Mesa Boogie Walkabout Mega-thread Part 10

[EdwardofHuncote]

Thanks for the extra help agedhorse!

At the very least, I should be able to pad down the input gain and set the (Walkabout) preamp eq's flat, yes? (it's 10:00 on bass & mid ain't it?)

 

[agedhorse]

It depends on your preamp's output levels, yeah maybe but likely to be a noise penalty.

I can't answer where flat is, because there isn't a true "flat" in the preamp section. There's a lot going on behind the scenes to get the WA sound.

 

[Session1969]

Anyone using an outboard preamp with a Walkabout?

Where in the signal path... effects loop, or between bass and input?

I wouldn't use a preamp in front of my walkabout because I like how it sounds. I'd get a power amp for the FX-1. Crest CA amps are awesome

 

[ric426]

After playing around with a new JJ ECC83S and a Telefunken (labeled Sonotone) ribbed plate 12AX7, with an emphasis on the best sounding overdrive, I wound up with the JJ in V1 and the Telefunken in V2. The JJ had a little smoother sounding low end clipping than this particular Telefunken. The JJ overdrive was also a little easier to control with right hand touch. Maybe a more gradual transition into overdrive?

 

[EdwardofHuncote]

I wouldn't use a preamp in front of my walkabout because I like how it sounds. I'd get a power amp for the FX-1. Crest CA amps are awesome

Yessir, that's probably where I'm headed with this Alembic... I hear the Crown DriveCore is pretty nice too. I like the Walkabout for what it is, but I just want to play with this preamp for a while, get used to the functions.

 

[Session1969]

Ah, now I see.

 

[sunbeast]

Anyone using an outboard preamp with a Walkabout?

Where in the signal path... effects loop, or between bass and input?

I've used a handful of different pres into the FX Return on my WA to good effect. I tried a Rusty Box, B7K, VMTD, as well as the pres of a bunch of different amps- my Mesa D-180, 400+, M6 Carbine, Prodigy, GK 800RB, GB ShuttleMax. They all sounded great and surprisingly clear given the warmer nature of the WA (much of which seems to be from the preamp). I didn't have any noticeable issues with driving the WA, but a possible issue with using it as a power amp in some setups is that the Master Volume comes before the FX Loop which means all volume adjustment must be done at the preamp (most amps have the Master after the FX Loop).

 

[Rickles]

After playing around with a new JJ ECC83S and a Telefunken (labeled Sonotone) ribbed plate 12AX7, with an emphasis on the best sounding overdrive, I wound up with the JJ in V1 and the Telefunken in V2. The JJ had a little smoother sounding low end clipping than this particular Telefunken. The JJ overdrive was also a little easier to control with right hand touch. Maybe a more gradual transition into overdrive?

When I researched the Telefunken, I chose the smooth plate over the ribbed plate, but I don't remember the differences. There are also long plates: ECC803.

Here's some interesting info.

 

[ric426]

Interesting info on that site and in reading I realized I had a typo in my JJ description. Mine is the long plate ECC803S. I chose the ribbed plate Telefunken because there seems to be a price premium for the older smooth plate and most sources seemed to say that there's little if any sonic difference. I chose the particular one I bought because it seemed to have the best test results for the price. In the long run I think you're flipping a coin in regards to what you actually get. It was an interesting experiment, but IMO overall the differences are subtle enough that in a mix or live setting they'd generally be lost anyway. But, it was an interesting way to dispose of $50 and now I've got spare tubes.

 

[Rickles]

... I chose the particular one I bought because it seemed to have the best test results for the price. In the long run I think you're flipping a coin in regards to what you actually get. It was an interesting experiment, but IMO overall the differences are subtle enough that in a mix or live setting they'd generally be lost anyway.

I went by the test results also, which can be a little confusing in themselves. I agree completely with the second point.

 

[EdwardofHuncote]

... I didn't have any noticeable issues with driving the WA, but a possible issue with using it as a power amp in some setups is that the Master Volume comes before the FX Loop which means all volume adjustment must be done at the preamp (most amps have the Master after the FX Loop).

I've been aware of that oddity primarily because of this thread... and I always figured there was some specific reason for it.

Basically, for this experiment, I'm wanting to use the low pass filter tone shaping function of the F-1X rather than the Walkabout's eq's, but to *not* overdrive the Walkabout input at all. A couple of the basses I play (Rick Turner Electroline Series) have screaming hot onboard preamps... so hot that I typically have to use the "active" pad, and only run the input gain at 11:00 or less.

So I'm hoping to use it right in the signal path between the bass an amp, but I don't want to risk any equipment either. If I understand correctly, (and I may be totally backwards here) it sounds like the F-1X might buffer some of that ridiculously excessive signal.

 

[sunbeast]

I've been aware of that oddity primarily because of this thread... and I always figured there was some specific reason for it.

Basically, for this experiment, I'm wanting to use the low pass filter tone shaping function of the F-1X rather than the Walkabout's eq's, but to *not* overdrive the Walkabout input at all. A couple of the basses I play (Rick Turner Electroline Series) have screaming hot onboard preamps... so hot that I typically have to use the "active" pad, and only run the input gain at 11:00 or less.

So I'm hoping to use it right in the signal path between the bass an amp, but I don't want to risk any equipment either. If I understand correctly, (and I may be totally backwards here) it sounds like the F-1X might buffer some of that ridiculously excessive signal.

