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Getting a Carbine M9, which Mesa cab is right for me?

justinkimmel

justinkimmel

Feb 25, 2008
42
5
Brooklyn, NY
Disclosures
Mesa Boogie Amplification
#1
I've decided to get a Mesa Carbine M9. The next problem is: Which cabinet to go with it?
I want something versatile that will cut through the mix in a rock/funk setting, but also can handle the dubby reggae/hiphop thing.
I play a Tokai Jazz bass, and a Guild Starfire. My style is Old-school rock, with some percolating funk, and some dub/hiphop tone thrown in for good measure. Overall, I like a warm sound. I also use effects (envelopes, octaves, synths, etc...)

My choices are:
Powerhouse 6x10
Powerhouse 4x10 and 2x10
Powerhouse 2x12 and 2x10

The two cabinet approach would be nice if I just wanna use one for smaller gigs...
any suggestions?
 
#2
If it's gotta be a Mesa cab, get the 6x10. It'll be more mobile than the 4x10/2x10 if it still has the dolly casters on it (rule).

Otherwise I'd get a Dr. Bass or LDS cab, :) I know I say it a lot but the stuff they are making is just superior in almost every way to the crap you can buy in stores.
 
#3
The PH410 has way more balls than the PH212.

With the massive M9, I would go for a 4ohmPH410 and an 8ohm PH210. That gives you an amazing modular rig that allows the power of the head to 'adjust' optimally for all three 'rigs', with the least power going to the 8ohm 210 for smaller gigs, higher power into the 4ohm 410 for most gigs, and then uber power at 2.67 ohms with both cabs together for mega momo gigs, with each driver getting the same amount of power.

This is basically the modular version of the PH610, which is also killer.

IMO. These cabs sound GREAT with the M6, so I assume they will with the M9 also.
 
#5
I think you'd be happy with any combination of Powerhouse cabs. Especially with that head, (though I have yet to try one). I used a 410/210 set up, and moved on to 15's. If I were to get Powerhouse cabs again, I'm pretty sure it would be 2x the 212's. But, that's me. If you can try them out first, that would be a great help in choosing. Good luck.
 
#6
I have the Powerhouse 610, and it flat out crushes with either a G-K 700rb-II or a G-B NeoPak 3.5 - I can only imagine the kind of damage it could do with either the M6 or M9...

For a single cab solution, the Powerhouse 610 is one of the best available, IMO...



- georgestrins
 
#8
Yeah, the 610 is intriguing especially since it would be a few hundred bucks cheaper than the modular setup.
I just worry that it would be too much for the smaller gigs.
I'm playing everything from Bars to Bonnaroo.
 
#12
LowBSix said:
MESA cabs are fantastic!
For versatility and ability to use either cab individually, my choice would be:
Powerhouse 2x12 and 2x10
Click to expand...


I used to gig with a 410 and a 210, which isn't all that different than your proposed setup in terms of size and weight - and IME, two cabs like that are much more of a pain in the neck to move around than my single 610... Modular, smodular - take one cab that'll get everything done, and in one trip - since making the switch, I won't be going back...



- georgestrings
 
#16
georgestrings said:
I used to gig with a 410 and a 210, which isn't all that different than your proposed setup in terms of size and weight - and IME, two cabs like that are much more of a pain in the neck to move around than my single 610... Modular, smodular - take one cab that'll get everything done, and in one trip - since making the switch, I won't be going back...



- georgestrings
Click to expand...

Yup, I'm with g.s. on this'n.
After having the 210+212, various 410+212 setups, my last 3 have been one big oaf-
Henry 8x8 (original w/ blueface Celestions- was AWESOME!), Berg NV425, and now the Powerhouse 412.
One trip, done and done. :cool:

Plus as I said, it just gives me the excuse to buy a Walkabout Scout 12 or 15 or something... ;)
 
#17
To clarify my post, the reason I recommended the 210/410 was the fact that the OP said he wanted a modular set-up, and that is a MUCH better match-up than the other modular set-up he was considering (212/210).

I've played the M6 through the Mesa PH610, and it was stunningly, amazingly good. The bad news is, that 610 is just a horse... very deep and big and boxy, and it weighs a ton. That may or may not be an issue for the OP, and I guess it also matters how 'small' his small gigs are. A small club with the same band he typically plays in, no issue. A piano jazz trio... not so much:D
 
#18
KJung said:
To clarify my post, the reason I recommended the 210/410 was the fact that the OP said he wanted a modular set-up, and that is a MUCH better match-up than the other modular set-up he was considering (212/210).

I've played the M6 through the Mesa PH610, and it was stunningly, amazingly good. The bad news is, that 610 is just a horse... very deep and big and boxy, and it weighs a ton. That may or may not be an issue for the OP, and I guess it also matters how 'small' his small gigs are. A small club with the same band he typically plays in, no issue. A piano jazz trio... not so much:D
Click to expand...

C'mon ken, that's why I said the PH412!!! :mad::mad:




















































:D
 
#19
rockstarbassist said:
C'mon ken, that's why I said the PH412!!! :mad::mad:
Click to expand...

I can't even imagine that. I'll tell you what, if I was in a totally different area of the business (i.e., playing more rock oriented music with a fixed band with help at load in and load out, etc.), I would SERIOUSLY consider the M6/610 rig. It really is good for an aggressive, loud, punchy but full tone, with some nice modern touches (i.e., plenty of deep lows and sparkle up top if you want it).

But man, I thought that 610 was bolted to the floor when I tried to lean it back. I think it's 135 pounds!!!!!!
 

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