Hi +Jason Dorne - Great question! The CabClone is a good headphone output and there's more volume available from it with higher output amplifiers - 50 watts+... We don't have specific headphone recommendations as there are so many good headphones to choose from but we do suggest headphones under 32 ohms and the lower the impedance, the more volume you'll have available. You can't go wrong with the bigger names who have been doing it for a while and for studio specific applications especially - Sony, Shure, Sennheiser, Audio-Technica, AKG, Beyer Dynamic etc. Hope this helps and let us know if you have any other questions!
Tien is the man, talked with him a few times when I first got my lonestar. Great guy and super helpful when it comes to working with Mesa gear. I'm a boogie guy for life!
Hi +chickensandbeandip - Thanks for the kind words - glad you dig! Other than the removeable tilt back foot toward the front of the unit (designed to loosely 'hook' onto a cabinet handle), there is no intended mounting system for the CabClone. As for comparisons, because the CabClone is it's own unique voice, mic comparisons can be somewhat misleading but we are working on additional videos to showcase what the best ways the CabClone can be used to potewntially sounds even better than a mic, especially when mic'ing isn't available to use. thanks for watching and hope this helps!
Bought mine years ago....it works beautifully.....have it always on the mic level running directly into a Universal Audio 6176 into my Apollo Quad....amps vary between a Boogie King Snake,my 96 Diezel Blueface VH 4 or a 66 Super Reverb.....
Hi +Renato Lousan - The CabClone is NOT an attennuator. It is designed to be used with our amp the way you would normally set it. Using it like you would use an attenuator may cause damage to the CabClone, your amp or both. However, you won't need to use it like an attenuator, because the CabClone sounds great when your amp sounds great! Hope this helps.
OK, here we go... The more I watch videos of the Cab Clone and read these comments, the more I come to the realization that all the people commenting on how much it sucks, (1) don't actually own one or ever played using one or (2) don't know or are not taking into account all the things that are done to your original guitar tone before it's finished in a mix. If the Cab Clone could sound exactly like a mic'd up speaker, do you know what it would be? A mic'd up speaker. It is a DIRECT SOUND. It doesn't carry with it the exact EQ a speaker has combined with the EQ a mic in a room imposes on the sound from your amp. From a live standpoint, your guitar tone when it comes out of the PA, is drastically different from the tone you would record with. Cab Clone does an awesome job at giving you an awesome DIRECT SOUND a sound engineer can use to fit you into the mix. Actually having a speaker connected to the THRU INPUT of the Cab Clone makes this even better because I'd say about 25% of the speaker's sound gets fed back into the Cab Clone signal and mixed into the D.I. sound. This makes it sound way more lively than just using the resistive load in the unit. Don't believe me? Watch this... ruclips.net/video/t_1s1uxv_cU/видео.html I could go on and on, and I will if you really need me to. Just shoot me a message and I'd be happy to educate you. Like all Mesa Boogie products, it's not a plug and play, instant gratification piece of machinery. Some tweaking is required to obtain results that will work for you. I have seen videos with this device where people honestly couldn't tell the difference between the Cab Clone and a single SM57 and Vintage 30 combo. ( ruclips.net/video/FQVop1-Splc/видео.html) That's because of using a speaker load and proper EQ'ing. "Awe man!!! What do you mean I have to EQ it? Can't just sound like I want outta the box?" No!. Even your mic'd speaker cabinet gets EQ'd at the console (heavily when you're recording). The point I'm trying to make here is that people need to pull their heads out of their asses and quit giving an awesome product an undeserved bad reputation. I previously had a Palmer PDI-03 that I bought for $519 used. After getting my Cab Clone at $230 used, I promply returned the Palmer. It's that good.
Hi +Anthony Knight - Thanks very mich for the kind words and thanks for the detail and links you've provided here on how to get the best results from a passive device like the CabClone. It's a shame to see so many people being misled on how to record direct. But in time, those who find the need will continue to find the tools. Passive EQ technology, while not on the cutting edge for direct recording like realtime impulse response or even active EQ circuits, works incredibly well for those who learn how to use it. And the price is the huge differences between all the other technologies being compared. The CabClone was designed to offer a solid loading device with a well-tuned passive direct output that requires EQ'ing after your capture, just like every passive direct device that has ever been built and used before it. You're right on the money and thanks very much for taking the time to share your positive experiences with the CabClone. We tip our hats to you, sir! :D
+MESA/Boogie No problem guys. I'll admit that I had my doubts after the whole Anderton's thing, but I felt like to offer my honest opinion I needed to first research and find everything I possibly could on the product (including the manual) and actually own one so I can form MY own personal opinion.
This may help anyone sceptical about buying this product, as I've used this for a long time now at professional live shows, and I know of many major artists using them such as the guitarist from Architects, Sliptknot, The Contortionists, Weezer, etc. Main thing for me is that this is great for a live application. I use this direct to PA, and it is not connected to a speaker cab as we don't need stage sound and use in ear monitors. I've compared our live videos of us using a mic'd cab, compared to using just the cab clone (no speaker connected)... and as I said, in a live situation, I can not even tell a noticeable difference, nor will your audience. Even with real cabs nobody can tell what speaker you're using live. If for some reason the sound guy thinks it needs tweaking, he can EQ it. If your amp has great tone, this won't ruin it live. With that being said, I would never use for pro recording. For recording demos, its great. I can agree that this compared to the Torpedo live or a real speaker isn't exactly the same, but when have you ever gone to a show and the bands tone was exactly the same as the album. I personally like to hear a more raw live sound. Anyways, I hope that this helps anyone considering. In summary, great for live, great for demos, not great for recording your next album lol.
Is the handle removable, or can you otherwise fold it under the unit so it lays flat? Also, do the ohms always have to match the output, or is that only if you're using it as a load box without a cab connected?
Hi Gear Gods - YES! The Handle is easily removeable with two small phillips head screws! Regarding proper impedance, if you are using the THROUGH jack and connecting a speaker, the speaker is the load so you would be OK there with a mismatch. If using the CabClone direct and utilizing the internal load, a mismatch will likely not sound as good and can potentially cause damage to tubes and/or output transformers when not properly loaded/matched. Great question and thanks for your interest!
This is a great load box, as well a quiet and decent sounding alternative to your speaker cab when practicing. I refer to it as a great load box and not a great cab simulator because the on-board cab simulation blows when it comes to quality recording. It works well as a load box and when paired up with a high quality impulse and impulse loader (which can be found for free), you can get stunning results. Considering how flexible of a device it is, I still feel I got my money's worth.
Hi! I bought he cabclone and im picking it up tomorrow, my question is, which brand and model of headphones appear in the mesa boogie's cab clone page (the ones that are right next to the cab clone), i think that if you put them over there, then i can't go wrong with those headphones! (I own a Mark V, but in the nights i can't make any noise! So Cab Clone's perfect for me!) thanx in advance.
Hi +José Mendoza - The headphones in the video are Sony MDR-7058s, but ANY headphones under 32ohms will work great. Let us know how you like the CabClone and thanks for your support! :D
Hi McLeanAB88 - The CabClone's primary input (far left on the rear panel) expects a SPEAKER level input signal. A preamp signal will not drive it. Perhaps a good feature for a future, more full-featured model model? ;)
HiCharles Salvacion - The Line Out of the CabClone is UNAFFECTED - so you can use it with other simulations like IR etc. is that what you're hoping to do with it?
So i have a question.... I just ordered an 8ohm version, so of course i would use the 8ohm output on my amp. So if i wanted to run my boogie 2x12 vert cab at the same time and its 8ohm can i with no issues just running out of the cabclone extension cab out?
Hi Estevan Garcia - If you're planning to use just ONE cab, you would just connect your cab to the THROUGH jack of the CabClone once the speaker out from your amp is connected to the Speaker Input and you're all set. If you have an 8 ohm cab and an 8 ohm CabClone, you're all set. If you're trying to connect two cabs, that's more complicated and is basically not recommended. Hope this helps and let us know if you have any other questions.
Hi +Keith S. - The audio throughout this demo and all the demos is CabClone ONLY! When we recorded the video, the studio we were at had a bunch of ridiculous mics so we set em up to have a bunch of options for the video and comparisons, etc.. Thanks for watching!
Thanks, megahurtz30. High Gain is VERY subjective with so many dynamics to consider. And, keep in mind, this is without EQ and NOT in the context of a mix or with any FX. A very harsh environment to make things sound good. That said, thanks for the kind words. People seem to really dig it!
Morning Mesa :D - have kind of 2 1/2 questions surrounding in my head ;-) . As a matter of fact, CabClone is not an attunuator, hence, I will get the volume I dialed in with my master knob on my amp, when connected a cab to the THRU socket? Said this, if I connect CabClone to my Engl Gigmaster 15 which comes with an in-built Power-Soak (15 to 5 to 1 Watts), I could use the Power Soak, or any other external Attunuator-Device, to still get the desired amp saturation at low volume level. So what do you think using the combination of a Power Soak and CabClone. Lastly, a user review mentioned, that CabClone needs to be driven to deliver good tone! Could you comment on this, since this might could effect into a not so optimized tone using low Watt amps, or power soaked amp? Appreciate reading your feedback ... cheers!
HiMrTR909 - Great questions... all of them. 1st and most important (which was really your last questions/statement): CabClone should/does NOT need to be driven to sound good! The CabClone sounds best where you would normally set your amp if you were dialing it in with the cabinet you use for live or otherwise NON-direct/non-silent applications. This is why it is being so well received - because it sounds great where you normally use your amp! ;)2nd (actually first question): When you are connected to the THROUGH jack to a real speaker/cabinet, the internal load is 100% BYPASSED. The speaker IS the load in use. You can go wherever you want, volume and master-wise, there - it's whatever your ears and space can handle. So... If your source to the input of the CabClone is the attenuated SPEAKER OUTPUT of your amp... well, you get that circuitry AND the CabClone circuitry 'voicing' your recorded/direct sound. Your call whether that sounds good or not but as long as it's the speaker output connected to the CabClone, that's the signal it want's to see and your amp has already done the attenuation and 'soaking' of the output signal. Hope this helps and thanks for the great questions!
Please contact your local MESA Dealer for pricing. You can search for your local dealer or distributor here: www.mesaboogie.com/US/Dealers/dealers___support.htm The Cab Clone goes into it's first production/build at our one-and-only Petaluma shop on July 14 and should begin shipping later that week or early the following week. Thanks for your interest in the CabClone!
HiAndy Scarlett - YES! You can bring just your amp and run the Speaker Output DIRECT from the CabClone (using it's built-in load). OR - you can run both (if you bring your speaker). That's one of the things that makes it so useful. hope this helps and let us know if you have any further questions!
looks and sounds good ....but whats with all the big name microphones in this vid? is the sound we here the DI ? or the mics? or combination of them ... thanks.. if it is just the DI i am buying one!
Hi JJ Eson - The audio throughout this and all the demos is CabClone ONLY! When we recorded the video and the session, we put up a bunch of mics to compare. The CabClone smoked the mics! And, the studio we were at had a bunch of ridiculous mics so we set em up to have a bunch of options for the video. At some point we may deliver comparison vids (the other reason for setting them up but at the moment, there are other features on the editing desk. Thanks for your interest and let us know what you think when you get one!
As I'm new to home recording and I don't want to mess up anything (might be a dumb question but oh well): I own a Mesa Boogie Mark V and ordered a Cab Clone today. I've heard that the speaker should never be unplugged from the amp - but in case I want to do silent recording with the Cab Clone, can I unplug the speaker anyway from the 8 Ohm input and only have the Cab Clone (4 Ohm) connected to it? And of course afterwards plug headphones into the Cab Clone. Would I damage anything that way? And afterwards I assume I can simply plug in the speaker again (no matter if the cab clone is connected or not) - right?
Hi +SwissWolv - Great question and excellent choice to ask before causing damage to an amp. Any tube amp must always have a speaker or a load connected to it if it is on and has a guitar plugged in and signal going into the input. You seem to suggest that your CabClone is a 4 ohm unit, and if so, you need to connect the CabClone to the 4 ohm speaker out jack on the amp. If the Mark V is a combo and you have the original speaker in the amp, it should be an 8 ohm speaker and we would highly recommend you get an 8 ohm CabClone to optimize your options with both the amp and the CabClone. The golden rule is, if you want to use the amp with the Headphone Out of the CabClone, make sure the matching impedance speaker from the Mark V is connected to the impedance of the CabClone and it's Speaker Input. If both are 8 ohm, you can connect the CabClone THRU to your Mark Five's speaker when you want the speaker to work and disconnect it when you want to use it for silent recording or headphones. If your CabClone is a 4 ohm version, you need to make sure the CabClone is connected to the 4 ohm Mark V Speaker Out, then disconnect that and plug the Mark V speaker into the 8 ohm jack when you want to use that. Hope this helps and let us know if you have any further questions - happy to help. Oh yeah - and hope the Mark V is working GREAT for you!
Hello Mesa/Boogie. How can I connect the 20/20 amp to the CabClone I am running a Triaxis with a 20/20. Will I have to use just one channel of both amp and Triaxis? Thanks
HiVitor Caçador - That's correct. Just connect to one side via the Through and to your cabinet and that will provide your direct sound from that side. Hope this helps and thanks for your interest!
