Mesa Boogie M-Pulse 600 & Powerhouse 1200 1 x 15" + 4 x 10"

Cerebrate42 · #1 05-07-2011, 01:25 PM

Hello,

I've been looking into buying a new bass amp, and I came across a friend of a friend who is looking to sell his Mesa Boogie M-Pulse 600 and Powerhouse 1200 1 x 15" + 4 x 10" together for $1600.
I have read tons of a reviews, and they almost all seem to say great things about these two. I've listened to lots of clips and samples online too, and I really like the sound.
I'm looking for something that is very versatile, something that can go from Chris Squire to Stanley Clarke to Dan Briggs. I play all kinds of styles, mainly prog rock and jazz, but also metal, funk, R&B, etc. I play pretty much only fingerstyle, and I slap and pop quite a bit. Sporadically, I'll play a few dyads/triads/tetrads, but not too often.
I can probably get my friend to knock down the price to $1500 or $1400.
Should I jump on this deal, or should I look around a bit more?

Thanks

js1 · #2 05-07-2011, 01:41 PM

Well, it's a great sounding combination. I have the amp, would love the cab. But, I need something easier to transport for gigs...

js

Hobobob · #3 05-07-2011, 02:06 PM

The head will get you whatever sound you like. That 5 band semi-parametric eq is a monster. Some folks on here have a few doubts about the cab, but only for technical reasons (mid-high dispersion because of the way the speakers are oriented, different drivers w/o a crossover may be out of phase). I've never played through one, so I couldn't tell you if these problems are even noticeable, but if it sounds good to you then go for it! The head alone goes for 1600 new, so that's a pretty good deal (if they're in good shape that is).

Cerebrate42 · #4 05-07-2011, 02:30 PM

I haven't personally seen them, yet my friend (whom I trust, and who has a good bit of technical knowledge about amps and such) said that they are in good condition.

I've already read a lot of reviews talking about how these sound. I guess the main point of my making this post was to ask:
Should I jump on this deal right away? Is this a steal? Or should I be a little more patient?

Cerebrate42 · #5 05-07-2011, 02:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by js1

Well, it's a great sounding combination. I have the amp, would love the cab. But, I need something easier to transport for gigs...

js

Although, you do have a great point; having to transport this cab for gigs would SUCK.

lavmonga · #6 05-07-2011, 02:37 PM

I had this same rig. Best rig ever, but as stated, it's BIG. Not really conducive to playing small gigs or being mobile, but sound wise, the best rig I have ever played. $1600 isn't a bad price either, you could probably get the stuff used for a little less and considering the guy is your friend he'll probably come down a little.

beefsupreme · #7 05-07-2011, 08:46 PM

If you decide your not happy with this rig definitely send me a message and i'll be more than happy to buy it from you or your friend. =]

prd004 · #8 05-07-2011, 08:51 PM

Great amp, never tried the cab, but the amp is first rate!

Human Element · #9 05-07-2011, 10:17 PM

I play m-pulse600 through aguilar gs412. But the amp sounds amazing thru every cab I've hooked it to. Ampeg 215,810,610, 410hlf, peavey 410tx, swr big ben, trace elliot, 15 & 210,

georgestrings · #10 05-08-2011, 01:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hobobob

The head will get you whatever sound you like. That 5 band semi-parametric eq is a monster. Some folks on here have a few doubts about the cab, but only for technical reasons (mid-high dispersion because of the way the speakers are oriented, different drivers w/o a crossover may be out of phase). I've never played through one, so I couldn't tell you if these problems are even noticeable, but if it sounds good to you then go for it! The head alone goes for 1600 new, so that's a pretty good deal (if they're in good shape that is).

My doubts about that cab aren't for "technical reasons" - they're from real world experience with it, and pretty much the rest of Mesa's entire line... Sure, the PH1000 and 1200 sound good by themselves - but if you ever A/B'd them with the rest of Mesa's cabs that size, you'd see just how poor it performs when compared to the PH215, 610, 810, and 412...

I've played them all, and IME it's the worst of the bunch - FWIW, I currently own the PH610 and PH810, and the M-pulse 600...

- georgestrings

georgestrings · #11 05-08-2011, 01:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lavmonga

I had this same rig. Best rig ever, but as stated, it's BIG.

