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The amps that defined modern guitar tone
The MESA/Boogie Reference Signature Collection for TONEX gives you instant access to 5 one-of-a-kind amps.
All of these era-defining amps have withstood the test of time with their sonic mojo and feel, many featuring components no longer available. Located in MESA’s Tone Lab these “reference amps” are essential to maintaining historical accuracy, while providing invaluable insights to shape future designs and guide the MESA legacy forward.
Now TONEX lets these icons escape the lab to rock the world again.
All 5 amps were fine-tuned to their sweet spots by legendary “Tone Boy” Doug West, MESA’s in-house tone guru for over 40 years, in a range of styles from Metallica-esque Mark IIC+ tones to Santana-inspired singing lead tones. Meticulously captured with IK’s Advanced AI Machine Modeling Technology at a world-class studio in Northern California, the results are an unparalleled collection that you can own today.
Collection Overview
- An exceptional Tone Model collection for use across the entire TONEX ecosystem
- 70 Tone Models of 4 reference amps and 1 limited-edition King Snake™ amp: 46 with cab, 24 without
- Captured using 2 different MESA/Boogie reference cabs: a 4x12 Slope and a 1x12 Widebody Extension
- All Tone Models were fine-tuned by MESA’s own Doug West and ex-Artist Relations Director now Recording Engineer Sean Beresford to multiple sweet spots
- Captured at a world-class studio with ideal acoustics and the perfect gear
- Created using cutting-edge AI Machine Modeling™ technology with advanced training
- Compatible with all TONEX versions including the free TONEX CS and TONEX App
- All Tone Models can easily be loaded to TONEX Pedal and used for live performance
1984 Boogie® MARK IIC+™
Early '90s Boogie® Mark IV™
Early ‘90s MESA Engineering® DUAL RECTIFIER® (2 channel)
Early ‘90s MESA Engineering® TRIPLE RECTIFIER® (2 channel)
Boogie® Limited Edition King Snake™
What is a reference amplifier?
A reference amplifier epitomizes sonic excellence, embodying the essence of its unique design and sound. They aren't prototypes, but production models that were recognized as being exceptional, and then were meticulously scrutinized component by component to unlock the secrets of their sonic brilliance. These amplifiers perfectly represent the Series and are the gold standard for their model and sound, as well as for shaping the sound of potential future amplifier designs.
The Best of MESA
The MESA/Boogie Reference Signature Collection features four iconic Tone Lab amplifiers: a 1984 Mark IIC+, a 1989 Mark IV, an early ′90s Dual Rectifier (dual channel) and a 1994 Triple Rectifier (dual channel). As a bonus, we’ve also included a limited-edition King Snake, an exact recreation of Carlos Santana’s original “Budokan” Mark I which, as he says, is “built to make pretty notes.”
Reference cabs
Two notable reference cabs were used to capture the thick rich tone of the 4 MESA reference amps. These cabinets have been used by Randall and Doug over several decades and offer a unique “broken in” experience that’s smooth, dynamic and touch sensitive. The King Snake combo is loaded with a Jenson Blackbird 100 Alnico for a warm, clean and singing vocal-like quality when turned up.
Doug West “Tone Boy”
Doug joined MESA in 1981 as a Sales/Product Specialist, swiftly earning the nickname "Tone Boy" for his collaboration with Randall Smith in R&D. With a deep passion for guitar tone and a rich history in the Bay Area music scene, Doug ensures every Boogie® product resonates with soul and excellence. He played an integral role in capturing the MESA/Boogie Tone Models and his ear, passion and insistence on “vibe and feel” were critical in the creation of the models represented in this truly unique collection.
1984 Boogie® MARK IIC+™
The MESA/Boogie Mark IIC+ is revered by guitarists for its legendary tone, versatility and build quality. It has left a significant mark on the world of guitar amplification and continues to be sought-after by musicians seeking iconic rock and metal tones. This Mark IIC+ Reference amp is the embodiment of the Mark II sound. The Mark IIC+ amp has graced the fingers of many top artists and studio players such as James Hetfield, John Petrucci, Steve Lukather, Neal Schon and many more.
This amp was dialed in to bring out its best qualities and most useful settings to cover a wide range tones and genres. Included in the collection are captures with the infamous “V” curve graphic EQ setting as well as amp-only captures to add your favorite impulse responses.
14 Tone Models: 9 with cab, 5 without
Captured using:
- Cab 1: 1996 4x12 Rectifier Slope Reference Cab with a Celestion V30
- Cab 2: 1996 1x12 Wide Body with a Celestion V90
- Mic 1: SM57
- Mic 2: AEA N22
- Mic 3: U87
- Outboard gear: Neve 1073 Mic Pre
Early '90s Boogie® Mark IV™
The Mark IV has been used by countless professional guitarists across a wide range of genres. Its distinctive tone and versatility have made it a staple in studios and on stages around the world and used by players like John Petrucci, Kirk Hammett, Myles Kennedy, Willie Adler, and Walter Trout. It has also influenced the design of countless other amplifiers, cementing its place in the pantheon of iconic guitar gear.
The Mark IV Reference amp is a very special amp with a slightly thicker lead tone than the Mark IIC+. The lead channel has more girth and width with rounder attack. Like the Mark IIC+ we’ve included several captures with the classic “V” graphic EQ settings and others with the EQ bypassed to allow you to sculpt the tone to fit your needs. In addition there are amp-only captures to add your favorite impulse responses.