Hi. I would like to know if this is a cab simulator or a mic / cab simulator? I read the user manual and it says "The CABCLONE™ is a passive Cabinet Simulator/Speaker+Mic alternative with a built-in amp load" but I never saw anywhere else in the manual how to use the feature "mic simulator". The fact is...there are 2 different things here: 1. The speaker simulation - when you actually hear the speaker in front of you, and 2. A microphone picking up the sound of a speaker. A microphone always will color the sound, since there is no perfect microphone. So...which one is the Mesa Cab Clone? Thanks
Hi Mike - Great question. The section you're quoting is attempting to say that the CabClone is an Alternative to a Speaker+Mic - but it is not attempting to say that it incorporates mic simulation. Ultimately, the CabClone is a load box that allows you to capture a balanced direct signal to a recording interface or FOH or monitoring system. It's a passive system so there's not an incredible amount of circuitry that simulates cabinets, mics, rooms, etc, like some of the more advanced digital processes out there. That said, it provides the load function and offers 3 basic passive EQs that seek to emulate the basic EQ curves of the cabinets listed. Because the EQ is passive, it is suggested that the capture will likely be further EQ'd in your post production workflow to get the tones exactly where you want them. More specifically, there isn't a microphone 'voiced' into the sound from the CabClone as there isn't an active circuit involved to offer that level of EQ control. Keep in mind the price point and functionality of the CabClone here - it's a device that offers a feed to your recording interface or live performance systems and allows for silent or THRU functionality of that signal. You have basic passive EQ of a balanced signal and will add EQ after your input of choice to fine tune a passive, direct tone. Hope this helps and thanks for your interest! :D
Mesa I need to know if the line out bypasses the speaker emulation, but still allows my amp to be recorded. If so, would I be able to use other speaker emulations like ownhammer or redwirez for recording. Thanks.
Hi Albert Garcia- The Line Out DOES bypass the emulation - so if you want to use that for direct recording and add sims after, you absolutely can do that. Some have also just used the Open Back setting and added sims to that as well with good results since that's fairly neutral/natural to begin with. Some have said it even sounds better. Thanks for your interest!
Dear Mesa/Boogie Team! Please answer my question) If CabClone works like a Headphones cabsim also, can it work like an attenuator for my amp, just to crank my Dual Rectifier at home? If no, the what is the place of this device in the signal chain WITH the separate attenuator = amp - cabclone: 1) attenuator - cab; 2) external interface - monitors. And the second question (sorry for the offtop). Can I use the Mesa Pedal EQ like an attenuator, placing it in the FX loop of my Dual Rectifier. The pedal has is separate input gain and output level, so I thought it should solve the question. Thanks, Mesa Team! You're the best, as Your products are! \m/
Hi Andrey Sklyarov - The CabClone is NOT an attenuator. It does not allow you to "crank up your amp" - it allows you to record silently (at home or wherever you want) but it doesn't allow you to turn your amp up beyond where you would normally use it if you had your cab connected. It is a direct recording and headphone interface, but you should set it where you would normally use the amp. Hope this helps. As for MESA's 5-Band Graphic EQ, you can use it in the FX Loop of your Dual Rectifier, OR - in front of the amp, but it is not an 'attenuator' that allows you to turn up your amp any louder than you would normally set it. It just adjusts frequencies. The input and output controls allow you to optimize the input and output of the EQ pedal depending on where you use it but again, it was NOT designed to "crank it up" at any points in the circuit - it's designed to offer you frequency tuning of your sound, not attenuation. Again, hope this helps and thanks for the great questions!
MESA/Boogie It's not a secret, that thousands if not millions play their 100w amps at home. And I think that if there was Mesa Attenuator on the market- it would be the best one. Like a Mesa lover, personally I would purchase one))
Great point, Andrey Sklyarov , and one that we're aware of. The CabClone was the first step into this market. Now that it's confirmed that people like the tone and features, let's see what comes next!
MESA/Boogie and I have the 2 channel Dual Rectifier, the best killer sounding amp ever! In a few months I'm gonna get the LoneStar to my rig. With MESA attenuator its cleans would sparkle even at the bedroom volume level and the Recto gain would summon Metallica just right in place))
Wait! They show a Triple Rectifier (1:04) getting plugged in to the CabClone, yet on the back of the Cabclone it says 100watts... So can I use my Triple with it?
Hi Roland Garcia - The Rectifier being used in the video sample played in the studio is a three channel DUAL Recto (100W - Multi-Watt), not a Triple. If you have a cabinet connected to the THROUGH jack on the back of the CabClone you can DEFINITELY take advantage of the CabClone's Cab Simulations and DI Output using amps with wattages above 100 watts. The internal load is bypassed when the THROUGH is connected. It's possible to use a Triple or higher than 100W amp for silent use with the internal load of the CabClone IF you keep volumes/masters on your 100W+ amp lower/quieter and, basically, using the amp set reasonably... NOT CRANKED to the high hills. Excessive volume/master settings could do damage to the internal load resistor and/or then to your amp if the load resistor fails from excessive heat. Temperature of the CabClone is your best guide to determine if you're pushing the CabClone's internal Load Resistor too far. If it's too hot to tough it and hold your hands on it for more than 5-10 seconds, you're probably pushing it too hard. Use common sense and you should be fine.
If you turn the amp's master volume high enough you'll fry the load, so you have two workarounds - you either connect the thing to a cab so you're using the cab as load while using the thing to get a line out, or you don't turn up the volume much on the amp.
Thank you! That was a wealth of knowledge. I own a Triple and a Dual right now. On top of that, I've owned at least ten Mesa amp in my lilfe. The Triple I own is my baby. It's one of the first ever made. My Dual is a TOV combo that I absolutely love. So, I know my Mesa stuff very well. FIVE 6L6's and THREE 5U4G's Screen cap: fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xfp1/t31.0-8/10548088_10203213901922232_4654681915202966705_o.jpg
Roland Garcia I have to say, I'm unfamiliar with the new Multi-Watt's so, perhaps they're using 3 rectifier tubes in those? ..but the 5th 6L6 is a little mind boggling.
Roland Garcia I'm not try to start trouble, only pointing out what's there... But like you said, Triples can be used as long as the thru is being used, which it seems to be (0:58)
Hi +somnambulus - That what all of the CabClone demos are - CabClone only! When we recorded the video, the studio we were at had a bunch of ridiculous mics so we set em up to have options for comparisons, etc... However, the audio in this and the other CabClone specific demos are CabClone only. Thanks for watching!
So I have a bugera 1960 head and I can't use a cab because it's too loud for my neighbors, can I use this plugged into the head and use headphones instead of a speaker cab? I have really good studio headphones would this work?
Hi +Nick Hughes - This is EXACTLY what the CabClone was made for! :D Plug the speaker out from your amp and your headphones into the CabClone and you are all set. Check it out and hope it works well for you!
Hi there! Is this device able to handle a different level of ohms from the head into the Cabclone? For example, if my 150W Triple Rectifier head was set to 4 ohms and was sent to a 16 ohm Cabclone, would it still work?
HiWhitefireshreds - You are asking two questions here. The first one has to do with what impedance version of CabClone should you buy. The answer to that is, you should buy the impedance version that matches the Cabinet that you will most often use with the CabClone. If you have an 8 ohm cab, that's the CabClone version you should buy. Hope this makes sense. The second question, is yes - you can play a 150w Triple Rectifier with the CabClone as it is rated for 150w usage now. Hope this helps and let us know if you have any further questions! :D
Hi ***** - Good question! Actually, because most amps offer different impedance OUTPUT options, customers should buy the CabClone that matches the cabinet they will likely most often use, IF... (this is the important part) they are using the THRU feature on the CabClone. Your question suggests that the CabClone is only used silently and that is not the CabClone's ONLY potential usefulness. Again, since most amps usually offer multiple impedance OUTPUTS, the most important impedance decision to make when purchasing is which cabinet you might use it with and then use it with the appropriate impedance output on the amp, whether you are using the THRU or not. Hope this helps and thanks for your interest!
UPDATE: July 17. The first build of the CabClone is shipping! Contact your local dealer or distributor for pricing and availability: www.mesaboogie.com/US/Dealers/dealers___support.htm
Hey guys! Just got my Cab Clone (8 ohm) and I am absolutely in love with it. It sounds phenomenal running with my Mark V through my Mesa 4x12 and it sounds great through headphones as well. It will completely revolutionize my night time playing and my recording in general. However, I was curious about using it with a 16 ohm Orange 1x12. Would a mismatch be relatively safe in this instance since the speaker essentially becomes the load when using the THROUGH output? Or is that not the case?
Quick question. I read it can be argued that reactive load boxes (two note torpedo series, Rivera load boxes) are better for tone compared with resistive load boxes (like the cab clone) since reactive loads act like the actual cab and thus are more "transparent". What were the reasons to use resistive loads as opposed to a reactive load for the cab clone?
Hi radz108 - The CabClone ACTUALLY offers BOTH! Plug in your amp's speaker cabinet via the through jack and you have a reactive load as the internal resistor is then bypassed. At that point, you don't have a silent recording option but you do have a reactive load with balanced XLR output and, most importantly, the CabClone CIRCUIT and TONE which is the biggest part of the GOOD tone you're recording direct. Beyond that, it needs to be mentioned that while there is a slight difference between direct recording with the CabClone's internal resistor or using your amp's speaker, there are FAR more similarities than there are differences... a testament to how good the CabClone direct circuit is for both the resistive and reactive load options the CabClone offers. Hope this helps and great question!
Thanks for the info! I have a cab clone on order from my local store here in Calgary to use with my Mark V. Hopefully I will get it soon and hopefully post some sound examples. :)
Hello, i have a MB V-Twin rackmount. Not using a power amp and speaker cabinet. How can i connect the CabClone to the V-Twin into a mixer and play live on stage?
Hi MesaBoogie - I'm in Petaluma, a few mins from your shop. Would I be able to stop by next Monday to purchase this? Been waiting for something like the CabClone for a while now. Great product! Thanks
Hi +Eric Soderlund - Everything in the first production run is spoken for at this point. We'd encourage you to contact the nearest local dealers for their stock and/or waiting lists, or, your preferred online dealer. Thanks for your interest and let us know what you think when you get one!
Using the Mesa mark v 25 cab clone feature can you run a xlr cable directly out of the amp to say studio monitors or a PA? If so which way would you set the speaker on/off switch??
hello just wondering if i will be able to plug in my line6 pod hd500 ( digital guitar amp emulator) into this and then run it direct into my mackie srm650 PA speaker for a more real amp sound? Or does it only work with valve amplifiers?
HiNic Lynch - The CabClone is designed to work with an amplifier power section output. Your HD500 is basically a preamp signal, so the CabClone isn't designed to work with it. Good question and thanks for your interest. :)
Hi +Bflatest - The CabClone provides a direct output via Balanaced XLR out and simple, analog Cabinet Simulation. You can use the internal load to record silently, OR - you can use the THRU jack on the CabClone and use the XLR output AND your speaker at the same time. This is not a power soak where you turn your amp up MUCH louder than you would normally use it connected to a speaker to get more power section saturation. That said, with lower watage amps, the CabClone's internal load is rated at 150 watts and can handle your amp being turned up a little bit past where you would use it if connected to a speaker and you are in the same room. Hope this answers yuour question and thanks for your interest! :)
thanks I love my Mesa Express 112 original not plus. I am looking for a good cabinet extension also. but can't afford mesa now do you know one that is a step down or a used one ?
Awesome, Bflatest - All Express are good express. Please check with your local dealer or distributor for availability of cabs (new or used). Rock on! :)
HiVelhos Novos - Great question! The CabClone will work with Tube or solid state amps but it doesn't work with just preamps. It's designed to receive power section output and provides a balanced XLR Output for direct use from there. It won't work with a preamp. Hope this helps! :)
Hi Velhos Novos - Because the CabClone XLR Output comes BEFORE the speaker, the CabClone is not concerned with whether you use a passive speaker or active FRFR. So - you can use whatever speaker you prefer for your 'live' sound with a speaker. Different types of speakers connected to the CabClone's THRU may change the XLR's tone slightly, but not enough to make a huge difference one way or the other. Thanks for your excellent questions and hope this helps! :)
+MESA/Boogie Many Thanks! I was thinking of using the Cab Clone just as load box and use my Torpedo Cab together. by the way, I Will try it out. regards
Is there no headphone volume??? Or does it use the DI volume when it's bypassed to the headphone input? Also I take it you order it from a dealer in the appropriate OHM setting for your amp?
Hi kryonso - There is no headphone volume control. The CabClone is passive and gets it's headphone volume from the Master/Output setting on your amp - this is the control you'll use to set your amp's volume. The DI Level ONLY affects the DI Output. Regarding OHMS/impedance, YES - order the appropriate impedance CabClone for the amps you plan to use it with. Thanks for your questions and your interest - hope this helps!
Hi, i just ordered one in 16 ohms. Can i feed my 8 ohms tube head cab output to this 16 ohms cab clone. Is there issues or tone alteration or amp damage? Please advise.
HiMark Tan - Not recommended. You should run the CabClone with the same impedance speaker as the rating of the CabClone. Impedance mismatching can get confusing and also can cause damage to the CabClone load resistor, the amp, tubes, or not sound as it's designed. Good question. Hope this helps!
Correct me if I'm wrong but how comes there are mics for the cabs in this demo? Surely we should be hearing the direct sound straight from the cab clone and not the real cabs blended in :/
Hi Jimmy C - The audio you hear is CabClone ONLY. We set mics up in the event we wanted to do a comparison video but the CabClone sounded so good we just left it to be CabClone ONLY throughout all the samples for the main demo and sample videos. Thanks for your interest!