Disagree - THIS is the "best rig ever":

- georgestrings

georgestrings · #12 05-08-2011, 01:30 AM

Here's the 610 and 810 side by side:

- georgestrings

georgestrings · #13 05-08-2011, 01:34 AM

Regarding the OP: the M-pulse 600 smokes - definitely one of the best bass amps on the market, IMO - they typically go for around $800-$900 on the used market, and I've seen PH1000's go for $500 or less... So, that deal isn't all that great - I'd say more like $1200-$1300, provided everything's in good shape, and you like the cab(some people do, actually)...

- georgestrings

KsPiNeSh · #14 05-08-2011, 08:11 AM

With regards to the amp, not my thing, but nice. I could never get mine to cut in a hard rock setting no matter how I EQ'd it, but there is no denying the range of tones possible with that EQ section. I also prefer a more bitting, tight SS sound, and the M-Pulse 600 has the tubiest, roundest low end of any hybrid I have personally heard.

With regards to the cab, I would not play one if it were given to me for free. IMO and IME they suck. Gigged a friend's a couple of times (he was trying to convert me) and to my ear it was easily outperformed by my Uber 410. Using my Mesa M6 on voice 3 it did not like the low C (drop tuned), did not have the mid presence I like, and just overall sounded bland. I am a huge fan of the Carbine amps and can see why people would like Mesa's other amp offerings, but I've never liked their cabs and the PH1200 is IMO their worst.

Human Element · #15 05-08-2011, 08:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KsPiNeSh

With regards to the amp, not my thing, but nice. I could never get mine to cut in a hard rock setting no matter how I EQ'd it, but there is no denying the range of tones possible with that EQ section.

Really?

I play metal and it rips right through mix. The only time it had any problems was through the ampeg 215(too boomy). But you really have to take into account what bass/cab you're using.

RickenBoogie · #16 05-08-2011, 10:09 AM

+1 to Georgestrings post re: the PH1000/1200. If you compare it side by side with ANY other Powerhouse cab, you'll hear what he's talking about. Also +1 on the price being a bit high. $1200 for the pair would be a decent deal. And it's not that is sounds *bad*, just that with a 610, 810, 412, etc, it would sound *better*.

georgestrings · #17 05-08-2011, 12:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RickenBoogie

+1 to Georgestrings post re: the PH1000/1200. If you compare it side by side with ANY other Powerhouse cab, you'll hear what he's talking about. Also +1 on the price being a bit high. $1200 for the pair would be a decent deal. And it's not that is sounds *bad*, just that with a 610, 810, 412, etc, it would sound *better*.

No doubt - I've said this before, but the OP might not know it: when I bought my PH610, I also had the option of a PH1000 for the same price - so, I A/B'd them for awhile before buying... The PH610 had stronger lows, clearer highs, was louder, and could be pushed much harder than the PH1000... In fact, I've never been able to get my PH610 to fart out, but could get the PH1000 to fart out without trying too hard...

- georgestrings

KsPiNeSh · #18 05-08-2011, 02:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Human Element

Really?

I play metal and it rips right through mix. The only time it had any problems was through the ampeg 215(too boomy). But you really have to take into account what bass/cab you're using.

Warwick basses and Genz Benz cabs (mainly the NEOX-212T, IMO a very edgy and present cab) with plenty of mids dialed in, a combination that when paired with every other amp I've owned knifes through anything. While TB is by no means comprehensive, I'm not the only one on here who has reported not liking the M-Pulse for this reason.

georgestrings · #19 05-08-2011, 06:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KsPiNeSh

Warwick basses and Genz Benz cabs (mainly the NEOX-212T, IMO a very edgy and present cab) with plenty of mids dialed in, a combination that when paired with every other amp I've owned knifes through anything. While TB is by no means comprehensive, I'm not the only one on here who has reported not liking the M-Pulse for this reason.

While not doubting your personal experiences with the M-pulse 600, I have to say that I've never had any problem hearing myself as clearly as I've wanted to be with mine - in a loud modern rock/metal band, up against two Triple Rec half stacks... I can't say the same about the Big Block 750 I traded in towards it, though...

*For me*, the M-pulse 600 provides a nice balance between tube warmth and SS clarity - and I can easily control which of those 2 ways I want to go with my Pre Gain: 11-12 o'clock, I get SS type response, with a bit of tube warmth - 1-3 o'clock, I get a nice tube-like sound...

FWIW, my other amp is a 700rb-II, which isn't known for disappearing in a band mix, AFAIK... As always, YMMV...

- georgestrings