Mesa/Boogie Mark V Head (Black Face Plate) Reviews

Chris F
from San Francisco, CA
March 2, 2013Music Background:
Experienced guitar player

Boogie legacy continues

I had always wanted a Boogie since the first time I plugged into a Mark IV years ago. I am a longtime of admirer of Mesa's and the MKV carries on the Boogie legacy with wicked mojo as well with boatloads of flexible, beautiful tonal options.
Looking a bit complicated at first, it is actually very sensible and easy to dial in. Three channels with three power scales and each channel has three modes; essentially it has nine distinct voicings Shimmery clean to tweedy breakup on the clean channel. Rad crunch to creamy overdrive on channnel two. Channel three gives you an array of high gain goodness. Throw in the graphic EQ for endless tonal palette options.. And it is all Boogie, through and through.
What might trip up some initially is that the tone controls are quite interactive - but once you get to know it a bit there is no problem. Changing guitars might require a quick re-dialing of the tone controls so it is not necessarily plug and play. Though that is not a bad thing at all - after awhile realizing that there are so MANY amazing sounds to be had. It is really an instrument in itself (of course a guitar is needed too lol).
Please realize that the Mark V doesn't just excel toward a specific music genre. It delivers in spades for any music type.
Blown away? Most definitely! Running it loud, it sounds like it is going to explode (in an awesome way). But it doesn't explode - it just keeps on delivering the goods. It will rattle the house and possibly scare the neighbors.. build quality is tip-top. This Mesa is built to last a lifetime.
All in all, I have found it with this amp.
**About Sweetwater and sales tech Bob Mondok - These guys are the best! I wish I started with them earlier. Bob is the coolest - he checks in with me regularly re: awesome deals and other cool musical things. It is never intrusive - It will keep me coming back to Sweetwater for years to come - Bob M: You rock - Thanks for all of your help!

Matt
from USA
January 12, 2013Music Background:
13 years of amp tweaking experience!

An instant LEGEND!

If you need a super-tight rhythm tone, get this. If you need a blazing and sustaining single-note soloing tone, get this. If you want a clean tone as clean as Disney, get this. If you have a studio and you don't have this, get this.

shawn bado
from Oceanside, Ca
December 12, 2012Music Background:
Recording Engineer, Live Sound Engineer

A dream come true for my studio

I personally OWN Marshalls, Vox, Fenders, Soldano, Hiwatt, etc.. for my studio. After painstakingly tweaking and comparing AMP by AMP against the Mark V, we have concluded that it will deliver all the tones the other amps give. Chimy or tweed, rock/crunch, metal... it does it all for us here. We already started selling off all the old goodies and so far everyone comeing in to record guitar DIE when they hear the amp.
YOU WILL need to spend time with guitars, pickups, strings, and knobs but when you get it all figured out- NOTHING can touch this!!!

from
October 5, 2012

Very Responsive, You get what you pay for

This amplifier embodies what a tube amp is capable of when it's manufacturers are forced to pull out all the stops. Personally, I believe that this amplifier is the Tube industries response to the rise of digital effect professors stepping their game up (ie, Fractal). This amplifier is the real definition of 'amp-modeling', you can get a tone appropriate for LITERALLY any style of music. Obviously, being Mesa, it's expected to be a 'Metal' amp...this is simply not the case with the mark V. With a very minimal pedalboard containing just the basics (tube screamer, noise suppressor, compressor, etc.) one can get the whole spectrum of tones from every style of music from artists we cherish. For example, using channel 1, compressor, and crybaby, I get a funk-tone that would make anyone believe I was part of a talk show live band. If you have the cash to throw around this amp is the Valyrian Steel of amps, you will want for nothing once you plug it in.

from NJ
September 16, 2012

Amazing, they aren't lying.

This is possibly the most flexible amp I've laid my hands on. I've had a Fuchs that sounded different, but not necessarily better, and at twice the cost, it was no where near as flexible.