MESA/Boogie That's like saying "I created a soda out of tap water that tastes so much like Coke that you won't believe it. Here... taste it and see for yourself. As a matter of fact, it tastes so much like Coke, I'm not even going to let you taste real Coke in your taste test."
Quick question, I note there is a mic in front of the cab during the demos. Is what we are hearing just the cab clone or is that blended with the mic??
TheCrystalyne - The audio throughout this and all the demos is CabClone ONLY! When we recorded the video and the session, we put up a bunch of mics to compare. The CabClone smoked the mics! And, the studio we were at had a bunch of ridiculous mics so we set em up to have a bunch of options for the video. At some point we may deliver comparison vids (the other reason for setting them up) but at the moment, there are other features on the editing desk. Thanks for your interest!
MESA/Boogie Thank you much for the advice, if you dont mind another question. I plan to use the Cabclone with my Boogie 5:50 Express 1x12 (8ohm) with 1x12 (8ohm) extension cab. I'd like to continue using the amp in this fashion (2 speakers) using the Cabclone line out to my desk. However, I note that if using the internal speaker and the extension speaker, I plug the speakers into the 2x4ohm plugs on the back of the amp. So if I wanted to use the amp this way with the Cabclone, would I need to buy a 4ohm or 8ohm Cabclone?? Thanks in advance.
TheCrystalyne - You'll be looking for the 8 ohm version. Whether using it with both speakers in use at the same time or one at a time, the speakers themselves are 8 ohms and that's what you're matching. Great question and let us know if we can help with anything else!
Love the fact that it's passive, love the concept. But I don't like the way the cab sim sounds. Useful for practicing I guess, but for recording, I don't know. Does it have a line level, unsimulated output? or is the line output cab-level or simulated too?
Hi Bas Vredeling - Not sure what you're listening on (headphones or studio monitors ALWAYS highly recommended for critical listening when trying to decide to buy gear), BUT - we did EXTENSIVE R & D and comparisons to both mics and our competition to get the CabClone sounding as realistic and toneful as we could, similar or better than our favorite mics, and nailing the FEEL. We would highly recommend that you need to try it for yourself and not depend on a RUclips video to make a final determination since flavors are different for everyone and this is just one amp, one guitar, one setting, one player - all unique. There are settings, controls, amps, instruments and many other conditions that YOU decide and that will affect your tone when you go to record and the CabClone is just one possible piece of that puzzle that provides direct functionality. Hope this helps and thanks for your interest!
PS, Bas Vredeling Regarding the Line out - YES - the Line Out is unsimulated - basically a tap off the speaker output - just like a Slave Out on our amps. You can run the DI and the Line Out at the same time as well. We'd suggest the DI Output will sound and feel WAY better than the Line Out but there's uses for the Line Out for styles and flavors, for sure.
This is Awesome! …I'm already trying to figure out how to use this with amp sims. I hope this doesn't cost too much. …What type of mic position is the cab clone cloning?
Hi Amps for Buddha - There's no specific mic position to reference since it's not a 'model' of mic placement - the CabClone is much more analog than that... ;) BUT - it's probably best described as slightly off center of the dust cap and 'on the grill' for distance away from the speaker. Standard stuff to reach the widest range of possibilities and users. Check with your local dealer for pricing: www.mesaboogie.com/US/Dealers/dealers___support.htm Thanks for your interest!
MESA/Boogie hi bought 2 weeks ago the mark V combo must say the best highest quality amp ever. if i plug the CabClone to the amp with headphones will it sound the same like the amp itself?
Hi Max Shahmeister - Yes! However, nothing replaces a room being filled with sound from a speaker or speaker cabinet. Listening to an amp silently through headphones is never as "big" as listening to it through the speaker but the CabClone Headphone Out does a great job of providing a silent listening experience for your Mark V and ANY amp you want to use it with.
!? I like this thing and I have a couple of question. In my experience (w/ a "hot-plate"), I'd like to use this with my amp at set at high master volume, high gain, and with a lot of pedals, into headphones. Would I be able to turn the amp up, and have the volume in the headphones pretty low so that I don't blow my ears out... and the CabClone will absorb all the excess energy from the amp?! And to adjust the volume in the headphones, do you use the "D.I. LEVAL" knob on the front?
that's interesting. I was wondering if it would be useful to a setup im building of a 40 watt bass amp that i would rather monitor from it's "real" output, rather than from it's shitty aux out 1/8" shit jobber ;) the thing has some nice features! props to the design gods
Hi SRPDigitalTV - Since the CabClone is not an 'attenuator', it doesn't offer the exact same concept as an attenuator, BUT - because the DI LEVEL can be turned low, you can turn the master of your amp up and set your levels this way and get some cool variations of tones this way. Alternately, setting the CabClone DI Level higher and turning your amps master down produces some KILLER tones as well. Highly recommended to experiment with the full range of possibilities between CabClone/Amp/Input Gain on a console/recorder etc. thanks for your interest!
MESA/Boogie Hi, please i have a question, is possible to conecta my tube amp to this cab lone, but whit not simulation, i mean i direct signal of the amp, and after of that connect the amp tru this cabclone to my interface and use some impulses ¿? thanks for reading this.
Hi Daniel Ortega - YES! You can use the Line Out which is just a Line Level tap off of the speaker output and is NOT Cab Simulated! Good question. Thanks for your interest!
When using the headphone driver, does it eliminate the sound from the amp speaker and go directly into the headphones? or does the amp still produce noise? I've got a Mark 5 combo and being able to get my tubes to purr in an apartment can (and maybe has) piss my neighbors off. ;)
Hi +Pedro Antônio Parreira - The CabClone can be used either silently with no speaker connected (and uses an internal load built into the CabClone), OR - you can plug it into your speaker as well (which bypasses the CabClone). Hope this helps and thanks for your interest!
I have a cab clone and have had it since it came out. At the time I was living in an apt. I used it for about 6 months before I finally gave up. I could never get a good clear and concise metal tone. I had tried everything. Now I use it as the speaker load and go out from the line out (emulation bypass) to a Two Notes CAB. This setup actually sounds great and have been using it for almost 2 years with no issues. You can get some decent cleans and blues crunchy type tones using only the clone. I literally tried everything to get it to sound decent for metal but never was able to. It works perfectly as the speaker load and is a cheaper alternative to more pricey load boxes ( got mine for $120)
Hi +Jonathan David Lee Aldridge - Sorry to hear you had trouble getting a good metal tone from the CabClone but glad you were able to find some other good sounds. Here's something to try for good metal tones: Set your amp fairly low volume (I know - counterintuitive, but, stick with us), then set the output between 1:00-3:00 and adjust your input gain on your DAW to get a good signal from that setup. In the case of direct recording, it's not as much about CRANKING the amp up as it is finding the setting that makes the signal sit right. With the lower overall volume level you get balanced bass (that you can turn up with the bass control if you want more) and lots of good saturation. Check it out and let us know what you find! Thanks for the kind words and taking the time to comment!
hey!, i was wondering if this can be used also as a attenuator to get the volume down to example bed room level of you´re fav amp, and yet get that great sound and tone out of it??
Hi Daniel Otterborg - The CabClone is NOT an attenuator and should not be used to 'crank' your amp up as this will cause premature wear on your tubes and possible failures. If you're going out of the DI Output, you can adjust your amp's Master and/or Output level slightly above where you would normally use it (as if a cab was connected), BUT - it is NOT recommended to 'crank your amps overall volumes with the CabClone. This is not an attenuator, it's a load box and should be treated as a speaker alternate. If you wouldn't use the setting on the amp with a speaker connected and being in then sdame room with your amp, don't use that setting with the CabClone ;). Hope this helps and thanks for your interest!
I ordered the 8 ohm one for my 5150III Amp, will this also work with my Fender 65 Twin Reverb Reissue even though it's rated Wattage: 85 Watts into 4 Ohms?
Hi Daniel Carey - Thank for the kind words and glad you've got one on order. As for using it with your Fender Twin, as long as you connect the 8 ohm speaker output of the Twin into the Speaker Input of your 8 Ohm CabClone, the wattage is fine. It should work great with your 5150 and your Twin. Enjoy!
Daniel Carey The CabClone allows you to recored with OR without speakers connected. If you connect the speakers to the THROUGH jack, you're using your speakers as the load. If no speakers are connected, you are using the INTERNAL load. So - you don't have to connect a your speakers if you want to record/headphone silently. Best of both worlds!
Hi jasfiona - you might be surprised at the affordability of the CabClone... ;) Please contact your local MESA Dealer for pricing and final availability. You can search for your local dealer or distributor here: www.mesaboogie.com/US/Dealers/dealers___support.htm The Cab Clone goes into it's first production/build at our one-and-only Petaluma shop on July 14 and should begin shipping later that week or early the following week. From there, add in the shipping time to the UK and you will have a sense of availability. However, Westside, your distributor can give you the a more exact estimate of when they'll land in the UK. Thanks for your interest!
it seams to do cleans well but when you add gain it sounds like someone threw a blanket over a speaker, neat idea but im not worried about doing cleans quietly. it needs to be able to handle gain.
Hi +Riley Whyte - Good observation and thanks for the feedback! :) Keep in mind that when YOU are recording direct, with a CabClone (or anything, for that matter), you'll set the amp and all of the rest of the elements in your signal chain where they need to be set for you to get the tone you want out of your monitors. The CabClone is no different in this regard and as such, is no brighter or darker than anything. The sounds you hear on this video reflect the settings of the amp and the capture environment as much or even more than the CabClone itself. Recording in general is highly dependent on the user and your application. The CabClone is relatively transparent with slight tonal variation available from the voicing options. The final output is very dependent on the user and their selections from everything else in the signal chain, and including the CabClone. Hope this helps and thanks again for your comment! :)
NjuiMusic The CabClone ABSOLUTELY allows you to record without mice - that's one of the main things it does! When we set up the session, we wanted to have the option to do comparison videos as well as just the CabClone by itself, direct, with no other signal. Setting it all up and having the options for multiple formats just made sense to us. We decided to provide CabClone ONLY demos first... and future comparison videos will follow as time allows.
Ground lift should only be used when you hear hum or ground loop noise. Always start in the grounded position and if you hear noise in your signal, try the lifted position to see if that removes the noise. Hope this helps!
Can i use the cabclone on a mesa boogie rectoverb 25 (head/combo)? If so, should i use the 8 ohm or 16 ohm? This product looks so good and seems very useful... Keep on doing good stuff MESA/Boogie!! Thanks for reading this. Cheers.
Hi +MrELITEdonkey - When using a passive direct box, if you are attempting to accomplish a mic'd sound, you might need to consider adding EQ at your console or DAW in post to make up for frequencies that a PASSIVE device is unable to provide boost for. For a JCM 800, I might suggest adding 2-3dB of lows at 80-100hz and maybe a pinch more at 175-250hz. You might also want to scoop mids by 2-3dB somewhere around 600-900hz. Finally, you might want to use a low pass around 5-6K but the addition of bass will also make the existing highs sit better. Experimentation is key and while the CabClone is not a microphone, getting it to sound like one by adding the frequencies that are not represented in a silent, passive direct capture can be easily done with post EQ. Hope this helps and thanks for your comment! :D
Ryan's World - The CabClone is designed for guitar amps. Most bass amps are likely too powerful to be used safely with the CabClone, particularly for silent recording (using the internal load of the CabClone) and beyond that, most people prefer a DI (with no cab simulation) for bass. Finally, the CabClone has been voiced/optimized for guitar, so it might not sound as good as something that was optimized specifcally for bass. Hope this helps and thanks for your interest!
Hi JAFO - The cab emulation is analog and because this unit is passive, the cabinet simulation is achieved by subtractive EQ circuitry with analog components on the inbound signal. Hope this helps and thanks for watching!
Hi Boogie Can you explain why when this product was given a real world test on another YT channel it sounded so bad?, I mean you even sent over an engineer and he couldn't make it sound good in real life, if three music pros and an engineer in a shop full of the latest equipment couldn't make it sound right then what chance does Joe public have?, and can you explain why you guys felt the need to strong arm a very well respected YT guitar review channel into making another video that ultimately ended up making your product look even worse than the first video did? I'll be very interested to hear what you have to say for yourselves on this one guys.
+arbitermatt well.. it really looked like if they manipulated this other yt channel (i saw the video) and it is just injustice to do that and to lie to people so they buy a piece of shit for too much money no disrespect to you, but it's just not fair
I was curious if there was going to be a future video comparing the cabclone to some mic'ed cabinets to show the difference between the audio captured. I think it would really be extremely useful in showing its capabilities ( which at moment seem extremely diverse).
Hi O00Coolzero00O - This is something we may be showing in future videos but currently working on a couple of other features first. Thanks for your comment and your interest!
If your recording direct, many amps have a direct out and there's cab sim plug ins galore. I'd be more interested in how it sounds through a cab. But this things passive, it's going to sound like a THD hot plate that's $100 cheaper.
The reactivity in the load of speakers isn't anything worth reproducing nor even noting unless you're going for an alnico guitar speaker. Not that it makes much of a difference on the sound anyway - the frequency response is a hella bigger difference.
Hi Robert Johnson - If you're using the THROUGH jack and connecting a speaker/cabinet, the internal 'static' load resistor is bypassed by virtue of the jack having something plugged in. This IS the reactive load you're seeking (the speaker you have plugged in... So, in that way, this offers a reactive load and even though it's not silent at that point, it does provide the balanced XLR output with the CabClone's Cab Simulation and is a very useful applications if you're splitting hairs between a static load and a reactive load. That said, the static load for the CabClone when SILENT/DIRECT Recording (without a speaker connected) is EXCEPTIONAL in Tone AND Feel. And like Luca Borgonovo said above, the frequency response is a much more significant (better) difference than reactive vs. static load. You'll have to try it (feel it and hear it) to believe it. We think (hope) you'll be blown away!
