Cab suggestions for Mesa Subway D-800+

[lermgalieu]

the Mesa 215 is what I would choose, there's no 212 on earth that can keep up with the Mesa 215

As someone who used to have a Mesa 215 and now only has excellent 212s (Aguilar and Barefaced), I can say this is 100% true.

 

[MaxSpinrun]

I like the two separate 1-15 modular approach. This what I have and only need one at this point, but two, stand back!

 

[ELG60]

I have the D800+ as well as a pair of Two10S's and a Subway 215. Either will provide plenty of low-end extension, although tbh, I have little experience with reggae and ska. I do play plenty of soul and R&B usually using Jazz basses and the tone is fine with either cab setup.

 

[Killing Floor]

Subway 212 or 2 single 12” if you want more flexibility for smaller uses. Cannot go wrong.

 

[Marko 1]

Mesa Subway 2X15

This.

 

[Element Zero]

I have a D800+, 2 subway 210s and 2 subway 410s.
The 410s have over 100 shows indoor and out in FL and are flawless
and sound amazing. Bought once cried once.

D800+ and Subway 410 owner here as well. A PERFECT combination.

 

[Indiedog]

As a Powerhouse 15 user (two of them) I like to pipe up every now and then and mention that since they are heavier and somewhat out-of-favor because of the weight, they can be found at great prices. Sure they are heavier. But they sound great still!

 

[57pbass]

Two Subway 15 cabs with D800+

 

[gtirard]

Thinking again about it, I would choose a 2x15 Mesa if I was American, because it's always better to buy local if possible, for environemental reasons and for ease of repair if necessary. Or 2 1x15 Subway if you prefer modularity. Also it's cool to have an amp and cab from the same brand, because it looks cool, and you're certain that both are designed to match well.

If I was European (which I am), I would choose a Barefaced or GR Bass 212 or 2 x 112.

In both cases I would favor the modular version, because I play many small gigs where I don't need more than a 1x15 or 1x12, but that's up to you.

Last, if you want to reduce the footprint, my GR Bass NF210V is really nice at home and it has a surprisingly good low-end extension.

 

[Snackulus]

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.

Thanks! This is helpful. Do you find it difficult transporting two separate cabs to a gig, instead of one with wheels?

Wish I was in your shoes, OP!! Sounds like you'll have a drool-worthy rig any way you slice it!

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

Thanks! I sold all my gear a while back to deal with unexpected bills (I wasn’t gigging at the time). Anyhow, I had a free pass from my wife to get what I needed, when the time came. Be been working lots of overtime all summer, so it’s time!

I would get the MESA cabinets. SINGLE 15 CABS that will give you a scalable rig. Sometimes you only need just one cab.

Thanks for your input!

Either the Subway single 12's or 15's for the portability. Plus depending on how big you need to go, any of the Subway heads can drive four of them (or two of the double 15's).

The same designer did the heads AND the cabinet range, our own remarkable @agedhorse, so believe me, they play well together!

Didn’t realize aged horse was involved in the cabinet design as well. Interesting…

 

[Snackulus]

I have older cabinets, that I run with my Subway 800+
1. Berg HS410
2. Berg NV610
3. Aguilar DB112 x2

I would like to get newer stuff, but what I have sounds good, and the only down side is there all heavy

I used to have the Berg NV610, but decided to sell, because I was moving out of state at the time, and wanted to reduce the amount of stuff to relocate. I remember it being well balanced and surprisingly light, once it was tipped & rolling.

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.

Interesting.. thanks!

View attachment 5168847 Two Subway 15 cabs with D800+

Nice! Do have any issues with the amp ‘walking’ while on that setup?

Thinking again about it, I would choose a 2x15 Mesa if I was American, because it's always better to buy local if possible, for environemental reasons and for ease of repair if necessary. Or 2 1x15 Subway if you prefer modularity. Also it's cool to have an amp and cab from the same brand, because it looks cool, and you're certain that both are designed to match well.

If I was European (which I am), I would choose a Barefaced or GR Bass 212 or 2 x 112.

In both cases I would favor the modular version, because I play many small gigs where I don't need more than a 1x15 or 1x12, but that's up to you.

Last, if you want to reduce the footprint, my GR Bass NF210V is really nice at home and it has a surprisingly good low-end extension.

