SWR Headlite vs Markbass F1

[KJung]

Originally Posted by MuthaFunk

Well I just A/B'd the Headlites power amp against the Walkabouts power amp with my Eden WTDI into each FX return. I thought I'd be better off using the WTDI because it's really clean sounding and I'm familiar with it's tone so I'd be able to recognize distortion breakup of each amp.

I was surprised at how different they are tonally. The Mesa had a much thicker sound and with a little more punch. The SWR seemed to get just as loud but with much less bottom present.

IMO if you found the Walkabout to be just shy of enough power for you, the Headlite will not satisfy your needs. It is most certainly not louder to my ears running at 5.3 ohm into a 610 cab.

This is all very subjective of coarse so YMMV

I'm not completely sure, but I think the effects return of the Walkabout still has that 'tube MOSFET' drive circuit engaged, so not really apples to apples. However, the power ratings of the Walkabout and SWR are pretty close, so the absolute max volume should be relatively similar. I think the 'fatness' you are hearing has to do, again, with comparing the pure power amp of the SWR to a bit more going on in the circuitry of the Walkabout, even when bypassing most of the pre. (I think!).

[MuthaFunk]

Originally Posted by KJung

I'm not completely sure, but I think the effects return of the Walkabout still has that 'tube MOSFET' drive circuit engaged, so not really apples to apples. However, the power ratings of the Walkabout and SWR are pretty close, so the absolute max volume should be relatively similar. I think the 'fatness' you are hearing has to do, again, with comparing the pure power amp of the SWR to a bit more going on in the circuitry of the Walkabout, even when bypassing most of the pre. (I think!).

That could very well be! Good point Ken. I noticed the none of the controls on the Mesa including Master Vol did anything indicating the fx return is at the end of the signal chain before the power amp. That doesn't mean it's not going through the tube though...

Conversely, the headlight fx return is pre compression and master vol. It has a blendable fx via front control like the Baby Blue II.

[KJung]

Originally Posted by MuthaFunk

That could very well be! Good point Ken. I noticed the none of the controls on the Mesa including Master Vol did anything indicating the fx return is at the end of the signal chain before the power amp. That doesn't mean it's not going through the tube though...

Conversely, the headlight fx return is pre compression and master vol. It has a blendable fx via front control like the Baby Blue II.

Yeah, not really sure, but often the effects return isn't just a pure power amp in (for example, the effects return is before everything in the Markbass amps, I think!). Also, different input sensitivity can impact things if you are comparing with the same 'knob setting' on a pre.


That being said, the Mesa wattage has always seemed 'conservative' to me relative to the power spec, and the SWR power ratings have always seemed a bit, well, hopeful

[MuthaFunk]

Originally Posted by KJung

... the Mesa wattage has always seemed 'conservative' to me relative to the power spec, and the SWR power ratings have always seem a bit, well, hopeful

LOL! Yep. My thoughts and experience as well.

[eban3]

Dont know about the markbass f1 but i owned a headlite , very dissapointing ,way underpowered , thing would sound like doo doo when turned up ,could not get a clean ,loud signal ,nothing wrong with it just can't handle much volume wise

[BassmanPaul]

Originally Posted by vin*tone

Well I think they're both out of production now. But both these units are on the used market so is not a concern.

I know, BUT should you ever need some spare parts you're more likely to get them from a company that still lives.

[vin*tone]

Thanks for all the input guys This thread is insanely helpful.

Unfortunately it sounds like the SWR might be too underpowered for my needs. I'll get a good opportunity to try the F1 with 2 band rehearsals over the next few days so will be able to tell if it cuts the mustard. I get the feeling it might pair up well with my HD112 which has a good dollup of bass kick all of its own. I'm yet to hear an amp that sounds puny through that thing. My 'gig rig' is a Berg HS410 which seems more even but is not shy on bass either. Should be interesting.