Mesa users.....questions on Walkabout Scout Combo's

[g4string]

Hey guys/girls......

Gotta a couple questions regarding the WAS combos. The WAS combo WILL be my next amp. I am heavily considering the 12 combo as a standalone. I was going to purchase an 8ohm version (and an additional WAS ext cab) no matter what version I go with. Up until now, I was pretty set on getting both cabs in 12" 8ohm configs. However, I was wondering what your thoughts were about the 15" combo as a standalone, your thoughts on dual 15's, and your thoughts on the 15" cab as an extension to the 12" combo.

Regardless, I am looking for an EASY load in/out. Basically, bass in one hand - combo in other. Of course, adding an ext cab adds another trip unless I cart. Additionally, I have a baby on the way (#2), a looming home purchase, and cross country move all this summer. With baby #2 on the way, it goes with out saying this will be my last music related luxury purchase for some time to come. With that, I need to do it right! I am going to need enough volume/speakers for what I do. I play up to 100-150 capacity bar rooms. Sometimes PA, sometimes not. I most always play with conscientious musicians who respect others hearing....not all time....but most of the time.

I was hoping the 12 combo will be enough for open jam sessions, practice, and most gigs as a standalone. However, I realize the 12 has it's limits. This is why if I bought the 12 combo I would buy an ext cab as well. If practice would be a stretch, I could always bring/leave the extension cab and tote the combo. That way, I would always have the combo readily accessible in my possesion. For gigs, it would be a given that I bring the ext cab. The cost for the combo and one 12 ext cab is $2100 (- freight).

Then there is the option of opting for the 15 ext cab in lieu of the 12 ext cab. If the 12 combo with the 15 ext cab brings the thunder and is exceptional....then it's a no brainer. However, if the 12/12 isn't much different....then that will save me $150. The cost for the 12/15 is $2250 -vs- the 12/12 cost of $2100. $150 difference is not that big of a deal. I am trying to keep it under $2400...I imagine if I opted for the more expensive 12/15 variant, after freight, it would prob be right about $2400. My only concern with this setup is the mix-match of drivers. I know a fair amount of people mix/match drivers/cabs of different sizes with good success. However, I am just wondering if I would have more success sticking with mixing/matching a pair of 12's. Also, the 15 is a bit more of a schlepp. I have to consider that too. I could prob strap the bass on the back and two hand the cab and combo for a one trip load in. Might not be able to do that the 12/15.

Next is only getting the 15 standalone combo....and only the 15. I am most certain the 15 will out perform the 12 as a strict standalone combo. I guess what I am wondering, will the 15 standalone combo out perform the 12 combo with an extension cab. My guess is prob not. But, I thought I would at least throw it out there as an option. Then there is the schlepp factor of the 15....it seems like it might be a beast to carry. Its only 13lbs heavier and 2" deeper. This the least likely scenario, it would be the cheapest. If I only needed the 15 combo, it is $1550 (+ freight). I am not opposed to this option....I am just uneducated to the likes of the 15 WAS combo. All you seem to hear about is the 12.

The next and last proposal is getting the 15 combo and a 15 ext cab. This, of course, is the most expensive set up. Although, this rig would surely bring the noise. There is something magical about playing through dual 15's. The inner bass-geek-kid in me pushes myself to go this route. My only concern about this pathway is the initial schlepp of the combo if I were to use it as a standalone and the additional cost -vs- going the way of the 12/12. Either way, dual 15's would prob be pretty bad ***!!!

Here are my rankings

1st - 12 combo with 12 ext cab
2nd - 15 combo with 15 ext cab
3rd - 12 combo with 15 ext cab
4th - 15 combo only

What do you guys/girls suggest I do??

[rodl2005]

WA Scout 12" 8 ohm for me. IMO & AFAIK the single 12" driver can only handle about 160w - which is what that cab puts out at 8 ohms.
Sounds fantastic by itself(never tried it with a WA ext cab) & GREAT with a Berg AE112 under it.

[Colonel Monk]

8 ohm only, 4 ohm is a waste of options....

Both sound awesome on their own. I have a 12 and 15, both combos.

Together also awesome. The 12 is more portable, but due to profile not that easy to carry one handed without hitting your legs. The 15? The top handle is dumb, with amp installed it's not a one hander. I have removed both top handles and replaced with spring-loaded handles. Way easier and stack better.

You need two speaks for 100-150 person room.

If you have both 15s you won't have easy portability for one hand.

[RickenBoogie]

Don't get me wrong- I love the Walkabout more than any other bass amp, but the Scout cabs don't do it for me. If I were in your shoes, the original plan of 8 ohm WA Scout 12 paired with 8 ohm Scout ext is best. The Scout 15 is NOT an easy carry, but it is alot louder. I like the 2x12 option best, as it can handle the whole enchilada, where the 4 ohm Scout 12 cannot. It might be that the 15" Scout is enough for you, and if you really needed loud, you'd use another, bigger cab, but like I said, 2 12's is more than satisfying imo.