It only took me a week to finally dial in my tone for metal on channel three. Forget Modern mode here, go straight for Mark IV mode, and don't follow what you see on the Petrucci videos unless you use the to play live. As a practice or studio head, I highly suggest diming the 80Hz slider, but dropping 240Hz to the bottom (literally zero), go a quarter of the way up with 750Hz, half way with 2200Hz, and almost full on 6600Hz. Gain is at 2:30, Master is at 9oclock, Presence is at 10oclock, treble is at 1oclock, drop the mids almost completely, and bass is at 10oclock. Switch is set to Bright. FX loop enabled. 10W mode. That's my studio setup, using a sealed 2x12 cab loaded with V30s. Love it.

This is a fantastic amp, possibly one of the best studio amps ever made.

Pat
from Baltimore, MD
August 18, 2012Music Background:
Active Musician

Mark V - Excellent

I have had my Mark V for a little over a month now, and can say that it is hands down one of the nicest amplifiers I have ever played. I upgraded my head from a Mesa Single Rectifier, which I had for two years. I was happy with the Single Rec, but it is well worth the upgrade. I have never heard any cleans that sparkled and shined as tightly as this amp can produce. The second channel doesn't have a whole lot of gain, but it can generate some tasteful crunch, and sounds amazing as a rhythm channel. Where this amp shines is in the third channel. After doing some research, I was able to recreate many of the tones John Petrucci uses in dream theater and his solo album, which are the main reason I was drawn to this amp. It is glorious in all aspects, and worth every penny.

Aaron
from Bay area, California
August 16, 2012

Takes time but pays off.

On my quest to buy my first "expensive" head I researched and tried many amps, and it came down to "which" mesa not "if" mesa. I already knew I really liked the recto and roadster amps but read alot on how many people really enjoyed their purchase of this head. I pulled the trigger and bought it with the piece of mind that I could return it for something else if I didn't like it.
My first 30 days were painful, I considered returning it almost right away, but I remembered that this head is supposed to take time to figure out and dial in. By week 4 I finally unlocked its secrets and kept it and have not regretted it for 1 second. This is one fire breathing dragon with tons of tones locked within that can literally cover any and all genres of music with full authority.
This of course is not for everyone, many out there just want to plug in and have their amp sound instantly great, but for a "versatile" amp this just isn't possible, at least not yet in my experience. If you have the patience this will by far outshine most of what is out there today IMO. And the answer is no, no matter how many youtube videos you watch they just don't do this amp justice.

Bryan
from Manistee, Michigan
August 10, 2012Music Background:
Pro Musician

Perfection in Amplification

Mesa Boogie gets it! Obviously this guitar amplifier was created by detail oriented musicians that have experienced and listened intently to other musician's experiences and demands as performing guitar players! I can't think of anything else I could possibly need in a guitar amplifier! Thanks Mesa Boogie for creating the perfect amp and thanks Sweetwater for the best service on the planet!

dean
from Chicago
July 20, 2012Music Background:
30 year guitarist

ANOTHER GREAT BOOGIE

I HAVE OWNED ALMOST EVERY BOOGIE HEAD, AMP,PRE-AMPS AND CABS AND THIS UNIT IS GREAT. THE HEAD IS NOT HEAVY AND IS EASYER TO HAUL WITH A SEPERATE CAB RATHER THAN LUG A HEAVY COMBO. U CAN BASICALLY HAVE THREE LEAD CHANNELS IF YOU DIAL IN CHANNEL TWO, THREE, AND SOLO BOOST .
E .Q. AND EFFECTS LOOP OPEN EVEN MORE OPTIONS. VERY HAPPY WITH THIS ONE.

David Dyer
from Indiana
July 10, 2012Music Background:
Live Sound Engineer, Pro Musician, Amateur recording Engineer

Great amp, a little frustrating at first.

WARNING!! This amps tone controls work differently than most amps on the market, which may or may not be frustrating. I can only review the modes i use.

Overall the Mark is very articulate and tight, and each channel is truly an amp of it's own. This is the first amp i've played that allows my pick control to truly shine. With an alternating picking line each hit of the pick is articulate and never covered up in a mud mess. The secret to getting a good sound with this amp for me was running the preset GEQ around noon. I love midrange so i was very hesitant and conservative with scooping the midrange. This amp has a ridiculous amount of midrange so scooping with the GEQ is absolutely necessary to get the honk out! Think of the channel eq's more like thickness, texture, saturation controls than your standard EQ.

