Mesa/Boogie Mark Five User Manual

LED INDICATION:
These three LED lights keep you informed of the status of the MUTE, EQ SECTION and EFX LOOP and are
illuminated when any of these features are active. This comes in especially handy in larger venues when you may be farther away from
your amplifier and need to be informed with a quick glance over the shoulder as to the status of these features.
NOTE: The MUTE and EFX LOOP only are active when the EFX LOOP is in LOOP ACTIVE (toggle up) Mode.
STANDBY:
Perfect for set breaks... this toggle switch also serves an even more important purpose. In the Standby position the
tubes are at idle so that during power up they may warm up before being put to use. Before Power is switched on make sure the
STANDBY switch is in the Standby position. Wait at least 30 seconds and then flip the STANDBY switch to the ON
position. This prevents tube problems and increases their toneful life substantially.
FULL POWER / VARIAC POWER:
This global switch performs two functions; it determines the flow of AC Power from the wall re-
ceptacle and can also be used to switch the entire amplifier down to a reduced voltage power mode for a looser, more elastic feel.
FULL POWER supplies the amplifier with the full 120 volts of voltage (depending on line conditions at any given
time) and produces the maximum volume, headroom and punchy bold tone throughout the Channels.
VARIAC POWER limits the incoming AC Voltage to roughly 95 volts (again depending on line conditions) for a “browner”
power vibe. This position scoops the midrange and provides a looser more elastic feel on the strings with some
shifting (up) of the higher harmonics as well. This can be cool for sounds that rely on output (power amp) clip for their character…
pushed clean, Roots, Blues or Classic Rock Rhythm sounds can all benefit from this softer power feel. When used in conjunction
with the 10 WATT power setting, the MARK V can deliver the ultimate in saggy, low power performance.
For all-around gigging applications we recommend the FULL POWER setting as this delivers the greatest headroom for clean sounds
as well as the most focused and tight-tracking overdrive sounds.
NOTE: Some locations have very low voltage present at the AC wall receptacle (old clubs, outdoors, homes in areas of heavy manu-
facturing business) and if you either suspect – or test and find this to be true – we recommend using the FULL POWER setting. If the
voltage gets too low, you may experience intermittent switching problems when in the VARIAC POWER Mode - use FULL POWER
in areas of less-than-optimum AC power to help avoid this annoyance.
Now the Front Panel is under your control and you are free to run loose in Tone-land. We hope you enjoy exploring the MARK V
as much as we do… it should provide you with years of inspiring discovery. Now let’s go around back and check out the features
located on the Rear Panel
frOnt panel: fe a t u r e S (Continued)
PAGE 39

Mesa/Boogie Mark Five Specifications

General

Brand	Mesa/Boogie
Model	Mark Five
Category	Amplifier
Language	English

Summary

Introduction and Safety

Welcome Message

A welcome message from the manufacturer, setting the tone for the manual.

Amplifier Safety Instructions

Essential guidelines for safe operation and handling of the amplifier.

Panel Overviews and Getting Started

Front Panel Overview

An introduction to the amplifier's front panel controls and features.

Front Panel Layout

A visual representation of the amplifier's front panel layout.

Rear Panel Layout

A visual representation of the amplifier's rear panel layout.

Rear Panel Overview

An introduction to the amplifier's rear panel connections and features.

Amplifier Setup Guide

Step-by-step instructions for initial setup and powering on the amplifier.

Sample Tone Settings

Examples of control settings for different sounds and playing styles.

Channels and Modes Explained

Channels Overview

Introduction to the amplifier's three channels and their versatility.

Channel 1 Details

Detailed explanation of Channel 1, its modes, and voice switch.

Channel 2 Details

Overview of Channel 2's versatility and modes.

Channel 3 Details

Detailed explanation of Channel 3, its modes, and voice switch.

Front Panel Modes Explained

An overview of the amplifier's modes and how to use them.

Channel 1 Mode Descriptions

Explanation of Channel 1's modes: CLEAN, FAT, and TWEED.

Front Panel Controls and Features

Front Panel Equalizer

Explanation of the 5-band graphic equalizer and its control options.

Equalizer Functionality

Detailed overview of the equalizer's functionality and controls.

Front Panel Controls Explained

Explanation of core front panel controls like Gain, Master, Presence.

Gain Control Details

Detailed explanation of the GAIN control and its effect on tone.

Master Control Details

Explanation of the MASTER control's function and usage.

Front Panel Features

Explanation of LED indications, Standby, and Power controls.

Output and Solo Volume Controls

Description of the OUTPUT and SOLO controls for managing volume levels.

Rear Panel Features and Technical Guides

Rear Panel Features Overview

Overview of the REAR PANEL features and connections.

Rear Panel Fuse and Effects Loop

Information on the main fuse and the effects loop for external processors.

Rear Panel Rectifiers and Tube Settings

Details on rectifiers and Channel 3's Triode/Pentode switch.

Rear Panel Connectivity and Bias

Explanation of speaker outputs, tuner/slave jacks, and bias select switch.

Speaker Impedance Matching Guide

Guide to matching speaker impedance for optimal sound.

Speaker Impedance and Wiring

Explanation of impedance and different speaker wiring methods.

Vacuum Tube Technology Explained

An explanation of vacuum tube basics and operation.

Vacuum Tube Operation Basics

Detailed explanation of vacuum tube operation and electron flow.

Mark V Tube Replacement Guide

Diagram and guide for replacing tubes in the Mark V amplifier.

Tube Replacement Safety Precautions

Crucial safety instruction before performing tube replacement.