Since I recommend these heads all the time to those looking for a modern tube tone without the size and weight of an all tube head, I figured I might as well get one myself! I had an earlier version a number of years ago, and it was one of the few pieces of gear I was actually sorry I sold after the fact.
Since a few TBers PM'd questions about this head since I purchased it this weekend, and since the new model has a few changes from the earlier models, I thought I'd post a picture and provide some feedback.
The amp weighs about 28 pounds, two rack spaces, wattage is listed as 625 into 4ohms (2ohms OK but not recommended... which always drives me a little nuts). I believe what they are basically saying is that the amp is overdesigned for 4ohm operation, but not really designed to push 2ohms all night every night).
The tone is, to me, like a 600 watt Ampeg B-15... very warm, but not meant for the SVT snarl... more fat and big... similar in design goal to the DB750 IMO.
The input section has been changed to a single input with active/passive switch. There had been some problems with the active input causing some issues when not used regularly, so they just took it out. The newer models also now have dual speakon speaker outs.. very nice improvement over the 1/4".
The primary tone controls are active bass and treble (55hz and 723hz shelving... unusual shelving start points, especially the treble control, which provides more upper mid growl than sparkle), and what they describe as a passive mid control (which is 'boost only' which always kind of confused me). The bass and treble are flat when centered at noon, and the mid control seems about flat at around 9 o'clock. If you use just these controls, the amp has a feel and tone very close to the Alembic F-1 to me at moderate EQ settings, although the bass boost is MUCH more powerful.
The five band semi-parametric mid control is powerful, and I like the center detents on each control, which makes it easy to quickly 'recenter' the setting and 'start from scratch'. Not sure why the bass, treble and mids don't have detents though.. that would be an improvement.
The compressor is about the best in the business, and the documentation says it is based on the THAT 4301P Analog Engine integrated circuit. Whatever that is, it is smooth and infinitely adjustable (threshold and ratio).
There is a typically overdesigned Mesa footswitch included, which can be used for tuner mute, solo boost (set by a separate master volume), semi-parametric EQ in/out, and compressor in/out. The footswitch is about the size of my Markbass F1
The rear panel is wonderful... pre/post DI with volume and ground switch, 'slave' amp driver with volume (this is wonderful if you are one of those guys who sometimes uses a huge power amp for large gigs), and an effects loop (parallel only, I believe).
The amp is an honestly rated 600 watts into 4, and is about the same volume as most of the popular amps of that power level (Epi502, Markbass LMII, Thunderfunk). However, it has the capability of HUGE tubey low end... massive.... and also a very convincing 'all tube' mid growl and warmth. The treble response is warm and polite, although you can get a little sparkle with the highest semi parametric band... but that's not what this head is about.
The build quality is amazing... the design and feel are very 'Harley Davidson'... all metal switches, smooth metal knobs, beautiful brushed aluminum front plate, etc. The fan is moderately loud, but not a problem.
There are two tubes in the amp (12ax7's), and Mesa claims the second tube which 'drives the MOSFETS' is what makes the MPulse sound so tubey versus other hybrid designs. Whatever the reason... it's TUBEY... more wide, clean and open than the Walkabout, and not as growly or mid punchy as the BB750.
For those who are looking for a relatively modern tube tone with lots of bells and whistles in a relatively small, light package... this amp is the bomb.
Here's a pic:
Edit: Sounds killer with the Epi410UL (II) and also the Aguilar DB112's... warm tube but articulate!
