Mesa/Boogie LoneStar Amplifier - Manual (Page 6)

PAGE 2
Overview:
(Continued)
The OUTPUT control is joined by our SOLO feature that provides an additional master output that you can trigger remotely for a
footswitchable boost when you want to feature a part. These two Front Panel controls are brought on line with the activation of the
Effects Loop. When the Loop is not active, the individual Channel Master controls serve as fi nal output controls. When the Loop is set
to HARD BYPASS, all associated circuitry is removed (for you purists) from the signal path. Since the Output and SOLO controls are
wired as Loop Returns, at the end of the preamp and Loop signal path, they are defeated when the Loop is bypassed. The Power
switch is fi tted with LOW and (high/normal) ON settings to provide a built in variac so that incoming AC voltage can be reduced to
produce a spongier feel and increased clip-ability. This ability to run everything in somewhat of a brown-out state produces amazing
possibilities for the clean sounds that are driven to clip.
As mentioned above the Effects Loop handles outboard processing with fi nesse. The ability to HARD BYPASS the loop entirely assures
the purist in you will be satisfi ed in the studio where every nuance of tone is crucial and you don’t need the SOLO feature.
The pure, all tube Reverb is fi tted with a Bright/Warm switch that enables you to tailor the reverb sound to the style you are playing.
Bright delivers a vintage-inspired sound complete with the identifi able haze of harmonics associated with older amp circuits, while
WARM produces a more pure, studio quality character. Individual blend controls for each channel allow you to get the mix just right
for each of the sounds you have designated to the two channels.
External switch ports are provided to assure that you can interface the LONE STAR with larger rack or multiple amp setups. The Chan-
nels and SOLO feature will respond to any tip-to-ground latching type logic at their corresponding jacks. You can control these features
via external and/or midi commands with any switcher that supports grounding type logic within their programmable menus.
A Switchable BIAS SELECT feature allows you to swap tube types in the power section for different response characteristics. Use the
stock 6L6 type tubes for the greatest versatility, or swap them out for a quartet of EL34 for a brighter, looser feel and added harmonic
spread. Always use the proper setting of the BIAS SWITCH for the tube type in use!
And fi nally, a SLAVE Output and Level control round out the Rear Panel enabling you to use the LONE STAR as the “dry” master
amp for a stereo setup, drive an external rack of outboard processing or, simply add additional power for larger venues. Unlike the
EFFECTS SEND jack, this output captures the entire sound of the preamp and power section and is generated by padding down the
signal at the speaker output.
NOTE: Once you have taken a signal from the SLAVE Output - do not go back in to the EFFECTS LOOP RETURN jack. Doing so
will create a feedback loop and squealing will occur.
That covers the features of the LONE STAR, so let’s move on to the individual controls and how they interact so you can fi nd your
sound. First though, here are a few helpful hints to get you started.
1.) After unpacking your new amplifi er, save the packing material and box should you move or ever want to ship you amplifi er.
2.) Remove the plastic webbing from the power tubes before connecting the A.C. power cable!
3.) Make sure the A.C. power cable is connected to a grounded (3 hole) socket.
4.) Make all speaker connections with unshielded speaker cable.
5.) Make all external processing connections to the EFFECTS LOOP with shielded cable.
HELPFUL HINTS: