Mesa/Boogie Dual Recto-Verb 25 Head

Introducing the Recto-Verb Twenty-Five Head and 1x12 Combo. These are the Reverb-endowed, fraternal-twins of our little Mini Rectifier lunchbox that’s been taking names all over the globe. These even mightier packages are slightly larger--just big enough to accommodate a 1x12 speaker in the case of the combo and long-spring Reverb tank in the case of the head. In both cases, they boast all the same great performance that the Mini Rec is famous for and more. Plus, their classic vinyl-covered birch cabinets provide a wide array of custom finish options to fully personalize them.

We keep saying it, but it’s hard to overstate the value, effectiveness, and stylistic “power” of the Multi-Watt Channel Assignable Power switches. These dedicated wattage range choices unveil different power characteristics and colors – so they are really power “voicing” switches as well.

In this Recto, the choice of EL-84 power tubes with their amazing clip characteristics prompted us to explore the different wiring schemes possible. This experimentation led to the 10-Watt Power Mode being wired for Triode operation. This “more vintage” wiring scheme sweetens and rounds out the sound, turning what might otherwise be a lower volume version of the same voice, into more “soulful” Recto experience.

The 25-Watt setting delivers a bold attack, tight tracking low end, increased definition, and all-out headroom. This setting works great with all the sounds and certainly showcases the mightiness in this little Rectifier, shocking unsuspecting players and bystanders alike with power and sonic size. But any time you need to tame this little beast and put a vintage patina of warmth and silkiness around things…kick down to 10-Watts and enjoy a whole new and different world of Recto expression.

Channel 1 focuses on rhythm sounds, both clean and overdriven, via the CLEAN and PUSHED Modes.

The CLEAN Mode delivers sparkling, big-headroom rhythm sounds that breathe with rich, warm air on the bottom end. When driven to clip and combined with the 10-Watt Power setting, this Mode misbehaves with real attitude and shines for urgent, yet soulful, Blues solo sounds and furry Rock rhythm.

PUSHED aptly describes what to do with the second Mode in Channel 1 and here you’ll find the next region of gain. With a more stripped EQ and just enough added drive, PUSHED invites aggressive Rock rhythm and Crunch styles to the party and even taunts your mid-gain solo work, especially in the 10-Watt Power setting.

Channel 2 features the iconic Recto high gain sounds in both their faces - The iconic liquid wall of VINTAGE and the aggressive fury of MODERN.

VINTAGE excels at thick, high gain chording and single note soloing with an elastic feel and a broad harmonic spread. It has a looser, more organic sound and the overdrive drapes itself around the notes creating a huge, three-dimensional image. VINTAGE solo work is further enhanced by the 10-Watt Power position, were the attack envelope changes and becomes rounder and more voice-like, while upper harmonics recede slightly to create single note sounds of true beauty. VINTAGE and 10-Watt mode complement each other in ways that will open new doors for the Recto that were previously only available on more well behaved or "cultured" amps. It may also surprise current big-power Recto owners who experience for the first time what this power range/wiring style does for a sound they had typecast. This is a new and exciting face of Recto and it will surely expand its stylistic footprint.

MODERN is the opposite in every way. This aggressive Mode comes right at you (maybe even for you) with stunning attack and a hi-mid bump that keeps things percussive while tracking with hyper-accuracy. It's hard to believe that this amount of gain can be infused, yet still deliver with this much speed and definition, especially in bass frequencies. But this is pure Recto and MODERN contributes an equal part to achieving its status as the other most recorded sound in Rock. Needless to say, MODERN is all about all things Heavy and Metal. And while this sound is best demonstrated using the 25-Watt Power setting, be sure not to typecast MODERN too quickly. The 10-Watt Power setting sweetens the mids and softens the attack. It shows another side to MODERN that's more forgiving and vocal, creating a great alternate solo voice with a little more punch and dynamic content.

Build Location: Hand-Wired In Petaluma, CA with the World's Finest Materials
Wattage: Multi-Watt 10 or 25 (Channel Assignable)
Power Tube Type: 2x Mesa EL84
Channels & Modes: 2 Channels / 4 Modes
Mode Voicings / Styles: Ch. 1 = Clean or Pushed
Ch. 2 = Vintage or Modern
Graphic EQ / Reverb / FX / Solo Reverb, FX Loop
Footswitchable Functions: Ch. 1/2
Weight: 19 lbs.
Dimensions: 7 1/2" H x 17 1/2" W x 9" D
Footswitch: Included - 1 Button Footswitch (Ch. 1/2)
Slip Cover: Included - Fitted Slip Cover