Cabinet thoughts - Orange & Mesa

[Renno]

Hi TB

I’m looking for advice for those who have used the following cabs (&heads) and input from you please.

So I’m currently using an Orange Terror 500h and Orange OBC115. Bass is EBMM SS HH.

I feel like I’m missing something from my sound and feel and I’m looking at adding and/or changing my set up.

I’m looking to either add an Orange OBC112 to my existing rig

Or

Go completely the other direction and get the Mesa Subway 800+ head & matching cab.

I play indie rock in one band and 80’s style with another. I won’t be able to try before buy as UK retailers are naff. The OBC115 feels lacking which is why I’m thinking of adding the 112, but my back has seen better days and 6 operations later it’s not getting any better and the 115 is ridiculously heavy.

I’ve heard great things about the Mesa subway and YouTube etc sounds amazing.

We are getting a lot of bookings, so I want to get some proper kit that’s going to be great.


Thanks

Ash


FYI, I’m not a fan of no amp on stage or using modellers etc. I’ve tried the Origin Effects but don’t always use FOH, so amp is crucial.

 

[6thplanet]

Since the Orange cab doesn't have a tweeter, the Mesa will be a more full range cab. That said, it's a fantastic cab you wouldn't be disappointed. Your amps probably fine, I'd get a cab (or two) and try it out.

 

[Renno]

Since the Orange cab doesn't have a tweeter, the Mesa will be a more full range cab. That said, it's a fantastic cab you wouldn't be disappointed. Your amps probably fine, I'd get a cab (or two) and try it out.

Thank you. That’s one thing I’m leaning towards the Mesa as the options available.

 

[Wasnex]

I feel like I’m missing something from my sound and feel

Specifically what??

It's normally best to find a cab you like and the buy a matching pair for fuller lows and/or more headroom.

Mixed cabs can work, but sometimes they fight with each other.

Does tilting your current cab to aim at your ears give you what you want?

The TB has a Fender tone stack with a baked in mid-scoop. The amp could be you problem, rather than the cab.

 

[coreyfyfe]

I have the terror bass and a pair of OBC112s. If you aren’t getting the high end you want with an OBC115 the 12s aren’t going to help, they’re decidedly vintage sounding. Paired with the fenderish/scooped orange it’s very warm and mellow, not going to get you a modern sound. If you want a cab with a tweeter and a more neutral/amp with versatile eq then the Mesa is certainly capable of that.

 

[Renno]

Specifically what??

It's normally best to find a cab you like and the buy a matching pair for fuller lows and/or more headroom.

Mixed cabs can work, but sometimes they fight with each other.

Does tilting your current cab to aim at your ears give you what you want?

The TB has a Fender tone stack with a baked in mid-scoop. The amp could be you problem, rather than the cab.

Do you know, I’m not sure but it’s just missing something
Used a few different cabs at some rehersal rooms recently but took my head. Sounded huge, whereas the orange OBC115 just sounds thumpy.

Yep, tweaked the TB accordingly to the tone stack so I think it’s the cab that’s not right me tbh.

 

[Renno]

From what’s been said so far, I reckon I’ll get the Mesa cab and try it out with my TB. If still not convinced, I’ll get the Mesa head and try that

 

[DJ Bebop]

From what’s been said so far, I reckon I’ll get the Mesa cab and try it out with my TB. If still not convinced, I’ll get the Mesa head and try that

Not only is the 800+ a good head but Mesa has two with tube options. I have one, the WD 800 and a 115. There is the TT 800 too.

 

[lomo]

I used to own an AD200B and OBC15 cab. IMHO they were both waaaaaaay overpriced and the sound was meh....poor definition with inadequate low mids and not much power, and heavy as boat anchors, but the esthetics (and brand history) were sexy enough to seduce me and suck the money from my wallet. It's all subjective, but IME the Mesa SW15 is the meatiest, most pleasing bass cab out there (albeit a bit bulkier & heavier than I like). My free .02 is to get the Mesa cab and try it with your head (which I have not played) and if you're still not "there", get the Mesa head. I have played Mesa's WD800 (my #1) and the D800+ (which is also superb) and love them.

 

[davedamage]

Heh. I get it.



I have two OBC115s and an OBC210. Right now, the Mesa TT-800 and two 15s rule the day. However, I am on the lookout for some Subway cabs.

 

[ELG60]

Mesa's my current choice. I use the WD800 with a Subway 215 most of the time. I like the D800+ a lot, but don't take it out often. I'm also quite fond of Barefaced kit, and have several of their cabinets. The Big Twin III might be perfect, and you can try it out since you're in GB. My BT II is more of a reference cab than are my Two10S's.

