What would you choose for the D800+?If I was to choose a single cab for the Mesa D600+ right now, it would be the Orange OBC410. It's rated at 600 watts and is an 8 ohm cab:
OBC410 4×10″ Bass Speaker Cabinet – Orange Amps
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What would you choose for the D800+?If I was to choose a single cab for the Mesa D600+ right now, it would be the Orange OBC410. It's rated at 600 watts and is an 8 ohm cab:
OBC410 4×10″ Bass Speaker Cabinet – Orange Amps
Is this just asking for trouble? I really want what the Mesa D800+ offers, but the wattage is very high. I was hoping if I went with this head I could run it into a single cab, but I don't want to risk blowing speakers and there are very few cabs available that can handle an 800 watt head by themselves (the only one I have found is the Orange Smart Power 4x10 rated at over 1,000 watts, but very expensive).
Different opinions from different points of view. Nothing wrong with that, just choose the opinion that fits your comfort level.
If I was to choose a single cab for the Mesa D600+ right now, it would be the Orange OBC410. It's rated at 600 watts and is an 8 ohm cab:
OBC410 4×10″ Bass Speaker Cabinet – Orange Amps
Is this just asking for trouble? I really want what the Mesa D800+ offers, but the wattage is very high. I was hoping if I went with this head I could run it into a single cab, but I don't want to risk blowing speakers and there are very few cabs available that can handle an 800 watt head by themselves (the only one I have found is the Orange Smart Power 4x10 rated at over 1,000 watts, but very expensive).
MOST players will never hear their amp going full tilt. If they are, they needed a bigger amp.Another concern is the misconception over amp power. Just because an amp is rated at a certain max power does not mean it's putting out that much the minute you plug it in. It's not! That D800+ isn't going to send 800 watts to your cab until you turn it up all the way, and THEN send a maximum strength signal to the input. If you're not cranked all the way, and digging in hard, you're not getting the full dose.
Thus, plug in, turn on with the gain and master down, as Andy and Mike have said, and gradually turn up, listening to your cab all the way. Don't take it on blind faith and wait until you're on stage to test your rig. Try it out before you've got 500 screaming fans out there.
Raf
Is this just asking for trouble? I really want what the Mesa D800+ offers, but the wattage is very high. I was hoping if I went with this head I could run it into a single cab, but I don't want to risk blowing speakers and there are very few cabs available that can handle an 800 watt head by themselves (the only one I have found is the Orange Smart Power 4x10 rated at over 1,000 watts, but very expensive).
Yep. That pretty well sums up the whole of the human experience.Great quoteSelect the opinion that tells you what you want to hear?
Whaanh... But Ricky, Fred is too old to carry my 'fridge to the gig, and I like those cute little bass cabs. They just need a lot more power to be as loud.I don't get it. I've was in a number of very loud rock bands back in the '70s when dinosaurs and monster backlines that included things like dual Marshall stacks, SVTs, 360s, and Sunn Colosseums ruled the world. Those were the days when insane drummers routinely got drowned out rather than the other way around.
I don't think I ever ran one of my amps above 12 o'clock during that entire time. So what's going on these days in the clubs that, despite more efficient cabs and all the imrovements in technology - and now FOH support in many places - that 500-800 watts is considered the minimal number of gigging watts in many quarters?
"S'plain it to me Lucy."
I don't get it either. I've never needed more than 500w. I've routinely gigged a 200w-250w amp with plenty of volume. Gotta be a rock thing. Just way too loud. Why even use a PA?I don't get it. I've was in a number of very loud rock bands back in the '70s when dinosaurs and monster backlines that included things like dual Marshall stacks, SVTs, 360s, and Sunn Colosseums ruled the world. Those were the days when insane drummers routinely got drowned out rather than the other way around.
I don't think I ever ran one of my amps above 12 o'clock during that entire time. So what's going on these days in the clubs that, despite more efficient cabs and all the imrovements in technology - and now FOH support in many places - that 500-800 watts is considered the minimal number of gigging watts in many quarters?
"S'plain it to me Lucy."
What cabs would those be? Most cabs are very efficient these days and don't need a lot of watts to get loud. Oh, and that word 'headroom'.......I shake my head every time I hear/read it. Does one really need to be that loud?Whaanh... But Ricky, Fred is too old to carry my 'fridge to the gig, and I like those cute little bass cabs. They just need a lot more power to be as loud.