Mesa Boogie Single Rectifier Series 2 - Does It Compare To It's Boogie Brothers?

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[@BetterMixes]

Thank you for hanging out on the vintage channel for so long! That's where my single rectifier lives pretty much all the time, but everyone always seems to jump straight to the modern channel in reviews/demos.

[@tobylagan497]

Was my first boogie! I still have it🤟

[@Ontariosound]

I own many amps, maybe 50 at last count. Marshall 2204 Canadian version with original tubes, Orange OR15 Holy Terror (Mercury Magnetics guts and Mullard tubes) and Single Rec Series 2. The only amps I own that can get a KILLER sound within 60 seconds without pedals.

[@Supergrunged]

The biggest mistake many find using the Rectifier, is not thumbing through Mesa's very well written, and free manuals, on how interactive the controls are. The single will do all the tricks, because many prefered using the Silicon diode mode on the Duals, which is the only rectification mode on the single. There is a lot more tonality in these amps, then many think. I will agree, it is underpowered in a live application. And due to the tone stack, it can get lost in the mix easily against an original Peavey 5150. Interesting review. Try maxing out both the presence and mids sometime, and you'll find the popular music use of the Rectifier, along the lines of 99 Quite Bitter Beings

[@EasyHeat]

^^^THIS^^^

[@BillyEatWorld]

And the controls aren't intuitive either. For me I set the presence at about 9 o'clock and turn the mids right up. Depending on how loud it is and the cab sometimes rolling the bass off helps too. Most people I think just set everything to noon and end up completely disappointed. When I was a teenager, I remember playing a recto in a shop and thinking "this is the most brittle amp I've every played... why would anyone buy this?". The presence has to be turned right down.

[@J_Braz_]

It's been my dream since highschool to have a Mesa Boogie recto. I played a triple on a 4x12 Mesa cab in 11th grade back in 2001. The sound was awesome! Only played for 5 minutes and haven't played one since. As luck would have it I found a "excellent" condition single rectifier on reverb. Should be in my home in 2 days. I hope its "special." Not liking the sound of a parallel effects loop. The series conversion look easy though.

[@EasyHeat]

A freshly reserviced Single Rect is literally one of the best amps I have ever heard in my life from memory. It only "farts" with a inferior cab and too much volume & gain. Hands down one of the best recording amps ever!

[@belligerentamateur]

Not in my experience, pretty sure a mess cab is not inferior. Lol.

[@EasyHeat]

@@belligerentamateur Gotcha. Hmmm...Maybe the later two then? It's definitely not a full blown "metal" amp without an OD or Boost. Then again, I'm not a full blown metal guy. Really dig the channel tho amigo. Cheers!

[@rocks4ever1]

Definitely. I play live with mesa cab.....this thing is actually to loud...I've never had to turn it all the way up...this guy is paid to talk crap on mesa

[@rocks4ever1]

@@belligerentamateur , this amp is awesome. Add an eq, boss metal core.. and bammm..this guy must be getting paid to talk crap

[@rocks4ever1]

@@EasyHeat this amp is only great for hard core metal.....I have one...that's why they made it...I use clean channel with a Boss metal core. And a boss eq...will definitely get you evicted

[@ericsmith6633]

I have one of these getting repaired right now from Wagner amp repair. He’s brought it back to life!!

[@ericsmith6633]

Ya Mike changed and put better tubes in it, and modded it a bit. So stoked to hear what he did

[@cobracommander3529]

Kyle, your video helped me decide on buying a Single Rectifier. At this point I really love it! Great video. Subscribed

[@arnulfoparra9498]

I got that same one SOLO50, Series II . I've been playing it for 10 years at Clubs , and You're 100 % right that's exactly my perception for that head. I've tried EL34 , 6L6 , KT88 but it's minimal the difference I prefer the stock 6L6 Awesome info man 👌

[@J_Braz_]

Just ordered a 'series 2', single rectifier. Don't know what year. It's listed in "excellent" condition on reverb. I plan on sitting it on a Harley Benton, 2x12 cab with vintage 30s.

[@silverjaw138]

A few years ago, my bandmate played a single rectifier, I played a triple. He ran an OD, lightish gain, but high volume. He didn’t have anywhere near the low end the triple did, but it had the sweetest mids and creamy highs. It was a fantastic tone. He used a 4x12 with celestion t75s. Now, where those mids came from, I’ll never know. And my triple through his cab sounded like ass.

[@cutoffguitar]

I'd say it's the T75s, they're very mid-forward but do not have the shrieking highs.

