Mesa/Boogie Triple Crown VS Badlander: What are the differences?
Channel count (style modes), reverb, footswitch, and MIDI compatibility.
These amps share a similar feature set that includes an onboard attenuator, variable wattage, and similar tube types. But the Triple Crown adds another channel while the Badlander gives you three tone "modes" with only two channels. The Triple Crown also has some technical advantages with a 6-button footswitch while also being MIDI controllable. The tone of both amps is, predictably, fantastic and appreciably similar (same tubes in both).
Image via Cutaway Guitar Magazine
| Specification | Mesa/Boogie Triple Crown TC-100 | Mesa/Boogie Rectifier Badlander |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Tube | Tube |
| Number of Channels | 3 | 2 channels, 3 style modes |
| Total Power | 100W Class AB (Multi-Soak: 3W/7W/20W/50W/100W) | 100W Class AB (50W Pentode, 20W Triode settings) |
| Preamp Tubes | 6 x 12AX7, 1 x 12AT7 | 5 x 12AX7 |
| Power Tubes | 4 x EL34 (Accepts 6V6, 6L6) | 4 x EL34 (Accepts 6L6) |
| Reverb | Tube, Short Tank Spring Reverb | Not specified |
| EQ | 3-band EQ, Presence | 3-band EQ |
| Inputs | 1 x 1/4" | 1 x 1/4" (instrument) |
| Outputs | 2 x 1/4" (4 ohms, 8 ohms), 1 x 1/4" (line out), 1 x 1/4" (headphones), 1 x XLR (CabClone DI) | 2 x 1/4" (4 ohms), 1 x 1/4" (8 ohms), 1 x XLR (CabClone IR) |
| Effects Loop | Yes, Tube-buffered | Buffered, Series FX Loop |
| MIDI I/O | In, Thru/Out | Not specified |
| Footswitch I/O | 1 x 6-pin DIN (channel, reverb, FX, loop, solo) | 1 x 1/4" (channel) |
| Footswitch Included | Yes, 6-button footswitch | Yes, 1-button Footswitch |
| Additional Features | Bias Select switch for 6L6/6V6/EL34 tubes, internal speaker load switch, MIDI switchable | Variac Switch, 8 x Mesa IR Cabs |
| Construction Material | Aluminum Chassis with Black Bronco Vinyl | Aluminum Chassis with Baltic Birch Cabinet |
| Power Source | Fixed AC cable | Standard IEC AC cable |
| Height | 9.6" | 9.62" |
| Width | 22.75" | 22.75" |
| Depth | 10.37" | 10.37" |
| Weight | 46 lbs. | 41 lbs. |
The Triple Crown is the better amp, but it's due to features that you might not really need. Image via Gooswyn Guitars
The Badlander, especially the lower wattage version, is a really solid value.
Mesa Triple Crown and Badlander Live Price Comparison
Prices updated on Fri, August 21st, 2026.
5 Main Differences Between the Amps
Channel Configuration and Modes:
- Triple Crown TC-100: Has three channels, each with a unique sound profile, ranging from American-style cleans to high-gain drive. Channels have normal and drive/tight modes for tonal variation.
- Rectifier Badlander: Features two channels, but each channel includes three selectable modes (Clean, Crunch, Crush), providing a wide array of tones from sparkling clean to high gain.
Power Attenuation and Wattage Options:
- Triple Crown TC-100: Includes Mesa's Multi-Soak power attenuation on each channel, offering 3-, 7-, 20-, 50-, and 100-watt operation.
- Rectifier Badlander: Has a 3-way power reduction switch, allowing operation at 20 watts, 50 watts, or 100 watts, without the specific wattage options of the Triple Crown.
Built-in Cabinet Simulation:
- Triple Crown TC-100: Features a built-in CabClone, which is a speaker-emulated direct output for recording or silent practice.
- Rectifier Badlander: Comes with a built-in CabClone IR, which includes eight dynamic and ribbon-mic’d cabinet impulse responses and also allows for uploading third-party IRs.
Tube Configuration and Customization:
- Triple Crown TC-100: Ships with EL-34 power tubes but has a bias-select switch for compatibility with 6V6 or 6L6 tubes as well.
- Rectifier Badlander: Comes with EL34 power tubes, but also has a Bias switch to allow swapping with 6L6 tubes, along with a Bold/Variac switch for tone adjustment.
Additional Features and Effects:
- Triple Crown TC-100: Includes a true spring reverb tank, a tube-buffered effects loop, and is MIDI capable.
- Rectifier Badlander: Features a fully buffered, tube-driven series effects loop, and a USB port for IR loading, but does not mention MIDI capability.
Triple Crown or Badlander: Which one?
I'm somewhat biased towards the Badlander because I've tested it. But note that there are different wattage variations for both these amps, so you could theoretically get either one at a cheaper price, depending on which wattage you go with.
I'd recommend the Badlander, unless you really need/want the more technically advanced features (three channels, footswitch, wattage switching, MIDI control, etc.) in the Triple Crown.
If both wattages are the same, the Badlander will definitely save you some money.
Feel free to ask questions about our Triple Crown VS Badlander comparison in the comments section.
More Mesa/Boogie Amp Pages
Written by Guitar Chalk on Amps & Price Guides
Written by Bobby Kittleberger on Amps & Reviews
We link to products on Sweetwater that help support our site and keep the lights on. If you click through our orange buttons, we might earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you all for your generous support over the years! ~ Bobby and Danielle
Our disclosure↬
Comment Policy: You're down to leave a comment? That's awesome. Keep in mind that comments are moderated and rel="nofollow" is in use. Please avoid any spammy keywords or a domain as your name, otherwise your comment will be deleted. Let's stay on topic, keep questions relevant and have a meaningful conversation. All the best.