Mesa Boogie Walkabout Mega-thread Part 10

[agedhorse]

This is what I found after many experiments! The Walkabout pre plugged into any other power amp via the FX Loop sounded really dry and not particularly special, but any preamp plugged into the Walkabout power amp via the FX loop sounded really good!

This is why developing the WD-800 was such a challenge

 

[rodl2005]

When I referred to using 2 WA's, I was specifically referring to using (at least) 2 cabs, at least one cab each.
Many ppl seem to run a 800w amp into a single 12 or similar, so I was referring to using a couple of WA's and cab/s outta each.
I'd done this ages ago when I had 2 WA's, I had a Berg 212 and 112, and used both WA, one into each cab.
I'd also ran ONE WA into both 212 and 112, which, while just as loud, had a different feel to it.

 

[pfschim]

When I referred to using 2 WA's, I was specifically referring to using (at least) 2 cabs, at least one cab each.
Many ppl seem to run a 800w amp into a single 12 or similar, so I was referring to using a couple of WA's and cab/s outta each.
I'd done this ages ago when I had 2 WA's, I had a Berg 212 and 112, and used both WA, one into each cab.
I'd also ran ONE WA into both 212 and 112, which, while just as loud, had a different feel to it.

ha! so many ways to have fun !

 

[agedhorse]

When I referred to using 2 WA's, I was specifically referring to using (at least) 2 cabs, at least one cab each.
Many ppl seem to run a 800w amp into a single 12 or similar, so I was referring to using a couple of WA's and cab/s outta each.
I'd done this ages ago when I had 2 WA's, I had a Berg 212 and 112, and used both WA, one into each cab.
I'd also ran ONE WA into both 212 and 112, which, while just as loud, had a different feel to it.

Into both cabinets, the amp will get pretty squishy and lose dynamics. That was one of the specific complaints addressed with the WD-800.

 

[rodl2005]

I don't frequent my local stores that much lately anyway, but if there is a Mesa dealer in my town, I'll sure give the WD800 a try asap. Eagerly too!

 

[bumble yeti]

V1 Bottle Rocket on the way!
I'll let you know…

 

[Leo was right]

V1 Bottle Rocket on the way!
I'll let you know…

I look forward for your impression...

 

[Luke the Fluke]

Question for you all....

Anyone paired a Walkabout up with a more FRFR cab? how does it do?

I've only ever heard it through a Ashdown 810 (ok sounding) a Barefaced 1x15 (dreadful sounding) and the Mesa Scout cab I've got (awesome sounding with that modern B15 vibe going on)

If it makes a difference I've got one of them early "brighter" walkabout and stuck some '50s Philips valve in in V1 position that gave it a bit more harmonics going on than the stock.

 

[Mark Desmo]

Question for you all....

Anyone paired a Walkabout up with a more FRFR cab? how does it do?

I've only ever heard it through a Ashdown 810 (ok sounding) a Barefaced 1x15 (dreadful sounding) and the Mesa Scout cab I've got (awesome sounding with that modern B15 vibe going on)

I've no idea what an FRFR cab is, but I've tried my amp through various cabs at practice rooms I use, and I don't think any of them sounded anywhere near as good as the WA speaker.

If it makes a difference I've got one of them early "brighter" walkabout and stuck some '50s Philips valve in in V1 position that gave it a bit more harmonics going on than the stock.

Interesting. Mine's first gen but I've no idea how it compares to later ones.

What ohm is yours? Mine's 8ohm and I have the ext. cab too, which I only ever tried once, and it was far more than I need for the time being.

 

[Coolhandjjl]

FRFR= full range flat response

 

[Mark Desmo]

FRFR= full range flat response

Ta.

I would say 'you learn something every day', but now I need to find out what the heck 'full range flat response' means lol

 

[Coolhandjjl]

IOW, not a voiced bass cab. A fEARful with the true 3 way, or a FEARLESS cab may fall into that category

 

[rodl2005]

WA's always sounded great thru my cabs, Bergantino 1,2 and 4x12s at the time.

 

[agedhorse]

The Subways are quite neutral voiced, not quite FRFR but closer than any of the cabinets we have offered to date. You might read through some of the WA threads to see how those with the WA heads have liked the Subway cabs, at least that will get you another data point.

