Mesa Big Block 750 some questions

[Sten]

I have the chance to buy a used Mesa Big Block 750 (rack version) for half the price of a new one, besides they only come up once or twice a year in my area. I will be driving to my neighbor country to get it. A friend of mine has one so I plan to borrow his for some sound tests to be 100% sure this is the amp I need and then go get it. I have played it only in a music store so far.

I do have some questions for you all though, I tried to find the answers to these with search, but did not find very much, I do not have the time to read through all Mesa club threads now.

1) Is the DI on the amp usable and good? The one I could buy is the older version with no push-pull knobs, not sure yet, if it has one or two inputs. I think the DI out was not pre/post switchable on the earlier versions? A reason I ask is that with my gig profiles, using a microphone to mic the cab is not really a viable solution. If the DI does not sound good, there would not be very much point for me to get the amp. Also, is the DI out OK with accidental phantom power? I've heard that for example Ampeg DI outs can be kileld by phantom power pretty fast.

2) Does the BB750 have any typical issues that I should pay attention to when testing the amp I would be buying?

[RickenBoogie]

Like all of Mesa's bass amps, the Big Block 750 is a solid, well built, and very toneful amp. The DI is also very solidly built, and works as it should. Whether or not it's pre/post eq, I don't know, but these amps need very little eq'ing anyway, so you'd most likely be running it fairly flat. As to the phantom power, again, I don't have an answer, but would assume phantom power to be bad for ANY amp's DI out. Hope this helps, it is a great amp.

[Sten]

I appreciate your reply!

I do believe most of the DIs on modern amps are protected against possible damage by phantom power. I can check that with Mesa customer support though.

As for the pre/post subject, if the signal is sent to DI before the tube section, and this version cannot be switched to post, it makes no point for me to get that amp anymore.

But I do keep on searching

Does anyone have the info on the mounting depth of that amp? Didn't see that info in the manual.

[Sten]

I recieved the pictures now:
http://gallery.me.com/kitorn#100138&...or=black&sel=0

According to my knowledge the BB750 has had two different input versions:
- the earlier ones had two separate inputs for active and passive
- the later ones have one input with active/passive switch

This one does not to seem to include a way to pad the signal from an active bass. Anyone knows more about this?

[lomo]

Originally Posted by Sten

I recieved the pictures now:
http://gallery.me.com/kitorn#100138&...or=black&sel=0

According to my knowledge the BB750 has had two different input versions:
- the earlier ones had two separate inputs for active and passive
- the later ones have one input with active/passive switch

This one does not to seem to include a way to pad the signal from an active bass. Anyone knows more about this?

The pad is inherent to the active input on the older models. IMO the most sig difference is inability to access the mute or OD without the pedal on the older models.

[Sten]

Originally Posted by lomo

The pad is inherent to the active input on the older models. IMO the most sig difference is inability to access the mute or OD without the pedal on the older models.

Yes, I know of the missing push-pulls controls.

The guy looked the input thing up tin the manual and it said "...it is setup for enough headroom to handle both passive and active style instruments. For active instruments you may find yourself running the GAIN control somewhere between 10:00 and 2.00 for optimum headroom."

So my knowledge was just incorrect and everything's OK

[Crabby]

My Big Block is the older version and I don't have any worries about not having the active/passive switch. I never use the active setting or active input on any amp as it never sounds as open and natural as the passive input. Even my 18v Bongo is just fine going into a passive input.

The footswitch works great for the other features and will not likely ever break. It would be nicer to have the push pull controls on the amp but I don't miss them.

I freaking love this amp. Its big and warm sounding with so much character.