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Mesa/Boogie Official Club Thread...Part #2

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#461
rockstarbassist said:
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Muahahaha!! This baby is totally and fully pristine. There isn't a scratch on the casing, and it's never been even racked before!

It also sounds just stupid good. I've never ever liked a tube amp before, but this just kills. It doesn't have the typical characteristics of other tube maps I've played/owned. Even compared to the BB750, it still feels very quick and immediate. Plus the natural breakup is just heaven! I think I need to replace the pre tubes at some point b/c I have Channel 1 at like 8.5, and only get a lil bit of breakup, which isn't bad as I also use pedals, but man yeah- that character and just OOMPH is right there, without it feeling artificial. At really loud levels it keeps the whole thing together very much like the V12 I used to have, whereas the 750 kinda likes to lose some of it's character as you reach around 12:00 on the Master. Yes, that's extremely loud, but, I'm just sayin'. ;)
I haven't popped the top and checked what pre tubes are in it, but I'm guessing it's all stock as this was one of the late model runs they made before shutting down the line.
Also does anyone run both Input 1 AND 2 at the same time!?? :hyper: I think that'd be awesome if it works! :) What about EQ points? Is it the "Fender style" with the 10/2/10 at flat? I think I have it set Treble:4, Bass:7, Middle:4, and I love where that gets me right now, but just curious. No pull-shifts just yet. I'm still learning!
Can't wait to practice with again tomorrow. I have a few shows coming up next month that I'll probably keep the BB750 around fer just b/c I know it's reliable and these are our first 2 shows in the area, so don't want any even possibility of hiccup!

I'll give some better A/B/C reviews of it to the 750 and what I recall about the V12 once I get a few more hours outta it. :cool:
Click to expand...

Congrats man! That cab sounds AMAZING through tubes.
Let us know what you think! :bassist:
 
#462
Alot of congratulations going in the Mesa community...first Gastric, nice score , and now you can really punch them in the gastric, I mean guts :D...I sure love my Titan...The extra lights from the Korg give some extra needed lighting at times I think the Mesa Titan could use on dark stages! Peace...DAcat:cool:
 
#463
rockstarbassist said:
Muahahaha!! This baby is totally and fully pristine. There isn't a scratch on the casing, and it's never been even racked before!

It also sounds just stupid good. I've never ever liked a tube amp before, but this just kills. It doesn't have the typical characteristics of other tube maps I've played/owned. Even compared to the BB750, it still feels very quick and immediate. Plus the natural breakup is just heaven! I think I need to replace the pre tubes at some point b/c I have Channel 1 at like 8.5, and only get a lil bit of breakup, which isn't bad as I also use pedals, but man yeah- that character and just OOMPH is right there, without it feeling artificial. At really loud levels it keeps the whole thing together very much like the V12 I used to have, whereas the 750 kinda likes to lose some of it's character as you reach around 12:00 on the Master. Yes, that's extremely loud, but, I'm just sayin'. ;)
I haven't popped the top and checked what pre tubes are in it, but I'm guessing it's all stock as this was one of the late model runs they made before shutting down the line.
Also does anyone run both Input 1 AND 2 at the same time!?? :hyper: I think that'd be awesome if it works! :) What about EQ points? Is it the "Fender style" with the 10/2/10 at flat? I think I have it set Treble:4, Bass:7, Middle:4, and I love where that gets me right now, but just curious. No pull-shifts just yet. I'm still learning!
Can't wait to practice with again tomorrow. I have a few shows coming up next month that I'll probably keep the BB750 around fer just b/c I know it's reliable and these are our first 2 shows in the area, so don't want any even possibility of hiccup!

I'll give some better A/B/C reviews of it to the 750 and what I recall about the V12 once I get a few more hours outta it. :cool:
Click to expand...

It truly is the greatest of the great. I run my 400+ thru a pair of Diesel 410s and it's just swell. I get a huge grin everytime I turn it on and play.

I think flat on the eq knobs is 2/8/2, not really sure though. The user manual is a bit vague on the tone controls, basically they tell you to play with them till you find something you like.

My own preference is to run both inputs via a Y cable, vol1@ 5 pulled for bright for clarity, vol2@5, master@4, treble@4 pulled (which contrary to popular belief shifts the freq down to the high mids), middle@7. The eq doesn't have numbers but I'll reference a std +10/-10 scale for ease of understanding. I have set 40@-5, 100@0, 250@2, 625@1, 1K@0, 3K@-5, 6K@0. Yeah, I bump the low mid a touch and cut the lows to make room for the kick and the cut on 3K cuts down on string buzz/fret clank. I also turn the horns on the cabs off. These settings give me a touch of edge in my tone when I'm playing with my fingers, but it gets some grit and grind if I lay into it. If I play with a pick, I get a nice consistent grind on the initial attack, but the fundamental note sustains cleanly, which is very useful for me.