[bassgod0dmw]

Originally Posted by RickenBoogie

If I were in your shoes, the original plan of 8 ohm WA Scout 12 paired with 8 ohm Scout ext is best. The Scout 15 is NOT an easy carry, but it is alot louder. I like the 2x12 option best, as it can handle the whole enchilada, where the 4 ohm Scout 12 cannot. It might be that the 15" Scout is enough for you, and if you really needed loud, you'd use another, bigger cab, but like I said, 2 12's is more than satisfying imo.

I agree with getting the 12's.

The Scout 15 is a large cab, and is not a one handed carry. Even the 12 for some people isn't a one handed carry.

[lomo]

I voted 12s BUT, as a long time WA fan (still have a 12 combo and a separate head) I urge you to consider the following: head with a pair of super 4 Ohm 12s (Audiokinesis Thunderchild 12s).

This will give you a single 12 that can handle the full output of the head at 4 Ohms (the Scout 12 cab will NOT be able to handle the full output without compression/farting) at under 35 lbs. A pair of those at 2 Ohms (the head can handle this) will handle anything a fully powered, conventional 410 will. Think of your volume needs. The Scout 12 is very deeply tuned for a 12, but is no louder than most good 12s and is excursion limited at around 150 watts. The 15 is significanly louder than the 12 and with the eq flat can almost handle the full output of the head, but it's a dragabout at 65 lbs (for the combo) with a woefully inadequate, single top handle.

In sum, I love the Scout cab sound at low to medium volumes, but find it can wilt under full power of the head. Those cabs are expensive (other then the one that would come discounted as part of the combo) and IMHO there are better options, especially at a price point about 100 bucks higher. Good luck. The WA is a beautiful tone machine!


PS-a single 4 Ohm Audiokinesis TC15 will prolly equal the pair of WA 12s for less money, and will be around 45 lbs. This is another good option, if you can handle the wait time.

[lpdeluxe]

I have the 15" WAS. Lomo accurately calls it the Dragabout, but it sounds incredible. I've used mine for outdoor gigs without problems. The tone is perfect.

[Yango]

I have the 12" 4ohm combo, and the 12" 4ohm extension cab, and I have yet to use them both at the same time... the combo just puts out so well that I've never found a need for more volume (we're playing mostly small clubs—or medium size venues with great monitors).

I think if I were doing an outdoor show I'd probably hook up the extension cab...

My advise to you is: pick up the 12" combo and see how you like it by itself both in rehearsal and on stage, if you find it's not delivering, then pick up the extension cab.

I've spoken to a few people that use the 15" combo, and they all bitch about what a pain it is to lug around... 'course, they love how it sounds, so they keep doing it!!

[fourfinger]

I have the 12/12 setup and that was my vote. Single 8 ohm 12 is almost enough for my (lower-stage-volume) situation, but not outside. If your band is pretty loud, you may wish you had more power though.

[g4string]

Originally Posted by lomo

I voted 12s BUT, as a long time WA fan (still have a 12 combo and a separate head) I urge you to consider the following: head with a pair of super 4 Ohm 12s (Audiokinesis Thunderchild 12s).

This will give you a single 12 that can handle the full output of the head at 4 Ohms (the Scout 12 cab will NOT be able to handle the full output without compression/farting) at under 35 lbs. A pair of those at 2 Ohms (the head can handle this) will handle anything a fully powered, conventional 410 will. Think of your volume needs. The Scout 12 is very deeply tuned for a 12, but is no louder than most good 12s and is excursion limited at around 150 watts. The 15 is significanly louder than the 12 and with the eq flat can almost handle the full output of the head, but it's a dragabout at 65 lbs (for the combo) with a woefully inadequate, single top handle.

In sum, I love the Scout cab sound at low to medium volumes, but find it can wilt under full power of the head. Those cabs are expensive (other then the one that would come discounted as part of the combo) and IMHO there are better options, especially at a price point about 100 bucks higher. Good luck. The WA is a beautiful tone machine!


PS-a single 4 Ohm Audiokinesis TC15 will prolly equal the pair of WA 12s for less money, and will be around 45 lbs. This is another good option, if you can handle the wait time.

I thought about a "super" 12.....but I think I really want a combo. I don't want a separate bag/case for a head, then have to lug a separate cab, + have to mess with cables etc. I really want the option to load in, plug in, and play. Although, if I needed a the ext cab....then I'll need to mess w/ extra cables etc. But in reality, I appreciate the simplicity of a combo.

Although, I do see an Acme neo 112 in my future. Maybe??

