"Multi-Rectifier" Marketing Hype ?

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pchorman

pchorman

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Can anyone explain why an amplifier should have more than one means of rectification? I've gone through Mesa's on-line documentation and come up dry, so I'm having a hard time buying into this. That's not to say their sound isn't awesome; it's just the recto packaging/marketing ploy that bothers me. I'd like to know whether this feature is even used by anyone and how much of a difference it makes.

To me a rectifier is just a means of converting AC into DC to power the amp. There are good rectifiers and there are bad - that's it. A "good" rectifier produces clean, well-regulated DC voltage for consistent power distribution throughout the amp at any volume. A "bad" rectifier has an inadequate filter (producing ripple which contributes to audible hum) and exhibits lousy voltage regulation which means inconsistent behavior at different volumes. Why do I feel that the vacuum tub recto is meant to do the latter, and what is it's appeal? If dynamic response is the factor, there are better ways to achieve it then with a poor rectifier.

By the way, every amp that plugs into a wall outlet needs and contains a rectifier. Why then is there a "Single Rectifier" model, as if this is some unique feature? All amps meet that description. If I'm off base here then set me straight. I post this question here rather than with Mesa because I'm hoping for an unbiased response.

Thanks
 
You get to choose

The deal with Mesa's Dual Recto amps is that there ARE 2 types,vacuum tube and transistor.Almost all modern tube amps use solid state rectifiers because they are efficient and cost effective,plus they help the tubes deliver maximum power.But the older tube rectifiers bring a warmer tone with less attack,a kind of "sag" to the note after it starts,which indeed is attractive for certain styles.Listen to the "Fresh Cream" album or Hendrix's solo at the end of "Bold as Love" to get an idea.So,the thinking behind the Mesa models that have both is to give the musician a choice by using the switch on the back of the amp,not marketing hype.Cheers
 
Hi VR, I wonder if that "sag" you describe is what results from poor power supply regulation (desireable, just poor). After all, that's exactly what the voltage would do under loading, sag. When I played into a Dual-Recto Tremo-Verb in the store and flipped that switch I was hard pressed to hear the difference. If it's clear to you then I'll take your word.

I listened to the solo you cited as an example and through all that phase shifting/flanging the particular characteristic you describe was not obvious to my untrained ears. But "warm" it was.

Is this sagging what they mean by "sponginess"?
 
Is this line voltage adjustment what's behind the so called variac or varactor, or whatever it is I've seen people refer to in various forums?

If so, this is a variable transformer to allow one to manipulate the voltage supplying the amp. Doesn't seem like that's something that should be messed with, but if people claim it helps dial in a particular sound, I'd sure like to hear more about it.
 
A variac is used to lower the line (house AC) voltage to a certain adjustable voltage. In my day job as a calibration technician I use a variac to test the efficiency (?) and filtering of power supplies in test equipment. The equipment should operate with no distortion down to a certain AC voltage level (usually 90 - 100 volts AC) depending on whether it's solidstate or tube.

There's the secret. Finding that "magic" voltage level where your amp gets that sound (distortion) you're looking for. Keep in mind you would be operating the amp outside the manufacturers minimum voltage specs so you could damage something like the rectifier or voltage regulators (solidstate). The voltage regulators (if your amp has any) would be straining to keep the internal power supply voltages at a certain level. Also, variacs are not at all cheap. Look for someone who deals in used electronic test equipment. You might get one for $25 instead of several hundred for a new one.

NOTE TO THE MENTALLY CHALLENGED: It don't work the other way. Don't cut off your plug and intall a 220 Volt AC plug so you can use your clothes dryer or stove outlet to increase the voltage to your amp. This is not called distortion. It's called FIRE (and stupid)!! Oh yeah, don't throw water on your burning amp while it's still plugged in.
 
triple rectifier

What about the triple rectifier? What else is being used for recification besides tube and solid state technology if there are 3 rectifiers?? Or is it just a name??
 
Power tubes

To pchorman,Hi! I would think that the full effect of the tube rectifier on the Mesa amp would become more pronounced as the power tubes get driven closer to their max output,so if perchance you were trying it out in a store,I guess it would be hard to turn it up that loud for long.One model that has 2 rectifiers that isn't gonna take the paint off the walls is the Maverick,it's around 35 watts I believe.Last time I checked,the flanging on "Bold As Love" was on the drums.I might have misled you though,I wasn't referring to the faster tempo solo that the song fades out on,rather the slow solo that comes in right after the end of the vocal,which IMHO is one of the most beautiful and emotionally charged solos Jimi ever recorded.
 
VR - it's an excellent solo. Do you happen to play any of that stuff?

Smidgie raises another good point. Why is there a 3rd rectifier type anyway? One is vacuum tube based, one is silicon controlled rectifier (SCR) I believe, and the third is just another solid state implementation of the same. Couple this with the bogus name for the Single Recto amp line (since all amps have rectifiers) and it looks like Mesa just picked up on a cool sounding technical buzz-word. I've read the user reviews of the triple-recto on Harmony Central and find no one claiming to even use these options, let alone rave about them. Instead, it's the distortion they praise.
 
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