Mesa M6 Carbine Mega Thread

[Ryan L.]

I sent an email to that voodoo switch guy as well, to get a quote on a footswitch for the M6. Just out of curiosity. they look really nice

Let us know what you find out, please. Since you already emailed him, I'll hold off until I hear what he tells you about it.

I'd definitely be interested in something along those lines.

 

[CaptainWally]

I checked out an M6 at lunch. Very, very cool stuff!

From what I heard, I agree with most of the descriptions.

I did hear *some* tube warmth there, but it is pretty subtle.

Anyway, it was a big fat reality check for me. I've been playing mini amps for so long, this thing seemed HUGE to me. I can't see myself lugging that around.

I guess I'm with you emjazz...

 

[Visirale]

I checked out an M6 at lunch. Very, very cool stuff!

From what I heard, I agree with most of the descriptions.

I did hear *some* tube warmth there, but it is pretty subtle.

Anyway, it was a big fat reality check for me. I've been playing mini amps for so long, this thing seemed HUGE to me. I can't see myself lugging that around.

I guess I'm with you emjazz...

Haha, the carbine is too heavy ?

Microamps have ruined the amplification world. When a sub 30lb amp comes across as heavy...

I mean, I know where you're coming from. I went from a mesa 400 to the LMII and was initially so won over by the weight. And it worked out for a while, but soon I realized I missed the heavyweight tone. My titan was heavy for a few days, but once I got used to it, it was fine.

Also, wheeled rack cases make it so much easier to move. To me, weight isn't worth sacrificing tone for any longer. I do understand how it can be a consideration for some though.

 

[Ryan L.]

Haha, the carbine is too heavy ?

Microamps have ruined the amplification world. When a sub 30lb amp comes across as heavy...

I mean, I know where you're coming from. I went from a mesa 400 to the LMII and was initially so won over by the weight. And it worked out for a while, but soon I realized I missed the heavyweight tone. My titan was heavy for a few days, but once I got used to it, it was fine.

Also, wheeled rack cases make it so much easier to move. To me, weight isn't worth sacrificing tone for any longer. I do understand how it can be a consideration for some though.

My feelings (the bolded part) exactly. I have yet to find a lightweight head that packs the punch that the heavier ones do. (the only one I haven't tried yet is the new GK one, so I can't speak for that one).

And I actually think the Carbine is quite light and easy to manage in a 3-space rack w/a tuner.

 

[810wmb]

Haha, the carbine is too heavy ?

Microamps have ruined the amplification world. When a sub 30lb amp comes across as heavy...

I mean, I know where you're coming from. I went from a mesa 400 to the LMII and was initially so won over by the weight. And it worked out for a while, but soon I realized I missed the heavyweight tone. My titan was heavy for a few days, but once I got used to it, it was fine.

Also, wheeled rack cases make it so much easier to move. To me, weight isn't worth sacrificing tone for any longer. I do understand how it can be a consideration for some though.

i was asking the other day, didn't get a response...

how does the titan compare to the 400+?

thanks, sorry for the hijack

 

[CaptainWally]

My feelings (the bolded part) exactly. I have yet to find a lightweight head that packs the punch that the heavier ones do. (the only one I haven't tried yet is the new GK one, so I can't speak for that one).

And I actually think the Carbine is quite light and easy to manage in a 3-space rack w/a tuner.

Aye...pends on what you're doing with your rig I reck'n.

 

[J.Wolf]

I like the beefiness of the tone, so I'm willing to carry the extra pounds I guess. The whole form factor just works for me, weight included.

On another note, I played my BN6 tonight with the M6>NL210/Tri112, it was a flamenco jazz trio in a restaurant bar. I really like that articulation and low end slam of the M6 that I haven't felt since the days of the CA9, but the whole band agreed that the LMII works better in the context of that group. The LMII really helps the bands overall sound gel together, that amp is kind of like velcro, it blends into so many settings, and does alot of things well.

Tomorrow night I've got a blues/rock/funk gig, I'm gonna bring the rig in the picture above, and I'm looking forward to getting to blast it!

 

[GRoberts]

Hmmm, Just when I thought Jake's report was going to fuel my M6 GAS, he says the LMII is more like sonic Velcro. (Cool, cause that's what I use) But you know what I hate? ...Ultimately, I wind up ponying up and collect the whole set!