MESA/Boogie So I could connect a “dummy" speaker load and have a very “natural" reactive load connected… Problem solved :) There are a few options to make that speaker more or less silent (If I would find that a reactive load is necessary….) It would be very interesting to record the XLR output cab simulation with a speaker connected (reactive) and a/b that with no speaker connected….(passive). The theory is that: "The tube amplifier and guitar speaker work together dynamically and it is the complex interaction between the two that creates the overall tone, therefore, maintaining the speaker's natural reactance is a critical factor in keeping the attenuated tone and dynamics transparent” From: www.aracom-amps.com/info/PRX%20Advantages.html The static load is a big resistor with EQ added (the frequency response is not dynamic). This is of course theoretical and trying out the CabClone is the only way to find out for myself…. I will give it a try :)
Hi Adam Pereira - Check with your local distributor for pricing. The first Production starts on Monday here in the one-and-only factory in Petaluma and should start shipping late next week or early the week following. Contact your dealer or distributor for the best detail. Thanks for your interest! ;)
rizalkhan Yes! Just as you would if you were running the cable from amp to speaker, you should use speaker cables from both your amp to the CabClone AND from the Through of the CabClone to your speaker if you are using the Through. hope this helps!
Hi n0g4rdd3r - Most bass amps deliver wattage that is well above the wattage rating of the CabClone's internal load resistor. If your bass amp is below 150 watts, you *could* use the Cabclone, BUT... Most people record bass either plugging their bass straight into their recording device or DAW, OR - they'll use a DI of some sort. We would recommend this for the ultimate control and tone as well as being useful in other applications like live performance or as a backup to your main amp: ruclips.net/video/qM23tXslaGA/видео.html Hope this helps and thanks for your interest! :)
Hi Andrew Moyles - Thanks for your interest! For pricing, contact your local MESA dealer: www.mesaboogie.com/US/Dealers/dealers___support.htm The CabClone will be shipping next week!
Only a half decade late to the conversation! Is anybody out there using this device Amp> CabClone> DAW ? Are the cab sims any good? Obviously the sound quality is coming from your amp and pedal board and so the most important feature of this device is the cab sims? Good/Bad/Meh ?????
see here is my problem. some are raving about it (5 star reviews on sweetwater) and then some notable players say it doesn't cut it, my sansamp GT2 has been a blessing since i discovered it for live use ( direct to board and in front of a low volume on stage amp with direct xlr [from amp] to board.. I may get it and do a test run live and let u know
My question is.... why didn't anyone think of this before? Seems like a no brainer for bedroom guitarists. I have a Dual Rectifier, but sadly I can't achieve the tone I'd like... partially due to the fact that i can't achieve the volume levels needed for it to shine without being blown away.
Thanks, DeadCell34 - Your situations and quite a few others is exactly why we created the CabClone. Appreciate the kind words and it should serve you well!
MESA/Boogie I do have a serious question about the Cab Clone. My current setup is a Mesa Dual Rectifier with a 2x12 Orange cab. Well, as you know, the Dual Rectifier can vary in impedance with a selection switch. However, my Orange cab has a 16 ohm impedance. That being the case, should I buy the 16 ohm Cab Clone if I ever intend to use my cab with the Cab Clone? My thoughts are that the impedance of the Cab Clone is primarily dealing with the impedance of the amplifier head, and not the external cab. But I wanted to check and be sure.
Hey DeadCell34 - The most important impedance to match with the CabClone is the cab you plan to use. In your case, 16 ohm. Regardless of what options your amp offers for outputs, it's the speaker's impedance being matched (to the CabClone) which offers the optimum tone from the CabClone, especially when using the THRU option. It's potentially confusing but most for your CAB to match the CabClone's impedance sincme most amps offer impedance matching options to cover the variety of cabs out there. Hope this helps and thanks for your interest!
i have it on my markV35, is not that bad but is not that good too, when i record i have to use a IR to fix the sound to be more " similar " to what i hear from my real cabinet , it would be nice a VST from mesa to fix the sound better , by itseld on a PA is not that good , is better to use a microphone in front of the cab..
Hi Alex - Your experience is exactly what we suggest you would do to accomplish the best sounds possible direct. Anyone connecting direct with a PA would add post EQ at the FOH sound board. Anyone recording direct with access to IR or post EQ would also be suggested to feel free to add Post elements to make the sound as good as possible. Because the CabClone is passive, it will do nicely to capture a direct sound but will likely always require some post EQ to make it as good or better than capturing with a mic because passive direct will never sound as good as a speaker, a cabinet, a mic and a room. That's what you're adding in post. Thanks for taking the time to comment and hope the Mark Five: 35 is working well otherwise! :)
well what i suggested is a VST from mesa to give already some tweak to make it sound better, all in one package to help to make it sound good.. it could be a plus for the cabclone owners ( standalone and built in amps )! yes the markV is great
It's a great suggestion, Alex Tomasi. However, implementing the technology you are recommnending into existing amps with the CabClone is not possible. That's not to say we won't be considering other options in future products and designs, BUT - in the meantime, once people understand and learn how to get the very best tone from PASSIVE devices like the CabClone built in to their amp, it's easy to see that it's actually a great feature once you understand the workflow. Thanks again for the comments and the suggestion. Very much appreciated and hope the amp continues to serve well. :D
hey hey guys - man u are good at taking my money lol!! Back in the day when i got my 1st Mesa (Road King Series 1) Tien was kind enough to stay on the phone with my for a cpl hrs to educate me on the amp!! Since then i have added several amps, cabs, pedals, etc to my Mesa collection - couldn't be prouder to say i am a Mesaholic for life!!
So... after using the di line out of a Mark5 35. my first impression was that it was a fantastic piece of junk. immedietely switched to micing the cab for recordings. but... i was watching the two notes amp load box simulator vid that everybody raves about, and like everyone else i was really, really impressed after the horrific failure that was the cab clone. then something occurred to me! Wait... did i use a cab simulator on the cab clone the way everybody did on the two notes? dug through my old tracks from a couple years ago. nope! no cab sims! apparently, i thought it was supposed to work by itself! put my now-standard cab sim settings on that old mark 5 track. sounded perfectly fine! it's official we're all dumbasses! i think the only real problem witht he cab clone was the advertising. they never said it needed a cab simulator, and made it sound like the thing could sound amazing on it's own. That just isn't true. no idea why they continue to say that. (even this video really, really gives that impression). i think, even if Mesa rebranded the exact same product and marketed it and demo it as two notes does (for silent recording with cab impulses-fuck all that live stuff) it would get wildly different reviews, and everybody would forgive Mesa for seeming to pull their heads out of their... highly technical way of thinking that doesn't apply to the average musician- and fixing a product. even the name- cab clone is misleading. they mean that it tricks your amp into thinking there's a speaker cab. it's a load box. but the name sounds like it's all you need to SOUND like you have a mesa 4x12 cab. just isn't true. of course, it isn't true for the two notes either is it? Mesa did screw the pooch on this. but they screwed it up in their videos and marketing. not in product design.
Wait a minute! What you are saying is incorrect. This unit allows for 3 speaker cab settings. Unless you want/need more than what is offered in the unit. A cab simulator is not required. WTF are you talking about ?
Hi +godzilla964 - Thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts! If the CabClone were compared to OTHER DIRECT BOXES, it would be found to be one of the best, if not THE best out there! The CabClone is NOT a microphone - it's a passive direct box. If you have a microphone and you can use it, awesome! You should. :) If you can't use a microphone, you can use a direct box, a digital cab simulator with IR, or - whatever you prefer to use instead of microphone. If you use digital cab sim with IR, they cost more than the CabClone and don't offer a load for silent use required for a tube amplifier. If you use the CabClone and you want it to sound like a mic (or digitial IR, etc.), you have to add EQ AFTER your capture, just like you add IR (EQ) to a digital cab sim capture. Comparing the CabClone to a microphone is potentially misleading because direct boxes are generally used when you can't use a microphone! The process of mic'ing OR recording direct are completely different. Those who understand this know how to handle those different processes to achieve their end goals given the circumstances of their recording needs. People that don't understand how to use a passive direct box and who unfairly compare it to a microphone are misleading others and missing the point of how to use the tool in the right application! If you want your recorded guitar to sound like a microphone, use a microphone - OR - learn the techniques that people use in post production to achieve the sounds they want. Recording is an art. Learn how to use the tools. The CabClone is an excellent tool and easily one of the best passive direct boxes ever made... for those who will take the time to learn how to properly use a passive direct box. Thanks again for your comment and I hope this helps you better understand how to properly use the CabClone or any passive direct box! If you'd like to learn more or discuss this or anything Mesa related further, feel free to contact me and I'll be happy to help. Cheers! :D
+MESA/Boogie It still sounds like watered down sound. There is a Reason that this thing makes your PR shitty, You could just say "yeah we failed here but the next thing will be great" you got the most used cabs and great amps and then this one shitty thing. that happens to the best of us.
Hi godzilla964 - As mentioned, thanks for your comment! Hopefully it reflects that we are listening to our customers and taking constructive criticism. Thank YOU for reading our reply! Take care and all the best to you in your music. :D
Thank you for sharing your opinion of the sound of the CabClone fortisch! We appreciate and respect you sharing your opinion, but does Mesa really have to has to "admit" failure because YOU think the product sounds is bad? There are THOUSANDS of CabClones being successfully used by people who know how to use them and get great sounds from them. There are tens of thousands of other passive direct boxes from other manufacturers before the CabClone that have been successfully used by customers, artists recording studios and beyond, for decades. There are many ways to capture direct guitar sounds. Choose the one you prefer and make it sound great. Play guitar. Make music. Have fun. Be nice to people and life will be good. Thanks again and all the best to you and your music! :D
Hi +Jason Dorne - Great question! The CabClone is a good headphone output and there's more volume available from it with higher output amplifiers - 50 watts+... We don't have specific headphone recommendations as there are so many good headphones to choose from but we do suggest headphones under 32 ohms and the lower the impedance, the more volume you'll have available. You can't go wrong with the bigger names who have been doing it for a while and for studio specific applications especially - Sony, Shure, Sennheiser, Audio-Technica, AKG, Beyer Dynamic etc. Hope this helps and let us know if you have any other questions!
Tien is the man, talked with him a few times when I first got my lonestar. Great guy and super helpful when it comes to working with Mesa gear. I'm a boogie guy for life!
Thanks Sean Wolford - Glad I could help and thanks for the kind words. We appreciate it!
Hi +chickensandbeandip - Thanks for the kind words - glad you dig! Other than the removeable tilt back foot toward the front of the unit (designed to loosely 'hook' onto a cabinet handle), there is no intended mounting system for the CabClone. As for comparisons, because the CabClone is it's own unique voice, mic comparisons can be somewhat misleading but we are working on additional videos to showcase what the best ways the CabClone can be used to potewntially sounds even better than a mic, especially when mic'ing isn't available to use. thanks for watching and hope this helps!
Where can we find the link for the detailed explanation? I am digging it to have better solutions 🙌
Bought mine years ago....it works beautifully.....have it always on the mic level running directly into a Universal Audio 6176 into my Apollo Quad....amps vary between a Boogie King Snake,my 96 Diezel Blueface VH 4 or a 66 Super Reverb.....
Hi +Renato Lousan - The CabClone is NOT an attennuator. It is designed to be used with our amp the way you would normally set it. Using it like you would use an attenuator may cause damage to the CabClone, your amp or both. However, you won't need to use it like an attenuator, because the CabClone sounds great when your amp sounds great! Hope this helps.
Thank you MESA/Boogie !! Now i am considering buying a Mark V: 25 for my next amp haha
TM, thank you for you help over the phone!!! it was me asking the questions on how to hook it up with the Torpedo CAB unit!!! Cheers.
Nice, Nicolas Rivera - Glad it helped and it sounds like a cool usage of both units. Let us know how it goes when you get em both running!
OK, here we go...
The more I watch videos of the Cab Clone and read these comments, the more I come to the realization that all the people commenting on how much it sucks, (1) don't actually own one or ever played using one or (2) don't know or are not taking into account all the things that are done to your original guitar tone before it's finished in a mix. If the Cab Clone could sound exactly like a mic'd up speaker, do you know what it would be? A mic'd up speaker. It is a DIRECT SOUND. It doesn't carry with it the exact EQ a speaker has combined with the EQ a mic in a room imposes on the sound from your amp. From a live standpoint, your guitar tone when it comes out of the PA, is drastically different from the tone you would record with. Cab Clone does an awesome job at giving you an awesome DIRECT SOUND a sound engineer can use to fit you into the mix. Actually having a speaker connected to the THRU INPUT of the Cab Clone makes this even better because I'd say about 25% of the speaker's sound gets fed back into the Cab Clone signal and mixed into the D.I. sound. This makes it sound way more lively than just using the resistive load in the unit. Don't believe me? Watch this...
ruclips.net/video/t_1s1uxv_cU/видео.html
I could go on and on, and I will if you really need me to. Just shoot me a message and I'd be happy to educate you. Like all Mesa Boogie products, it's not a plug and play, instant gratification piece of machinery. Some tweaking is required to obtain results that will work for you. I have seen videos with this device where people honestly couldn't tell the difference between the Cab Clone and a single SM57 and Vintage 30 combo. ( ruclips.net/video/FQVop1-Splc/видео.html) That's because of using a speaker load and proper EQ'ing. "Awe man!!! What do you mean I have to EQ it? Can't just sound like I want outta the box?" No!. Even your mic'd speaker cabinet gets EQ'd at the console (heavily when you're recording).