[@user-ct3ml6iu4n]

I love the springy bite of the strings when in the modern setting, works well for a Trivium type guitar tone. Vintage is great for dialing a cleaner lead solo tone with delay

[@pariskatsafados1581]

I still have my single rectifier, it did sound extremely boomy and unclear in a mix, until I read somewhere to use a 12at7 for the phase inverter (v5). It really made it so much better (for this specific amp)

[@ericreyes3801]

I had one of these for years, I miss it!

[@matheusburger6322]

I own a series 2 of the same amp. You made it sound really good brother!

[@metalgear74]

Also, the single has no send-level on back, so it is essentially like having it set to 100% (not talking about the mix). When my authorized Mesa tech did the original series-loop mod we decided to install a send-level in place of the now un-needed mix control. This gives me the typical three points of volume control (channel-master/send-level/global-output). The manner that use these three volumes has a big affect on how it "holds-up" at louder levels. My tech explained the reasons but I forget the details.

[@voodoocustompickups2547]

I prefer the Mark series but you can't go wrong with a properly boosted Rectifier. Currently looking to trade my ENGL Fireball for a Single or Dual Rec

[@voodoocustompickups2547]

@@TheCyberMantis Have you tried it in a mix? Horrible

[@fkfakemusic3172]

@@TheCyberMantis lol fireball sounds like SS

[@dustyroadz7104]

Sounded pretty good, im not a huge Rec fan, but if you boost em they can be fun. I do prefer a bit more mids tho

[@axemanfishing2703]

Amazing how different folks have different experiences with different amps. My single rec doesnt fart whatsoever when pushing it hard and loud at gigs, or jams, but there is a point where it WILL start to fart, ALL amps do. People have to keep in mind that its a 50 watt amp, and there is a point where you run out of head room and the amp will start to fart and lose its tightness. This also happens with Marshalls. My TSL 60 does the same if I pass the threshold. ALL amps will do it at a certain point when you run the gain too high. YES, the gain knob makes a difference as well. My 100 Watt JMP 79 and JVM had SHIT tons of headroom, and at 6, no farting. If your in a jam room and your amp farts, you are TOO F IN loud, PERIOD!

[@lofstrand127]

Sounds great ! Thanks for the video. Got any minis over there for sale ?

[@qbertrtrtg]

I have one and this is a pretty accurate demo of what you'll experience if you try this amp in person

[@jayteesgear]

Sounds Amazing! I used to have one and had the OPPOSITE! It was CRAZY loud

[@belligerentamateur]

Oh it gets loud, it just doesn't stay together once it gets there.

[@jayteesgear]

@@belligerentamateur i liked the Duals more than single or Triple

[@kow294]

I like my single recto, its an underrated amp.. I need to try that treble at 0 trick though..

[@gentlewolf1279]

Hey Bud... Love the videos... I know this amp isn't your favourite, but try something like the Fortin 33 or a precision drive. These amps love them.

[@BazonBlades]

Kyle, I tried the Single Recto years ago when I went through my Recto experimental stage and totally agree with you. It was my least liked Recto. Which says quite a bit since I don't like Rectos in general. I'll tell you right now....It's no damn MT15 fo sho.

[@PhuketMyMac]

Hey Kyle, If you had to pick one up between the Single Recto and the PRS MT15, which one would you choose?

[@ziggyz2958]

Excellent and exhaustive review and demo! I have the same amp now for about 2 years paired with a 2x12 horizontal recto cab, and I'm very happy with it. Mine pretty much stays on the vintage mode, but I have to admit I haven't really explored the modern much. In your opinion, which of these modes works best for Crossover thrash ( Dayglo Abortions) or nu metal (SOAD)?

[@TargetHHH101]

I have a series 2 rectoverb, I leave it on modern, gain is about 2 o clock at most, bass at 9 o clock mids just below noon treble 11 o clock presence is about 9 o clock, my band is more grunge based. but we play in standard tuning and im not a fan of using boost pedals, the thing rips, I use a 2x12 mesa cab and its more than enough, output, according to the manual should be at noon but ive got it at 9 o clock for band practice since we only mic vocals, but live its not much more than that depending on the stage, and even then everything is micd and a quieter stage generally leads to a cleaner mix, now if only somebody can tell that to our bassist cause he has to be the loudest in the room for whatever reason lol.

[@portuguesebeer5069]

Hi Kyle! Will you stil review the Marshall DSL20HR? Cheers from Portugal 🍺🤘🇵🇹

[@NinecoreNeil]

Sounds better than the one I had ,I quite like it

[@edgardoarroyo7418]

Im about to buy a used in perfect condition Dual Rectifier. What should I pay attention when testing it? What setting should I do to test it for Metal sound?

[@billyarbrough291]

I’ve had my single rec for about 5 years. Picked it up at GC for $600. Had to have it. Currently running mine on the modern channel for metal tones with an TS9 in the preamp and a 10 band MXR EQ in the effects loop. I’m also using a variac. Both pedals definitely have helped the overall tone for this amp for me.