10 Tone Models: 7 with cab, 3 without
Captured using:
- Cab 1: 1996 4x12 Rectifier Slope Reference Cab with a Celestion V30
- Mic 1: SM57
- Mic 2: AEA N22
- Outboard gear: Neve 1073 Mic Pre
Early ‘90s MESA Engineering® DUAL RECTIFIER® (2 channel)
This early ′90s MESA/Boogie Dual Rectifier is an iconic 2-channel guitar amplifier known for its immense, rock tone and high-gain capabilities. The Dual Rectifier changed the sound of rock with its thick gain layers favored by many metal bands such as Metallica and Tool and ruled rock radio for well over a decade after its release in the early ′90s. It remains a staple in heavy rock and metal music and has been used by artists such as Dave Grohl, Jerry Cantrell, Adam Jones, Synyster Gates and countless others.
The Dual Rec Tone Models cover a wide range of tones on both the Orange “Vintage” and Red “Modern” channels as well as Silicon Diodes and Tube Rectifier settings. This amp oozes thick saturated rich tones perfect for classic to modern metal. Included are amp-only captures for adding your favorite IRs.
9 Tone Models: 6 with cab, 3 without
Captured using:
- Cab 1: 1996 4x12 Rectifier Slope Reference Cab with a Celestion V30
- Mic 1: SM57
- Mic 2: AEA N22
- Outboard gear: Neve 1073 Mic Pre
Early ‘90s MESA Engineering® TRIPLE RECTIFIER® (2 channel)
This early MESA/Boogie Triple Rectifier is another legendary 2-channel guitar amplifier renowned for its authority, tight low end and layers of harmonically rich overdrive. The Triple Rec takes the Rectifier sound even farther toward bombastic via its bigger power section boasting 6x6L6s and is well-hunted for its giant sound and stop-on-a-dime dynamics, being ever popular among hard rock and metal guitarists.
Similar in character to the Dual Rec, the Triple version has 150-watts on tap for a tight low end with a bit more punch and clarity. To tighten up the sound, we’ve added some captures with the Pepers Dirty Tree Boost pedal. Also included are amp-only captures to add your favorite impulse responses.
25 Tone Models: 16 with cab, 9 without
Captured using:
- Cab 1: 1996 4x12 Rectifier Slope Reference Cab with a Celestion V30
- Cab 2: 1996 1x12 Wide Body with a Celestion V90
- Mic 1: SM57
- Mic 2: AEA N22
- Mic 3: U87
- Outboard gear: Neve 1073 Mic Pre
- Pedal: Peppers Dirty Tree Boost
Boogie® Limited Edition King Snake™
This limited-edition King Snake™ is an exact recreation of the original MESA/Boogie amp Carlos Santana Mark I toured with in the early 70s. With only 600 examples produced, this amp was designed to be a single-channel tone monster delivering the iconic Latin rock tones heard on countless records and stages.
This amplifier isn't just a piece of history; it's a bridge ... the missing link between the traditional low-gain amplifier era and the roaring, high-gain behemoths of today. Offering everything from warm cleans to rich, warm vocal-like sustain, the King Snake will transport you back to the electrifying energy of Santana's historic performance at the legendary Budokan arena.
12 Tone Models: 8 with cab, 4 without
Captured using:
- Cab 1: Combo with Jenson Blackbird 100 alnico speaker
- Mic 1: SM57
- Mic 2: AEA N22
- Outboard gear: Neve 1073 Mic Pre
Explore A Universe of Tone
TONEX is a complete ecosystem of tone based on a powerful new AI Machine Modeling™ technology which lets you experience thousands of ultra-realistic Tone Models of amps and pedals today with the promise of unlimited new tones tomorrow.
Play, practice and record as a standalone plug-in inside your favorite DAW and live with TONEX Pedal . Or model the tone of any amp, cabinet, combo or pedal, all with a sonic accuracy that’s virtually indistinguishable from the real thing.
Instantly play up to 1,100+ Premium Tone Models already available plus browse, demo and download over 24K Tone Models available on ToneNET in TONEX. Easily add more Premium tones to your library with Tone Partner and signature collections.
From rare one-of-a-kind vintage amps to modern rigs, TONEX makes it affordable to own the most sought-after gear in the world.
Instant access
Signature Collections can be used with any version of TONEX including the free TONEX CS and TONEX for iPhone/iPad. You’ll have immediate access to your Signature Collections inside TONEX software. After purchasing, locate your collection inside TONEX software then select download. All the Tone Models will be available on your local library to play, practice and record.
Play Signature Collections live on stage
TONEX Pedal lets you store and play AI Machine Modeling Tone Models live on stage. Use the included librarian to transfer any Premium, free, Tone Partner, or Signature Collection Tone Model right to the pedal for your next gig, tour or recording session. Take the most sought-after gear anywhere.
TONEX for MAC PC
TONEX for Mac/PC offers an intuitive, easy-to-use workflow to keep you in your creative zone. Play, practice and record as a standalone or plug-in inside your favorite DAW or directly inside AmpliTube 5. Always have the best possible tones right at your fingertips.
MESA in AmpliTube 5
MESA/Boogie Tone Models function just like other AmpliTube amplifiers, cabs or pedals. They can be used alongside any gear models you own to build custom signal chains and save as presets for easy recall.
Discover our officially certified AmpliTube MESA/Boogie and AmpliTube MESA/Boogie 2 collections to complete your arsenal of high-gain gear.
TONEX on the go
TONEX for iPhone/iPad lets you access your Premium Tone Model library anywhere with seamless sync for a limitless supply of inspiration. TONEX puts the world’s most iconic guitar and bass gear right in your pocket with realism like you never imagined. Just add an iRig for a killer practice rig on the go.
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