It is worth mentioning that my 400+ is loaded with Winged C power tubes and JJ pre tubes. I didn't buy 'em, the guy before me did. I have a set of the Mesa tubes, but the other brands sound much better. The Mesa tubes are the factory originals and they sound tired. I intend to replace the current set with Mesa tubes when it needs 'em. For now, it sounds great. I hope you enjoy yours as much as I do mine.
 
#464
Hey rockstarbassist :bassist:...I always wanted to try ut the 400+ and I still likely will esp. encouraged by your post...what kind of music do you play? I play thru a Titan V12 powering a Genz Benz Uber 410, plus other assorted cabs-has anyone played a 400+ thru the Uber 410 cab? Well anyway...that looks like a killer rig and it should sound greeeaaat ;) too-have fun( I know-you are)...Peace...DAcat :cool:
 
#465
rockstarbassist said:
Muahahaha!! This baby is totally and fully pristine. There isn't a scratch on the casing, and it's never been even racked before!

It also sounds just stupid good. I've never ever liked a tube amp before, but this just kills. It doesn't have the typical characteristics of other tube maps I've played/owned. Even compared to the BB750, it still feels very quick and immediate. Plus the natural breakup is just heaven! I think I need to replace the pre tubes at some point b/c I have Channel 1 at like 8.5, and only get a lil bit of breakup, which isn't bad as I also use pedals, but man yeah- that character and just OOMPH is right there, without it feeling artificial. At really loud levels it keeps the whole thing together very much like the V12 I used to have, whereas the 750 kinda likes to lose some of it's character as you reach around 12:00 on the Master. Yes, that's extremely loud, but, I'm just sayin'. ;)
I haven't popped the top and checked what pre tubes are in it, but I'm guessing it's all stock as this was one of the late model runs they made before shutting down the line.
Also does anyone run both Input 1 AND 2 at the same time!?? :hyper: I think that'd be awesome if it works! :) What about EQ points? Is it the "Fender style" with the 10/2/10 at flat? I think I have it set Treble:4, Bass:7, Middle:4, and I love where that gets me right now, but just curious. No pull-shifts just yet. I'm still learning!
Can't wait to practice with again tomorrow. I have a few shows coming up next month that I'll probably keep the BB750 around fer just b/c I know it's reliable and these are our first 2 shows in the area, so don't want any even possibility of hiccup!

I'll give some better A/B/C reviews of it to the 750 and what I recall about the V12 once I get a few more hours outta it. :cool:
Click to expand...

The input#2 has a bit more "break up" and is modeled after Mesa's D-180. For gooey tubey goodness, try it out.
 
#466
Nothing beats a stingray hitting the second input on a bass 400(+) with the gain dimed.
It's that neat thing where you can lean into it for distortion or back off for clean.
I run the graphic with a footswitch attached so I can boost for certain heavy parts.
I used to run both inputs, but honestly the 2nd input overpowers the daylights out of the first. Its just so grindy, midrangey and mean.
 
#468
Thanks for the congrats guys! I couldn't remember off the top of my head if the 1st or 2nd input broke up better, so I'll try the second one tonight and see what's what.
I haven't played with the Graphic EQ really just yet. We've got two shows coming up next month and we're still "new" as a band together and this just came home over the weekend, but we're getting together Sunday for an all-day event, so I'll have more time then. :)
 
#469
DAcat said:
Hey rockstarbassist :bassist:...I always wanted to try ut the 400+ and I still likely will esp. encouraged by your post...what kind of music do you play? I play thru a Titan V12 powering a Genz Benz Uber 410, plus other assorted cabs-has anyone played a 400+ thru the Uber 410 cab? Well anyway...that looks like a killer rig and it should sound greeeaaat ;) too-have fun( I know-you are)...Peace...DAcat :cool:
Click to expand...

