rico McFarland

Guitarist

...
Verified via MESA/Boogie®

According to his artist page on the official MESA/Boogie® website, guitarist Rico McFarland uses the Mesa Engineering TransAtlantic TA-30 Head.

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 Engineering TransAtlantic TA-30 Head, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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