Channel 1 Tweed: Set it right and you can play soft for clean and hard for some crunchy goodness. Tweed has the best clean sound IMO and channel 1 is the most dynamic channel in the amp.

Channel 2 Crunch: I run the gain around 9 o'clock it allows me to transition perfectly between playing hard on channel 1 to channel 2 when i need a little more sustain and saturation. Like for a bluesy solo or chords that sustain. This channel gives me blues to metal tones based on pick attack. This channel is round and warm.

Channel 3. I use the mark IV and the Extreme mode. I run the gain at noon on this channel. Extreme is big yet tight, very clear, articulate and has some of the 3D depth of the recto. Easily the loosest sound in the Mark V. Mark IV has grittier, more pronounced mids, and is tighter than the extreme mode. This channel is darkish and thick.

Doug
from Porterville, CA
June 6, 2012Music Background:
Living room musician.... but ready to retire and get serious

Buy It...You won't regret it!

One would best describe me as a frustrated living room musician, who has been playing guitar off and on for 30 years or so. For me buying this amp was kind of like buying a Maserati to drive to church and back....it was way more than what I could ever need, but being one who can only be satisfied with the pure tones I was striving to achieve with a Fender Superchamp and a Line 6 Pod effects processor.......and failing miserably.......I decided that I had to spend the money.......I'm glad I did!

At first I had some buyers remorse, because I was way over my head with all that one can do with this beauty, but now after several months of "getting to know her" I am totally head over heals in love and am convinced I can not live without her. Channel 1 has a variety of deep crystal clear tones that you have to hear to believe. Channel 2 is the old style rich but mellow distortion that is the absolute best for my Santana cover songs and Channel 3 is.....well ....it's just mind blowing!

Sweetwater was absolutely great to deal with too. The first head was damaged by being dropped during shipment. But no worries, everything was taken care of with just one phone call to my rep Chris, who shipped out another one the next day via priority express!

Jay H.
from Holland MI
May 16, 2012Music Background:
35+yrs performing, studio owner/operator, live sound engineer

What a great sounding amp!!

I was using a Marshall TSL100 with a Gmajor and a bunch of pedals through a Voodoo Labs GCX and ground control floorboard. The marshall fried so it was a good time to try something different. I loved the Marshall but it just didn't quite get there. I got the Mark V and was immediately blown away by the clean sound. I can get the legit fender twin clean sound with my tele! COOL! Channel 2 is great for good solid rythum crunch sound. Channel 3 was the HOLY CRAP channel. It takes some tweaking as this amp is very versatile. This is my first Mesa amp but I am a Marshall convert now and will always play mesa. I play at church doing worship...this amp is way more than I need but it sounds great there. In large festival venues it really shines. Look at all the pros who use these things. That says it all. No mods needed. An added bonus I didn't know about until I unpacked it was that it has channel, eq, and solo jacks on the back which integrate with the GCX loop switcher... no breakout box needed from the footswitch jack. Just to recap...You can get the chimey Fender clean, the brown Marshall sound, the total rectified high gain, and most anything in between. Forget about modelers - they all come up just short. This thing really can cover it all. Sweetwater was great too as always and had it at my door overnight! I Love this amp! the golden tone has been found! get one.

Don
from Tennessee
May 2, 2012Music Background:
Engineer

Awesome Guitar Amp

The most awesome guitar amp ever. The tones that amp provides are second to none. Also I had great service.

Jason Novak
from Pittsburgh, PA
April 17, 2012Music Background:
Guitarist, Instructor

Mesa Mark V

Over the past 25 years I have played and owned many amps. I have gone through phases in my playing where I wanted Fender, Marshall, Laney, Vox etc sounds. I have bought and sold too many amps to remember LOL. I owned a TremoVerb about 6 years ago and eventually it fell out of love with me and was sold. For the last 2 years I have been an Axe Fx Ultra player. Fractal makes great stuff and I was about all in for the Axe 2 until a friend brought over the Mark V. This amp (or should I say AMPS) is simply amazing. I quickly noticed that I missed those tubes pushing air at me as I stood 10 feet away and marveled at the tones. I play a JP6 and Im a fan of Petrucci, but I dont want to sound like a clone. This amp gets his tones fine, but it gets so many other voices it is amazing. Plugged in a strat too and it got even better. My friend also had a Nova System through the effects loop and I was stunned. It was like the tone Ive had in my head all these years just fell from the sky.
A few days later I called Sweetwater and ordered one. It was at my door at dinnertime the NEXT DAY! My sales rep knew his stuff, answered my questions, and made sure I was happy. No more waiting around GC for that one dude who can answer my questions about gear anymore. I am a sweetwater convert for sure.
Gotta go. Time to build my new rig. If you are on the fence, dont waste another minute. GET ONE!