 

[Luke the Fluke]

I've no idea what an FRFR cab is, but I've tried my amp through various cabs at practice rooms I use, and I don't think any of them sounded anywhere near as good as the WA speaker.Interesting. Mine's first gen but I've no idea how it compares to later ones.

What ohm is yours? Mine's 8ohm and I have the ext. cab too, which I only ever tried once, and it was far more than I need for the time being.

I think it was the amp that was discussed a few pages back of having changed slightly over production, rather than the cab. Mines a 4ohm one

 

[MarkA]

Question for you all....

Anyone paired a Walkabout up with a more FRFR cab? how does it do?

I've only ever heard it through a Ashdown 810 (ok sounding) a Barefaced 1x15 (dreadful sounding) and the Mesa Scout cab I've got (awesome sounding with that modern B15 vibe going on)

If it makes a difference I've got one of them early "brighter" walkabout and stuck some '50s Philips valve in in V1 position that gave it a bit more harmonics going on than the stock.

When I had my Walkabout, I played it through my MAS (Michael Arnopol Soundworks) 112. I'd characterize that cab as pretty full-range (3-way cab with dedicated mids and a nice tweeter) but not quite flat -- there's some rise in the mids-to-upper mids, but it's still less "voiced" than many other bass cabs (recorded music still sounds okay through it).

There are a couple of clips of the Walkabout (and a Kustom KXB 500 and Markbass F500 for comparison) through that cab, here: NAD: The BEST Amp I've Ever Heard!! Kustom KXB500

For what it's worth, I've found the Walkabout to work pretty well with most cabs unless they're very scooped-sounding, very loose down low, or have a big hole in the mids. I liked its recorded sound via DI, so I'd probably like it all right through a "studio monitor" type of cab, but I felt that a bit of grind/texture in the mids helped it to come across in a mix with other instruments.

 

[pfschim]

Question for you all....

Anyone paired a Walkabout up with a more FRFR cab? how does it do?

I've only ever heard it through a Ashdown 810 (ok sounding) a Barefaced 1x15 (dreadful sounding) and the Mesa Scout cab I've got (awesome sounding with that modern B15 vibe going on)

If it makes a difference I've got one of them early "brighter" walkabout and stuck some '50s Philips valve in in V1 position that gave it a bit more harmonics going on than the stock.

some years ago I used my WA (gen 2) into an Accugroove Tri112 cab. These 3 way cabs were/are touted as pretty "studio monitor" like so probably fit the FRFR cab concept.

The WA sounded very good thru the Tri112, if not a bit more polite than I prefer (for reference, I don't like outright distortion, but do like the sound of tube compression just before meaningful breakup .. which the WA does so well). I liked that combination pretty well, but moved on and settled on Berg cabs for the WA (and all my other amps) and have been quite happy (no cab GAS for over 10 years).

 

[mikeswals]

Gigged all weekend out of town. This rig sounded pretty awesome!

 

[bumble yeti]

V1 Bottle Rocket on the way!
I'll let you know…

I received the V1 Bottle Rocket and got to spend some time with it.

Let me start by saying, “Your mileage may vary.” My rig is different than most. I tried to place the V1BR in the most universal positions. Also, I did not do any tube rolling and used the Mesa Russians that came with it.

My basses are all active: StingRay & Sterling 5 strings. My setup is listed below. For all of the routing and effects, I mainly run it combining clean/OD (Grizzly Bass) into a compressed, clean amp with a bit of outboard compression and reverb. (Reverb is only for home use.)

First impression of the V1 Bottle Rocket:
It’s a dark, tubey mid-focused sound that LOVES TO GROWL! Clean preamp tone-shaping is not what this thing is about. There’s a lot of gain on tap for a bass player. I was hoping for more taper, but like other Mesa guitar pedals I’ve tried, it’s aggressive and compresses and overdrives very quickly. There is a lot of bass boost. However, to me, the treble appears to be cut only. Fully clockwise seems to be flat. Other than harmonics, no added zing here.

My favorite settings are with the gain around 7-9 o’clock, bass set around 10-11 o’clock and treble maxed. After 9 o’clock it starts to overdrive/compress a lot more. Active basses, remember.

IMHO, running a bass into the V1 straight into the amp was its best sound, period. Heavy, deep tube OD/distortion. At the lower gain settings, it adds mid-focus but lets the bass’ sound through and starts to breakup. As it’s turned up, it compresses quickly and pushes those Mesa low mids we all know and love. ’90’s Metal/Prog folk take note!!!