Thanks! I’ve owned a couple Barefaced cabs in the past (Dubster gen1, Two10S pair) & like supporting them. However I’m open to trying what Mesa has to offer, but ultimately what will work best in my scenario

 

[Snackulus]

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.
View attachment 5168230

Yes, please. I would be very interested in seeing a video of the D-800+ through the Super Twin. Not familiar with GR

 

[57pbass]

I used to have the Berg NV610, but decided to sell, because I was moving out of state at the time, and wanted to reduce the amount of stuff to relocate. I remember it being well balanced and surprisingly light, once it was tipped & rolling.


Interesting.. thanks!


Nice! Do have any issues with the amp ‘walking’ while on that setup?

Thanks! I’ve owned a couple Barefaced cabs in the past (Dubster gen1, Two10S pair) & like supporting them. However I’m open to trying what Mesa has to offer, but ultimately what will work best in my scenario

I use a rubber bar mat and the amp remains in place. Amazon sells them.

 

[Snackulus]

As someone who used to have a Mesa 215 and now only has excellent 212s (Aguilar and Barefaced), I can say this is 100% true.

Did you get a chance to directly compare the barefaced 212s with the Mesa 2X15? General thoughts, pros/cons with either?

I have the D800+ as well as a pair of Two10S's and a Subway 215. Either will provide plenty of low-end extension, although tbh, I have little experience with reggae and ska. I do play plenty of soul and R&B usually using Jazz basses and the tone is fine with either cab setup.

The tone I’d use for soul is pretty close to what I’d use for early reggae/ska. Just deep, punchy warm, emphasis on the bass being felt.
I used to have a pair of the Two10S cabs, how do they compare to the Subway 2X15?

Subway 212 or 2 single 12” if you want more flexibility for smaller uses. Cannot go wrong.

The Subway 2X12 didn’t make my list due to the lack of wheels, unfortunately

As a Powerhouse 15 user (two of them) I like to pipe up every now and then and mention that since they are heavier and somewhat out-of-favor because of the weight, they can be found at great prices. Sure they are heavier. But they sound great still!

Thanks for the tip! I’m pretty set on something lightweight though. I gigged an SWR Goliath III & Son of Bertha rig for years. It never let me down, I loved it. But the trip to & from the car.. not so much.

 

[shadven]

MESA 2x15” is it. I had the same head and the 2x15”. Crazy loud, huge sound. You won’t be disappointed.

 

[Snackulus]

I use a rubber bar mat and the amp remains in place. Amazon sells them.

Good idea, thanks!

 

[Snackulus]

Thank you so much, I appreciate everyone’s input/suggestions. It helps having a collective of thoughts, and different perspectives. Everyone’s situation might differ slightly, mine might be completely different than someone else, for sure. The more I think on it, I’m sorta leaning towards a one cab solution (with wheels). There’s something really nice about making one trip loading in/out of a venue. I had a Barefaced Dubster 2X15 years ago, and couldn’t get over how much easier load in/out was, compared to my old SWR full stack. Granted, the Streamliner vs a Mo’bass in a rack case definitely helped too. I might end up getting a one cab solution for gigs/full rehearsals, and maybe a barefaced One10 for small rehearsals/sectionals. For those who own the Subway 2X15, is it articulate if you want it to be? Is it overkill for smaller rehearsals, or do you just turn down the volume?

 

[agedhorse]

The Streamliner with the 215 is a pretty cool older school flavor, different from the WD and TT flavors.

 

[Snackulus]

The Streamliner with the 215 is a pretty cool older school flavor, different from the WD and TT flavors.

I really enjoyed the Streamliner when I had it. At this point, I only have the D-800+, which I’m pretty excited about

 

[ELG60]

Did you get a chance to directly compare the barefaced 212s with the Mesa 2X15? General thoughts, pros/cons with either?

The tone I’d use for soul is pretty close to what I’d use for early reggae/ska. Just deep, punchy warm, emphasis on the bass being felt.
I used to have a pair of the Two10S cabs, how do they compare to the Subway 2X15?


The Subway 2X12 didn’t make my list due to the lack of wheels, unfortunately


Thanks for the tip! I’m pretty set on something lightweight though. I gigged an SWR Goliath III & Son of Bertha rig for years. It never let me down, I loved it. But the trip to & from the car.. not so much.

Not in a direct side-by-side comparison. both give me sufficient volume. The Barefaced setup gives me more of an old-school vibe, whereas the Mesa 215 has the adjustable tweeter for anbit more available high-end. I also have a Barefaced Big Twin II which I consider to be more of a reference cabinet with no coloration and a Epifani D.I.S.T. 212 which sounds a bit darker than the Barefaced.