Nathan Knox
from Niagara Falls, New york
April 16, 2012Music Background:
guitarist

Mesa Boogie Mark 5

I ordered the Mark 5 before they were available in March 09 and received mine in May 09. I have one of the first one hundred made. I felt confident doing this (sight unseen) having been a long time Mesa owner. After three years of having this amp and putting it through it's paces. I am completely confident in my evaluation.

Simply put, this is a great amplifier! No question. It does everything one would expect and more. Having said this. It may not be for everyone. It is not a plug and play. However, it is very simple to set up after you become familiar with it. The sounds and tone of this thing IMHO is easily one of the best on the market. I use mine with a T.C. Electronic G-System, Mission exp. pedals and various guitars (single & humbucker pups), it sounds great. Do not use amp modeling processors or distortion/overdrive pedals with this amp! Why would you spend two thousand + and do such a thing? This beast will perform and sound far better than any such pedal. The features on the Mark 5 are all very usable and all sound great with a bit of tweeking.

The Mark 5 sounds great with whatever Mesa cabinet that you may select. I use two 1x12 widebody closed back/ported front cabs. I love them. They sound awesome and only weigh 33 lbs each, but any mesa cab will do the trick.

This is not cheap equipment! It is a major investment no doubt, but if you are a serious guitar player, you can't go wrong with the Mark 5.

Play on and Play well!!!

from Watertown, NY
December 13, 2011Music Background:
Hobbyist Recording Engineer, Songwriter

Amazing!

This amp does super clean to extreme metal and everything in between. I was torn between this or a Diezel VH4 but couldn't justify the VH4's price. The flexibility and versatility of this amp is incredible- between the different modes per channel, 10/45/90W modes, effects loop assignability to separate channels or all 3 (This amp takes stomp boxes beautifully I might add...I play a Gibson LP Custom and Fender American Deluxe Strat and they have NEVER sounded better. One warning though- as most folks know, Mesa/Boogie amps do require some tweaking to find their sweet spot and this amp is no different. A previous review said it best- this amp is a BEAST!

Jaxon Moore
from Odessa, Texas
March 28, 2011Music Background:
Lead Guitarist

Nothing Rivals This Beast of an Amp

I am in a post-hardcore band and a reformed Triple Rec user. My Triple Rec is a great amp and I still use it for back-up, but as soon as I heard the Mark V I knew that I had to have it in my rig. The versatility of this amp is endless. The sound is very compressed as in comparison to the uncontrolled overdrive of the Triple Rec. The effects loop is easy to work with, not to mention the fact that this amp is really easy to work with Midi. The bass in channel three should always be rolled back significantly though, because if you adjust the bass with the EQ it won't give you that muddy sound that the control knob delivers. The EQ is my favorite part of this amp at the moment. I can endlessly tweak my tone to match whatever I need to play. I am currently playing my third channel with the gain at 3 o'clock and there is no feedback whatsoever. I use an ISP Decimater and i hardly ever actually "need" it to be on. Don't be intimidated by all of the knobs and options because it is easy to use, and is WELL worth it. The clean channel is arguably the best clean channel i've heard from a Mesa/Boogie head. I can get nice warm, thick sounds that are rivaled to the nicest Vox you can buy. I am absolutely in LOVE with this amplifier and I recommend it to ANY guitarist. My band is on the heavier side, but this amp can achieve any tone that you could possibly concieve. Sweetwater delivered mine in just a few days and the customer service was bar none. Thank you Sweetwater for delivering me the key to my full potential as a musician.

from San Antonio, TX USA
February 28, 2011Music Background:
Musician

The best thing I have ever purchased.