The V12 is awesome in it's own right. I can see why Mesa says it's a "replacement" for the 400+, as it stays clean pretty much at any volume, unless you just crank the Gain. Plus it has that "oomph" at high volumes, much like the 400+. I got the V12 at the time b/c I was in a cover band, and we were pretty pro about it- playing all the songs in correct tunings/keys, and I had anywhere from 2-4 basses in tow for every show which was about 4-5 hours long, and we had lights, backing tracks, smoke, whole production bit, so it was worth having an amp that versatile. I used both channels, OD on both, and the solo, so yeah- it really fit me well. :) Plus I wasn't using FX at the time like I am now so the footswitch with that amp was a godsend.
But nowadays I'm playing pretty much radio-friendly rock originals, with a few covers to fill up space. And some of it gets a little heavy, so I mainly like a broken up tone that isn't too indistinct where you can still hear my bass. And I gotta say- my Spectors sound epic through this setup! Krug + others who said the NV cabs were made for these big honkin' tube amps were 110% right on. It's not even close. Of course, the hybrid Mesas through those cabs are STILL about as good as you'll get from any other amp+cab combo out there, but this just takes it over the top. As you can see, my Master is about 1.5-2.0 and my band was already bitching about volume! :bassist::bassist::D;):smug: My BB750 was about 10:30-11:00 to keep up.

I'd be hard pressed to say the 400+ is "better" than the V12, so I won't! :D ;) They're both equally awesome, but if you just want to dial in a gnarly tone like me and don't need all the options, the 400+ is the way to go!
 
#470
So... Tested out Input 2 last night, and holy CRAP were you guys right! It's total domination. Plus I busted out my Killadelphia DVD and checked Campbell's settings on his 400+, as I have two loud guitars and drums to cut through, and with a few tweaks I was in tonal heaven.
Everyone was complaining about how loud I was but I was like guys, look! It's like on 1 1/2 and 2! It's NOT loud! :D

Again this tube business is new to me, but last night I got more natural breakup and grind when I set the Channel volume low(er), and boosted the Master. So you're I'm assuming pushing the power tubes harder than the preamp ones. Makes sense if so. It's just devastating through the NV610! :D Grind and oomph and punch for days. I wonder what it'd sound like through an NV412, as I really am a 12's guy... Hrmmmmm... ;) :D

Also- I guess I can look back, but are the SKB (regular or Roto) racks too flimsy to rack these in? Am trying to save weight where I can, but if I need a "Road Ready" style case, then that's where I'll go.
 
#471
rockstarbassist said:
Muahahaha!! This baby is totally and fully pristine...
Click to expand...
Ok, I have to say this... I've never really been much of a tube amp guy, but that 400+ and the NV610 has GOT to be a total match made in heaven... ALMOST gave me 400+ GAS... almost... :)

Nice grab!!! :)
 
#472
rockstarbassist...regular SKB racks are fine with the 400+, IME, but be careful how you lug it around as I've had some of those metal handles slip out of SKB and Gator racks and then it isn't good.

I had my 400+ in a 4 space SKB rack and I drilled holes in the side of the rack for better ventilation (at least that is what I told myself).
 
#473
Vic said:
Ok, I have to say this... I've never really been much of a tube amp guy, but that 400+ and the NV610 has GOT to be a total match made in heaven... ALMOST gave me 400+ GAS... almost... :)

Nice grab!!! :)
Click to expand...

Dude, it's the gospel truth. I mean, it's downright impossible to make this combo sound bad!! I like you was always about the true SS's or hybrids, but THIS particular amp just has that magic I've never found in anything from Ampeg or Trace, etc.. I think an Orange would sound good through this also, but I can't imagine it sounding better. ;):bassist::bassist:

stingray56funk said:
rockstarbassist...regular SKB racks are fine with the 400+, IME, but be careful how you lug it around as I've had some of those metal handles slip out of SKB and Gator racks and then it isn't good.

I had my 400+ in a 4 space SKB rack and I drilled holes in the side of the rack for better ventilation (at least that is what I told myself).
Click to expand...

Ok thanks. I think my lead guitard has his whole rack (which includes a Strategy 2:90- NOT LIGHT) in one of the 8 or 10U SKB Roto racks and he likes it fine so I will probably check one of those out.
 
#475
Nightlyraider said:
Question for rockstarbassist:

What is that cabs resistance rating? It looks like you are plugged into the 2 ohm out from the amplifier and I don't think Bergantino has anything like that...
Click to expand...

The 400+ has 3 8-ohm outputs and 3 4-ohm outputs.

Per the manual, to get to 2 ohms on the amp, you'd use 2 4-ohm outs. I just have 1 cable plugged in rt now giving me a 4-ohm load.
 
#476
I've had three 400 now, and they're a really great amp.
I swapped the driver tube to a 12au7 to help keep it cleaner longer...but in the end, I was happier with the size/weight to performance ratio of the Walkabout.
 
#477
MESABOOGIERIG.jpg

DSC_3294.jpg


The two ultimate amps in my opinion...
 
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