Mesa DP-800 question

[Kipp Harrington]

I am (eventually) going to purchase the Subway D-800. I have a Broughton adjustable HPF pedal and I don't have a use for the "bright" switch and mid frequency sweeping knobs on the DP-800 +. So I gave decided to go small and simple.

Another aspect of what influenced me to go with the DP-800 was the fact that I have a Tech 21 Character Series preamp/DI on my pedalboard. I plan on using this in conjunction with the D-800 to get an "Ampeg" tone. I really like the tone shaping and punch the Tech 21 provides.

Do any of you (Subway Amp) users also use a preamp with your rig? And if so, how do you like it? Thanks.

 

[Gearhead17]

I have the D800 - I don't think you meant to say DP-800. That head works well with ANYTHING. I have used the Tech 21 BDDI V2 into it and the Tech 21 PSA 2.0 into it. Nothing clashes with the D800 and I all I get is amazing tone. The D800 does not impart a lot of natural amp character into it's sound so it mainly gives you what you put into it.

 

[lomo]

For me, the fact that the dual mid controls are adjustable on the 800+ but not the 800 makes it worthwhile to get the former, which I did. I initially thought I'd never use the bright and deep switches....but I do. An outboard HPF is just as good, but not having to run a pedal in front of the head is an added bonus.

 

[Al Kraft]

I own a D-800 and love both the simplicity and smooth/polite voicing. IMO it is a bit darker than some of its stable mates or something like the typical GK heads, but I like that slightly naturally subdued top end.

It plays well with pedals and at least for me is quick and clean without sounding SS sterile. FWIW I find there is a lot of tone shaping capability in those simple controls and since I like the inherent tone with everything in a neutral position, there is nothing lacking for me.

 

[Jim Carr]

Love my d800. I have an Fdeck v3 HPF in front of it, which is probably not actually necessary, but with upright, it is helpful.

If I recall correctly, the d800 has a (built-in) fixed HPF, unlike the later models.

Don't recall the where the low frequency roll-off starts (rtfm? ), perhaps we can ask Andy, AKA @agedhorse?

 

[Al Kraft]

Love my d800. I have an Fdeck v3 HPF in front of it, which is probably not actually necessary, but with upright, it is helpful.

If I recall correctly, the d800 has a (built-in) fixed HPF, unlike the later models.

Don't recall the where the low frequency roll-off starts (rtfm? ), perhaps we can ask Andy, AKA @agedhorse?

It's about 30 HZ unless you have the deep switch on and then it is effectively lowered a bit...from the manual:

DEEP SWITCH This switch (and its associated blue indicator LED) engages the DEEP filter, our take on classic low frequency response enhancement and extension. When engaged, there is a mild boost in the very low frequency response while also lowering the effective high pass filter frequency. This combination brings a more round, thicker, fatter response to the bottom end. When using with small (compact style) cabinets, be aware of the possibility of damage due to overpowering at higher volumes.
INTERNAL HIGH PASS FILTER While not a visible switch or control, it is an important internal feature in maintaining control over the extreme low end, especially under high drive conditions. This precision 4-Pole filter has a turnover frequency that is set at approximately 30Hz with maximally flat, no ripple response. While HPF’s have been standard fare within the pro audio industry for decades, this feature has only appeared in bass guitar amplifiers within the past few years (with a few notable exceptions). This filter also provides additional mechanical protection to the speakers by limiting the power to the speaker below the frequency range that the speaker cabinet cannot provide adequate acoustic loading to the drivers. This is one of the primary (and preventable) causes of premature speaker failure, especially with compact speaker cabinet products.