[@EDF-BAND-CHANNEL]

Cool guy! Cool video! Many thx from Germany!

[@johnnybgoodies2147]

Kyle, your not the biggest Mesa Fan apparently, Im curious to know what your ideal amp is for 80s metal and punk, thru the grunge era, and up till now? What are you using, and what amp do you want more than the one your using? Im personally into the 80s metal and punk (not hairmetal), 90s grunge, and 90s alternative/Indie rock stuff...Fwiw, Im not into the death metal thing.. Anyway, I just wanted to know what amps, in the 2 grand range, you like.

[@fredg91]

The sporty spice comment did it for me

[@daverochette767]

nice video again!...i see this amps cheaper than the mini rec,what is your thougth between these two?

[@belligerentamateur]

Thank you!! To me the Mini Rec is a slightly different beast, It's tighter and brighter in the mids, not nearly the same low end punch, but I love it more than most rectifiers for those reasons, personally.

[@jasonsapp792]

I know it is meant from a boost during Solo's but running the Single Rectifier with Solo engaged in the Modern setting is like running a TS in front......I have a version 1 head and version 2 Recto-verb combo...how I use both in Modern mode ...to me, killer

[@tobylagan497]

Oh wow I must give this a try

[@DR440]

I had one for a while and it sounded killer at moderate volume. At higher volumes, it just fell apart. I much preferred the Mesa F50 head with a mini tube screamer at the time. The Splawn Super Comp and VHT Pittbull CL would bury the Rectifier in a live mix. Just my experience from ownership.

[@belligerentamateur]

I agree with ya, man!

[@metalgear74]

Single#2 is better for tightness and cut with the mesa str-445 for power, and tung-sol in the v1 position. It also does better using a smaller 412 or even a 212. Those big rectifier 412 cabs need more power to fill-out IMO.

[@mikeweber74]

I agree, I find my single rec sounds better through my mesa 212 than my traditional 412.

[@DJ33]

It looks Hugh!! Sounds pretty good.

[@belligerentamateur]

You look Hugh!

[@cmd_f5]

I'm not the biggest Recto fan, but you made this thing sound tight and brutal. Awesome 🤘💀

[@belligerentamateur]

Thanks my man! I enjoyed it, myself!

[@alexblankenship2486]

So the ultimate question, not really, but for home use would you choose the single rectifier or the 50 watt PRS Archon? Thanks man and keep up the fantastic content!

[@belligerentamateur]

Honestly neither have a great master sweep. I'd say the Archon achieves more of it's voicing at a lower volume though

[@alexblankenship2486]

@@belligerentamateur Thanks for the quick reply and opinion. I've got the Archon showing up today and already have the Single Rec. I'm really enjoying the format of your play throughs. It's a blast to follow along and tweak when I have the same amp. Which has been the Single Rec, Savage, and the EVH 5150 so far. Thanks again, dude! And keep the vids coming!

[@alexblankenship2486]

@@belligerentamateur I just realized also that there are no shootouts between the Archon and a Rectifier of KZbin. There is a video idea for ya! 🤘

[@AlexBuuuuuu]

Set Treble to 0 is Awesome!!!

[@belligerentamateur]

My favorite rectifier trick!

[@jaykafcas4342]

When y'all demo amps, please aways list the video's/ comparison with the boost brand name first before the amp name. Otherwise, does the carriage come before the horse? If you go straight 57, go straight in. Or after demonstrating it boosted, re-eq the amp unboosted to get close to the boosted sound for a direct comparison. This also leaves open the ability to hear it naturally instead of the boost and how you yourself use it. Have you ever tried to do power chords with your middle finger up? It gives a sexy look when playing power chords all the time! LOL!!!

[@belligerentamateur]

Doesn't really make sense to me, considering my demos feature much more of the amp being boosted than being unboosted, and I mention each boost by name when I turn it on.

[@jaykafcas4342]

@@belligerentamateur how are you man?

[@Tacklebox455]

I remember when I wanted a rectifier so bad and was able to actually get one ,I was so disappointed like you said the power amp is so weak and to dial in a useable tone took so much work ,the only amp I was really glad to get rid of.

[@belligerentamateur]

That's how I felt as well, it was a major letdown as I didn't truly know the nature of the beast.

[@shekador]

As for the power section being under built, the output transformer on my Single Rec Series 2 is TINY for a 50w amp. I should say 'was' since I swapped it out for something bigger. A smaller OT is part of the Recto sound that sets it apart from other SLO clones, but they went way overboard with the 50 watters IMO.

