• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Mesa Strategy Boost Function - Update - The Final Word

scottrolf

scottrolf

Jul 13, 2011
367
348
Bandon, OR
#1
This is a reboot of my recent thread regarding operating the Boost function on my Mesa Strategy Eight: 88.

Even though we seemed to have resolved the question if either Pulling or Pushing the Gain knob activated the BOOST, I decided to call Mesa and get a definitive answer.

Well. I/we were wrong. Here's how it works:

The BOOST does not boost volume but rather pushes the preamp section harder in order to get that preamp distortion.

By Pulling on the Gain knob the BOOST is activated. A drop in volume occurs which is caused by reducing the "sensitivity" of the input. You then turn up the Gain and that in turn boosts the preamp section.

I think the problem we all were having in understanding its function, is that we thought that drop in volume was a sign of the BOOST being disengaged when in fact it's being engaged.

I'm sure this is also true of the Prodigy as well.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Sartori
#3
Korladis said:
Good to know. Also nice Metropolis avatar.
Click to expand...
Yes, this was something I would have never figured out on my own.
It kind of acts like an overdrive pedal.
Initially, users were disappointed that they couldn't get that preamp overdrive sound so Mesa incorporated the feature.
Personally, I like it CLEAN so I just leave it IN.

Thanks for the avatar comment.
Classic movie. Also featured on BeBop Deluxe LP cover "Live! In The Air Age"
 
  • Like
Reactions: Sartori
#4
scottrolf said:
Yes, this was something I would have never figured out on my own.
It kind of acts like an overdrive pedal.
Initially, users were disappointed that they couldn't get that preamp overdrive sound so Mesa incorporated the feature.
Personally, I like it CLEAN so I just leave it IN.

Thanks for the avatar comment.
Classic movie. Also featured on BeBop Deluxe LP cover "Live! In The Air Age"
Click to expand...
I actually found that I could get preamp overdrive on the Strategy when I tried it.
 
#5
No makey sense. Must be much more going on behind the knobs than that. Reduce sensitivity, turning up input increases sensitivity, same volume, net zero.

I think it must drop the preamp output level or decrease sensitivity of power stage so you overdrive the preamp to get volume back up.
 
  • Like
Reactions: wcriley
#6
Downunderwonder said:
No makey sense. Must be much more going on behind the knobs than that. Reduce sensitivity, turning up input increases sensitivity, same volume, net zero.

I think it must drop the preamp output level or decrease sensitivity of power stage so you overdrive the preamp to get volume back up.
Click to expand...
I really wish Mesa would publish an updated owners manual or at least come up with a video explaining it on their site.
When I called and talked to the support guy, Chris, he had to put me on hold while he went back and talked to the tech guys.
Another poster here said he called Mesa a few months back regarding the same question with his Prodigy and they told him IN was Boost.
So who knows just exactly how this thing works. Things like this bug me when I cannot get an absolute rock-solid explanation. Even from the manufacturer.

This is the only thing mentioned in the website overview of the Strategy with regards to Boost:

"A PULL BOOST feature on the GAIN control provides additional gain in the preamp allowing a progressive sweep from subtle fur at the middle range of the control, on up to aggressive overdrive at the maximum setting."
 
Last edited:
#8
Downunderwonder said:
That may be how the marketing dept decided to sell it. Way more sexy than a pad on the master volume.

Question for users, if you turn the master down is the sound identical at some point to engaging the boost?
Click to expand...
No. It's definitely an overdrive going on there. This Boost function does not act like the master volume control which it also has.
When it was first released, users wanted more preamp grain than the Master Volume could produce. Hence the current version with separate preamp gain/boost control.
It's a completely different thing going on. Not "gimmicky" at all.

That said, I don't use it anyway. I like it CLEAN so the Boost remains IN at all times. And man- o-man, does this monster RING clear!!!!
 
#9
scottrolf said:
No. It's definitely an overdrive going on there. This Boost function does not act like the master volume control which it also has.
When it was first released, users wanted more preamp grain than the Master Volume could produce. Hence the current version with separate preamp gain/boost control.
It's a completely different thing going on. Not "gimmicky" at all.

That said, I don't use it anyway. I like it CLEAN so the Boost remains IN at all times. And man- o-man, does this monster RING clear!!!!
Click to expand...
not sure if you understand me. On a different tack, if you engage boost everything simply goes quieter, no other change? Then you should be able to up the master and get back to previous.

or not.
 
#10
Downunderwonder said:
not sure if you understand me. On a different tack, if you engage boost everything simply goes quieter, no other change? Then you should be able to up the master and get back to previous.

or not.
Click to expand...
Oh I understand now. Sorry.
To answer your question yes, there is a slight change when pulled (other than the volume drop).
Now that I understand your question I would have to test that theory.
Like I said, I like it clean so I didn't delve into all the nuances of the Boost.
 
#12
Old thread, but

it may be the boost switch lowers the anode voltage of the preamp valve(s). In this case the distortion is going on earlier and in a different way than with higher voltages.
That means another sound and amount of distortion and (nearly) the same, but a little lower clean sound.
 
#13
cfortner said:
Old thread, but

it may be the boost switch lowers the anode voltage of the preamp valve(s). In this case the distortion is going on earlier and in a different way than with higher voltages.
That means another sound and amount of distortion and (nearly) the same, but a little lower clean sound.
Click to expand...
Not in this case.
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back