• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Cab suggestions for Mesa Subway D-800+

Snackulus

Snackulus

Apr 3, 2011
293
475
Seattle
#1
Hello,

looking for recommendations on a cab pairing for a Mesa D-800+.
Something that would work well for early reggae, early ska, soul.
Modular would be nice, but so would a one cab solution. I live in a small home, so space for storage is a concern. Would rather have more than enough, than something underwhelming.
After researching, here are my current considerations:

Barefaced Six10
(Might be overkill? Larger & heavier than other options, has wheels though)

Barefaced Two10S (pair)
(Like that it’s modular, but not as convenient as a one cab solution, no wheels)

Barefaced Super Twin
(Really intrigued with this cab, but no experience with it whatsoever. Compact, lightweight, has wheels)

Barefaced Super Compact (pair)
(Basically a modular version of the Super Twin, modular but less convenient when both are needed)

Mesa Subway 2X15

(Seems like it would be an ideal match, but no experience with this cab whatsoever. On the larger/heavier side of options, ‘boxy’ dimensions not as space/storage friendly)

Has anyone owned/tried these cabs?
Comparisons? Suggestions?
I used to own the Barefaced Two10S cab, as well as Dubster (first gen)
Liked them both!
Have never tried the 12 series, or subway cabs.
Any help will be appreciated!
 
#4
Snackulus said:
Barefaced Six10

Mesa Subway 2X15
Click to expand...
Unless it's a pain for you to transport, neither of these cabs is overkill,

unless the size is such that it would literally scare management rolling it in :)

"Overkill" in this context is kinda like saying having more money in the bank than you need to pay your bills is a bad thing. :D
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: Andre678, smogg and Snackulus
#5
Snackulus said:
Mesa Subway 2X15

(Seems like it would be an ideal match, but no experience with this cab whatsoever. On the larger/heavier side of options, ‘boxy’ dimensions not as space/storage friendly)
Click to expand...

Fantastic cab with monster tone. This is my #1 go-to gig cab. Built in casters make it one of my easier cabs to transport. If this was the only cab I could own for the rest of my life, I would die content.

Now, IF you have the cash for it... A pair of SW115s would give you the same "potential" with the added bonus of a single cab grab and go version of your rig that WILL work for most scenarios.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Snake101st, DrThumpenstein, MaxSpinrun and 4 others
#7
gtirard said:
I would have exactly the same list, minus the Six10 (overkill IMO), and plus the GR Bass NF 212 Slim+, and I would struggle to decide, but at the end, I think I would make a short list of 2 :
- Mesa Subway 2X15
- Barefaced Super Twin

Or maybe the modular versions of these? So hard to choose, we're spoiled...
Click to expand...
Thanks! I’ve heard the Six10 is LOUD. I thought I would still consider it, being that the dimensions, weight, and price are in the same ballpark as the Subway 2X15.
 
#8
Marko 1 said:
Unless it's a pain for you to transport, neither of these cabs is overkill,

unless the size is such that it would literally scare management rolling it in :)

"Overkill" in this context is kinda like saying having more money in the bank than you need to pay your bills is a bad thing. :D
Click to expand...
Definitely considering both! A little on the large side for my tiny house. The Six10 is wider, but more shallow. The Subway 2X15 is more narrow, but has more depth… hmmmm…
 
  • Like
Reactions: Marko 1
#9
Verb the Noun said:
Fantastic cab with monster tone. This is my #1 go-to gig cab. Built in casters make it one of my easier cabs to transport. If this was the only cab I could own for the rest of my life, I would die content.

Now, IF you have the cash for it... A pair of SW115s would give you the same "potential" with the added bonus of a single cab grab and go version of your rig that WILL work for most scenarios.
Click to expand...
Interesting… that’s good to hear!
I wished the dimensions were a little less boxy, I have very little space for storage. Might be something I could live with, though.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Verb the Noun
#10
I have two Subway 115 cabs powered by the TT-800. The Subway channel on the TT is similar/based off the D-800/800+. I typically play my jazz bass through that channel and it sounds wonderful. The Subway 115s are the best 15" cabs I've ever heard. I love having the module unit; they're easy to get in and out of the car, and most times, the single cab is more than enough. I also like having one cab at home and one at the rehearsal space. I just bring the head and a bass to rehearsals.
 
  • Like
Reactions: zortation, Coot, DishDive and 11 others
#11
Snackulus said:
Hello,

looking for recommendations on a cab pairing for a Mesa D-800+.
Something that would work well for early reggae, early ska, soul.
Modular would be nice, but so would a one cab solution. I live in a small home, so space for storage is a concern. Would rather have more than enough, than something underwhelming.
After researching, here are my current considerations:

Barefaced Six10
(Might be overkill? Larger & heavier than other options, has wheels though)

Barefaced Two10S (pair)
(Like that it’s modular, but not as convenient as a one cab solution, no wheels)

Barefaced Super Twin
(Really intrigued with this cab, but no experience with it whatsoever. Compact, lightweight, has wheels)

Barefaced Super Compact (pair)
(Basically a modular version of the Super Twin, modular but less convenient when both are needed)

Mesa Subway 2X15

(Seems like it would be an ideal match, but no experience with this cab whatsoever. On the larger/heavier side of options, ‘boxy’ dimensions not as space/storage friendly)

Has anyone owned/tried these cabs?
Comparisons? Suggestions?
I used to own the Barefaced Two10S cab, as well as Dubster (first gen)
Liked them both!
Have never tried the 12 series, or subway cabs.
Any help will be appreciated!
Click to expand...
How about either of these?
I'm going to do a comparison video with my both the D800+ and TH700. The Super Twin has the built in casters, and both of these cabs are pretty light weight. I went this direction since the depth of the cab was under 14" which makes it much easier to fit into the backdoor/backseat or under the tonneau cover of my truck bed.
IMG_4242 Large.png
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: gtirard, Snackulus, HolmeBass and 4 others
#12
Wish I was in your shoes, OP!! Sounds like you'll have a drool-worthy rig any way you slice it! :bassist:

Not sure if it matters, but you'd save a few hundred bucks (according to Sweetwater) going with the Mesa Subway 2x15 over two 1x15s. If price isn't a factor for you, but modularity is, I'd go with the two 1x15s.

As noted above, shouldn't be any difference tonally...and that's coming straight from the (aged)horse's mouth ;)
 
  • Like
Reactions: Snackulus, MaxSpinrun, WRM and 1 other person
#19
Snackulus said:
Hello,

looking for recommendations on a cab pairing for a Mesa D-800+.
Something that would work well for early reggae, early ska, soul.
...
Barefaced...
...
Mesa Subway 2X15
...
Has anyone owned/tried these cabs?
...
Any help will be appreciated!
Click to expand...
I've never played through a Barefaced, though of course they have a great reputation around here. I have a friend who does backline rentals, and when we jam at his place I sometimes fool around with mixing/matching A/B between his amps/cabs (mostly Mesa and Aguilar) and mine. That Mesa head is a really nice one, and it sounds great through his Mesa Subway cabs. You can't go wrong there. But going between different Mesas, different Aguilars, and my EBSs, they may all sound great but each has its own color and character. One thing I noticed pairing Mesa heads with my EBS 212 cabs was that the EBS cab reproduces the full range a bit more clearly, and that going from the Mesa cab to the EBS cab, I wanted to roll off the treble a bit on the Mesa to get the same kind of tone as I get from my EBS head with EQ bypassed. I mention this not because you'd be interested in EBS cabs, but because I would not be the least bit surprised if you ran into a bit of the same thing pairing Mesa with Barefaced.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Snackulus

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back