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Mesa M6 Carbine Mega-Thread Pt Deux

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#101
KJung said:
I understand the above, but it still makes very little sense to me (i.e., running a compressor in an effects loop). Put another way, I'd buy a cold and frosty beer to anyone who could tell the difference between a compressor before or after the preamp in a bass rig on a blind bassis with the gains set equally:D
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You're assuming you're compressing the same sound in both cases. Bad assumption.

If you push a preamp hard, as it's driven harder on the peaks, it may distort some, maybe do something else tonally during those peaks. Let's say you want to preserve "that sound", but then squash it before final amplification so you can maintain a tighter dynamic range at the speakers and still have "that sound".

Trust me, compression is an art form. They can be used in MANY MANY ways. Just ask any studio engineer. :)
 
#102
KJung said:
Again, I can see a compressor being used...
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The other thing I should point out is, while effects aren't really my thing (and I don't think yours either), it's not really just about compressors anyway. Lots of folks use other things besides compressors of course, and sometimes the effects loop is the best place to put those effects.
 
#103
Vic said:
You're assuming you're compressing the same sound in both cases. Bad assumption.

If you push a preamp hard, as it's driven harder on the peaks, it may distort some, maybe do something else tonally during those peaks. Let's say you want to preserve "that sound", but then squash it before final amplification so you can maintain a tighter dynamic range at the speakers and still have "that sound".

Trust me, compression is an art form. They can be used in MANY MANY ways. Just ask any studio engineer. :)
Click to expand...

Compression in the studio is a TOTALLY different thing.:smug: Your example above makes me giggle a bit concerning live bass guitar backline.
 
#104
I am not really sure it is the effects loop. The BB750 FX loop is configured as series as well, however it has a dedicated DI level on the rear located right next to the pre/post switch. So the volume does not affect the pre/postor FX send level at all. This is why I don't remember having problems with the compressor and the DI/Master volume with the BB750. I want the tone of the M^ witht eh DI setup of the BB750.

OK, if you dig the overall tone of the head, why wouldn't you want to run it in post so you we get some of that tone in the FOH. I am speaking w/o anything in the FX loop here.

PS Ken, I am in control of my technique it's just somewhere between my head and fingers, there is a series FX loop that adds some sloppyness.:D
 
#105
Vic said:
The other thing I should point out is, while effects aren't really my thing (and I don't think yours either), it's not really just about compressors anyway. Lots of folks use other things besides compressors of course, and sometimes the effects loop is the best place to put those effects.
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That would be a different topic:smug:, and of course, this I agree with totally. Not waxing poetic about effects loops, just one person who might dump an M6 because, of all things, a compressor doesn't work well in an effect loop:eek::cool:
 
#106
KJung said:
Compression in the studio is a TOTALLY different thing.:smug: Your example above makes me giggle a bit concerning live bass guitar backline.
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No, my point was not to say studio compression and stage compression were the same. Not at all. C'mon, dude, you know me better than that. Sheesh. :rollno:

My point was, there are different ways to use compression... yes, even in a live situation. It's not always just about squashing an input signal.

Remember, there are LOTS of bass players out there that go for highly altered tones... not just the pure clean stuff like I'm into (and I think you are as well.)
 
#107
Vic said:
No, my point was not to say studio compression and stage compression were the same. Not at all. C'mon, dude, you know me better than that. Sheesh. :rollno:

My point was, there are different ways to use compression... yes, even in a live situation. It's not always just about squashing an input signal.

Remember, there are LOTS of bass players out there that go for highly altered tones... not just the pure clean stuff like I'm into (and I think you are as well.)
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+1... and again, the vast majority of them that I am familiar with use compression similar to the vast majority of guitarists... at the front of a signal chain, especially if they are using a lot of effects.

Again, if it's that important to the poster, of course, he needs a different amp (and I also agree, the Mesa effects loop described is strange and seems to be a mistake to me.

My only point is that in MANY situations I've seen guys clinging to these compressors for the wrong reasons. I will continue to feel sad that someone who digs the sound of the amazing M6 might dump it because a compressor doesn't work optimally in an effects loop. That's my only point!
 
#112
Chef said:
After 5 intermittent-and-for-no clear-reason shutdowns, and one (possibly rack bag induced) thermal shutdown; mine's headed back to Mesa for diagnosis tomorrow. Mine is a late enough serial number "it should be current spec."
CS were very concerned and empathetic on the phone, had no idea what could be up with my unit, and are sending out a call tag for return shipping.

Huge bummer, cause *I looove this head* and the SKB two space rack with lots-o-breathing room just arrived.

Hopefully, the service diagnosis will reveal some clear and easily remedied problem and get the M6 back in my grubby lil mitts pronto, cause I sure don't want to be without it.

If I were an effects guy, I can see how the issue several posts up would be a real concern. I'm not an effects guy. The mute needs improvement. I'll tell the CS guys about both of these when I chat with them next.
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oh wow,

that sucks, but in my guitar playing experience, i know mesa is pretty awesome w/ their customer service.

as always, let us know how things turn out.
 
#116
Fellas, look... not trying to start a war here. I respect everyone's opinion/experience, even Ken's.;) Ken's opinion of it pushed me over the edge into buying it. Obviously there is a lot of love here for this head. Me too.
I'm NOT ABOUT TO DUMP THE HEAD because of this issue. So put your wallet(s) away.
As I have stated several pages ago, I have a love/hate relationship with my compressor.
I hate it because it limits my dynamics.
I love it because it limits my dynamics. Capish?

It worked well in my Demeter rack.
It doesn't work well with my M6.

Maybe I really don't need it at all, or even want it with this head; we'll see.
But it would have been nice to have the option, that's all.
 
#117
dmusic148 said:
Fellas, look... not trying to start a war here. I respect everyone's opinion/experience, even Ken's.;) Ken's opinion of it pushed me over the edge into buying it. Obviously there is a lot of love here for this head. Me too.
I'm NOT ABOUT TO DUMP THE HEAD because of this issue. So put your wallet(s) away.
As I have stated several pages ago, I have a love/hate relationship with my compressor.
I hate it because it limits my dynamics.
I love it because it limits my dynamics. Capish?

It worked well in my Demeter rack.
It doesn't work well with my M6.

Maybe I really don't need it at all, or even want it with this head; we'll see.
But it would have been nice to have the option, that's all.
Click to expand...


+1 Don't mean to bust your balls about this... just another perspective (and not necessarily one that's right) to think about.:)

As many on the site know, I LOVE the dialectic:D Usually, only Brad Johnson can make me cry uncle!!!!!

I agree totally that the design of that effects loop is 'strange'.

K
 
#119
dmusic148 said:
Fellas, look... not trying to start a war here. I respect everyone's opinion/experience, even Ken's.;) Ken's opinion of it pushed me over the edge into buying it. Obviously there is a lot of love here for this head. Me too.
I'm NOT ABOUT TO DUMP THE HEAD because of this issue. So put your wallet(s) away.
As I have stated several pages ago, I have a love/hate relationship with my compressor.
I hate it because it limits my dynamics.
I love it because it limits my dynamics. Capish?

It worked well in my Demeter rack.
It doesn't work well with my M6.

Maybe I really don't need it at all, or even want it with this head; we'll see.
But it would have been nice to have the option, that's all.
Click to expand...

where's Bongomania when you need him?!?
 
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