I've used this amp for rock, metal, jazz, country, anything. It sounds great in any situation. Any guitar interacts well with it, though each sounds unique.

Basically, I love the Mark V more than anything else I've ever purchased, and in a fire, I am grabbing it on the way out of the house, once the kids are safe.

Jim Silver
from Los Angeles, CA
January 18, 2011Music Background:
Recording Engineer, Booking Agent

The best gutiar amplifier on the market. No question.

The Mesa Boogie Mark V is, in my opinion, one of most impressive pieces of musical gear I have ever played through. This beast is the holy grail of the Mark series; it is essentially ever tone Mesa has ever engineered in the past 40 years..all packed into one amp!

Before I write this review, just be aware that you really need to play this amp in order to experience it; just reading about sound is not enough to justify purchasing such a high end piece of gear!

I play this through a Mesa 2x12" vertical, closed back cab.

The amp is broken up into 3 different 'types' of amps, and within each of these 3 there are 3 more options.

There are too many sounds to really review; others have done it in videos and reviews. I am just here to tell you I have been able to get every sound imaginable out of this amp..from the cleanest, solid-state like cleans, to the most ridiculous nu-metal distortion, this amp can do it all..and do it well.

I am going to mention that I was equally impressed with the current digital amp, the AxeFx and I have to say I believe this was Mesas stab at the emulation market. Instead of offering fake, cheap, digital remakes of the amps, Mesa did it right; they actually offer the real deal. So, it's kind of the ultimate tone simulator; it IS the real amps!

I have only one complaint; once you buy this amp, you may find yourself playing guitar 10+ hours a day, and lose all of your friends and family members!

Steve Saied
from Amarillo, TX
January 11, 2011Music Background:
Recording engineer/producer and professional musician

Boogie Till You Drop!

Every time I turn this amp on, I found new creamy tones that just make me want to keep playing for hours. My ES-137 rocks through this bad boy, my Stratocaster has been given new life and my Les Paul is delivering tones that give me goose bumps all over! Everything about the amp's construction is top shelf too. Very responsive controls and a seemingly unlimited number of tonal options. This amp is for any type of music as well. I wish I could describe the tones in a way that would do this amp justice. You really have to hear it for yourself and I'm sure you would be as blown away as I have been. I am playing through a 2X12 horizontal Rectifier cab which deserves a whole other review in itself.

I am glad I was able to purchase this amp through Sweetwater as they have been nothing short of awesome in their customer service. They really know how to take care of their customers. Sweetwater has a customer for life in me!

Aaron Meier
from Charlotte, NC
December 15, 2010Music Background:
Recording Engineer, Producer, Musician

A Godsend For The Studio Musician

I own a small production studio, and I do a lot of session guitar work on a really wide array of projects in about every style you can think of, from metal and rock to pop, country and blues. I had previously been using Line 6 POD Farm and Digidesign Eleven for my tones, simply because I needed access to so many different sounds as easily as possible. But after awhile, I just had to come to terms with the fact that while digital modeling can work in small doses, doing entire songs using nothing but modelers was leaving my productions sounding lifeless, one dimensional, and flat. And playing through them was just not much fun, and certainly not very inspiring. So I called up my Sweetwater rep and told him that I was ready to make the jump to tubes, but that I did not have the space or the cash to buy 5 or 6 different amps...I needed one amp that could handle it all. Well, I'm here to tell you that the Mark V is unquestionably that amp. I paired this with a Road King 4x12 cab, which has a closed back side with V-30s (great for edgier, more aggressive tones) and an open back side with 2 C-90s (fantastic for the more vintage, earthy sounds). That cab paired with this amp is an absolutely monstrous tone factory. The feature set is simply fantastic…3 modes per channel, great sounding on-board reverb, 3 independently adjustable wattage levels, tons of tweaks that range from subtle to in your face…all of which allows me to really fine tune the tone to exactly what the song needs. It also responds very well to pedals, which just adds a whole new layer of versatility. My original expectation was that this amp would cover my basic rhythm sounds, and that I would supplement it with the modelers. But after spending a few months getting to know it, I find myself almost never needing to use the modelers, except for delays and other occasional effects. There are so many different sounds under the hood that simply by using different guitars and maybe occasionally moving a microphone, I am able to build huge, layered guitar arrangements that sound and feel like I was using a room full of amps instead of just the one. This amp has breathed new life into my productions and into my playing as well, and my clients have all commented positively on the differences that they hear in the final product. So if you are looking for an amp that can take you from one side of the musical spectrum to the other without ever missing a beat, I cannot recommend the Mark V enough.

