Mesa BB750 question

svp · #1 03-01-2011, 09:08 PM

I am considering making a change from my 400+, I think it is the best sounding bass amp ever made, but after a couple of years I am starting to get over lugging it around. I have 2 8ohm PH 4x10 cabs. I play in a hard rock band, loud guitar, loud drummer. I have interest in the BB750 but in a city as big as Atlanta there isn't a frigging store that has one in stock

A decent number of gigs we play I only need to use one cab with the 400+ which is an 8ohm load. The BB750 is only rated at 280 watts on an 8ohm load. So those of you that PLAY THROUGH or have PLAYED THROUGH one under similar conditions does it have enough volume and head room, is it powerful enough? Thanks for your help

georgestrings · #2 03-01-2011, 10:44 PM

I owned a BB750 for awhile, and play in a loud 2 guitar modern rock/metal/hard rock band... For my purposes, it almost wasn't loud enough with a 4ohm PH610 - so, I'm guessing it may or may not work in the situation you outlined... Now, I'm not much into overdriven bass sounds - and prefer warm and clean - if you're also that way, I'd recommend picking the M-pulse 600 over the BB750 - that's what I ended up doing...

Now, if you use an OD sound, then the BB750 would probably work for you - I just couldn't get enough clean volume out of it for my purposes... I will say that it's OD sound was one of the best I've heard - way better than any pedal out there...

Here's my current rig:

g&lplayer · #3 03-02-2011, 08:19 AM

Yea, I got one recently and returned it because of the lack of clean headroom. If you are worried about the power I would look at the Titan v12. Its basically the same amp as the Big Block, only bigger. Wouldn't be great for your weight problem though...

rockstarbassist · #4 03-02-2011, 08:25 AM

I swear the V12 was as heavy if not heavier than the 400+ I just sold... it was crazy!

I never had issues with my BB750 and volume. I had it the entire time with a Bergantino NV610 and I was fighting most PA systems with the Gain and Master at noon. However, "clean" is not it's thing. It's meant to be dirty, grindy and it is. So if you gotta turn it up, that's kinda the point. :thu:

I wouldn't think you'd have an issue running it into a Mesa 810 tho...

In the last 2~ years I've had the Titan V12, BB750, 400+ and now the M9 and I'd take what I have now over any of those no questions asked. Of course I'd play the rest of those Mesa's over anything else on the market, but within the Mesa camp it's really the shizzle for what I need.

rekesbass · #5 03-02-2011, 11:52 AM

I run a scout(4ohm) 1x15 w\my 750 with no problem.. I play smaller places(bar band)but, I also have no p.a. support and carry a room no prob. squeaky clean is not the 750's forte,its more old school tube tone...more volume means more drivers..you seem to have the drivers...don't worry about it...BTW the 400+ puts out approx 280w..it's not about watts,it's speaker cone area..and you have that covered..go forth and rock on..

KJung · #6 03-02-2011, 12:30 PM

At 8ohms, and compared to what you are used to... IMO and IME, no.

Murph_Orpheus · #7 03-02-2011, 01:26 PM

I had the BB750 up until recently and to really make it come out of it's shell it had to be run at 4 or 2 ohms. It didn't have enough about it at 8ohms for me personally.

rockstarbassist · #8 03-02-2011, 01:36 PM

He said he has 2x8 ohm PH410s (if am reading that correctly) so a 4 ohm load through a Mesa 810 should rip. And I know you mentioned just using one cab, but honestly I could do 90% of my gigs with just one PH212 but having them both lets you run the amp cooler and just looks and sound so much more /win! It's just one extra trip if you have casters.

svp · #9 03-02-2011, 07:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rockstarbassist

He said he has 2x8 ohm PH410s (if am reading that correctly) so a 4 ohm load through a Mesa 810 should rip. And I know you mentioned just using one cab, but honestly I could do 90% of my gigs with just one PH212 but having them both lets you run the amp cooler and just looks and sound so much more /win! It's just one extra trip if you have casters.

What type of music do you play? I am going to test drive a V12, an M6, and a M9 tomorrow

Bigduke · #10 03-02-2011, 11:07 PM

I owned a BB750 and a 400+ through a 4x10 at the same time and both were killer amps but what it came down to was the dirty channel on the BB that I never thought that I would like until I tried it in the mix and it was just an added bonus. As far as volume goes I never ever had a problem being heard especially if you use the active and passive mids turned up to noon, I was running my volume just barely on.

benthughes · #11 03-03-2011, 12:20 AM

Are you set on another Mesa amp or are you willing to look at different makers? I think the MPulse 600 would be "tubier" than the M6 or M9. I have an MPulse 600 and appreciate its girth but prefer the solid state attack of my GK heads. The Mpulse definitely isn't a lightweight by any means.

