Mesa Boogie M9 Megathread: Pt II - Page 21

Crabby · #**401** 11-29-2012, 09:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by petermca17

What do the M9 owners here (and previous 400+ owners) think of the soon to be released Prodigy, obviously your response would be based on the released specs, unless of course one of you have been on the beta list.

The reason I ask is that I used to own a 400+ and for over a decade enjoyed the massive sweet sound that amp produced. I eventually moved it along when I stopped gigging so much and now am gearing up again. I tried one of the GK MB Fusion micro amps for a while, which has 3 AX7's in the preamp stage, and as much as I wanted it to work, it wasn't for me so I sold it. I'm now thinking of either (a) buying an M9 or (b) waiting for the Prodigy.

What I like about the M9 is that it has a built-in compressor and EQ section, along with the switchable voices. I also like the weight of the M9. What I like about the Prodigy is that it's all tube and should sound nice and warm.

I don't need earth shaking power these days - just want that lovely Mesa tone - I'm really more concerned with great tone (hopefully great tube tone) at lower volume levels than anything else.

Thoughts?

Thanks!

Sounds like you need a Walkabout head! The M9 is a very modern sounding amp. The Walkabout is very fat, warm and has all the volume you would likelyever need depending on the cab(s) you match with it.

petermca17 · #**402** 11-30-2012, 06:13 AM

Thanks for that advice ... I'll check one out tomorrow to see how I like the sound.

When I picked up the GK (now sold) I also picked up a Markbass 112 NY (also, now sold) and moved that along because it just sounded too clean and didn't have enough depth. After some research, I ordered a Markbass 804 NY ... 4 neo 8's and would like to pair this with an amp that can deliver that fat warm tone. I'll have a month to trade the cab back if it doesn't work out and am thinking that if the 804 doesn't live up to it's promise that I might go with a single 15.

I really with those Prodigy amps were out so that I could give one a shot but I'll A/B the Walkabout and the Carbine tomorrow.

Thanks!

**Chef** · #**403** 11-30-2012, 07:26 AM

The walkabout and M6/9 are very different amps.
M Series are pretty dang clean, and fairly modern sounding, and have a tonne of power.
The Walkabout is much more vintage/tubey sounding, and has "just about enough power," if you're careful to pair it with the right cab for the right venue.

I have and use both.......

petermca17 · #**404** 11-30-2012, 09:48 AM

Thanks Chef - most appreciated.

Can you tell me about fan noise ... is there a noticeable difference in the fan noise (in a quiet setting obviously) between the Walkabout and the M9?

Thanks!

**Chef** · #**405** 11-30-2012, 09:50 AM

Walkabout: pretty audible, and it actively bothers some folks.
M9: not sure I've heard anyone complain about it.

spector_boogie · #**406** 11-30-2012, 09:54 AM

I know this is an M9 thread (which I used to have, but...) I recently got an M6 and it's doing the intermittent cut-out thing only when I use my Lakland 55-94 which is fargin' weird.
My NS5 and my Charvel 3B work fine and don't have problems with it. My Lakky plays nice (as do the other two) with my backup GK 1001-II.
Ohms switch is correct at 4/8 (using two Mesa PH212 cabs @ 8 ohms each) so not really sure what the deal is bc this is beyond frustrating.
The amp gets warm but I mean all amps do. My Gain is about Noon and my Master is about 9:00. EQ on amp and bass are flat. It's cut out on a gig before and the DI send still works (going Post) so yeah, something is amiss.

petermca17 · #**407** 11-30-2012, 10:06 AM

Good to know - thanks again Chef.

Peter.

Monotheist · #**408** 12-20-2012, 08:46 AM

Hey guys, again I come to you for help.

Last night at band practice I had issues with the volume on my M9.

I was turning it up and nothing was changing. Just a SLIGHT increase in volume but barely noticeable.

This is the second time this has happened. I noticed at the end of a jam last month but the following day it was fine. It's been good up until last night.

Last night I bypassed the preamp by running my Sansamp in the return. Didn't change anything.

Any idea what it could be?

Peter S · #**409** 01-04-2013, 10:38 AM

[The Walkabout is much more vintage/tubey sounding, and has "just about enough power," if you're careful to pair it with]

Picking up on what Chef said My walkabout scout has a 15" speaker - the amp is 4 ohms. I am very keen on this combo. Its my only stage rig. I took the amp out and transport it separately in a customised suitcase. I need to keep things light.

My P bass sounds boomy with the scout even with the EQ set flat or the bottom end shaved off and boy does that eq work.

Has anyone tried the scout Pulse amp with a 4 x 10, 4 x 12 or 2 X 12. Can I get these at 4 Ohms?

We pay a fortune for gear in Ireland and the UK and it would be out of the question to think of buying Mesa Cabs.