You won't have to worry about damaging anything, and I think you'll probably have good results as long as the Alembic has an output volume control. It may not be an ideal impedance match, but I bet it will do as you hope and you'll still get the sweetness of the driver tube from the Walkabout.

 

[EdwardofHuncote]

You won't have to worry about damaging anything, and I think you'll probably have good results as long as the Alembic has an output volume control. It may not be an ideal impedance match, but I bet it will do as you hope and you'll still get the sweetness of the driver tube from the Walkabout.

Thanks for the advice sunbeast... the endgame here is two separate rigs for different purposes, eventually (if this works like I hope) I'll sell or trade one of my 2 Walkabout heads or combos for a power amp and cabinet. I like using the Walkabout with Scout 12's for certain things, but lately I've developed a taste for very clean/clear tone with more headroom. I scored a pretty good deal on this preamp, so after some experimenting I'll make a call... either go with a pre-amp/power-amp rig or start shopping Carbines and M-Pulse 600's.

 

[sunbeast]

Thanks for the advice sunbeast... the endgame here is two separate rigs for different purposes, eventually (if this works like I hope) I'll sell or trade one of my 2 Walkabout heads or combos for a power amp and cabinet. I like using the Walkabout with Scout 12's for certain things, but lately I've developed a taste for very clean/clear tone with more headroom. I scored a pretty good deal on this preamp, so after some experimenting I'll make a call... either go with a pre-amp/power-amp rig or start shopping Carbines and M-Pulse 600's.

I went through the opposite phase for a short time that led me to a Carbine M6. Didn't really last that long, and I ended up preferring the pre from that amp plugged into the power amp of my old 400+! Sold the Carbine, then bought a second Walkabout...now oddly the Prodigy is my "clean(er)" rig of choice, but the WA does the greasy fat thing better in some ways!

 

[svtb15]

I have an F2B.. i also had an F1X. .They are not the same. I am able to wind up the F2B higher than the F1X before it breaks up... The F1x is not all tube .. it has a Solid State (something ) that follows the Tube part..
There is NO true Flat setting of the Alembics. but 2-10-2 is fairly close to a flat setting..
The Walkabout is pretty close to the F2B in tone without the MID controls.. But the F2B treble control is more open and airy on the top end. And i think the WA Bass control has more accentuation..
My F2B is my go to tone test bed.. .Its plain. its simple, and it works well.
I have run my F2B into my WA but for the trouble its worth, the WA works better when its run as a whole.
I LOVE the walkabout LOVE IT.

 

[agedhorse]

The Walkabout effects return input impedance is 47k, so it's probably high enough for the Alembic preamp, though there will be at least a 6dB loss in signal level compared with a high impedance input since the Alembic's (the F2B is the only model I have data for) output impedance is somewhat greater than 47k itself. I think there is enough output level available to overcome this loss.

 

[ric426]

I have an F2B.. i also had an F1X. .They are not the same. I am able to wind up the F2B higher than the F1X before it breaks up... The F1x is not all tube .. it has a Solid State (something ) that follows the Tube part..
There is NO true Flat setting of the Alembics. but 2-10-2 is fairly close to a flat setting..
The Walkabout is pretty close to the F2B in tone without the MID controls.. But the F2B treble control is more open and airy on the top end. And i think the WA Bass control has more accentuation..
My F2B is my go to tone test bed.. .Its plain. its simple, and it works well.
I have run my F2B into my WA but for the trouble its worth, the WA works better when its run as a whole.
I LOVE the walkabout LOVE IT.

This post couldn't have come along at a better time for me. I've been toying with the idea of building an F2B clone just for fun and curiosity and running it into the Walkabout power amp. With the Walkabout master before the effects loop it presents a slight issue in that I'll want to have a master volume, but it shouldn't be much of an issue to incorporate one. That got me thinking about having a small power amp other than the Walkabout to use with the preamp, which got me wondering about the class D power modules and whether they're even available to an individual, and whether they're more trouble that they're worth for a one off project. Anyone know of a compact power amp (analog or "digital") in the 50-100 watt range (schematic or kit form or otherwise) that would give pleasing performance as what amounts to a high quality practice/studio amp?

 

[svtb15]

There have been different gigs when i used my F2B into my Genz Streamliner 900.. SM9.2 and a GK MBF800 Class D power amp input... And it sounded great..Last week i used the F2B into my Fender TB1200 Power section because i was running a 2.6Ω load at a large venue...
Still my Walk About is simply incredible except when i need an amp with more headroom.. Depending what gig I am playing and who it is with.. I play with many different bands and situations on a continual basis... So i change my setups to go with it,,
I am local today .. with great PA and Monitors so i am only bringing my Walkabout / REDDI with a 112 extention under my WA.
The only thing that i dont like about my Walkabout is that the DI is post everything!.. And stage adjustments get reflected in the DI too. Not good.. But its does sound killer and FAT

 

[agedhorse]

DI on the walkabout is post master volume only because it's positioned to take the signal after the makeup gain and driver tube sections which are also after the master volume. It's different only to take advantage of this particular feature.

 

[svtb15]

I know.. and i dont like it.. But maybe many people do...

DI on the walkabout is post master volume only because it's positioned to take the signal after the makeup gain and driver tube sections which are also after the master volume. It's different only to take advantage of this particular feature.