 

[JFlo]

I'm of the opinion that cabs usually make a much bigger difference than amps. However, if you're not really sure what is lacking in your rig I would recommend trying different setups in some modeling/capture software. Most (Helix, Tonex etc) let you do a free trial. You can even try a capture of your amp with different cabs. Not perfect but it might save you thousands of pounds. My experience with Orange cabs is they are great for old-school thump but lack the range of a modern cab with a HF driver.

 

[webmonster]

The OBC115 looks very much like a TL606 cab. I've got 2 TL606 cabs (with Eminence 3015HO) and I always take both to any rock gig - using just one doesn't work for me.

 

[Renno]

Not only is the 800+ a good head but Mesa has two with tube options. I have one, the WD 800 and a 115. There is the TT 800 too.

View attachment 7124966

I use tube amps for my guitar rigs, personally I’d like to steer clear of them in the bass rig but appreciate your suggestion. Thank you

 

[Renno]

I used to own an AD200B and OBC15 cab. IMHO they were both waaaaaaay overpriced and the sound was meh....poor definition with inadequate low mids and not much power, and heavy as boat anchors, but the esthetics (and brand history) were sexy enough to seduce me and suck the money from my wallet. It's all subjective, but IME the Mesa SW15 is the meatiest, most pleasing bass cab out there (albeit a bit bulkier & heavier than I like). My free .02 is to get the Mesa cab and try it with your head (which I have not played) and if you're still not "there", get the Mesa head. I have played Mesa's WD800 (my #1) and the D800+ (which is also superb) and love them.

I have to agree with orange bass products. I own the Rockerverb50miii head and 2x12 OBC for my guitar rigs and it’s outstanding. They shine on guitar products but feel like bass is a byproduct with no much interest.

The cab is definitely on top of my list, for what it’s worth, I reckon I’ll just order both and try it all out at once. Thanks mate

 

[Renno]

Mesa's my current choice. I use the WD800 with a Subway 215 most of the time. I like the D800+ a lot, but don't take it out often. I'm also quite fond of Barefaced kit, and have several of their cabinets. The Big Twin III might be perfect, and you can try it out since you're in GB. My BT II is more of a reference cab than are my Two10S's.

I’ll check those out. Don’t know any retailers that stock barefaced but only direct from them. They are a long way from me, so would need to check their returns policy.

 

[Renno]

I'm of the opinion that cabs usually make a much bigger difference than amps. However, if you're not really sure what is lacking in your rig I would recommend trying different setups in some modeling/capture software. Most (Helix, Tonex etc) let you do a free trial. You can even try a capture of your amp with different cabs. Not perfect but it might save you thousands of pounds. My experience with Orange cabs is they are great for old-school thump but lack the range of a modern cab with a HF driver.

I’ve got a Kemper power head and can’t stand it. I’ve tried helix, quad cortex etc and they are not for me.
The orange certainly thumps but misses that general character of what I believe a bass amp should be.

 

[DJ Bebop]

I use tube amps for my guitar rigs, personally I’d like to steer clear of them in the bass rig but appreciate your suggestion. Thank you

I just said that because most kids like some tubes in there rigs at least if not full tubes. I had been a solid-state bass guy as soon as I could afford my own amp.
The Mesa head was my first return to tubes in almost forty years. I get it though, I still have and play my solid-state heads all the time

So yes if I needed a new solid-state head it would be that slammy D 800+

(Still might be someday )

 

[Renno]

I just said that because most kids like some tubes in there rigs at least if not full tubes. I had been a solid-state bass guy as soon as I could afford my own amp.
The Mesa head was my first return to tubes in almost forty years. I get it though, I still have and play my solid-state heads all the time

So yes if I needed a new solid-state head it would be that slammy D 800+

View attachment 7125273

(Still might be someday )

100% mate. I remember the days when everything had to be tube amps and SS was frowned upon, now it seems to be mix these days.

Yeah the d800+ is definitely top of the list for head wise. Thank you

 

[DJ Bebop]

100% mate. I remember the days when everything had to be tube amps and SS was frowned upon, now it seems to be mix these days.

Yeah the d800+ is definitely top of the list for head wise. Thank you

I never liked tube break-up for bass. As a kid, I apprenticed in a production company and once I heard bass through nice studio monitors I said that was the sound I wanted on stage. So I got into solid state and shortly after that plunged into bi-amping, like the PAs I was working with.

Good back-breaking times