from SoCal
June 4, 2010Music Background:
Guitar, Drums

A must have Boogie

This Boogie amp is quite possibly the most versatile amp ever made. Think of any genre or tone and I'm very confident this amp can nail it. More impressive than the limitless number of tones available is the well thought out controls and options. This amp is ready for any situation and the ulitimate in flexibility. Quality is superb in every detail including the footswitch. I could go on for days about how great this amp is, but you really just need to experience it for yourself. Once you do, I'm sure you'll agree this is one of the best amps on the market.

RocknDoc
from Santa Clarita, CA
May 18, 2010Music Background:
Hobbyist / Collector

The One Stop Tone Monster !

I just took delivery of my new Mark V and this amp will "accurately" fulfill any genre of music. There are too many control features to mention as you will need to spend some quality time with your amp to dial in your tonal pallette. Essentially, it is 9 amps in one!!! I possitively recommend this amp to anyone - especially those in search for that special tone. My hat is off to Mesa for their outstanding product and to Sweetwater for their superb customer service. This amp is worth the wait and the money!!!

O.B.
from San Diego California
April 26, 2010Music Background:
Pro Musician

Awesome

This is an amazing amp. nothing else comes close period.....

David Soderquist
from Grand Rapids MI
January 28, 2010Music Background:
Gear Head..... Recording Hobbyist.... In the lifelong search of tone.

Simply Beautifull

Well friends I also did not purchase the Mark V from Sweetwater due to no inventory. I had to have it so I picked it up. I researched this certain amp for a few months now pondering whether or not to purchase this bad boy. I went back and forth between the Road King, the Triple Rec, Roadster and the Mark V. Played them all through the exact setup I have at home. One 4/12 Mesa rec cab and 2-2/12 Mesa rec cabs piggybacked. The results were simple. Get the Mark V. If you do not you will regret it. I have owned many a setup in my day and this one is "hands down" the absolute best ever!
The tonal possiblities are endless.. Try it. You will see.. You will find the cleanest cleans. To the dirtiest metal.. Do not let anybody sway your decision. See for yourself.
I wrote this for Sweetwater because I would have rather purchased from them.. Get them in guys.. You will sell them..
Good luck..

james clements
from SC
December 11, 2009Music Background:
Praise & Worship

best purchase EVER!!!!

This thing is unreal! It does everything and does it beautifully. I'm totally tech stupid but this amp is so easy to use. The tones are easy to dial in, channel switching isn't the big drama that I've experienced with other amps (soft to explosive), the footswitch is the best I've ever used (no big "pop" when channel switching, you can turn EQ sliders and reverb off & on with it). Another cool feature about this amp and every other Mesa/Boogie amp I've owned is the low/easy maintenance. The price of admission seems steep until you look at the big picture and compare it to other amps in this (& higher) price range. This amp has no equal. It's simply the best there is. Also, I can't say enough good things about Sweetwater & my salesman, Luke Herian.

Steve
from Not in the USA
September 29, 2009Music Background:
Hobbyist

Awesome Amp from Mesa

I didn't get my MKV head from Sweetwater as they didn't have inventory. But, figured I would throw a review up for the boys here as they are good people here. I started out with a Mesa Dual Recto. Sold it and own Diezel's (VH4 and Herbert), an Ubershcall, several Marshall's and a couple others. Since getting the Mark V, I have come full circle back into Mesa's camp. This is an awesome head packed full of features and tone. For tweakers, this is paradise. I used the template to get me started on the settings, as it is a little intimidating at first. But look at it as 3 fully separate amps with 9 different voicings and start tweaking. Don't looks for a direct comparison to your old Mark IIC+ or Mark IV in those modes. You won't get it as the transformers and circuitry are different. But, it is very close. There is an abundance of gain across channels 2 and 3. Mine usually stays on the Mark IV mode and there is plenty of metal in this amp, voiced to the Mark tradition of course. I haven't even gotten another amp out to play since getting mine a few weeks ago. The only thing that I wish they would have done is put some switching capability between the IIC+ and IV modes, but they are on the same channel.

