Darkglass Microtubes 900 vs Mesa Subway D800

[monkeyfinger]

Fantastic price! OMG
The M900 is usually 999,- on the continent.
I'm in the market for a new amp, but the Darkglass went off my list when I heard that the DI-out level is controlled by the master volume (doesn't work for me).
For that price, however, it's a no brainer. Congrats.

DI level out is controlled by the master volume only in post mode like all the other amps I've ever used.

 

[agedhorse]

DI level out is controlled by the master volume only in post mode like all the other amps I've ever used.

For accuracy, the D-800 and D-800+ DI output, in post eq mode is still pre master volume.

 

[caligula]

DI level out is controlled by the master volume only in post mode like all the other amps I've ever used.

I know. I spoke to Doug a while ago and he was kind enough to explain that. If I don't want the DI-out controlled by the master, I could go pre, but that excludes the distortions from the DI signal.
There are lots of amps that have their DI-out and master separated and that's what has worked best for me in the past.

 

[ole Jason]

I know. I spoke to Doug a while ago and he was kind enough to explain that. If I don't want the DI-out controlled by the master, I could go pre, but that excludes the distortions from the DI signal.
There are lots of amps that have their DI-out and master separated and that's what has worked best for me in the past.

It is definitely annoying because the whole point of the amp is the distortion. In practice, however, it hasn't been an issue for me. I set the stage volume where I like it and just don't mess with it after the DI levels are set. Just make sure the sound guy doesn't hit the button on the back if he plugs in the XLR.

 

[XernaX]

I've been struggling with the choice between these two! I play death metal with one band and some pop and dubstuff with the other so I need an amp that suits both bands and has a good clean sound. I already have Darkglass B7K Ultra on my pedal board so is the Mesa D-800 the obvious choice? I can't test them out so I have to go blind on this one.

 

[aerobass13]

I've been struggling with the choice between these two! I play death metal with one band and some pop and dubstuff with the other so I need an amp that suits both bands and has a good clean sound. I already have Darkglass B7K Ultra on my pedal board so is the Mesa D-800 the obvious choice? I can't test them out so I have to go blind on this one.

From my experience, the Mesa D-800 and D-800+ pair wonderfully with the B7KU, and having both would give the best of both worlds. The Ultra is basically the preamp of the M900 plus one of the overdrive channels, so I would think buying the M900 is a little redundant. Both amps sound incredible, but the pairing the D-800+ with the B7KU, I set my amp for a big and full pop-rock sound and engage the Darkglass EQ and overdrive when playing metal. If you have the space and the cash, I think the D-800+ is much more versatile than the standard D-800, primarily due to the mid sweeps and the HPF; the HPF is wonderful when trimming boominess in drop tuning and the mid sweeps let you dial in more hi-mids if needed (not a true hi-mid option on the original D-800).

 

[Bassman0327]

I just recently received my Darkglass and I am very disappointed. It’s a great amp but it seems to fit rock and metal not really versatile to other genres to me. I ended up sticking with my Mesa D800 instead a lot happier with that bass head.