Mesa Powerhouse 2 x10 issue

funkythumb · #1 08-22-2010, 11:06 AM

I just got my Mesa 2x10 powerhouse as a replacement for my Bergie HT 2x10 which broke.
My Sadowsky, which isn't voiced as low as my MTD 535, sounds great through the Mesa. My MTD, however, with the larger footprint and a lower bottom caused the speakers to flutter when I played the low B string. I couldn't hear the fundamental on the lowest notes on the B.
I was under the assumption that the Mesa could easily handle the low lows the MTD put out. A buddy of mine here in LA says that the Mesa can't handle the lows of the MTD. Is this true?

funkythumb · #2 08-22-2010, 11:08 AM

Also, I'm trying to get Tom Bowlus's profile on here to submit this question to him. Does he go by a different name on TB?

RickenBoogie · #3 08-22-2010, 11:46 AM

No, same name. As to the low B fundemental, I'm not aware of ANY commercially available bass cab that can do that, and even if it could, it would take MASSIVE power. Also, with that sort of low end, and I assume you're also cranking the low eq, you're gonna need more than 2 10's to get any real volume. Most of us are content with the 1st and 2nd order harmonics those low notes produce, anyway.

will33 · #4 08-22-2010, 11:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RickenBoogie

No, same name. As to the low B fundemental, I'm not aware of ANY commercially available bass cab that can do that, and even if it could, it would take MASSIVE power. Also, with that sort of low end, and I assume you're also cranking the low eq, you're gonna need more than 2 10's to get any real volume. Most of us are content with the 1st and 2nd order harmonics those low notes produce, anyway.

+1

The Mesa may not have as much at 60hz as the Berg had. That's what you'd be hearing as deep, low bass. Also the typical 100-200hz hump most smallish boxes have makes them sound louder/more powerful. Too much of that = boomy though. As for the fluttering, I don't know what sort of eq is available on your amp. If you can, cut out some 30-40hz bass and add in 80-120, see what happens. Watch your speakers when you play lower notes at power and see if they look like they're moving back and forth a lot. That's the onset of exceeding xmax, farting out. What are the ports like on the Mesa. Not enough port area will make noise too.

funkythumb · #5 08-22-2010, 03:49 PM

I can try to work with the EQ onboard and with my amp. I'm not necessary looking to get ridiculous lows out of the cab, I'm simply trying to figure out why the speakers flutter when I play a low D or lower without hearing the fundamental.
I'm using this cab with a 1x15. I'll certainly try to take more of the 60hz out.

woody357 · #6 08-22-2010, 04:34 PM

I wish I had your money!!!!! One hi end cabinet went down, you didn't get it fixed you got another one, now you can't get what you want out of it with one bass, so you are going to buy another hi end cabinet. May I have your left overs? hahahhahahhh. I just want one of what you are talking about.

woody357 · #7 08-22-2010, 04:44 PM

No hate, I just wish i had it just a little like that.

funkythumb · #8 08-22-2010, 04:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by woody357

I wish I had your money!!!!! One hi end cabinet went down, you didn't get it fixed you got another one, now you can't get what you want out of it with one bass, so you are going to buy another hi end cabinet. May I have your left overs? hahahhahahhh. I just want one of what you are talking about.

Woody...:-) be nice. Hang on. I TRIED to get the Bergie fixed first!. I called Jim and he doesn't make exact replacement speakers for it since it's an older model. If I got his new speakers, the cab would go to a 4 ohm which I didn't want. I sold the old cab which I had for 10 years and got some money out of it. I bought the Mesa on the recommendation of several people on this site as a direct replacement for the Bergie HT 210. I took their advice not realizing that the cab cannot handle the lows of the MTD. I still love the Mesa and don't plan on selling it. I'm not rich and will have to save up IF I plan on getting another cab with a lower frequency response. For now, I'll just work with the EQ on my amp and bass to see if I can solve the problem.

woody357 · #9 08-23-2010, 05:13 AM

MTD (Mike Tobias) They have that kind of bottom that some rigs can't handle it? I've never had the chance to play or hear one. I almost got one, but went with the Bongo instead. I'm a nut for low end I'll have to find a way to check one out.

funkythumb · #10 08-23-2010, 08:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by woody357

MTD (Mike Tobias) They have that kind of bottom that some rigs can't handle it? I've never had the chance to play or hear one. I almost got one, but went with the Bongo instead. I'm a nut for low end I'll have to find a way to check one out.

Bongos are great basses. The MTD is the bomb when it comes to low end. As you see, I have some nice basses but only the MTD has the super low bottom.
If you can save up around $2,800, you can find one used on TB here.
I'm asking everyone about the Mesa cab issue. Still no definite answers. I've heard back from Tom Bowlus and Mike Tobias and neither has a "for sure" answer. Still working on it. Peace :-)

funkythumb · #11 08-23-2010, 12:01 PM

Mesa update. Ok....well...***...I hooked up the cab again and tried it with the MTD and everything is working great!! I think I just had a bad cable. Sorry for all the blah, blah..

tombowlus · #12 08-23-2010, 01:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by funkythumb

Also, I'm trying to get Tom Bowlus's profile on here to submit this question to him. Does he go by a different name on TB?

I know that we already spoke via PMs, but I thought I'd log in here as well. I'm glad to hear that it was an easy fix!

Sten · #13 08-24-2010, 05:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RickenBoogie

Most of us are content with the 1st and 2nd order harmonics those low notes produce, anyway.

The 1st harmonic IS the fundamental. 2nd harmonic is octave above.

Sten · #14 08-24-2010, 05:43 AM

To the OP, your bass rig sounds good, because it acts strong in the 2nd harmonic and up, the fundamental is there, but it is so quiet I doubt yo uactually hear it at all.

If you want to verify, send a pure 31hz (fundamental of low B) to the cabinet and see if you hear anything. Be careful not to blow the speakers when trying to make the signal stronger so it can be heard though.

Glad it is fixed and congrats on being in the MTD and Mesa boat!

funkythumb · #15 08-24-2010, 08:51 AM

Thanks Sten, it was a relief. I hate having to spend money on stupid things like shipping for unnecessary repairs. UGG!