Mesa MPulse 600 or Glockenklang Soul II

Modulus1906 · #1 07-04-2010, 09:22 AM

Which do you feel would be a better match for an Ampeg Heritage SVT410-HLF cabinet. Right now, I'm running a EBS TD650 and am generally happy with the results, but I'm just curious whether one of these units would provide some improvement in the tone. Just FYI, I like a warm punchy, crispy low mid kinda sound. Thoughts? Thanks

RickenBoogie · #2 07-04-2010, 09:49 AM

Only your ears can decide. I can tell you my ears would choose the Mesa, but not that particular Mesa.

Modulus1906 · #3 07-04-2010, 10:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RickenBoogie

Only your ears can decide. I can tell you my ears would choose the Mesa, but not that particular Mesa.

Which Mesa?

RickenBoogie · #4 07-04-2010, 11:00 AM

Depending on YOUR needs, but using MY ears, the Walkabout head paired with a good 2x12 is all I need, but if I needed more, the Big Block 750 head paired with a good 4x12. But, that's my ears.

Modulus1906 · #5 07-04-2010, 11:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RickenBoogie

Depending on YOUR needs, but using MY ears, the Walkabout head paired with a good 2x12 is all I need, but if I needed more, the Big Block 750 head paired with a good 4x12. But, that's my ears.

Interesting since, based on prior research, many have commented that the Walkabout is in the same tone family as the MPulse 600, in effect saying that the MPulse 600 is a bigger version of the Walkabout. I've kinda ruled out the BB 750 based on features and the fact that the max power output of the BB750 is rated at 2 ohms versus 4 ohms.

RickenBoogie · #6 07-04-2010, 11:54 AM

The MPulse 600 has the same exact preamp section as the Walkabout, but to my ears, (and MANY other owners on the WA megathread) agree, they otherwise sound very dis-similar. The 600 is much cleaner, and less, idk, tubey-sounding. A great amp, but it ain't no Walkabout. The BB750 @ 4 ohms delivers the goods, true, not *all* 750 watts, but plenty enough, if using adequet speakers, (like a 412). Check out the other Mesa threads.

naturalkinds · #7 07-04-2010, 03:01 PM

@RickenBoogie You say your ears would choose Mesa, so presumably you have compared the Mesa line to the Soul II, right?

At any rate, they're completely different amplifiers. I like both, presuming from the ad copy that the Soul II has a similar voicing to the Heart-Rock. The Walkabout is killer, too.

Modulus1906 · #8 07-05-2010, 11:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by naturalkinds

@RickenBoogie You say your ears would choose Mesa, so presumably you have compared the Mesa line to the Soul II, right?

At any rate, they're completely different amplifiers. I like both, presuming from the ad copy that the Soul II has a similar voicing to the Heart-Rock. The Walkabout is killer, too.

Which one do you thiink would result in a tighter, punchier, crispier sound thru the Heritatge SVT-410HLF?

RickenBoogie · #9 07-05-2010, 11:56 AM

NOT the Walkabout. Tight, crisp and punch sounds much more like the Mesa Carbine amps, (M3, M6, M9)- or the Glock's, or the MPulse 600. But not the Walkabout or Big Block.

KsPiNeSh · #10 07-05-2010, 12:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RickenBoogie

NOT the Walkabout. Tight, crisp and punch sounds much more like the Mesa Carbine amps, (M3, M6, M9)- or the Glock's, or the MPulse 600. But not the Walkabout or Big Block.

Based on my experience with it, I would not consider the M-Pulse 600 to be particularly crisp or punchy, esp. when compared to the Carbine amps of Glock. Regardless of what amp you get, you may find that the Ampeg cab does not really fit the description of crisp and punchy either, again IMO and IME.

RickenBoogie · #11 07-05-2010, 05:02 PM

Agreed, on the cab, and also the MPulse 600. I meant, it's closer to that sound than the Walkabout or Big Block, but not nearly as close as the Glock heads, or Carbines.

Modulus1906 · #12 07-05-2010, 06:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KsPiNeSh

Based on my experience with it, I would not consider the M-Pulse 600 to be particularly crsp or punchy, esp. when compared to the Carbine amps of Glock. Regardless of what amp you get, you may find that the Ampeg cab does not really fit the description of crisp and punchy either, again IMO and IME.