The point I'm trying to make here is that people need to pull their heads out of their asses and quit giving an awesome product an undeserved bad reputation. I previously had a Palmer PDI-03 that I bought for $519 used. After getting my Cab Clone at $230 used, I promply returned the Palmer. It's that good.
Hi +Anthony Knight - Thanks very mich for the kind words and thanks for the detail and links you've provided here on how to get the best results from a passive device like the CabClone. It's a shame to see so many people being misled on how to record direct. But in time, those who find the need will continue to find the tools. Passive EQ technology, while not on the cutting edge for direct recording like realtime impulse response or even active EQ circuits, works incredibly well for those who learn how to use it. And the price is the huge differences between all the other technologies being compared. The CabClone was designed to offer a solid loading device with a well-tuned passive direct output that requires EQ'ing after your capture, just like every passive direct device that has ever been built and used before it. You're right on the money and thanks very much for taking the time to share your positive experiences with the CabClone. We tip our hats to you, sir! :D
+MESA/Boogie
No problem guys. I'll admit that I had my doubts after the whole Anderton's thing, but I felt like to offer my honest opinion I needed to first research and find everything I possibly could on the product (including the manual) and actually own one so I can form MY own personal opinion.
This is perfect! I'll be picking up one of these for my Mark V as soon as possible!
Please dont
THANK YOU SO MUCH MESA!
No... Thank YOU okoman5 ;)
Just got it. This thing is an awesome value.
TytheBandit Thanks, Ty!
This may help anyone sceptical about buying this product, as I've used this for a long time now at professional live shows, and I know of many major artists using them such as the guitarist from Architects, Sliptknot, The Contortionists, Weezer, etc. Main thing for me is that this is great for a live application. I use this direct to PA, and it is not connected to a speaker cab as we don't need stage sound and use in ear monitors. I've compared our live videos of us using a mic'd cab, compared to using just the cab clone (no speaker connected)... and as I said, in a live situation, I can not even tell a noticeable difference, nor will your audience. Even with real cabs nobody can tell what speaker you're using live. If for some reason the sound guy thinks it needs tweaking, he can EQ it. If your amp has great tone, this won't ruin it live. With that being said, I would never use for pro recording. For recording demos, its great. I can agree that this compared to the Torpedo live or a real speaker isn't exactly the same, but when have you ever gone to a show and the bands tone was exactly the same as the album. I personally like to hear a more raw live sound. Anyways, I hope that this helps anyone considering. In summary, great for live, great for demos, not great for recording your next album lol.
Is the handle removable, or can you otherwise fold it under the unit so it lays flat? Also, do the ohms always have to match the output, or is that only if you're using it as a load box without a cab connected?
Hi Gear Gods - YES! The Handle is easily removeable with two small phillips head screws!
Regarding proper impedance, if you are using the THROUGH jack and connecting a speaker, the speaker is the load so you would be OK there with a mismatch. If using the CabClone direct and utilizing the internal load, a mismatch will likely not sound as good and can potentially cause damage to tubes and/or output transformers when not properly loaded/matched. Great question and thanks for your interest!
This is a great load box, as well a quiet and decent sounding alternative to your speaker cab when practicing. I refer to it as a great load box and not a great cab simulator because the on-board cab simulation blows when it comes to quality recording. It works well as a load box and when paired up with a high quality impulse and impulse loader (which can be found for free), you can get stunning results. Considering how flexible of a device it is, I still feel I got my money's worth.
Buying this for sure. Very awesome!
Hi! I bought he cabclone and im picking it up tomorrow, my question is, which brand and model of headphones appear in the mesa boogie's cab clone page (the ones that are right next to the cab clone), i think that if you put them over there, then i can't go wrong with those headphones! (I own a Mark V, but in the nights i can't make any noise! So Cab Clone's perfect for me!) thanx in advance.
Hi +José Mendoza - The headphones in the video are Sony MDR-7058s, but ANY headphones under 32ohms will work great. Let us know how you like the CabClone and thanks for your support! :D
Since this is a passive unit, would it work with a line level input from a guitar preamp like the Triaxis?
Most likely not, you'd need a power amp.
Since you don't seem to need one though you might just get a standalone cab simulator altogether...
Hi McLeanAB88 - The CabClone's primary input (far left on the rear panel) expects a SPEAKER level input signal. A preamp signal will not drive it. Perhaps a good feature for a future, more full-featured model model? ;)
A "future, more full-featured model" would be awesome... I'll keep my fingers crossed..
Hi Mesa,
Does the Line Out from the Cab Clone includes a cab simulation or it's a direct signal which can be used with other cab sims?
Thanks!
HiCharles Salvacion - The Line Out of the CabClone is UNAFFECTED - so you can use it with other simulations like IR etc. is that what you're hoping to do with it?
So i have a question.... I just ordered an 8ohm version, so of course i would use the 8ohm output on my amp. So if i wanted to run my boogie 2x12 vert cab at the same time and its 8ohm can i with no issues just running out of the cabclone extension cab out?
Hi Estevan Garcia - If you're planning to use just ONE cab, you would just connect your cab to the THROUGH jack of the CabClone once the speaker out from your amp is connected to the Speaker Input and you're all set. If you have an 8 ohm cab and an 8 ohm CabClone, you're all set. If you're trying to connect two cabs, that's more complicated and is basically not recommended. Hope this helps and let us know if you have any other questions.
Why are there mics on the cabs? Is this direct in, only using the CabClone? I'm confused...
Hi +Keith S. - The audio throughout this demo and all the demos is CabClone ONLY! When we
recorded the video, the studio we were at had a
bunch of ridiculous mics so we set em up to have a bunch of options for
the video and comparisons, etc.. Thanks for watching!
WOW, except for the last higher gain sound, it's almost impossible to say it's a cab simulator, it sounds very real!! well done
Thanks, megahurtz30. High Gain is VERY subjective with so many dynamics to consider. And, keep in mind, this is without EQ and NOT in the context of a mix or with any FX. A very harsh environment to make things sound good. That said, thanks for the kind words. People seem to really dig it!
Morning Mesa :D - have kind of 2 1/2 questions surrounding in my head ;-) . As a matter of fact, CabClone is not an attunuator, hence, I will get the volume I dialed in with my master knob on my amp, when connected a cab to the THRU socket? Said this, if I connect CabClone to my Engl Gigmaster 15 which comes with an in-built Power-Soak (15 to 5 to 1 Watts), I could use the Power Soak, or any other external Attunuator-Device, to still get the desired amp saturation at low volume level. So what do you think using the combination of a Power Soak and CabClone. Lastly, a user review mentioned, that CabClone needs to be driven to deliver good tone! Could you comment on this, since this might could effect into a not so optimized tone using low Watt amps, or power soaked amp? Appreciate reading your feedback ... cheers!
HiMrTR909 - Great questions... all of them. 1st and most important (which was really your last questions/statement): CabClone should/does NOT need to be driven to sound good! The CabClone sounds best where you would normally set your amp if you were dialing it in with the cabinet you use for live or otherwise NON-direct/non-silent applications. This is why it is being so well received - because it sounds great where you normally use your amp! ;)2nd (actually first question): When you are connected to the THROUGH jack to a real speaker/cabinet, the internal load is 100% BYPASSED. The speaker IS the load in use. You can go wherever you want, volume and master-wise, there - it's whatever your ears and space can handle. So... If your source to the input of the CabClone is the attenuated SPEAKER OUTPUT of your amp... well, you get that circuitry AND the CabClone circuitry 'voicing' your recorded/direct sound. Your call whether that sounds good or not but as long as it's the speaker output connected to the CabClone, that's the signal it want's to see and your amp has already done the attenuation and 'soaking' of the output signal. Hope this helps and thanks for the great questions!
Thx Mesa. Hell yeaaah order placed! will do some trials with the combination of attenuated and CabClone AND I really like the headphone out.
Please contact your local MESA Dealer for pricing. You can search for your local dealer or distributor here:
www.mesaboogie.com/US/Dealers/dealers___support.htm
The Cab Clone goes into it's first production/build at our one-and-only Petaluma shop on July 14 and should begin shipping later that week or early the following week. Thanks for your interest in the CabClone!
This might just be the perfect solution to my less than ideal recording situation at home.
Will you be able to play a gig with this without a need for an external cab? Am I right? Or do you need a cab for the box to work?
HiAndy Scarlett - YES! You can bring just your amp and run the Speaker Output DIRECT from the CabClone (using it's built-in load). OR - you can run both (if you bring your speaker). That's one of the things that makes it so useful. hope this helps and let us know if you have any further questions!
looks and sounds good ....but whats with all the big name microphones in this vid?
is the sound we here the DI ? or the mics? or combination of them ... thanks.. if it is just the DI i am buying one!
Hi JJ Eson - The audio throughout this and all the demos is CabClone ONLY! When we recorded the video and the session, we put up a bunch of mics to compare. The CabClone smoked the mics! And, the studio we were at had a bunch of ridiculous mics so we set em up to have a bunch of options for the video. At some point we may deliver comparison vids (the other reason for setting them up but at the moment, there are other features on the editing desk. Thanks for your interest and let us know what you think when you get one!
As I'm new to home recording and I don't want to mess up anything (might be a dumb question but oh well): I own a Mesa Boogie Mark V and ordered a Cab Clone today.
I've heard that the speaker should never be unplugged from the amp - but in case I want to do silent recording with the Cab Clone, can I unplug the speaker anyway from the 8 Ohm input and only have the Cab Clone (4 Ohm) connected to it? And of course afterwards plug headphones into the Cab Clone. Would I damage anything that way? And afterwards I assume I can simply plug in the speaker again (no matter if the cab clone is connected or not) - right?
Hi +SwissWolv - Great question and excellent choice to ask before causing damage to an amp. Any tube amp must always have a speaker or a load connected to it if it is on and has a guitar plugged in and signal going into the input. You seem to suggest that your CabClone is a 4 ohm unit, and if so, you need to connect the CabClone to the 4 ohm speaker out jack on the amp. If the Mark V is a combo and you have the original speaker in the amp, it should be an 8 ohm speaker and we would highly recommend you get an 8 ohm CabClone to optimize your options with both the amp and the CabClone. The golden rule is, if you want to use the amp with the Headphone Out of the CabClone, make sure the matching impedance speaker from the Mark V is connected to the impedance of the CabClone and it's Speaker Input. If both are 8 ohm, you can connect the CabClone THRU to your Mark Five's speaker when you want the speaker to work and disconnect it when you want to use it for silent recording or headphones. If your CabClone is a 4 ohm version, you need to make sure the CabClone is connected to the 4 ohm Mark V Speaker Out, then disconnect that and plug the Mark V speaker into the 8 ohm jack when you want to use that. Hope this helps and let us know if you have any further questions - happy to help. Oh yeah - and hope the Mark V is working GREAT for you!
Hello Mesa/Boogie.
How can I connect the 20/20 amp to the CabClone I am running a Triaxis with a 20/20. Will I have to use just one channel of both amp and Triaxis?
Thanks
HiVitor Caçador - That's correct. Just connect to one side via the Through and to your cabinet and that will provide your direct sound from that side. Hope this helps and thanks for your interest!
Is the live shot in the beginning of Dustie from Between the Buried and Me?
m3tafunj Yup - that's Dustie... ;) Good eye!
Hi. I would like to know if this is a cab simulator or a mic / cab simulator? I read the user manual and it says "The CABCLONE™ is a passive Cabinet Simulator/Speaker+Mic alternative with a built-in amp
load" but I never saw anywhere else in the manual how to use the feature "mic simulator".
The fact is...there are 2 different things here:
1. The speaker simulation - when you actually hear the speaker in front of you, and
2. A microphone picking up the sound of a speaker. A microphone always will color the sound, since there is no perfect microphone.
So...which one is the Mesa Cab Clone?
Thanks
Hi Mike - Great question. The section you're quoting is attempting to say that the CabClone is an Alternative to a Speaker+Mic - but it is not attempting to say that it incorporates mic simulation. Ultimately, the CabClone is a load box that allows you to capture a balanced direct signal to a recording interface or FOH or monitoring system. It's a passive system so there's not an incredible amount of circuitry that simulates cabinets, mics, rooms, etc, like some of the more advanced digital processes out there. That said, it provides the load function and offers 3 basic passive EQs that seek to emulate the basic EQ curves of the cabinets listed. Because the EQ is passive, it is suggested that the capture will likely be further EQ'd in your post production workflow to get the tones exactly where you want them. More specifically, there isn't a microphone 'voiced' into the sound from the CabClone as there isn't an active circuit involved to offer that level of EQ control. Keep in mind the price point and functionality of the CabClone here - it's a device that offers a feed to your recording interface or live performance systems and allows for silent or THRU functionality of that signal. You have basic passive EQ of a balanced signal and will add EQ after your input of choice to fine tune a passive, direct tone. Hope this helps and thanks for your interest! :D
Mesa I need to know if the line out bypasses the speaker emulation, but still allows my amp to be recorded. If so, would I be able to use other speaker emulations like ownhammer or redwirez for recording. Thanks.