[@dddd717]

What brand did you swap it with? Do you know what the different versions consist of? I know that Mesa make revisions a lot to their amp and was just wondering if they changed tone or was it just something to fix something else... Thanks for any help you can give

[@shekador]

@@dddd717 based on the part number stamped on the OT, I believe it's their standard part for any of their 50W 6L6 amps. I installed a Drake 50W OT from a Marshall power amp I gutted and am running EL34 tubes. The Drake tranny is way bigger and doesn't really fit the amp's layout though, so I probably wouldn't recommend it for anyone who plays out. My amp never leaves my garage so it's not a concern for me.

[@NoName-ql1wk]

Sport Spice comment made me lol and subscribe.

[@NotAnotherSatchFan]

Is this a good alternative to dual rectifier?

[@SandblurPAHC]

Love the Rectifier!!

[@TheCyberMantis]

I don't love the Rectumfrier!

[@Nofarewell]

Leeway

[@belligerentamateur]

Nah, bigger does not equal better! I prefer the mini to the single, unless playing in a band setting

[@Nofarewell]

@@belligerentamateur Whaat? You prefer the Mini? I mean, why? I thought the Single is a great compromise. Less features than the Dual (of which I wouldn't need anyway), but has enough lows and headroom, whereas the Mini lacks those as far as I know, and they are still important. But if you confirm the Mini over the single, then I'll be les hesitant to choose it when I'll have the sufficient resources :)

[@mikeweber74]

I traded my mini rec and mini cab for a single rec. Love the single rec, didn't care for the mini. It had a tiny sound but still too loud for the bedroom with no master volume.

[@iplayloud2]

On mine the sound jumps 2x louder when I switch from vintage to modern. Is it normal?

[@belligerentamateur]

yep

[@iplayloud2]

@@belligerentamateur Thx 👍🏻

[@tobins6800]

Goes to show that you play the amp/cab as much as the guitar to get what you want...

[@belligerentamateur]

Agreed! It's all a puzzle, and half the fun is trying to solve it!

[@massttrshrdrharmonicminor2002]

Would you ever play in eb tuning?

[@belligerentamateur]

I do all the time, my man!

[@BrianBower]

Sounds good to me

[@belligerentamateur]

Thanks my man!

[@jayteesgear]

That ESP !!! 🤘🏻

[@belligerentamateur]

She's a beaut!

[@MRxr400]

i love my single rec, however, i feel it's lots it's mojo. boxy low mids, no top end and just generally bad tone. uninspiring in vintage low gain crunch type tone. modern ok, but harsh top end. do you think the power valves may be on their way out? it could be the new shed i have is clashing with the tone, clean sounds fine, pushed looses top end. i know the amp sounds way better in a mix/live band scenario than on it's own. it's got me rattled because it's provided an inspiational tone to me for so many yaers of gigs and rehearsals. Not metal, more rock and funk tones cover band stuff.

[@timbuk1126]

Yes change the tubes

[@SquirrelNuggets]

I know a coheed riff when I hear it lol

[@ThatRandomGuyInTheComments]

2:07 Thank you for pronouncing "nuclear" correctly.

[@zerosoma33]

How else do people pronounce it? 🥸

[@timbuk1126]

​@@zerosoma33newcular

[@patcolucci]

🔈🔊😎👍🏼👍🏼

[@shane1034]

Sent you another email regarding my kemper profiler that I let you borrow. It’s been a few months and I’d like to swap it with someone for some gear if you’re not interested in an FM3 trade. Hit me back.

[@belligerentamateur]

Responding to you shortly!

[@shane1034]

@@belligerentamateur back at ya

[@TheOtherJohnBrowne]

I can't respect dudes that DON'T dress like sporty spice

[@belligerentamateur]

That's why we're BOYS

[@MrMarcburger]

*its

[@erichughes1166]

I think technically it’s not a Mesa Boogie. It’s a Mesa Rectifier. Not trying to be smarty pants or anything.

[@belligerentamateur]

Mesa Boogie is the brand for every amp they produce.

[@fuel97]

And your pickups are not ideal for metal tones and you could use me to dial in a better tone.

[@Yourd4d]

🤓 🤓 🤓

[@fuel97]

The double ads are gay. You need to play heavier riff and better solos. Ditch some of your junk pedals also. Plus your speaker selection makes a major difference or impact.

[@bucknasty69]

I used to own one of these, and I could never get along with it at the time. You make it sound pretty good though! You ever tried a Stiletto Ace? I used to own one a while ago, I always thought it was a better version of a Single Rectifier.

[@belligerentamateur]

Never the Ace, but had the Stage II Deuce and Trident! Both cool amps that need the EQ tamed a bit, or need to be put through a really dark and bassy cab to shine.

[@stevemiller4885]

Dude its a chomo lmao

[@dildojizzbaggins6969]

Again, "its" would be for the possessive. "It's" is short for "it is" :'D