Should i upgrade my mesa m6 to the m9?

[Bjazzman]

i don't really need the compressor or graphic eq. i'd want it for the extra power driving my fearful 15/6/1. would i notice much of a difference?

[B-string]

Difference how? If you want more volume build a second cab! Tone wise, someone else will need to speak up

[Jim Carr]

Both heads sound great. Are you clipping the M6?

While not hugely "louder," I think you would find the M9 noticeably "louder," but in theory, if you want twice the loudness, (10 dB more potential loudness at a given freq and distance) you are going need 10 times the power. 3 dB (still a very noticeable increase) more requires doubling the watts, so an M9 is theoretically less than 3 dB more. Make any sense?

However, the amount of gain the preamp provides might be different, which also could make a difference. BTW, the compressor and GEQ are quite good.

If you really need a lot more, it may be power amp time.

[babebambi]

Does the compressor do any thing to the perceived loudness?

[Bassmec]

Originally Posted by babebambi

Does the compressor do any thing to the perceived loudness?

As a general rule thats what compression is about, turning down momentary peaks in order to rase the general level of a complex signal within a given headroom.

[Liam Wald]

I have an M6 and play it through an AVATAR 153 and for larger venues add an AVATAR B210. I just can't imagine needing more power than the M6. The thing is brutal. I have never had it turned up passed 11 o'clock and I have knocked fillings out of peoples teeth.

[Bjazzman]

i have a fairly large cab in my fearb + headcase. sometimes i have the volume cranked at noon. im wondering if the additional headroom from the m9 would be worth it for that large 8 ohm cab. i don't want to push the speakers too much. i do have a 15 sub that i could bring but on some venues i think it might be overkill due to how large the setup is

[HometownLetdown]

I cant imagine having more sound then the m6. When I practice with my two LOUD guitar players - mesa dual rec and orange ad140 - I dont turn up past 2 or 3 and im with them.

M6 - 8x10 - sterling

However, if you are playing stadiums and need more power Id suggest a good tube pre with a power amp

[lomo]

If you are pushing your master to noon with gain where you like the tone, and you don't have the headroom you want, it will make a difference. Also, if you want a little more volume and punch, a little compression will allow you to increase the volume and protect the cab and the audience's ears from occasional spikes. I had never really learned to use compression until my M9, and now I consider it a must when I play out. Using too much can be a crutch (or part of your tone goal, depending), but a little will really even out your live sound. You could also try an external compressor, but a good one will be close to 200 bucks or more, and it won't increase your power.