Still, I would like to know what the 300 watt pulse sounds like through smaller speakers.

lomo · #**410** 01-04-2013, 11:11 AM

IME, if you like the Walkabout tone, it will "elevate" almost any cab you play it through :-)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Peter S

[The Walkabout is much more vintage/tubey sounding, and has "just about enough power," if you're careful to pair it with]

Picking up on what Chef said My walkabout scout has a 15" speaker - the amp is 4 ohms. I am very keen on this combo. Its my only stage rig. I took the amp out and transport it separately in a customised suitcase. I need to keep things light.

My P bass sounds boomy with the scout even with the EQ set flat or the bottom end shaved off and boy does that eq work.

Has anyone tried the scout Pulse amp with a 4 x 10, 4 x 12 or 2 X 12. Can I get these at 4 Ohms?

We pay a fortune for gear in Ireland and the UK and it would be out of the question to think of buying Mesa Cabs.

Still, I would like to know what the 300 watt pulse sounds like through smaller speakers.

Peter S · #**411** 01-04-2013, 02:30 PM

Lomo said: "IME, if you like the Walkabout tone, it will "elevate" almost any cab you play it through :-)"

You know what? I do like that Pulse sound. It's old, fat, mellow and well rounded like me but it can turn mean if it has to.

Let's face it when you look at the Walkabout Scout it's one of the least inspiring pieces of kit I can think of. My amp is silver (they do some in black) and the speaker black tolex. No lights except the power one, no green glows like Harke. No whopping great names or badges - I mean "Mesa Engineering" - could be a washing machine. But then I don't spend a lot of time looking at my gear when playing. I do sometimes listen to it

Not that I never look at it. Sometimes when I walk down my hall at home and the Scout is just sitting there and our eyes meet I get all warm and fuzzy and feel as if I gotta play - even on my ampeg 50 watt practice amp ( which BTW is a great practice amp at the very least). If that sounds sad I don't care. Its one of those less is more things.
Pete

**svtb15** · #**412** 02-03-2013, 10:36 PM

Well.. Im on the market for one of these M9 amps.... Just hope the Heat issues have been taken care of... I read somewhere any SN past 500 or so should be OK... If anyone can confirm that, its appreciated..

lomo · #**413** 02-04-2013, 07:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by svtb15

Well.. Im on the market for one of these M9 amps.... Just hope the Heat issues have been taken care of... I read somewhere any SN past 500 or so should be OK... If anyone can confirm that, its appreciated..

I don't know what serial number to watch for, but all you have to do is call Mesa and ask after what serial number the fuseholder change and cooling upgrades were made. Having said that, I now have an older model without the mods and it hasn't had a wimper. These are killer heads!

Hizzoner · #**414** 02-05-2013, 04:30 AM

I have #499 and it was fully upgraded by Mesa in late 2011..but it already had a fully vented top, and no problem with cooling isssues...I sent it back because of a distorted noise issue and it was repaired and upgraded all the same...Love that amp but have mine up for trade/sale(I constantly waver in my sales commitment on it..and may yet keep it.

Tonally it is awesome...a real swiss army knife of an amp.

bThumper38 · #**415** 02-05-2013, 10:15 PM

I just pulled the trigger on one of these tonight, can't wait to check it out.

Jim Carr · #**416** 02-05-2013, 10:16 PM

Once you go into the arms of this thing, it is hard to say away, IMHO.

Jim C · #**417** 02-05-2013, 11:21 PM

I haven't followed this thread in ages.
How risky is buying a M6/9 on the used market?
I seem to remember that these guys had more than there share of revisions to solve problems.

**svtb15** · #**418** 02-05-2013, 11:40 PM

If you are ever thinking of trading for a Fender TB1200.. PM me. I am thinking of a Mesa lead sled.. but each time i play this fender i remember why i like it... But i did have an M6 FATHOM way back, and i remember loving the way it sounded.. an M9 is probably more my speed...

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hizzoner

I have #499 and it was fully upgraded by Mesa in late 2011..but it already had a fully vented top, and no problem with cooling isssues...I sent it back because of a distorted noise issue and it was repaired and upgraded all the same...Love that amp but have mine up for trade/sale(I constantly waver in my sales commitment on it..and may yet keep it.

Tonally it is awesome...a real swiss army knife of an amp.

**svtb15** · #**419** 02-05-2013, 11:41 PM

Thank you

Quote:

Originally Posted by lomo

I don't know what serial number to watch for, but all you have to do is call Mesa and ask after what serial number the fuseholder change and cooling upgrades were made. Having said that, I now have an older model without the mods and it hasn't had a wimper. These are killer heads!

andrew · #**420** 02-06-2013, 01:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lomo

I don't know what serial number to watch for, but all you have to do is call Mesa and ask after what serial number the fuseholder change and cooling upgrades were made.

Did anyone else make this call? I'd like to know so I tried calling Mesa to ask but the guy who would have the answer to that question wasn't available.