Hi Albert Garcia- The Line Out DOES bypass the emulation - so if you want to use that for direct recording and add sims after, you absolutely can do that. Some have also just used the Open Back setting and added sims to that as well with good results since that's fairly neutral/natural to begin with. Some have said it even sounds better. Thanks for your interest!
Dear Mesa/Boogie Team! Please answer my question)
If CabClone works like a Headphones cabsim also, can it work like an attenuator for my amp, just to crank my Dual Rectifier at home? If no, the what is the place of this device in the signal chain WITH the separate attenuator = amp - cabclone: 1) attenuator - cab; 2) external interface - monitors.
And the second question (sorry for the offtop).
Can I use the Mesa Pedal EQ like an attenuator, placing it in the FX loop of my Dual Rectifier. The pedal has is separate input gain and output level, so I thought it should solve the question.
Thanks, Mesa Team!
You're the best, as Your products are! \m/
Hi Andrey Sklyarov - The CabClone is NOT an attenuator. It does not allow you to "crank up your amp" - it allows you to record silently (at home or wherever you want) but it doesn't allow you to turn your amp up beyond where you would normally use it if you had your cab connected. It is a direct recording and headphone interface, but you should set it where you would normally use the amp. Hope this helps.
As for MESA's 5-Band Graphic EQ, you can use it in the FX Loop of your Dual Rectifier, OR - in front of the amp, but it is not an 'attenuator' that allows you to turn up your amp any louder than you would normally set it. It just adjusts frequencies. The input and output controls allow you to optimize the input and output of the EQ pedal depending on where you use it but again, it was NOT designed to "crank it up" at any points in the circuit - it's designed to offer you frequency tuning of your sound, not attenuation. Again, hope this helps and thanks for the great questions!
MESA/Boogie It's not a secret, that thousands if not millions play their 100w amps at home.
And I think that if there was Mesa Attenuator on the market- it would be the best one.
Like a Mesa lover, personally I would purchase one))
Great point, Andrey Sklyarov , and one that we're aware of. The CabClone was the first step into this market. Now that it's confirmed that people like the tone and features, let's see what comes next!
MESA/Boogie and I have the 2 channel Dual Rectifier, the best killer sounding amp ever! In a few months I'm gonna get the LoneStar to my rig. With MESA attenuator its cleans would sparkle even at the bedroom volume level and the Recto gain would summon Metallica just right in place))
Wait! They show a Triple Rectifier (1:04) getting plugged in to the CabClone, yet on the back of the Cabclone it says 100watts...
So can I use my Triple with it?
Hi Roland Garcia - The Rectifier being used in the video sample played in the studio is a three channel DUAL Recto (100W - Multi-Watt), not a Triple.
If you have a cabinet connected to the THROUGH jack on the back of the CabClone you can DEFINITELY take advantage of the CabClone's Cab Simulations and DI Output using amps with wattages above 100 watts. The internal load is bypassed when the THROUGH is connected.
It's possible to use a Triple or higher than 100W amp for silent use with the internal load of the CabClone IF you keep volumes/masters on your 100W+ amp lower/quieter and, basically, using the amp set reasonably... NOT CRANKED to the high hills. Excessive volume/master settings could do damage to the internal load resistor and/or then to your amp if the load resistor fails from excessive heat. Temperature of the CabClone is your best guide to determine if you're pushing the CabClone's internal Load Resistor too far. If it's too hot to tough it and hold your hands on it for more than 5-10 seconds, you're probably pushing it too hard. Use common sense and you should be fine.
If you turn the amp's master volume high enough you'll fry the load, so you have two workarounds - you either connect the thing to a cab so you're using the cab as load while using the thing to get a line out, or you don't turn up the volume much on the amp.
Thank you! That was a wealth of knowledge.
I own a Triple and a Dual right now. On top of that, I've owned at least ten Mesa amp in my lilfe. The Triple I own is my baby. It's one of the first ever made. My Dual is a TOV combo that I absolutely love. So, I know my Mesa stuff very well.
FIVE 6L6's and THREE 5U4G's
Screen cap:
fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xfp1/t31.0-8/10548088_10203213901922232_4654681915202966705_o.jpg
Roland Garcia I have to say, I'm unfamiliar with the new Multi-Watt's so, perhaps they're using 3 rectifier tubes in those? ..but the 5th 6L6 is a little mind boggling.
Roland Garcia I'm not try to start trouble, only pointing out what's there... But like you said, Triples can be used as long as the thru is being used, which it seems to be (0:58)
What's with all the Mics on the cabs? Why not separate out the amp and head, run it direct, no cab, and see what it sounds like?
Hi +somnambulus - That what all of the CabClone demos are - CabClone only! When we
recorded the video, the studio we were at had a
bunch of ridiculous mics so we set em up to have options for comparisons, etc... However, the audio in this and the other CabClone specific demos are CabClone only. Thanks for watching!
So I have a bugera 1960 head and I can't use a cab because it's too loud for my neighbors, can I use this plugged into the head and use headphones instead of a speaker cab? I have really good studio headphones would this work?
Hi +Nick Hughes - This is EXACTLY what the CabClone was made for! :D Plug the speaker out from your amp and your headphones into the CabClone and you are all set. Check it out and hope it works well for you!
Is it possible to use cabclone as a load box and send DI signal without cab simulation to insert some IR plugin?
Hi Ricardo - YES! Just connect out of the Slave Out to whatever device would receive direct signal and add your IRs.
Hi there! Is this device able to handle a different level of ohms from the head into the Cabclone? For example, if my 150W Triple Rectifier head was set to 4 ohms and was sent to a 16 ohm Cabclone, would it still work?
HiWhitefireshreds - You are asking two questions here. The first one has to do with what impedance version of CabClone should you buy. The answer to that is, you should buy the impedance version that matches the Cabinet that you will most often use with the CabClone. If you have an 8 ohm cab, that's the CabClone version you should buy. Hope this makes sense. The second question, is yes - you can play a 150w Triple Rectifier with the CabClone as it is rated for 150w usage now. Hope this helps and let us know if you have any further questions! :D
Hi ***** - Good question! Actually, because most amps offer different impedance OUTPUT options, customers should buy the CabClone that matches the cabinet they will likely most often use, IF... (this is the important part) they are using the THRU feature on the CabClone. Your question suggests that the CabClone is only used silently and that is not the CabClone's ONLY potential usefulness. Again, since most amps usually offer multiple impedance OUTPUTS, the most important impedance decision to make when purchasing is which cabinet you might use it with and then use it with the appropriate impedance output on the amp, whether you are using the THRU or not. Hope this helps and thanks for your interest!
UPDATE: July 17. The first build of the CabClone is shipping! Contact your local dealer or distributor for pricing and availability: www.mesaboogie.com/US/Dealers/dealers___support.htm
Is that Irwin Thomas demoing the CabClone?
Osanan Anthony - The player is Kris Dilbeck from Mesa Customer Service!
MESA/Boogie Thank you a lot, guys! I might buy a CabClone someday soon. Greetings from Brazil/Argentina. :)
Hey guys! Just got my Cab Clone (8 ohm) and I am absolutely in love with it. It sounds phenomenal running with my Mark V through my Mesa 4x12 and it sounds great through headphones as well. It will completely revolutionize my night time playing and my recording in general. However, I was curious about using it with a 16 ohm Orange 1x12. Would a mismatch be relatively safe in this instance since the speaker essentially becomes the load when using the THROUGH output? Or is that not the case?
Quick question. I read it can be argued that reactive load boxes (two note torpedo series, Rivera load boxes) are better for tone compared with resistive load boxes (like the cab clone) since reactive loads act like the actual cab and thus are more "transparent". What were the reasons to use resistive loads as opposed to a reactive load for the cab clone?
Hi radz108 - The CabClone ACTUALLY offers BOTH! Plug in your amp's speaker cabinet via the through jack and you have a reactive load as the internal resistor is then bypassed. At that point, you don't have a silent recording option but you do have a reactive load with balanced XLR output and, most importantly, the CabClone CIRCUIT and TONE which is the biggest part of the GOOD tone you're recording direct. Beyond that, it needs to be mentioned that while there is a slight difference between direct recording with the CabClone's internal resistor or using your amp's speaker, there are FAR more similarities than there are differences... a testament to how good the CabClone direct circuit is for both the resistive and reactive load options the CabClone offers. Hope this helps and great question!
Thanks for the info! I have a cab clone on order from my local store here in Calgary to use with my Mark V. Hopefully I will get it soon and hopefully post some sound examples. :)
Hello, i have a MB V-Twin rackmount. Not using a power amp and speaker cabinet. How can i connect the CabClone to the V-Twin into a mixer and play live on stage?
Hi MesaBoogie - I'm in Petaluma, a few mins from your shop. Would I be able to stop by next Monday to purchase this? Been waiting for something like the CabClone for a while now. Great product! Thanks
Hi +Eric Soderlund - Everything in the first production run is spoken for at this point. We'd encourage you to contact the nearest local dealers for their stock and/or waiting lists, or, your preferred online dealer. Thanks for your interest and let us know what you think when you get one!
Using the Mesa mark v 25 cab clone feature can you run a xlr cable directly out of the amp to say studio monitors or a PA? If so which way would you set the speaker on/off switch??
hello just wondering if i will be able to plug in my line6 pod hd500 ( digital guitar amp emulator) into this and then run it direct into my mackie srm650 PA speaker for a more real amp sound? Or does it only work with valve amplifiers?
HiNic Lynch - The CabClone is designed to work with an amplifier power section output. Your HD500 is basically a preamp signal, so the CabClone isn't designed to work with it. Good question and thanks for your interest. :)
So this is a silent recording device or to be used as a simulator but not to soak the sound?
Hi +Bflatest - The CabClone provides a direct output via Balanaced XLR out and simple, analog Cabinet Simulation. You can use the internal load to record silently, OR - you can use the THRU jack on the CabClone and use the XLR output AND your speaker at the same time. This is not a power soak where you turn your amp up MUCH louder than you would normally use it connected to a speaker to get more power section saturation. That said, with lower watage amps, the CabClone's internal load is rated at 150 watts and can handle your amp being turned up a little bit past where you would use it if connected to a speaker and you are in the same room. Hope this answers yuour question and thanks for your interest! :)
thanks I love my Mesa Express 112 original not plus. I am looking for a good cabinet extension also. but can't afford mesa now do you know one that is a step down or a used one ?
Awesome, Bflatest - All Express are good express. Please check with your local dealer or distributor for availability of cabs (new or used). Rock on! :)
Hi, can I run my preamp pedal (AMT, Blackstar Dual, etc) to the Cabclone or just Valve amps?
HiVelhos Novos - Great question! The CabClone will work with Tube or solid state amps but it doesn't work with just preamps. It's designed to receive power section output and provides a balanced XLR Output for direct use from there. It won't work with a preamp. Hope this helps! :)
+MESA/Boogie Thanks for your reply!!! My question is about to run Head + Cab Clone + speaker FRFR. Do I need a active speaker or passive speaker?
Hi Velhos Novos - Because the CabClone XLR Output comes BEFORE the speaker, the CabClone is not concerned with whether you use a passive speaker or active FRFR. So - you can use whatever speaker you prefer for your 'live' sound with a speaker. Different types of speakers connected to the CabClone's THRU may change the XLR's tone slightly, but not enough to make a huge difference one way or the other. Thanks for your excellent questions and hope this helps! :)
+MESA/Boogie Many Thanks! I was thinking of using the Cab Clone just as load box and use my Torpedo Cab together. by the way, I Will try it out. regards
Is there no headphone volume??? Or does it use the DI volume when it's bypassed to the headphone input? Also I take it you order it from a dealer in the appropriate OHM setting for your amp?
Hi kryonso - There is no headphone volume control. The CabClone is passive and gets it's headphone volume from the Master/Output setting on your amp - this is the control you'll use to set your amp's volume. The DI Level ONLY affects the DI Output. Regarding OHMS/impedance, YES - order the appropriate impedance CabClone for the amps you plan to use it with. Thanks for your questions and your interest - hope this helps!
Hi, i just ordered one in 16 ohms. Can i feed my 8 ohms tube head cab output to this 16 ohms cab clone. Is there issues or tone alteration or amp damage? Please advise.
HiMark Tan - Not recommended. You should run the CabClone with the same impedance speaker as the rating of the CabClone. Impedance mismatching can get confusing and also can cause damage to the CabClone load resistor, the amp, tubes, or not sound as it's designed. Good question. Hope this helps!
Correct me if I'm wrong but how comes there are mics for the cabs in this demo? Surely we should be hearing the direct sound straight from the cab clone and not the real cabs blended in :/
Hi Jimmy C - The audio you hear is CabClone ONLY. We set mics up in the event we wanted to do a comparison video but the CabClone sounded so good we just left it to be CabClone ONLY throughout all the samples for the main demo and sample videos. Thanks for your interest!
MESA/Boogie That's like saying "I created a soda out of tap water that tastes so much like Coke that you won't believe it. Here... taste it and see for yourself. As a matter of fact, it tastes so much like Coke, I'm not even going to let you taste real Coke in your taste test."
Quick question, I note there is a mic in front of the cab during the demos. Is what we are hearing just the cab clone or is that blended with the mic??
TheCrystalyne - The audio throughout this and all the demos is CabClone ONLY! When we recorded the video and the session, we put up a bunch of mics to compare. The CabClone smoked the mics! And, the studio we were at had a bunch of ridiculous mics so we set em up to have a bunch of options for the video. At some point we may deliver comparison vids (the other reason for setting them up) but at the moment, there are other features on the editing desk. Thanks for your interest!
