Mesa Boogie Walkabout Mega-thread Pt 7

[BillyB_from_LZ]

Originally Posted by Jim C

...
For any of you EE types, would the OP transformer and associated circuits handle bigger MOSFETS?

What's an OP transformer? The power transformer? A Walkabout only has one transformer in it, and it's in the power supply section.

While I'm a EE, I am not an audio power amp designer, but I think to get more output power, you need the capability of more output voltage. To do that, the internal power supply needs to have a greater output voltage which is directly related to the output voltage of the power transformer's secondary windings.

In other words, a higher power Walkabout needs a new power supply...unless one used an impedance matching transformer at the output to make the amp think that it's driving a lower impedance load that what the speaker is...but that could lead to the magic smoke leaking out if the amp ran too hard.

FWIW, the impedance matching output transformer concept was used by car stereo manufacturers in the early days in order to get elevated output power levels from a fixed 12 Vdc supply voltage. Think Clarion power boosters...

[wateroftyne]

Hi all!

I'm an ex-Walkabout user, and I'm feeling the urge to get back into it again.

When I used it previously, I pretty much always used to use a pair of Berg HS210s, and it was heavenly - I never ran out of steam. (I don't play in loud bands, so that helps).

But.. I have a few gigs coming up where I'll only have room for a single HS210. I know it's an age-old question, but I can't remember how practical this head is with a single 8ohm cab. Could it handle a bar-room gig with a medium volume country / rock / blues band? Can someone remind me?

Thanks!

[rodl2005]

Imo/ime, yes, easily with a good 210

[R Baer]

Originally Posted by tombowlus

Don't listen the to cook. Overdrive is God's way of saying he likes bass players.

Right? It would be like asking Chef to make a stew with no salt or pepper!

[LiquidCaravan]

Question for you seasoned Walkabout owners:

Would you use this rack bag to tote your walkabout+rack ears and 19" rack tuner?
GRB-3U

I am concerned about overheating, especially if I run @ 2 ohms.

[Chef]

I'd use the Mesa headcase, and use an outboard tuner.

Roger "I can't hear you."

[LiquidCaravan]

Originally Posted by Chef

I'd use the Mesa headcase, and use an outboard tuner.

I'd probably pick up a headcase if one popped up on classifieds just for the look alone. I love how it sits on top of Scout Radiator cabs just perfectly. Although I am concerned about it for a couple of reasons:

- The front and rear faces are always exposed, which could cause problems in a car full of gear
- The little grill on the top... I'm so paranoid about somebody spilling something in there.
- No place to stuff cables. I like opening the back a case and the power cable and 1/4" just fall out.
- Its not that heavy... but still, the competition weighs ~ 10 lbm, is cheaper, and offers more storage space.

BTW, gigged with my new-to-me walkabout last saturday night. It just sounded perfect. Thanks again for all the great info here.

[MuthaFunk]

Originally Posted by LiquidCaravan

I'd probably pick up a headcase if one popped up on classifieds just for the look alone. I love how it sits on top of Scout Radiator cabs just perfectly. ...

I don't think this is the case. I've never had the head case myself but I think I've seen photos of it overhanging the sides when placed on Scout cabs. Not really sure though....

[Jim C]

I am VERY happy with a 2 space Anvil style rack case; would have gotten a SKB or Gator deluxe pastic case but the real case was not the much heavier and was used / cheap.

[LiquidCaravan]

Originally Posted by MuthaFunk

I don't think this is the case. I've never had the head case myself but I think I've seen photos of it overhanging the sides when placed on Scout cabs. Not really sure though....

Dang you are right. Especially with the 12" scout radiator cabs... I must have been seeing pics of the the 15"s. Just checked the numbers and the headcase is 17 7/8" wide and the scout 1x12s are 16 1/2" wide, 1x15s are 17 1/4" wide.

I must have been seeing what I wanted to see

Now I'm thinking about going with a racked WA on top of some GB Neox cabs. I hear this is a great combination.

[Alexander]

I love the headcase and mine is on order now. Was expensive! I have to say the black Mesa heads look stunning to me and the case really sets them off. If it hangs over the sides, there's a simple solution... Buy bigger cabs! ;-)

Seriously, though - I've been playing mine now for almost a week through my NV412. Very happy Walkabout owner here...

[Jazz4]

[IMG][/IMG]

It fits perfect. I'd check with Mesa. But I'd say they have their specs a bit off on their site.

[wateroftyne]

Originally Posted by wateroftyne

Hi all!

I'm an ex-Walkabout user, and I'm feeling the urge to get back into it again.

When I used it previously, I pretty much always used to use a pair of Berg HS210s, and it was heavenly - I never ran out of steam. (I don't play in loud bands, so that helps).

But.. I have a few gigs coming up where I'll only have room for a single HS210. I know it's an age-old question, but I can't remember how practical this head is with a single 8ohm cab. Could it handle a bar-room gig with a medium volume country / rock / blues band? Can someone remind me?

Thanks!

Originally Posted by rodl2005

Imo/ime, yes, easily with a good 210

Thanks for that! Any other opinions?

[saltymonkey]

Originally Posted by wateroftyne

Thanks for that! Any other opinions?

IM limited E with the walkabout if you like your tone on the woolier, overdriven end you will probably ok but not have much if any headroom left in reserve if things get a little loud. If you like very little grit in your tone a single 210 probably won't be enough. I play mine a lot through a single AE210 and would not feel entirely comfortable with this set up and a hard hitting drummer & loud guitarist.

[PaperbackRyder]

Wateroftyne, I have done many loud gigs with a single 8 ohm 2x10 standing vertically. Not been a problem. In fact I have had a couple lately where I used the WA Scout 12 (4ohm) all by itself. Little bugger did me proud!

[NOLA Bass]

Originally Posted by PaperbackRyder

Wateroftyne, I have done many loud gigs with a single 8 ohm 2x10 standing vertically. Not been a problem. In fact I have had a couple lately where I used the WA Scout 12 (4ohm) all by itself. Little bugger did me proud!

I've done quite a few gigs w the 4 ohm Walkabout Scout 12 combo and with the WA sitting on top of an 8 ohm Epifani PS210. It was plenty of volume for bar gigs with a 5 pc that is not too loud. Both guitars use 1-12" combos, drummer and keys w no PA except for vox, keys and kick. It was just fine.

[HotelX]

Originally Posted by wateroftyne

Thanks for that! Any other opinions?

For my world music band I've done many gigs with just the WA scout and it is usually fine.

I use an extension cab (TB153) when I play reggae.

[TwinBass]

Random Walkabout question:

I've seen that some of the pictured walkabout heads have a brushed aluminum looking face with two separate inputs (passive and active) while others have a black face with one input and a active/passive switch.

Is this just old model vs. new model (and which is which)? Or can you specify which one you would prefer when ordering?

[Chef]

Black is current issue.
There are 3 older aluminum versions.

[TwinBass]

Thanks.

I know it's petty sounding, but I really like the looks of the black face over the aluminum. I'm currently saving up for a Walkabout Scout, and I'm glad to know that I'll be able to get the face I want (not that I wouldn't get it if it had the aluminum...).

Carry on.