Dual Rectifier 100-watt Tube Head - Black Taurus Faceplate Review

Still the Classic Metal Amp

Mesa makes a lot of great amplifiers (and I've had many of them), but to me nothing beats the simplicity and powerful tones of the Dual Rectifier. I've been chasing one of these for over the past year and it was totally worth the wait. My first Mesa amp was an early 2000s Triple Rectifier, and while it was a classic powerhouse for sure, the modern Dual/Triple Rectifiers have many… read more improvements over the earlier models: - All 3 channels are Switchable from full power to 50-watt mode - All 3 channels can be set independently for Tube or Solid-State rectification - Features a Series effects loop instead of parallel - The Clean channel now rivals the clarity and quality of the Lonestar and Mark V series - The footswitch has been vastly reduced in size to roughly 10.5" W by 5.75" High, with two rows of 3 switches each compared to the original one with everything in a straight line - There is a protective metal cage in place to cover the power tubes in the back of the amp Though it is not as tight as the newer Badlander or Mark series, the overall tightness of the low end has been very much improved from previous versions. For me personally, I still prefer to use a TS9 pedal in front of the amp for that classic sustain, clarity, and tightness that takes it to the next level. The Vintage and Modern modes have plenty of gain on tap by default, however, and you don't have to turn them all the way up to get great sustaining metal tones. Compared to a Mini Rectifier, the Dual Rec sustains more and is tighter by default since it has more options on the back to choose from. I also prefer the 6L6s in the Dual Rec vs the EL84s min the Mini Rec since they have a sort of "glassy" sound to them that is very warm. From a cosmetic standpoint, the Black Taurus finish is really a sharp and dressy looking finish for sure. The default silver diamond faceplate pattern is classic, but in my experience, it is hard to keep it clean and also reflects too much light. Speaking of which, the silver knobs are probably the only drawback to this amp – they are so shiny that it makes it difficult to see what direction the indentations are pointing at, but you can easily get different ones from Mesa Boogie. I have been wanting to go back to a 100-watt Dual Rec for years now, and the wait is finally over. This is the end of my quest for a classic metal amp. I highly recommend this Dual Rectifier for its awesome appearance and all the classic sounds it has to offer.

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A beautiful amp

If you have played a dual rectifier then I don't need to tell you how it sounds... if you haven't played a dual rectifier... play one... seriously there is a reason why so many amazing artists choose this amp and Mesa in general. This amp version without the chrome diamond plate is gorgeous. I do like the the classic look, but this one is really something. The pictures don't do… read more it justice. Vaughn helped me pair this with a great compact Mesa 2x12 cab and it sounds exactly the way it should: amazing.

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