For whatever reason, placing it where the Grizzly Bass is castrated its output. I had to really turn up the output to get unity of it. If you technical folks know what this is about, I’d appreciate a follow up.

It doesn’t play very well with modulation effects in front of it. Phasers just compress and detail is lost. Distortion and fuzz get crushed and tubified - which is pretty sweet, if you’re into that.

Running it into effects, it sounds very good with the Boss OC-2 and 3Leaf Proton each or together. Phasers suffer again sounding really forward like, “Hey guys! I just turned on my phaser!!!”

So could I get it to sound like an overdriven WA? No. Someone with a soldering iron, parts and the knowhow might but not me.

It is cool? Hell yeah! For me, in a bi-amp rig… glorious!!!

Is it for me? Sadly, no. Although I’m really glad to have had the chance to check it out.

FWIW, what I like about the Grizzly Bass is it adds harmonic content but doesn’t compress. Its sound is neutral, tone shaping being subtracted with the low pass filter and Funkulator circuit. It plays really well with what’s around it and does not appear to affected by its location. Is it the be all, end all? Nope. It ain’t close to a WA’s greasy, compressed OD either.

So this has me wondering… Has anyone run a clean and dirty WA together? Did it work well?

I hope this is of some help. Many thanks for taking the time to read one man’s impressions. I’d love to discuss further.

 

[Leo was right]

I received the V1 Bottle Rocket and got to spend some time with it.

Let me start by saying, “Your mileage may vary.” My rig is different than most. I tried to place the V1BR in the most universal positions. Also, I did not do any tube rolling and used the Mesa Russians that came with it.

My basses are all active: StingRay & Sterling 5 strings. My setup is listed below. For all of the routing and effects, I mainly run it combining clean/OD (Grizzly Bass) into a compressed, clean amp with a bit of outboard compression and reverb. (Reverb is only for home use.)

First impression of the V1 Bottle Rocket:
It’s a dark, tubey mid-focused sound that LOVES TO GROWL! Clean preamp tone-shaping is not what this thing is about. There’s a lot of gain on tap for a bass player. I was hoping for more taper, but like other Mesa guitar pedals I’ve tried, it’s aggressive and compresses and overdrives very quickly. There is a lot of bass boost. However, to me, the treble appears to be cut only. Fully clockwise seems to be flat. Other than harmonics, no added zing here.

My favorite settings are with the gain around 7-9 o’clock, bass set around 10-11 o’clock and treble maxed. After 9 o’clock it starts to overdrive/compress a lot more. Active basses, remember.

IMHO, running a bass into the V1 straight into the amp was its best sound, period. Heavy, deep tube OD/distortion. At the lower gain settings, it adds mid-focus but lets the bass’ sound through and starts to breakup. As it’s turned up, it compresses quickly and pushes those Mesa low mids we all know and love. ’90’s Metal/Prog folk take note!!!

For whatever reason, placing it where the Grizzly Bass is castrated its output. I had to really turn up the output to get unity of it. If you technical folks know what this is about, I’d appreciate a follow up.

It doesn’t play very well with modulation effects in front of it. Phasers just compress and detail is lost. Distortion and fuzz get crushed and tubified - which is pretty sweet, if you’re into that.

Running it into effects, it sounds very good with the Boss OC-2 and 3Leaf Proton each or together. Phasers suffer again sounding really forward like, “Hey guys! I just turned on my phaser!!!”

So could I get it to sound like an overdriven WA? No. Someone with a soldering iron, parts and the knowhow might but not me.

It is cool? Hell yeah! For me, in a bi-amp rig… glorious!!!

Is it for me? Sadly, no. Although I’m really glad to have had the chance to check it out.

FWIW, what I like about the Grizzly Bass is it adds harmonic content but doesn’t compress. Its sound is neutral, tone shaping being subtracted with the low pass filter and Funkulator circuit. It plays really well with what’s around it and does not appear to affected by its location. Is it the be all, end all? Nope. It ain’t close to a WA’s greasy, compressed OD either.

So this has me wondering… Has anyone run a clean and dirty WA together? Did it work well?

I hope this is of some help. Many thanks for taking the time to read one man’s impressions. I’d love to discuss further.

View attachment 3333227

Thanks for your review, I hoped it was for you but every setup is different. Maybe in your case it can work well into a parallel fx loop (blender style) which keep your clean harmonics and add it to the overdrive....?