MESA/Boogie Thank you much for the advice, if you dont mind another question. I plan to use the Cabclone with my Boogie 5:50 Express 1x12 (8ohm) with 1x12 (8ohm) extension cab. I'd like to continue using the amp in this fashion (2 speakers) using the Cabclone line out to my desk. However, I note that if using the internal speaker and the extension speaker, I plug the speakers into the 2x4ohm plugs on the back of the amp. So if I wanted to use the amp this way with the Cabclone, would I need to buy a 4ohm or 8ohm Cabclone?? Thanks in advance.
TheCrystalyne - You'll be looking for the 8 ohm version. Whether using it with both speakers in use at the same time or one at a time, the speakers themselves are 8 ohms and that's what you're matching. Great question and let us know if we can help with anything else!
MESA/Boogie Thanks for the update. I just managed to order one on Ebay, boy are they selling fast!!
Love the fact that it's passive, love the concept. But I don't like the way the cab sim sounds. Useful for practicing I guess, but for recording, I don't know. Does it have a line level, unsimulated output? or is the line output cab-level or simulated too?
Hi Bas Vredeling - Not sure what you're listening on (headphones or studio monitors ALWAYS highly recommended for critical listening when trying to decide to buy gear), BUT - we did EXTENSIVE R & D and comparisons to both mics and our competition to get the CabClone sounding as realistic and toneful as we could, similar or better than our favorite mics, and nailing the FEEL. We would highly recommend that you need to try it for yourself and not depend on a RUclips video to make a final determination since flavors are different for everyone and this is just one amp, one guitar, one setting, one player - all unique. There are settings, controls, amps, instruments and many other conditions that YOU decide and that will affect your tone when you go to record and the CabClone is just one possible piece of that puzzle that provides direct functionality. Hope this helps and thanks for your interest!
PS, Bas Vredeling Regarding the Line out - YES - the Line Out is unsimulated - basically a tap off the speaker output - just like a Slave Out on our amps. You can run the DI and the Line Out at the same time as well. We'd suggest the DI Output will sound and feel WAY better than the Line Out but there's uses for the Line Out for styles and flavors, for sure.
Thanks for the answer!
Hi guys!
Are the tones we're hearing pure Cabclone or are they blends with the mics on the live cabs?
HiLaurence Armitage - The tones in all the demo videos are CabClone ONLY. No mics. Thanks!
This is Awesome! …I'm already trying to figure out how to use this with amp sims. I hope this doesn't cost too much. …What type of mic position is the cab clone cloning?
Hi Amps for Buddha - There's no specific mic position to reference since it's not a 'model' of mic placement - the CabClone is much more analog than that... ;) BUT - it's probably best described as slightly off center of the dust cap and 'on the grill' for distance away from the speaker. Standard stuff to reach the widest range of possibilities and users.
Check with your local dealer for pricing:
www.mesaboogie.com/US/Dealers/dealers___support.htm
Thanks for your interest!
MESA/Boogie hi bought 2 weeks ago the mark V combo must say the best highest quality amp ever. if i plug the CabClone to the amp with headphones will it sound the same like the amp itself?
Hi Max Shahmeister - Yes! However, nothing replaces a room being filled with sound from a speaker or speaker cabinet. Listening to an amp silently through headphones is never as "big" as listening to it through the speaker but the CabClone Headphone Out does a great job of providing a silent listening experience for your Mark V and ANY amp you want to use it with.
1:00 is that Dustie from Between the Buried and Me?
Good eye, Mitch Baker. That's Dustie. ;)
!? I like this thing and I have a couple of question. In my experience (w/ a "hot-plate"), I'd like to use this with my amp at set at high master volume, high gain, and with a lot of pedals, into headphones. Would I be able to turn the amp up, and have the volume in the headphones pretty low so that I don't blow my ears out... and the CabClone will absorb all the excess energy from the amp?! And to adjust the volume in the headphones, do you use the "D.I. LEVAL" knob on the front?
that's interesting. I was wondering if it would be useful to a setup im building of a 40 watt bass amp that i would rather monitor from it's "real" output, rather than from it's shitty aux out 1/8" shit jobber ;) the thing has some nice features! props to the design gods
Mike G Great comment, Mike G & thanks. You got it right and we appreciate the sharing of accurate knowledge! :)
Hi SRPDigitalTV - Since the CabClone is not an 'attenuator', it doesn't offer the exact same concept as an attenuator, BUT - because the DI LEVEL can be turned low, you can turn the master of your amp up and set your levels this way and get some cool variations of tones this way. Alternately, setting the CabClone DI Level higher and turning your amps master down produces some KILLER tones as well. Highly recommended to experiment with the full range of possibilities between CabClone/Amp/Input Gain on a console/recorder etc. thanks for your interest!
i'm so damn excited! ha....mesa....leaders. period.
Very kind, ***** . Thanks!
thanks guys!
MESA/Boogie Hi, please i have a question, is possible to conecta my tube amp to this cab lone, but whit not simulation, i mean i direct signal of the amp, and after of that connect the amp tru this cabclone to my interface and use some impulses ¿? thanks for reading this.
Hi Daniel Ortega - YES! You can use the Line Out which is just a Line Level tap off of the speaker output and is NOT Cab Simulated! Good question. Thanks for your interest!
MESA/Boogie great, thanks for the respond, this product is maybe in sweewater or guitar center is the only online store i now,thanks.
When using the headphone driver, does it eliminate the sound from the amp speaker and go directly into the headphones? or does the amp still produce noise? I've got a Mark 5 combo and being able to get my tubes to purr in an apartment can (and maybe has) piss my neighbors off. ;)
Does this cabclone work with any amp?
possible for a bass version?
do i need to connect the head to a speaker? or can i connect it directly to the cabclone?
Hi +Pedro Antônio Parreira - The CabClone can be used either silently with no speaker connected (and uses an internal load built into the CabClone), OR - you can plug it into your speaker as well (which bypasses the CabClone). Hope this helps and thanks for your interest!
I have a cab clone and have had it since it came out. At the time I was living in an apt. I used it for about 6 months before I finally gave up. I could never get a good clear and concise metal tone. I had tried everything. Now I use it as the speaker load and go out from the line out (emulation bypass) to a Two Notes CAB. This setup actually sounds great and have been using it for almost 2 years with no issues. You can get some decent cleans and blues crunchy type tones using only the clone. I literally tried everything to get it to sound decent for metal but never was able to. It works perfectly as the speaker load and is a cheaper alternative to more pricey load boxes ( got mine for $120)
Hi +Jonathan David Lee Aldridge - Sorry to hear you had trouble getting a good metal tone from the CabClone but glad you were able to find some other good sounds. Here's something to try for good metal tones: Set your amp fairly low volume (I know - counterintuitive, but, stick with us), then set the output between 1:00-3:00 and adjust your input gain on your DAW to get a good signal from that setup. In the case of direct recording, it's not as much about CRANKING the amp up as it is finding the setting that makes the signal sit right. With the lower overall volume level you get balanced bass (that you can turn up with the bass control if you want more) and lots of good saturation. Check it out and let us know what you find! Thanks for the kind words and taking the time to comment!
hey!, i was wondering if this can be used also as a attenuator to get the volume down to example bed room level of you´re fav amp, and yet get that great sound and tone out of it??
Hi Daniel Otterborg - The CabClone is NOT an attenuator and should not be used to 'crank' your amp up as this will cause premature wear on your tubes and possible failures. If you're going out of the DI Output, you can adjust your amp's Master and/or Output level slightly above where you would normally use it (as if a cab was connected), BUT - it is NOT recommended to 'crank your amps overall volumes with the CabClone. This is not an attenuator, it's a load box and should be treated as a speaker alternate. If you wouldn't use the setting on the amp with a speaker connected and being in then sdame room with your amp, don't use that setting with the CabClone ;). Hope this helps and thanks for your interest!
You can use a volume pedal in the effect loop chain.
I ordered the 8 ohm one for my 5150III Amp, will this also work with my Fender 65 Twin Reverb Reissue even though it's rated Wattage: 85 Watts into 4 Ohms?
Hi Daniel Carey - Thank for the kind words and glad you've got one on order. As for using it with your Fender Twin, as long as you connect the 8 ohm speaker output of the Twin into the Speaker Input of your 8 Ohm CabClone, the wattage is fine. It should work great with your 5150 and your Twin. Enjoy!
***** So as I'm understanding you, I wouldn't need to hook the speakers of the twin up to the 8 ohm CC to use it? Cool, thanks!
Daniel Carey The CabClone allows you to recored with OR without speakers connected. If you connect the speakers to the THROUGH jack, you're using your speakers as the load. If no speakers are connected, you are using the INTERNAL load. So - you don't have to connect a your speakers if you want to record/headphone silently. Best of both worlds!
Just wish I could afford one. I'm going to start saving harder or perhaps selling something might be quicker. Are they in the UK yet?
Hi jasfiona - you might be surprised at the affordability of the CabClone... ;)
Please contact your local MESA Dealer for pricing and final availability. You can search for your local dealer or distributor here:
www.mesaboogie.com/US/Dealers/dealers___support.htm
The Cab Clone goes into it's first production/build at our one-and-only Petaluma shop on July 14 and should begin shipping later that week or early the following week. From there, add in the shipping time to the UK and you will have a sense of availability. However, Westside, your distributor can give you the a more exact estimate of when they'll land in the UK. Thanks for your interest!
£219 on GAK website.
Could you use it as a pre amp?
it seams to do cleans well but when you add gain it sounds like someone threw a blanket over a speaker, neat idea but im not worried about doing cleans quietly. it needs to be able to handle gain.
Hi +Riley Whyte - Good observation and thanks for the feedback! :) Keep in mind that when YOU are recording direct, with a CabClone (or anything, for that matter), you'll set the amp and all of the rest of the elements in your signal chain where they need to be set for you to get the tone you want out of your monitors. The CabClone is no different in this regard and as such, is no brighter or darker than anything. The sounds you hear on this video reflect the settings of the amp and the capture environment as much or even more than the CabClone itself. Recording in general is highly dependent on the user and your application. The CabClone is relatively transparent with slight tonal variation available from the voicing options. The final output is very dependent on the user and their selections from everything else in the signal chain, and including the CabClone. Hope this helps and thanks again for your comment! :)
can you go more in depth about the ground/lift option? only use lift when?
why are there mics hooked up to the cab? can you record without mics with this?
NjuiMusic The CabClone ABSOLUTELY allows you to record without mice - that's one of the main things it does! When we set up the session, we wanted to have the option to do comparison videos as well as just the CabClone by itself, direct, with no other signal. Setting it all up and having the options for multiple formats just made sense to us. We decided to provide CabClone ONLY demos first... and future comparison videos will follow as time allows.
Ground lift should only be used when you hear hum or ground loop noise. Always start in the grounded position and if you hear noise in your signal, try the lifted position to see if that removes the noise. Hope this helps!
thanks so much!
Hello , i would like to know how a do for playing with Marshall head with my headphone?
Can i use the cabclone on a mesa boogie rectoverb 25 (head/combo)? If so, should i use the 8 ohm or 16 ohm? This product looks so good and seems very useful... Keep on doing good stuff MESA/Boogie!! Thanks for reading this. Cheers.
MESA/Boogie Is the same process with the Mark V 25w?
+Luis Garcia - Yes! Same concepts for the CabClone in the Mark Five 25 as the standalone CabClone.
Hi, I have bought one of these and for some reason it makes my jcm800 sound like a horses ass... Is anyone else experiencing this problem?
Hi +MrELITEdonkey - When using a passive direct box, if you are attempting to accomplish a mic'd sound, you might need to consider adding EQ at your console or DAW in post to make up for frequencies that a PASSIVE device is unable to provide boost for. For a JCM 800, I might suggest adding 2-3dB of lows at 80-100hz and maybe a pinch more at 175-250hz. You might also want to scoop mids by 2-3dB somewhere around 600-900hz. Finally, you might want to use a low pass around 5-6K but the addition of bass will also make the existing highs sit better. Experimentation is key and while the CabClone is not a microphone, getting it to sound like one by adding the frequencies that are not represented in a silent, passive direct capture can be easily done with post EQ. Hope this helps and thanks for your comment! :D
So can this be used for recording bass guitar and normal electric guitar ?
Ryan's World - The CabClone is designed for guitar amps. Most bass amps are likely too powerful to be used safely with the CabClone, particularly for silent recording (using the internal load of the CabClone) and beyond that, most people prefer a DI (with no cab simulation) for bass. Finally, the CabClone has been voiced/optimized for guitar, so it might not sound as good as something that was optimized specifcally for bass. Hope this helps and thanks for your interest!
Will this work on my Fender Deluxe Reverb?
HiFugue State - ABSOLUTELY! The CabClone will work with ANY tube amplifier. Thanks for your interest!
Thanks for the response. Just picked one up and it sounds great with headphones!
Fugue State
Nice! Thanks for the feedback and enjoy!
sounds amazing. Just out of curiosity, is the cab emulation done digitally by an IR, like a torpedo live?
Hi JAFO - The cab emulation is analog and because this unit is passive, the cabinet simulation is achieved by subtractive EQ circuitry with analog components on the inbound signal. Hope this helps and thanks for watching!
MESA/Boogie yes, thanks for the reply!
torpedo live is much better
Also $700 more,Will Maskell Music - but certainly a great piece of gear if someone's application and budget needs it. Thanks for watching.
I saw a mic’d up cab while you did this. Deception!?
Very Interesting . . .
Can i use without the amp? I mean Guitar> Cab clone>audio interface.
