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Cab suggestions for Mesa Subway D-800+

#42
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...
I have the d-800. For these amps I’d recommend starting with the subway 115 and if you do need more volume adding the subway 112. The subway 115 is pretty loud and full sounding 115. Rated for double or more the power of cabs like the ampeg 115. The 215 in my opinion is overkill for most situations.
 
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#43
I have a 215 and agree with others that it's overkill for most situations. I like having it for the occasional "worse-case-scenario" gig - outdoor, no subs or PA support. In the year that I've owned it that's happened exactly once, but I make my living playing and I feel the need to be able to hold my own in any situation, however infrequent. But it's great for that - loud enough that my amp never went above 10 o'clock with a full rock band.

To be honest though, I also end up playing the cab in other scenarios where the massive firepower isn't strictly necessary because I absolutely LOVE the sound. If I had the spare cash lying around, I'd buy a matching 115 for smaller gigs and rehearsals. I don't have any experience with Barefaced stuff but can totally vouch for the Subway 215. It could easily be a cab I keep for decades.

In fact, I'm taking it out on a run to KY this weekend!

IMG_5117.jpeg
 
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#44
I just road tested a Darkglass 212 in local shop and the head I used was a D800 Mesa.

The cab sounded so good through mine and my buddies fingers, that I’m in the process of purchasing that cabinet.

Full, deep bass with great highs.

Granted it sounding amazing in the store, but I’m sure it would perform in the real world just fine.
 
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#45
I thought I read somewhere that the Subway 2X15 has a baked in old school sound. Is this true, or was this inaccurate? Also, is there coloring added to the headphone jack of the D-800+? Meaning, will what I hear in my headphones be what I hear in a PA style speaker?
 
#46
Snackulus said:
Did you get a chance to directly compare the barefaced 212s with the Mesa 2X15? General thoughts, pros/cons with either?
Click to expand...
Yes, I owned both at the same time. I had to sell the Mesa 215 for a move, otherwise I would still have it. I should have kept it. I still have the Super Twin. Both are excellent and can command small to medium size venues fairly easily. However, the 215 is just an incredible cabinet in terms of full range depth and clarity. The ST is more of a vintage sound. Both have wheels (as you know). The Mesa is incredibly easy to transport for what it is (for example, it fit in the back seat of my wife's Mini Cooper convertible), I love the design and quality of the wheels, as well as the inset handles. It is obviously a good deal bigger than the ST, but that size gives it its huge sound. The Mesa also plays just as well at low volumes as loud volumes. I get what people are saying about being modular, but if I were to do it again, I would (still) get a 215 rather than 2 1x15s. They are connected, and the situation is just easier. Although you don't always need that much speaker, you also have the speaker closer to your ear without sitting it on anything.
 
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#48
Snackulus said:
I thought I read somewhere that the Subway 2X15 has a baked in old school sound. Is this true, or was this inaccurate? Also, is there coloring added to the headphone jack of the D-800+? Meaning, will what I hear in my headphones be what I hear in a PA style speaker?
Click to expand...

The 115/215 are fairly neutrally voiced cabinets, pretty flat and balanced, with a very slightly under-damped LF response. If you turn the tweeter off, it will appear more old school, but the low frequency will be rounder, with greater extension and the mids considerably smoother than what most associate with "old school".
 
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#49
lermgalieu said:
Yes, I owned both at the same time. I had to sell the Mesa 215 for a move, otherwise I would still have it. I should have kept it. I still have the Super Twin. Both are excellent and can command small to medium size venues fairly easily. However, the 215 is just an incredible cabinet in terms of full range depth and clarity. The ST is more of a vintage sound. Both have wheels (as you know). The Mesa is incredibly easy to transport for what it is (for example, it fit in the back seat of my wife's Mini Cooper convertible), I love the design and quality of the wheels, as well as the inset handles. It is obviously a good deal bigger than the ST, but that size gives it its huge sound. The Mesa also plays just as well at low volumes as loud volumes. I get what people are saying about being modular, but if I were to do it again, I would (still) get a 215 rather than 2 1x15s. They are connected, and the situation is just easier. Although you don't always need that much speaker, you also have the speaker closer to your ear without sitting it on anything.
Click to expand...
I think you pretty much summed up my thoughts on the one cab vs modular setup. I like the idea of modularity, but am leaning towards a one cab solution, even when a bigger speaker isn’t needed. Ideally, a one cab solution for both scenarios. Even if that means buying a small cab specifically for that use in the future. Interesting what you describe about the Super Twin. I like the vintage sounds. I would have no use for the tweeter in the Subway 2X15, and would most likely have it turned off. But it’s nice that it’s there as an option.

lermgalieu said:
That's inaccurate, IMO
Click to expand...
Thanks!

agedhorse said:
The 115/215 are fairly neutrally voiced cabinets, pretty flat and balanced, with a very slightly under-damped LF response. If you turn the tweeter off, it will appear more old school, but the low frequency will be rounder, with greater extension and the mids considerably smoother than what most associate with "old school".
Click to expand...
Thanks for clearing that up! Sounds like a review I read online was inaccurate in their description.
 
#50
Snackulus said:
I think you pretty much summed up my thoughts on the one cab vs modular setup. I like the idea of modularity, but am leaning towards a one cab solution, even when a bigger speaker isn’t needed. Ideally, a one cab solution for both scenarios. Even if that means buying a small cab specifically for that use in the future. Interesting what you describe about the Super Twin. I like the vintage sounds. I would have no use for the tweeter in the Subway 2X15, and would most likely have it turned off. But it’s nice that it’s there as an option.


Thanks!


Thanks for clearing that up! Sounds like a review I read online was inaccurate in their description.
Click to expand...
The description on line can indeed be bizarre sometimes.
 
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#52
Snackulus said:
Well…
I have a Subway 2X15 inbound sometime next week for testing.:D
Anything I should know? Is there a break in period?
Click to expand...
Nope, no break-in needed. These drivers are high quality pro audio based designs that use inherently stable suspension components.
 
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#54
agedhorse said:
Nope, no break-in needed. These drivers are high quality pro audio based designs that use inherently stable suspension components.
Click to expand...
Excellent! Thanks, this is good to know

75Ric said:
Cool! That's a really good choice. I'll be very interested to hear what you think of it. No break-in was needed for the separate 115s; they are the same speaker.
Click to expand...
Thanks! I spent restless nights contemplating over the single 2X15 vs a pair of 1x15. We’ll see…
 
#59
aglide said:
Since the OP was asking about both Mesa and Barefaced, would you care to give your thoughts on how cabinet designs and performance compare between the two?
Click to expand...
The specs for Subway cabinets (including how they are derived) are on the website. Otherwise I can’t comment on a comparison like this.
 
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