[lomo]

Originally Posted by g4string

I thought about a "super" 12.....but I think I really want a combo. I don't want a separate bag/case for a head, then have to lug a separate cab, + have to mess with cables etc. I really want the option to load in, plug in, and play. Although, if I needed a the ext cab....then I'll need to mess w/ extra cables etc. But in reality, I appreciate the simplicity of a combo.

Although, I do see an Acme neo 112 in my future. Maybe??

Cool. In that case I'd go for the 12, simply because the 15 is not a convenient haul. On the other hand, the 15 might be all you ever need?? Only you can judge. Even the pair of 8 Ohm 12s didn't give me enough headroom for a 100 person bar without PA....but we are kyna loud.

[g4string]

Originally Posted by lomo

Cool. In that case I'd go for the 12, simply because the 15 is not a convenient haul. On the other hand, the 15 might be all you ever need?? Only you can judge. Even the pair of 8 Ohm 12s didn't give me enough headroom for a 100 person bar without PA....but we are kyna loud.

Thanks for the input! I am sure the 300W the WA puts out is on the edge of gigable watts. Although, I remember my Tecamp Puma and an EA NL210 (8ohms) being plenty capable of bar room duty. IIRC, the Puma at 8ohms was 300W. To be honest, if I'm playing in a band that is too loud for a 2x12 300W bass rig.....chances are, I prob won't put up with that kind of nonsense for too long. There is no reason IMHO a bar room band needs to play that loud. I understand the 2x12 WAS rig might not thump as hard as other rigs. However, my main goals are to be heard and sound great. Thumping comes in third

[lomo]

We all have our needs. When I bought my 1st 12 combo (from Worldmusicnashville.com-great guys BTW), the salesman was a bass player and said all he ever used was a WA 12 combo, so there ya go.

Originally Posted by g4string

Thanks for the input! I am sure the 300W the WA puts out is on the edge of gigable watts. Although, I remember my Tecamp Puma and an EA NL210 (8ohms) being plenty capable of bar room duty. IIRC, the Puma at 8ohms was 300W. To be honest, if I'm playing in a band that is too loud for a 2x12 300W bass rig.....chances are, I prob won't put up with that kind of nonsense for too long. There is no reason IMHO a bar room band needs to play that loud. I understand the 2x12 WAS rig might not thump as hard as other rigs. However, my main goals are to be heard and sound great. Thumping comes in third

[RickenBoogie]

Well, if a combo amp is what you want, I really can't think of a better one than the WAS 12. May not be a super lightweight, but the sound it produces more than makes up for a bit of a schlepp- every time. I would get the 8 ohm Scout though, if for no other reason than it can't handle all the power on it's own, and ultimately, running a 2nd 8 ohm ext cab wouldn't push the amp extra hard. Besides, having a pair of 4 ohm cabs means you're done, while with the 8 ohm Scout, you *could* add on a 4 ohm 2x12 for even more fun.

[dog1]

Originally Posted by RickenBoogie

Well, if a combo amp is what you want, I really can't think of a better one than the WAS 12. May not be a super lightweight, but the sound it produces more than makes up for a bit of a schlepp- every time. I would get the 8 ohm Scout though, if for no other reason than it can't handle all the power on it's own, and ultimately, running a 2nd 8 ohm ext cab wouldn't push the amp extra hard. Besides, having a pair of 4 ohm cabs means you're done, while with the 8 ohm Scout, you *could* add on a 4 ohm 2x12 for even more fun.

Yup. +1

[Crabby]

Gotta vote for the 8 ohm 112 combo with the matching extension cab. Although my new walkabout head paired with a pair of Mesa Powerhouse 112. Cabs is really something!!

[Chef]

The 12 combo isn't a great one handed carry.
The 15 combo "isn't really a combo" it's so big and bulky.

Reading your first post, I'd go 12 combo, 15 extension.
I ran this rig for years, and loved it.

[Rual1]

Originally Posted by Yango

I have the 12" 4ohm combo, and the 12" 4ohm extension cab, and I have yet to use them both at the same time... the combo just puts out so well that I've never found a need for more volume (we're playing mostly small clubs—or medium size venues with great monitors).

I think if I were doing an outdoor show I'd probably hook up the extension cab...

My advise to you is: pick up the 12" combo and see how you like it by itself both in rehearsal and on stage, if you find it's not delivering, then pick up the extension cab.

I've spoken to a few people that use the 15" combo, and they all bitch about what a pain it is to lug around... 'course, they love how it sounds, so they keep doing it!!

I too have the 4ohm 12 combo and have been gigging it for a year with no real problems volume-wise. I do wish for just a bit more clean and comfy volume, but the main reason why I'm looking into getting an extension is fear of pushing the single speaker too hard.