Used Mesa Boogie Throttle Box Overdrive & EQ w/Box

Designed and handcrafted in Petaluma, California, the Mesa Boogie Throttle Box EQ is both an overdrive and EQ in one pedal. Mesa Boogie decided to combine two of their popular effects units into one pedal, resulting in this tone shaping, hard rock and metal machine. The Throttle Box EQ can be powered with a standard 9 volt power supply, or 9 volt batteries. You can choose to use one 9 volt, or use two 9 volt batteries for longer battery replacement intervals. This pedal is in good cosmetic condition, with some scratching on the back of the pedal, and comes with the original box. 

Controls:

Hi Level - This is the master output (volume) level for the HI Mode and it controls the amount of signal provided to the host amplifier when the HI Mode is active. It enables you to set the level of the HI Mode relative to that of the LO Mode. Use it to jump out for a featured part or solo or set it at an equivalent volume to that of the LO Mode. HI LEVEL allows for an OUTPUT volume setting above or below that of the BYPASS Mode. Another application is higher HI LEVEL settings to purposefully send a hotter signal to the host amp and “slam” the input stage for increased clip, drive or gain. 

Lo Level - This control determines the output (volume) level for the LO Mode when it is active. Like HI LEVEL, it allows for relative volume levels of the LO Mode above or below that of the HI Mode. Use LO LEVEL to set the signal strength of the LO Mode in relation to the BYPASS Mode. Like the HI LEVEL, LO LEVEL may also be used to “slam” the Input stage of the host amplifier for more overdrive.

Tone - This all-in-one EQ control is common on devices that do not incorporate individual TREBLE and BASS controls. It provides simple, global adjustment of the entire range of frequencies with one control, but your ear may perceive it as most active on the amount of high frequencies present in the mix. A setting of 12:00 represents a “flat” setting with highs neither boosted nor cut. Increasing the TONE control past 12:00 boosts a broad band of high frequencies. Decreasing the TONE below 12:00 cuts (rolls off) the same spectrum of high frequencies.

Gain - This control determines the amount of gain (overdrive) in the signal path for both LO and HI Modes. 

Mid Cut - In addition to the standard “blend-type” TONE control, the THROTTLE BOX EQ incorporates a global (works in LO and HI Modes) MID CUT control (located just below the HI LEVEL) that scoops out the midrange for a wider, bigger sound. It can also be used to mimic the classic Boogie “V” GRAPHIC EQ curve. This has been an essential ingredient for the many Artists that have employed this powerful tool on our amplifiers for decades to get some of the heaviest sounds around. This control works backwards from what you might be used to with Tone controls. As you increase the control you are increasing the “cut” and scooping out more midrange frequencies—until at the maximum setting (5:30) there is hardly any midrange left in the signal path.

Graphic EQ - These two mini toggle switches, two LEDs and the five Sliders comprise the GRAPHIC EQ section of the THROTTLE BOX EQ™. The two mini toggles control whether or not the GRAPHIC EQ is active in HI, LO or both. The Red LED is illuminated when the EQ is active in the corresponding Mode. The curved bar just below the Sliders is fitted to help protect the Sliders and prevent accidental bumping of them by the stray shoe in performance situations.

Boost - Another valuable feature is the global (works in both LO and HI Modes) BOOST switch that allows you to further shape the overall EQ of the pedal to your needs. This switch adds a bit of gain, girth and fat low end and fills in all the “holes” and generally makes your sound bigger. You may have to adjust the TONE control and/or the setting of the Graphic EQ to achieve your preferred and/or a balanced sound with the BOOST activated. Heavy, high gain sounds usually benefit from the BOOST position engaged. Low to medium gain sounds can work with both positions, but often benefit from the more tapered and balanced low end of the non-BOOST or normal position.