Tips and Tricks for lowering volume?

PortableMadness · #1 11-10-2011, 10:46 AM

I bought a Mesa M6 Carbine last week and absolutely love it. The only problem I'm running into is this thing is way too loud. My setup is Schecter Omen 5 > SansAmp BD > M6 > Ampeg 8x10. With the volume set to bare minimum and gain set around 9:30, it's too loud.

What are tips on get a more useable volume without thinning out the M6?

Thanks!

lomo · #2 11-10-2011, 10:49 AM

Either lower the gain or consider having a decent amp tech change the volume pot taper.

will33 · #3 11-10-2011, 10:54 AM

Turn the volume down on the bass, it doesn't have to be wide open, or turn the output down on the pedal, or cut your speaker count in half.

Any one of those things or some combination of them will give you more travel on the amp knobs.

Munjibunga · #4 11-10-2011, 10:56 AM

Well, you have at least three gain stages (actually a lot more) in your chain. The bass guitar volume (plus whatever EQ), the SABDDI (level and drive plus EQ) and the gain and volume (plus EQ) on your amp. Your EQ settings can have a big effect on the level of your signal. It sounds like you're sending a pretty hot signal to your amp.

I suspect the SABDDI as the culprit. What are your level and drive settings on the SABDDI? I'd start with reducing the level on the SABDDI.

jacojbass · #5 11-10-2011, 10:56 AM

try turning down, smaller cab and/or amp...all will work

NKUSigEp · #6 11-10-2011, 11:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PortableMadness

I bought a Mesa M6 Carbine last week and absolutely love it. The only problem I'm running into is this thing is way too loud. My setup is Schecter Omen 5 > SansAmp BD > M6 > Ampeg 8x10. With the volume set to bare minimum and gain set around 9:30, it's too loud.

What are tips on get a more useable volume without thinning out the M6?

Thanks!

Use an amp more representative of the volume you want to play at? I know it's the darndest thing, but no matter how hard I try, I can't use my 500 watt GK head through my Aguilar GS412 at bedroom levels. LOL

seamonkey · #7 11-10-2011, 11:06 AM

Pipe Organ shutters

Wes Whitmore · #8 11-10-2011, 11:06 AM

You need to wire that cab for 16 ohm! Seriously, its just a big sensitive cab. If you don't need to volume, start saving your back and get a 410HE or an SVT210AV, and keep the 810 for big gigs where you need it. The 210 AV is drastically lighter, and quieter, and costs $260 new with a GC discount.
Wes

will33 · #9 11-10-2011, 11:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Munjibunga

Well, you have at least three gain stages (actually a lot more) in your chain. The bass guitar volume (plus whatever EQ), the SABDDI (level and drive plus EQ) and the gain and volume (plus EQ) on your amp. Your EQ settings can have a big effect on the level of your signal. It sounds like you're sending a pretty hot signal to your amp.

I suspect the SABDDI as the culprit. What are your level and drive settings on the SABDDI? I'd start with reducing the level on the SABDDI.

Ya, I would suspect the pedal is too hot. Set the pedal output so the volume is the same with it on and off, meaning the same as if you plugged your bass straight into the amp.

bassgod0dmw · #10 11-10-2011, 11:07 AM

Define too loud. As in stage volume, or quiet apartment rehearsal?

NKBassman · #11 11-10-2011, 11:17 AM

I think you can run your signal into either to top or bottom portion of the 810, so try plugging in to just the top half. That way you'll still be able to hear yourself (speakers up at ear level), but you won't be putting out nearly as much sound into the room.

PortableMadness · #12 11-10-2011, 11:23 AM

Too loud as in playing live with two other guitarists. I'm seriously considering going down to a 4x10. The 8x10 is glorious but just not working in my situation. Will exchanging the M6 for an M3 give me more play with the amp or is the volume difference barely noticeable between the two?

will33 · #13 11-10-2011, 11:32 AM

Don't know the ratings of those 2 amps but halving power would bring roughly the same difference as halving speakers. I'd keep the m6 for headroom and in case you need that power someday. Turn the pedals output down or try using 1/2 the cab as mentioned before you go changing gear.

Wes Whitmore · #14 11-10-2011, 11:35 AM

I wouldnt downsize just to go from 600 to 300 watts. Just turn down or get smaller cabs if you find yourself hauling gear you don't need. What are the other guitars playing through, and how loud are they? Do you have full PA?

You might just be in a situation that you have too much rig. The cheap way is to cut out some signal in your chain, but if you are turning down that low, the rest of your band must be quiet. If you can keep up with your drummer, and this is your "usual" gig, I'd downsize. Why carry the gear.

W

will33 · #15 11-10-2011, 11:40 AM

Also use your eq. Try pulling down frequencies that are stepping on guitars, slot yourself in instead of overpowering the mix.

JHAz · #16 11-10-2011, 11:50 AM

I second the votes for turning down the pedal. If the Mesa has a linear volume pot (lots of guitar amps do to make them impressive in the store) then the simple expedient of getting a lower signal into the front end will let you use the Mesa's volume control in a higher range, and it will be less twitchy. Problem solved. Try it. You can easily take 3-10 dB out of your input signal for free or start buying new speakers to maybe reduce your output 3-6 dB (still in the twitchy range of your amp's volume control).

cchorney · #17 11-10-2011, 11:53 AM

I'm with those that suspect the BDDI, which is a preamp. Easiest test is to toggle between it being on and off. If its louder on, that's your problem. If that's the case, adjust your level on the BDDI until its the tone you want at the normal amp volume.

Also, you are running an active bass so make sure the Mesa's switch by the input jack is set to "active" - that will also help.

Lastly, this is from the manual for the amp:

"For active instruments you may find yourself running the GAIN control somewhere between 10:00 and 2:00 for optimum headroom."

http://www.mesaboogie.com/manuals/m6Carbine_080528.pdf

Selta · #18 11-10-2011, 11:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PortableMadness

Too loud as in playing live with two other guitarists. I'm seriously considering going down to a 4x10. The 8x10 is glorious but just not working in my situation. Will exchanging the M6 for an M3 give me more play with the amp or is the volume difference barely noticeable between the two?

Did you completely skip over the suggestions to turn down the level on the SansAmp?

Gearhead17 · #19 11-10-2011, 11:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PortableMadness

Too loud as in playing live with two other guitarists. I'm seriously considering going down to a 4x10. The 8x10 is glorious but just not working in my situation. Will exchanging the M6 for an M3 give me more play with the amp or is the volume difference barely noticeable between the two?

Keep the M6, extra watts are always good to have. What model 810 do you have? The usual Ampeg 810e? You could use just half of the cab - 320 watts out of the M6 into one 410. The head is truly designed for 4 or 2 ohm operation, but 8 ohm loads are acceptable to it.

Gearhead17 · #20 11-10-2011, 11:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ray Salamon

Did you completely skip over the suggestions to turn down the level on the SansAmp?

Follow that. I suggest just plugging you bass into the head, getting a good tone, then add the BDDI. Set the BDDI as a tone changing device, not as a massive volume boost. How are you using the BDDI?