Mesa/Boogie Rectifier Recording Preamp, hand-built in Petaluma, California, serial number RP-002798.

This is the original Mesa/Boogie Rectifier Recording Preamp, a professional 2U all-tube rack preamp designed to deliver the gain structure and channel architecture of Mesa’s Rectifier amplifiers in a dedicated recording and live-rig format.

This particular unit is the 240V version, making it suitable for European mains power without an external step-down transformer. The rear voltage label is marked for 240V, 50–60 Hz, 800 mA, with a T800mA/250V fuse.

Because I have not personally tested it before listing, it is sold as photographed and described.

Mesa designed the Rectifier Recording Preamp around six 12AX7 preamp tubes and two fully independent channels with six total modes. Channel 1 provides Clean, Fat and Brit modes, while Channel 2 provides Raw, Vintage and Modern high-gain modes. Each channel has its own Gain, Treble, Mid, Bass, Presence and Master controls.

Channel 1 also includes Bright switching and a -3 dB input pad, while Channel 2 includes Mesa’s Live Bright / Warm Record voicing switch. The result is a very flexible analog preamp covering clean, pushed British-style sounds and the high-gain Rectifier territory for which Mesa became known.

One of the defining features is Mesa’s completely analog Recto Direct recording circuitry. The preamp provides dedicated stereo Recording Outputs as well as separate stereo Live Outputs for connection to an external power amplifier. There is no digital amp modelling involved.

The rear panel is unusually comprehensive. It includes a buffered parallel effects loop with stereo returns and mix control, dedicated left/right Record outputs, left/right Live outputs, external channel and Solo switching connections, and a Modern / Smart Power trigger output for compatible Mesa power amplifiers.

The front panel also provides independent overall Recording Output, Standby/Live Output and Solo level controls, along with channel switching and recording/live voicing options. The Solo function is designed for the Live Outputs and can be remotely switched when used with the appropriate footswitch.

This makes the unit useful in several configurations: directly into a recording interface using the analog Recording Outputs; as a conventional tube rack preamp into a separate power amp and guitar cabinet; or as the centerpiece of a more elaborate stereo rack system.

Please note that this is a preamp rather than a standalone guitar amplifier head. A suitable external power amplifier is required if you intend to drive a passive guitar speaker cabinet from the Live Outputs.

The unit shows rack-use cosmetic wear. There are chips and paint loss around the rack ears and mounting holes, particularly along the outer edges, together with scratches, marks and small finish chips across the chassis. The top, bottom and side panels show normal surface wear from installation and removal from racks. These marks are clearly documented in the photographs.

All six tube shields are present in the internal section visible from the rear. The controls, switches, jacks, IEC inlet and rear-panel labeling all appear complete in the photographs.

Please review all photos carefully; they show the actual preamp, serial number, front controls, channel modes, rear connections, tube compartment, rack ears, chassis surfaces and cosmetic wear.

Condition

• Good used condition
• Serial number RP-002798
• 240V European-voltage version
• Not freshly tested before listing
• Front panel presents well overall
• Visible normal rack-use wear throughout
• Rack ears show paint loss, edge wear and mounting wear
• Several small chips visible around the outer front-panel edges
• Chassis shows some scratches, scuffs and handling marks
• Top and bottom panels show normal rack-installation / handling wear
• Rear panel shows normal cosmetic wear around jacks and hardware
• Control knobs show normal handling wear
• Switches are complete and physically intact
• Recording-output jewel light appears physically intact
• Front input and footswitch jacks appear intact
• Rear audio jacks appear intact
• IEC mains inlet appears intact
• All six tube shields are present
• No major chassis deformation visible
• No major structural damage visible

Specifications

• Brand: Mesa/Boogie
• Manufacturer: Mesa Engineering
• Model: Rectifier Recording Preamp
• Serial Number: RP-002798
• Instrument Type: Guitar tube preamplifier / recording preamp
• Format: 19" rackmount
• Rack Height: 2U
• Made In: Petaluma, California, USA
• Production Era: 2001–2015; exact year of this unit is unconfirmed.
• Electronics: All tube
• Preamp Tubes: 6 × 12AX7
• Channels: 2
• Total Modes: 6
• Channel 1 Modes: Clean / Fat / Brit
• Channel 2 Modes: Raw / Vintage / Modern High Gain
• Channel 1 Controls: Gain, Treble, Mid, Bass, Presence, Master
• Channel 2 Controls: Gain, Treble, Mid, Bass, Presence, Master
• Channel 1 Additional Switching: Clean/Fat/Brit mode selection, Bright switch, -3 dB pad
• Channel 2 Additional Switching: Raw/Vintage/Modern mode selection, Live Bright / Warm Record voicing
• Global Controls: Recording Output, Live Output / Standby level, Solo level
• Effects Loop: Fully buffered parallel effects loop
• Effects Return: Stereo
• Effects Mix: Adjustable
• Recording Outputs: Stereo left/right
• Live Outputs: Stereo left/right
• External Switching: Channel 1/2 and Solo
• External Trigger: Smart Power / Modern trigger for compatible Mesa power amplifiers
• Ground Lift: Yes
• Reverb: None
• Digital Modelling: None
• Chassis Material: Aluminum
• Cooling: Convection
• Dimensions: Approximately 19" W × 3.5" H × 13.5" D / 48.3 × 8.9 × 34.3 cm
• Weight: Approximately 16 lb / 7.26 kg
• Power: 240V AC, 50–60 Hz
• Current Rating: 800 mA
• Fuse: T800mA / 250V
• Power Connector: IEC
• Colour: Black / silver
• Orientation: Standard 19" horizontal rackmount

Mesa’s official specifications confirm the six 12AX7 tubes, two channels/six modes, stereo live and recording outputs, parallel stereo effects loop, 16 lb weight and 19 × 3.5 × 13.5-inch dimensions.

Included

• Mesa/Boogie Rectifier Recording Preamp
• No footswitch/power cable included
• No rack case included
• No power amplifier included
• No other accessories included unless specifically stated

Shipping

The preamp will be carefully packed with protective packing material inside a strong outer shipping box included in the item or shipping price.

Particular care will be taken around the rack ears, front controls, switches, rear connections and tube section, with sufficient padding to prevent movement inside the package during transport.

Shipping will be via tracked courier service such as FedEx, depending on destination, price, parcel size and insurance availability. Tracking will be provided after dispatch.

International buyers are responsible for all import duties, VAT, customs fees, tariffs, brokerage/handling fees and any other local taxes or charges required by the destination country. These costs are not included in the item price or shipping price.

Shipping outside Europe may be possible by prior agreement. Please contact me before purchasing for an exact insured courier quote.