Hi Boogie
Can you explain why when this product was given a real world test on another YT channel it sounded so bad?, I mean you even sent over an engineer and he couldn't make it sound good in real life, if three music pros and an engineer in a shop full of the latest equipment couldn't make it sound right then what chance does Joe public have?, and can you explain why you guys felt the need to strong arm a very well respected YT guitar review channel into making another video that ultimately ended up making your product look even worse than the first video did?
I'll be very interested to hear what you have to say for yourselves on this one guys.
If you don't like it don't buy it... If you haven't paid for it I don't think you really have legitimate grounds to make a complaint.
John Smith It sounds shit b'cause It's new, Boogie don't sound like they used to.
+arbitermatt well.. it really looked like if they manipulated this other yt channel (i saw the video)
and it is just injustice to do that and to lie to people so they buy a piece of shit for too much money
no disrespect to you, but it's just not fair
Oh joy!! I want one to tame my '78 Mark II!! Maybe a second one for my Mark V... Hmm...
;) Thanks, Dave Morris!
I was curious if there was going to be a future video comparing the cabclone to some mic'ed cabinets to show the difference between the audio captured. I think it would really be extremely useful in showing its capabilities ( which at moment seem extremely diverse).
Hi O00Coolzero00O - This is something we may be showing in future videos but currently working on a couple of other features first. Thanks for your comment and your interest!
I betcha it’s on RUclips. Imagine?
If your recording direct, many amps have a direct out and there's cab sim plug ins galore. I'd be more interested in how it sounds through a cab. But this things passive, it's going to sound like a THD hot plate that's $100 cheaper.
Does it have a reactive load (the way a speaker reacts)?
The reactivity in the load of speakers isn't anything worth reproducing nor even noting unless you're going for an alnico guitar speaker.
Not that it makes much of a difference on the sound anyway - the frequency response is a hella bigger difference.
Hi Robert Johnson - If you're using the THROUGH jack and connecting a speaker/cabinet, the internal 'static' load resistor is bypassed by virtue of the jack having something plugged in. This IS the reactive load you're seeking (the speaker you have plugged in... So, in that way, this offers a reactive load and even though it's not silent at that point, it does provide the balanced XLR output with the CabClone's Cab Simulation and is a very useful applications if you're splitting hairs between a static load and a reactive load.
That said, the static load for the CabClone when SILENT/DIRECT Recording (without a speaker connected) is EXCEPTIONAL in Tone AND Feel. And like Luca Borgonovo said above, the frequency response is a much more significant (better) difference than reactive vs. static load. You'll have to try it (feel it and hear it) to believe it. We think (hope) you'll be blown away!
MESA/Boogie So I could connect a “dummy" speaker load and have a very “natural" reactive load connected… Problem solved :) There are a few options to make that speaker more or less silent (If I would find that a reactive load is necessary….) It would be very interesting to record the XLR output cab simulation with a speaker connected (reactive) and a/b that with no speaker connected….(passive).
The theory is that: "The tube amplifier and guitar speaker work together dynamically and it is the complex interaction between the two that creates the overall tone, therefore, maintaining the speaker's natural reactance is a critical factor in keeping the attenuated tone and dynamics transparent” From: www.aracom-amps.com/info/PRX%20Advantages.html The static load is a big resistor with EQ added (the frequency response is not dynamic).
This is of course theoretical and trying out the CabClone is the only way to find out for myself…. I will give it a try :)
This is amazing! Instant buy from me, exactly what I'm looking for. Any news on a UK ship date or price?
Hi Adam Pereira - Check with your local distributor for pricing. The first Production starts on Monday here in the one-and-only factory in Petaluma and should start shipping late next week or early the week following. Contact your dealer or distributor for the best detail. Thanks for your interest! ;)
Looks like Andertons have it for pre-order :)
Thanks Steve Irwin!
Lol
Can i use it as an attenuator?
I think, but the newer cabclone ir+ definitely is. It’s just double the price is all lol
I've got a 2:One Hundred so I guess I'll have to get two!
Thanks, Christopher St.Clair - You can just use one side of the rig but we won't stop you from getting two... ;)
Man, I do not believe this box sounds amazing as well. is that right? is the sound of CABCLONE?
Can someone tell me if I need to use speaker cable from amp to cabclone?
rizalkhan Yes! Just as you would if you were running the cable from amp to speaker, you should use speaker cables from both your amp to the CabClone AND from the Through of the CabClone to your speaker if you are using the Through. hope this helps!
MESA/Boogie
Thanks. You should indicate that in your manual :)
I think Petrucci needs to do a video using this!
What about running a bass guitar through this thing?
Hi n0g4rdd3r - Most bass amps deliver wattage that is well above the wattage rating of the CabClone's internal load resistor. If your bass amp is below 150 watts, you *could* use the Cabclone, BUT... Most people record bass either plugging their bass straight into their recording device or DAW, OR - they'll use a DI of some sort. We would recommend this for the ultimate control and tone as well as being useful in other applications like live performance or as a backup to your main amp: ruclips.net/video/qM23tXslaGA/видео.html
Hope this helps and thanks for your interest! :)
Nice
need a price. very interested
Hi Andrew Moyles - Thanks for your interest!
For pricing, contact your local MESA dealer: www.mesaboogie.com/US/Dealers/dealers___support.htm
The CabClone will be shipping next week!
Only a half decade late to the conversation!
Is anybody out there using this device Amp> CabClone> DAW ?
Are the cab sims any good? Obviously the sound quality is coming from your amp and pedal board and so the most important feature of this device is the cab sims?
Good/Bad/Meh ?????
see here is my problem. some are raving about it (5 star reviews on sweetwater) and then some notable players say it doesn't cut it, my sansamp GT2 has been a blessing since i discovered it for live use ( direct to board and in front of a low volume on stage amp with direct xlr [from amp] to board.. I may get it and do a test run live and let u know
My question is.... why didn't anyone think of this before? Seems like a no brainer for bedroom guitarists. I have a Dual Rectifier, but sadly I can't achieve the tone I'd like... partially due to the fact that i can't achieve the volume levels needed for it to shine without being blown away.
Thanks, DeadCell34 - Your situations and quite a few others is exactly why we created the CabClone. Appreciate the kind words and it should serve you well!
MESA/Boogie I do have a serious question about the Cab Clone. My current setup is a Mesa Dual Rectifier with a 2x12 Orange cab. Well, as you know, the Dual Rectifier can vary in impedance with a selection switch. However, my Orange cab has a 16 ohm impedance.
That being the case, should I buy the 16 ohm Cab Clone if I ever intend to use my cab with the Cab Clone?
My thoughts are that the impedance of the Cab Clone is primarily dealing with the impedance of the amplifier head, and not the external cab. But I wanted to check and be sure.
Hey DeadCell34 - The most important impedance to match with the CabClone is the cab you plan to use. In your case, 16 ohm. Regardless of what options your amp offers for outputs, it's the speaker's impedance being matched (to the CabClone) which offers the optimum tone from the CabClone, especially when using the THRU option. It's potentially confusing but most for your CAB to match the CabClone's impedance sincme most amps offer impedance matching options to cover the variety of cabs out there. Hope this helps and thanks for your interest!
MESA/Boogie
Thanks for the reply. Good to know.
i have it on my markV35, is not that bad but is not that good too, when i record i have to use a IR to fix the sound to be more " similar " to what i hear from my real cabinet , it would be nice a VST from mesa to fix the sound better , by itseld on a PA is not that good , is better to use a microphone in front of the cab..
Hi Alex - Your experience is exactly what we suggest you would do to accomplish the best sounds possible direct. Anyone connecting direct with a PA would add post EQ at the FOH sound board. Anyone recording direct with access to IR or post EQ would also be suggested to feel free to add Post elements to make the sound as good as possible. Because the CabClone is passive, it will do nicely to capture a direct sound but will likely always require some post EQ to make it as good or better than capturing with a mic because passive direct will never sound as good as a speaker, a cabinet, a mic and a room. That's what you're adding in post. Thanks for taking the time to comment and hope the Mark Five: 35 is working well otherwise! :)
well what i suggested is a VST from mesa to give already some tweak to make it sound better, all in one package to help to make it sound good.. it could be a plus for the cabclone owners ( standalone and built in amps )! yes the markV is great
It's a great suggestion, Alex Tomasi. However, implementing the technology you are recommnending into existing amps with the CabClone is not possible. That's not to say we won't be considering other options in future products and designs, BUT - in the meantime, once people understand and learn how to get the very best tone from PASSIVE devices like the CabClone built in to their amp, it's easy to see that it's actually a great feature once you understand the workflow. Thanks again for the comments and the suggestion. Very much appreciated and hope the amp continues to serve well. :D
is not a implementation inside but a downloadable vst , i think is more easy to make
hey it's my old buddy Tien!!
Hey Chris OsborneBand! ;)
hey hey guys - man u are good at taking my money lol!! Back in the day when i got my 1st Mesa (Road King Series 1) Tien was kind enough to stay on the phone with my for a cpl hrs to educate me on the amp!! Since then i have added several amps, cabs, pedals, etc to my Mesa collection - couldn't be prouder to say i am a Mesaholic for life!!
So... after using the di line out of a Mark5 35. my first impression was that it was a fantastic piece of junk. immedietely switched to micing the cab for recordings. but... i was watching the two notes amp load box simulator vid that everybody raves about, and like everyone else i was really, really impressed after the horrific failure that was the cab clone. then something occurred to me! Wait... did i use a cab simulator on the cab clone the way everybody did on the two notes? dug through my old tracks from a couple years ago. nope! no cab sims! apparently, i thought it was supposed to work by itself! put my now-standard cab sim settings on that old mark 5 track. sounded perfectly fine! it's official we're all dumbasses! i think the only real problem witht he cab clone was the advertising. they never said it needed a cab simulator, and made it sound like the thing could sound amazing on it's own. That just isn't true. no idea why they continue to say that. (even this video really, really gives that impression). i think, even if Mesa rebranded the exact same product and marketed it and demo it as two notes does (for silent recording with cab impulses-fuck all that live stuff) it would get wildly different reviews, and everybody would forgive Mesa for seeming to pull their heads out of their... highly technical way of thinking that doesn't apply to the average musician- and fixing a product. even the name- cab clone is misleading. they mean that it tricks your amp into thinking there's a speaker cab. it's a load box. but the name sounds like it's all you need to SOUND like you have a mesa 4x12 cab. just isn't true. of course, it isn't true for the two notes either is it? Mesa did screw the pooch on this. but they screwed it up in their videos and marketing. not in product design.
Wait a minute! What you are saying is incorrect. This unit allows for 3 speaker cab settings. Unless you want/need more than what is offered in the unit. A cab simulator is not required. WTF are you talking about ?
Mesa. The cab clone sounds like a great idea, but you have to realize the complaints people give about. Admit it sucks and fix it.
Hi +godzilla964 - Thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts! If the CabClone were compared to OTHER DIRECT BOXES, it would be found to be one of the best, if not THE best out there! The CabClone is NOT a microphone - it's a passive direct box. If you have a microphone and you can use it, awesome! You should. :) If you can't use a microphone, you can use a direct box, a digital cab simulator with IR, or - whatever you prefer to use instead of microphone. If you use digital cab sim with IR, they cost more than the CabClone and don't offer a load for silent use required for a tube amplifier. If you use the CabClone and you want it to sound like a mic (or digitial IR, etc.), you have to add EQ AFTER your capture, just like you add IR (EQ) to a digital cab sim capture. Comparing the CabClone to a microphone is potentially misleading because direct boxes are generally used when you can't use a microphone! The process of mic'ing OR recording direct are completely different. Those who understand this know how to handle those different processes to achieve their end goals given the circumstances of their recording needs. People that don't understand how to use a passive direct box and who unfairly compare it to a microphone are misleading others and missing the point of how to use the tool in the right application! If you want your recorded guitar to sound like a microphone, use a microphone - OR - learn the techniques that people use in post production to achieve the sounds they want. Recording is an art. Learn how to use the tools. The CabClone is an excellent tool and easily one of the best passive direct boxes ever made... for those who will take the time to learn how to properly use a passive direct box. Thanks again for your comment and I hope this helps you better understand how to properly use the CabClone or any passive direct box! If you'd like to learn more or discuss this or anything Mesa related further, feel free to contact me and I'll be happy to help. Cheers! :D
+MESA/Boogie It still sounds like watered down sound. There is a Reason that this thing makes your PR shitty, You could just say "yeah we failed here but the next thing will be great" you got the most used cabs and great amps and then this one shitty thing. that happens to the best of us.
+MESA/Boogie I haven't tried it out, true. I was just hoping you would take constructive criticism.
Hi godzilla964 - As mentioned, thanks for your comment! Hopefully it reflects that we are listening to our customers and taking constructive criticism. Thank YOU for reading our reply! Take care and all the best to you in your music. :D
Thank you for sharing your opinion of the sound of the CabClone fortisch! We appreciate and respect you sharing your opinion, but does Mesa really have to has to "admit" failure because YOU think the product sounds is bad? There are THOUSANDS of CabClones being successfully used by people who know how to use them and get great sounds from them. There are tens of thousands of other passive direct boxes from other manufacturers before the CabClone that have been successfully used by customers, artists recording studios and beyond, for decades. There are many ways to capture direct guitar sounds. Choose the one you prefer and make it sound great. Play guitar. Make music. Have fun. Be nice to people and life will be good. Thanks again and all the best to you and your music! :D
hype
I'm just not hearing the warmth