Yeah, I've been wondering whether I should evaluate new cabs as well although I generally like the new Heritage cab. I'm considering Aguilar DB410 or something from Bergantino, but I'm thinking of trying the amp route first. Would it be an issue running a 750 watt Glock (Heartrock) into the Heritage 410? Also, any other cab to consider to obtain the sound I described? Thanks

KsPiNeSh · #13 07-06-2010, 11:30 AM

I've been playing Genz Benz gear for a long time because, to my ear, it is punchy, quick, and very articulate. The Uber cabinet series was designed to grunt and emphasize the low-mids while still retaining quickness and clarity and I would say that it definitely succeeds.

svtb15 · #14 07-06-2010, 12:11 PM

I came to that same conclusion after playing an genz uber410 for the first time last week..
It was heads above the other cabs in that store.... not because im an endorser but because it is what i found to be accurate IMO. Im getting rid of my Berg and Aggy stuff to get the uber210s.. my mind is made up...

on the Glock head question....
IIRC there was a thread a year or so ago where someone perhaps Kjung said the Glock is very close in sound to the Carvin B1500 head.... If so you may want to find a used Carvin B1500... dont know if the newer B2000 is the same.... just some info for ya if you want it..

Quote:

Originally Posted by KsPiNeSh

I've been playing Genz Benz gear for a long time because, to my ear, it is punchy, quick, and very articulate. The Uber cabinet series was designed to grunt and emphasize the low-mids while still retaining quickness and clarity and I would say that it definitely succeeds.

Modulus1906 · #15 07-06-2010, 01:29 PM

Thanks all for your comments thus far. I love this website!!

peterpalmieri · #16 07-06-2010, 01:37 PM

I owned both the Glock HR and Soul...but never the Soul II (loved both). I've played most of the Mesa stuff but only owned a walk about.

I can tell you I would not be pleased with any of those heads through a SVT HLF cabinet. I've played that EBS head and in my opinion the better upgrade would be the cabinet rather then the head.

Again just my opinion...

KsPiNeSh · #17 07-06-2010, 01:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by peterpalmieri

I've played that EBS head and in my opinion the better upgrade would be the cabinet rather then the head.

+1. Ampeg has a great sound, but it is certainly a distinct sound that few would apply the terms "clear" and "articulate" to. Changing the cab may just provide you what you're looking for.

Modulus1906 · #18 07-06-2010, 04:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by peterpalmieri

I owned both the Glock HR and Soul...but never the Soul II (loved both). I've played most of the Mesa stuff but only owned a walk about.

I can tell you I would not be pleased with any of those heads through a SVT HLF cabinet. I've played that EBS head and in my opinion the better upgrade would be the cabinet rather then the head.

Again just my opinion...

OK, two questions. How would you compare the EBS TD650 to the Glocks and do you have any experience with the GENZ Benz Ubber 410 such that you can offer an opinion of whether that night be a better match for the EBS head. Thanks

brownbass86 · #19 07-06-2010, 04:43 PM

I have no complaints with the Mesa/Boogie M-pluse 600. I always find myself looking at new amps and then realizing that i would nt change any thing about this amp.

It paired great with the GS 410, but at times could be a little to bright. At first I assumed this could be due to my bass. (Assorted active Eq's) But after purchasing a pair of MB cabs (2/10 & 2/12) I would say the GS 410 is just voiced with more high end than my ear enjoys. But if you are looking for crisp it is definitely the way to go. It has great Low end too.

It comes down to your personal preference. But the M-pluse with the Aguilar Cab was a very crisp and powerful combination.

KJung · #20 07-07-2010, 05:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Modulus1906

Which do you feel would be a better match for an Ampeg Heritage SVT410-HLF cabinet. Right now, I'm running a EBS TD650 and am generally happy with the results, but I'm just curious whether one of these units would provide some improvement in the tone. Just FYI, I like a warm punchy, crispy low mid kinda sound. Thoughts? Thanks

I've owned and gigged the MPulse600, the HeartRock (the more powerful Soul head) and the EBS TD650. All sound VERY different from each other.

The Soul is closer to the EBS tone than the MPulse600... more hi fi top end. The Soul is fatter, warmer, tubier down low than the tight and bright 650. At 4ohms, the volume/wattage is about the same.

The MPulse600 in NO way is a bigger Walkabout.. much more bloomy down low and more 'tube clean' than the unique, warm, mid present voice of the Walkabout. The MPulse600 would be quite a departure from the TD650... very bloomy and big down low, more organic up top.

If you are looking for a similar modern, bright tone as your EBS TD650 in a two rack space head with more oomph, the Mesa M9 would be the ticket. If you are looking for a head that is in the same tone universe as your TD650 in a much smaller format, the Markbass F500 is a good option (as long as you don't use the TD650's tube drive or tube emulation for distortion.. the F500 is clean at all volume levels.