Savage. That’s all I need to say. As a longtime “Boogie man” with a MK IV head I’ve had since the ’90s, I know what these things can do. Still, to get this kind of attitude with something that literally fits on my desktop and can be lifted with a few fingers? That’s a whole new thing.
The Mini Rectifier 25 features two independent channels, four style modes (Clean, Pushed, Vintage, Modern) and 25- or 10-watt assignable power. The front panel delivers a 1/4-inch input and 1/4-inch jack for the included foot switch, toggle switches for the aforementioned Style modes, Gain, Treble, Mid, Bass, Presence, Master and 25W/10W toggles for each channel, as well as a master foot switch control, power and standby. The rear features 1/4-inch FX loop Send and Return, and 1/4-inch 8-ohm or 4-ohm speaker outputs. The top unscrews quickly for easy access to the tubes if you want to get in there.
Real-World Review: Universal Audio OX Amp Top Box, by Rich Tozzoli, Jan 3, 2020
While I did run this thing through a classic Boogie 4×12 cabinet (it peeled the paint), in my studio, I run it through my Universal Audio OX, which allows me to hook it up directly to Pro Tools and work at respectable levels. What I like about having it next to me on the desktop is that I gain the ability to tweak it per track. Toggling through the various modes and power settings allows you to realize how flexible it is. To me, it’s like having a plug-in hardware amp on my desktop, except that it’s not—it’s living, breathing tubes. Speaking of tubes, it runs five 12AX7s and two EL 84s. To me, the power lies in the ability to not only shred with Channel 2, but to play clean or just slightly dirty on Channel 1. However, Channel 1, when pushed, can also rock, just not in the way Channel 2 can, which is that classic ‘Recto’ sound.
Overall, it’s an accurate mini version of the regular Rectifier (I’ve used a number of them), and it uses the same materials and components as all the Mesas. Don’t think of this as something small just for the studio—you could definitely take this full-featured beast on the road and rock with it—but for my use, the sonic flexibility and attitude that it gives me on a desktop level is undeniable.
Mesa Boogie • www.mesaboogie.com
