The Studio Preamp is a rack-mount device, meaning it is meant to be attached to a standard audio device rack. The Studio Preamp comes with the necessary screws and will fit into any standard-sized rack, including those attached to some power amplifiers. However, it is possible and safe to use the device outside of a standard rack installation, as long as the “Ground Isolation Switch” on the back of the unit is set to “Normal.” This will prevent ground looping and the characteristic ambient hum that tends to accompany it. As a precaution, turn the “Standby” switch on before turning the unit on and plugging in guitars and effect processors. This will prevent unexpected feedback through the amplifier.
The most basic setup scenario for the Mesa Boogie Studio Preamp involves only two wires. Your electric guitar is plugged into an available “Instrument Input” on the front or back of the Studio Preamp and a ¼ inch audio cable is run from the “Main Outputs” on the back of the device to the inputs on your power amplifier. The output level knobs on the Studio Preamp will control the overall level of the signal sent to the amplifier. In this configuration, your guitar’s signal goes straight through the Studio Preamp to your amplifier. If you are using a regular guitar amplifier instead of a power amplifier, connect the ¼ inch audio cable to the “Recording Outputs” on the back of the Studio Preamp and into the main input on the front of the amplifier.
To use a digital effect unit with the Mesa Boogie Studio Preamp, run a cable from the “Effects Send” output on the back of the Studio Preamp into the input on the effect unit and set the Studio Preamp’s “Effects Level” to “Low” or “Line,” depending on the type of effect being used. Use “Low” for basic effects like wah-wah and distortion; use “Line” for high-quality digital effects. Run a cable between the effect unit’s outputs to the “Return” inputs on the Studio Preamp. In this configuration, the “Mix” or “Blend” control on the effect unit will control the degree to which the effect is applied.
The Mesa Boogie Studio Preamp offers a full range of tone knobs similar to those found on all but the simplest guitar amplifiers. “Volume” and “Master” controls manage the Studio Preamp’s signal level. The “Treble,” “Bass” and “Mid” knobs control the levels of their respective frequency ranges. The “Reverb” knob controls the application of the Studio Preamp’s built-in reverb effect. The “Lead Bright” and “Lead Fat” switches further adjust the guitar signal’s tone when engaged: “Lead Bright” adds harmonics and “Lead Fat” widens and darkens the signal.