A.M.F.J
from Detroit
September 11, 2009Music Background:
Pro Am

Best Amp Hands Down

I've been a long time devoted follower of Mesa. I've owned a Mesa Rect-O-Verb, RoadKing, Express 5/50 and a Mark IV. My father also owned a Mark III and the Reissue of the Mark I. So versatile with all the options, like the wattage (10,45,90)the 3 voicing for each channel. The classic EQ, I could go on and on and on. I thought nothind could top the Mark IV. I was so wrong. Out of all the amps I've played not just owned this is one of the best ever created!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

S Astenoth
from East Coast USA
June 25, 2009Music Background:
Home Studio Musician, Banger outer

MESA MARK 5

Just got a custom made (tolex and front grill and other options) Mark 5 head and at first I wasn't sure what was causing the head to sound so strange. The footpedal must be plugged in for a lot of functions to react correctly. The amp has some serious wiring in it and all works flawlessly with the 8 button footswitch. Check your knobs on back of head and plug in footswitch. I saw someone post at another site that this head was not for metal at all. While a dual rectifier or triple may be great, if you want a head that is true to just about any sound you could ever want, including metal, the Mark Five is it. I like the mark 4 setting on channel 3 which is so flexible you can get one heavy mark4 sound or get something the mark 4 can't do that is thicker and heavier. It does have the capability to mimic other amps, it just sounds so much better then the originals when you get it dialed in. It is a true legend being made today. Good luck getting your hands on one in the next few months.

Eric
from Morgantown WV
June 23, 2009Music Background:
Hobbyist

Dream head

I don't own this head yet, but I hope to in the future. I just wanted to leave a comment thanking Sweetwater for finally carrying Mesas. I love Mesa and I love Sweetwater, so a great combination. Now if I can just get a grand together this head will be mind. MESA BOOGIE all the way baby!

alex m.
from lodi, ca
September 30, 2011Music Background:
hobbyist, student

one awesome amp

was on this website and thought i would write a review on this amp since i have one. i did not buy my mark v though sweetwater, but none the less have played with my mark v for over six months now. overall this amp rocks. starting with channel one you can get some serious and beautiful clean tones that shine and shimmer, i love the fat channel b/c it is such a warm and full sound. you can get some nice breakup if you want also. on channel two , i dont use the edge mode much but is great for a voxy type of tone. not much bass in this mode though. i love the crunch mode b/c it sounds great,, sort of similiar to a medium marshall crunch tone,, but obiviously not a true marshall crunch, the crunch channel works great with the boosted e.q. and overdrive pedals. mark 1 mode on the second channel is greattttt, i love to solo and do single note pickin in the channel,, so warm and fat,, and great amount of distrotion. a tad compressed but with the presence and treble up and the bass below 9 oclock it sounds great. the third channel is great for lead tones, and chunky rhythm work. both modes sound great with the e,q, on. the amp is great, because you can utilize the different wattage modes, and has great sounding reverb. i have not had any issues with the amp yet since i have had it. plus there is a ton of more options and a footswitch,, ect, ect,...you wont be dissapointed.

Rick Davis
from Baltimore, MD
January 5, 2012Music Background:
Hobbyist

Great Amp, but not Mesa's best high-gain

The clean channel on the Mark V is my personal favorite on any amp. Channel 2 is a solid+usable crunch channel (unlike the Mark IV). However, channel 3 of the Mark V does not perform as well as the LEAD channel of the Mesa Mark IV for metal.
If you are looking for an amp with an amazing clean channel, solid&usable crunch channel, and a 3rd channel for leads, then this amp will work very well for you. But if your primary music is modern metal, there are better options. If you want to stay within the Mesa family, the new Royal Atlantic slays on channel 3 when played at band volumes. Other good options are the Diezel VH4 and the Diezel Herbert. The discontinued Mesa Mark IV has an amazing heavy sound also.