Pure Reactive Load Performance for 16-Ohm Amp Platforms
The Guitar Sanctuary presents the Mesa/Boogie CabClone IR (16-Ohm Version)—the ultimate silent recording load box and IR cabinet simulator tailored specifically for 16-Ohm amplifier output taps. Whether you're running British-style vintage stacks, high-gain 16-Ohm heads, or boutique combo amps, this unit allows you to crank your master volume into warm power-amp saturation without generating a single decibel of room volume.
At the core of the CabClone IR is Mesa's custom reactive load impedance circuit. Unlike older resistive load boxes that choke your tone and alter feel, this reactive design dynamically interacts with your amp's output transformer just like an actual 16-Ohm speaker coil. You preserve full dynamic headroom, touch sensitivity, and upper-midrange bite.
16 Authentic Mesa Cabinet Impulse Responses Built-In
Access legendary Mesa/Boogie speaker cabinets at the turn of a dial. Factory-loaded with 16 high-resolution IRs recorded in a world-class environment using professional studio microphones, you get immediate access to iconic 4x12, 2x12, and 1x12 enclosures across two switchable banks. Complete with USB connectivity, you can easily customize your setup by loading your favorite third-party IR files.
Product Intelligence & Buyers Guidance:
- Best For: Home Studio Recording, Silent Stage Rigs, Headphone Practice, and Direct Live Performance.
- Amplifier Matching: Designed strictly for tube amplifiers running off a 16-Ohm speaker output tap (rated up to 150 Watts max continuous).
- Tone Profile: Dynamic, organic, and ultra-responsive with identical feel to a physical 16-Ohm speaker cabinet; crisp treble bite and open punch.
- Sanctuary Expert Note: "If you run Marshall-style 16-Ohm heads, Vox platforms, or multi-tap boutique amplifiers wired for 16 Ohms, this unit is non-negotiable. Matching your impedance precisely is crucial for transformer safety and getting true-to-life harmonic bloom in the studio."
Technical Specifications:
- Impedance Rating: 16 Ohms (Max 150-Watt Power Handling)
- Load Type: Passive Reactive Load Circuit
- Preloaded IRs: 16 Official Mesa/Boogie Cabinet Impulse Responses (2 Banks of 8)
- Bank A Cabinets: Recto 4x12, Recto 2x12, Compact 2x12, Lone Star 1x12, Thiele 1x12, and more
- Bank B Cabinets: Vintage & Alternate Mic Configurations of Flagship Mesa Enclosures
- Third-Party IR Support: Yes (USB Port for Loading Custom 3rd-Party IRs)
- Audio Output Connections: Balanced XLR Direct Out (Line/Mic Level Switchable), 1/4" Headphone Out, 1/4" Line Out
- Pass-Through: 1/4" Thru Jack (to connect a live speaker cabinet simultaneously)
- Controls: Preset Select Knob, Input Level, Phase Switch, Ground Lift Switch
- Power Requirement: 18V DC Power Supply Included (Required only for IR processing & active output circuitry)
- Build Location: Handcrafted in Petaluma, California, USA
Made in Petaluma, California with the World’s Finest Materials
Dynamic new Reactive Load circuit provides the feel and tone of a real Speaker/Cabinet
Rated for Amps up to 150-Watts (Reactive Load activates automatically when no cable connected “TO SPKR” Output)
2-Bank A/B Switch with 8-Position “Cab Select” provides instant access to 16 IR Cabinet Preset Locations
New Presence Control provides quick, easy and effective fine-tuning of any selected Cabinet IR
Comes Preloaded with the following 8 Authentic MESA Cabinet IRs, each mic’d two ways;
BANK A = LIVE (Dynamic & Ribbon) / BANK B = STUDIO (Condenser & Ribbon)
Preset 1 = 4x12 Rectifier Standard (closed back)
Preset 2 = 4x12 Rectifier Traditional (closed back)
Preset 3 = 2x12 Rectifier Horizontal (closed back)
Preset 4 = 1x12 Rectifier (closed back)
Preset 5 = 1x12 Thiele (closed back, front ported)
Preset 6 = 2x12 Lone Star (open back)
Preset 7 = 1x12 Lone Star 23 (open back)
Preset 8 = 1x12 California Tweed 23 (open back)
Open System, Third-Party IR Compatibility allows open access to download, store and use your favorite IRs of choice. USB 2.0 A to B connection cable (not included) is required for managing IR file directory.
Extra “Cabinet Library” Space for storing additional IR favorites, beyond the 16 factory-loaded Presets, for native access via any USB computer connection
MIDI IN & THRU provides class-leading control and instant access to switch IRs on the fly to best match your amps voicings
Two ¼” Input Jacks (From Amp Speaker Output & Line/Instrument In)
One ¼” “TO SPKR” Live Speaker Cabinet Output Jack (defeats Internal Reactive Load when cable is connected)
Variable Input Level Control with 3-Bar LED Input Signal Meter
Variable Output Level Control
IR Balanced XLR Direct Output (Controlled by the Variable Output Level Control)
Independent ¼” +4 Line Level “Dry” Output Jack (Exact signal from amp’s speaker output, no IR applied and controlled by the Variable Input Level Control)
Headphone Output Jack (Controlled by the Variable Output Level Control)
Phase Switch – Normal (Phase) or Reverse (180°)
Ground Lift Switch
18 VDC Power Supply
Tall Rubber Feet - Allows CabClone IR to sit on top of most amps, clearing the handle
Dimensions: 4 3/6” H x 7 1/2" W x 6 5/8" D
Weight: 3lbs. 4oz.
We are open Tuesday-Saturday from 10am until 6pm CDT.
Any order placed before 3pm CDT Tuesday through Saturday is processed for shipment the same day. Orders placed Sunday-Monday will be processed for shipment the following Tuesday.
For Free Shipping items, Effects pedals and small goods items are generally shipped via USPS Priority Mail, and Guitars and Amplifiers are generally shipped via UPS Ground.
Due to our central location in the middle of the US, most orders will be delivered within 1-3 days delivery time.
Other shipping methods are available (at an additional cost), including next day air.
Please call us directly at (972)540-6420 if you have any questions regarding shipping for your order.