The Big Blocks have a tone that are very distinct and probably not as versatile as the above mentioned amps. The M6 and M9 are more solid state sounding and might not be your cup-o-tea if you like the all tube tone.

I love the attack and clean head room of a 1001RB. The tone at higher volumes is deadly.

ishouldbeking · #12 03-03-2011, 12:20 AM

Not sure about the tone hitting your sweet spot, but something tells me the M9 will be plenty loud enough.

dukeisdog · #13 01-13-2012, 10:44 PM

How would you guys say this amp would do with a 4 OHM Powerhouse 412? I found one locally and have been looking for an amp that can do two ohms so I can eventually get another 412 or 810. Thanks!

Bigduke · #14 01-14-2012, 02:36 AM

You need to listen to these cabs and see if they work for you. I use (2) 2x10 cabs in a heavy metal band and that is ALL you need. I do through the pa but my stage volume is very loud and clear. Punchy deep bass.

georgestrings · #15 01-14-2012, 08:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dukeisdog

How would you guys say this amp would do with a 4 OHM Powerhouse 412? I found one locally and have been looking for an amp that can do two ohms so I can eventually get another 412 or 810. Thanks!

IME/IMO, the PH412 is one of the very best big cabs on the market - I'm sure it would work well with a BB750, if that's the tone you're going for...

Basically, I "traded" my BB750 for the M-pulse 600 that I currently own, and have never regretted that decision... The M-pulse 600 has way more clean headroom, yet can be overdriven nicely - it can do anything from quick clean SS sound to fat warm tube OD, and anything in between... Also, the EQing options on the M-p 600 are amazing - I'd check one out before buying, if I were you...

FYI - I have heard reports that the BB750 doesn't do well with a 2 ohm load... I never tried mine @ 2 ohms, so I can only repeat what I have heard... That being said, I cannot imagine a gig that a single PH412 wouldn't cover - they move some serious air...

- georgestrings

dukeisdog · #16 01-14-2012, 09:06 AM

Yeah, I really think I'm going to be set with the 1 cab, but I don't like having to move the cab back and forth every week to band practice and home (haven't been with the band long enough to leave all my gear). I figure if I can find another cab at a good price used, I'll pick it up, leave one at home and at the practice space, and use two for shows just for fun. They look so intimidating on stage... lol.

I will definitely check out the M-pulse 600 though. The reason I asked about the BB750 is I found one locally for $650 and thought it was a pretty good deal, but maybe I'll wait and try to find an m-pulse locally, or some sound clips and order one. Thanks, George!

georgestrings · #17 01-14-2012, 10:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dukeisdog

Yeah, I really think I'm going to be set with the 1 cab, but I don't like having to move the cab back and forth every week to band practice and home (haven't been with the band long enough to leave all my gear). I figure if I can find another cab at a good price used, I'll pick it up, leave one at home and at the practice space, and use two for shows just for fun. They look so intimidating on stage... lol.

I will definitely check out the M-pulse 600 though. The reason I asked about the BB750 is I found one locally for $650 and thought it was a pretty good deal, but maybe I'll wait and try to find an m-pulse locally, or some sound clips and order one. Thanks, George!

I understand totally about not wanting to schlep cabs everywhere... I have a PH810 that stays in the big truck with our gigging backline, a PH215 here at home for "side work" gigs, another 215 at our rehearsal space, and still another 410 and 115 at home "just because" - besides 3 bass heads and a SWR 115 combo...

The BB750 just couldn't stay clean enough for my tastes at my typical gigging volumes - which are admittedly pretty loud... I tried the M6 and M9, and although great heads, they weren't different enough from my 700rb-II to warrant a purchase... The M-pulse 600 was a nice compromise between the BB750's OD tube sound, and the ultra clean and clear sound of the M6 and M9 - and definitely had more useable clean power than the BB750... I tend to gravitate towards "clean and warm" tone, with just a little grit - if that makes any sense...

I play in a loud 2 guitar modern rock/rock band, against 2 Triple Rec halfstacks... The PH610 I had was enough, but the PH810 I ended up with is a bit better... I've played the PH412 a few times, and it's an impressive cab - I might pick one up eventually... I got a smokin deal on my PH810 - had a similar deal popped up on a PH412 first, I probably would've grabbed it instead - can't go wrong with either one, IMO...

- georgestrings

RickenBoogie · #18 01-14-2012, 12:47 PM

+1 The Powerhouse 412 is a formidable weapon. Given enough wattage, 600 or so watts, it should be capable of devastating bass. great cab- if I were in a loud band, that's what i'd have.

Crabby · #19 01-14-2012, 08:01 PM

I owned a BB750 along with my PH412 cab and thought it was a great setup. very warm and loud with an old school tone that was very pleasing. I still have the cab but use an M9 now and prefer the quick attack and unending clean headroom over the BB. The Big Block was gorgeous sounding though and I would not hesitate to own another one.