I am looking forward to your next review with the Blues/rock/funk band. That kinda describes my band. (on a good day) On a bad day, we're a dance/cover/variety band. ..But it's all good. We have a blast, have bookings well into June of 2009 and the gigs pay for gear. Although the band funds could go toward paying bills if you guys would quit praising new gear! Which forces me to spend money on new great that I fancy. So it's still all your fault. (The collective "you") ....Just like I do. hehe

I like the beefiness of the tone, so I'm willing to carry the extra pounds I guess. The whole form factor just works for me, weight included.

On another note, I played my BN6 tonight with the M6>NL210/Tri112, it was a flamenco jazz trio in a restaurant bar. I really like that articulation and low end slam of the M6 that I haven't felt since the days of the CA9, but the whole band agreed that the LMII works better in the context of that group. The LMII really helps the bands overall sound gel together, that amp is kind of like velcro, it blends into so many settings, and does alot of things well.

Tomorrow night I've got a blues/rock/funk gig, I'm gonna bring the rig in the picture above, and I'm looking forward to getting to blast it!

 

[CaptainWally]

I like the beefiness of the tone, so I'm willing to carry the extra pounds I guess. The whole form factor just works for me, weight included.

On another note, I played my BN6 tonight with the M6>NL210/Tri112, it was a flamenco jazz trio in a restaurant bar. I really like that articulation and low end slam of the M6 that I haven't felt since the days of the CA9, but the whole band agreed that the LMII works better in the context of that group. The LMII really helps the bands overall sound gel together, that amp is kind of like velcro, it blends into so many settings, and does alot of things well.

Tomorrow night I've got a blues/rock/funk gig, I'm gonna bring the rig in the picture above, and I'm looking forward to getting to blast it!

Interesting...well, you play so many gigs and varieties, I'm sure the M6 will certainly see it's time to shine.

I guess I sticking with my velcro. bah - doom - doom - dish.

 

[J.Wolf]

my prediction is that the M6 will deliver what the LMII hasn't been able to in a blues rock setting.

 

[thehurlatron]

To all that have used or owned or reviewed (TomB) the carbine...

I'm currently using a DB750, and a GS410 (4ohms) or a NV610 (4ohms)

I play only 5 strings, and play a VARIETY of styles of music. Basically all but metal and jazz.

I like a beefy tone, I tend to gravitate a bit toward warm, but it's not a deal breaker for me.

I play a EA vl210 and iamp800 for my church rig, so super clean is not a problem, but not my all time favorite.

How would you compare the M6 to the DB750? (obviously very different amps, but looking for all aspects. Tone, volume, warm/crispy, tight bottom vs loose ect)

Just possibly looking for something a little different than what I have, shedding some weight, and selling the DB, and putting some coin in my pocket after buying a new amp.



Input appreciated.

 

[tombowlus]

The M-Pulse line (Walkabout, 600, BB750, V-12) are going to be more similar in overall tonality to the DB750 than is the M6 Carbine. My guess is that some of it lies in the tube versus solid state MOSFET driver, but either way you look at it, the M6 was intentionally voiced for a more articulate, fast, clear tone than the more full, warm M-Pulse line. This is not to say that the M6 is too dry or clinical. It's not, and I give Mesa/Boogie great credit for being able to achieve that degree of articulation and clarity, while retaining a musical sense of smoothness, and some warmth. But the other 'hybrid' Mesa/Boogie amps are more burly in the mids, and more warm in general, making them more akin to the DB750, which can be very beefy, warm, and burly.

The M6 is much more tonally flexible than you might think, though, and there are lots of tones to dial in. And in truth, the DB750 is also more flexible than you might initially expect. So, depending on how you dialed in your DB750, you may or may not be able to hit something close with the M6. They have different starting points, but there is some overlap.

Tom.

 

[KJung]

The M-Pulse line (Walkabout, 600, BB750, V-12) are going to be more similar in overall tonality to the DB750 than is the M6 Carbine. My guess is that some of it lies in the tube versus solid state MOSFET driver, but either way you look at it, the M6 was intentionally voiced for a more articulate, fast, clear tone than the more full, warm M-Pulse line. This is not to say that the M6 is too dry or clinical. It's not, and I give Mesa/Boogie great credit for being able to achieve that degree of articulation and clarity, while retaining a musical sense of smoothness, and some warmth. But the other 'hybrid' Mesa/Boogie amps are more burly in the mids, and more warm in general, making them more akin to the DB750, which can be very beefy, warm, and burly.

The M6 is much more tonally flexible than you might think, though, and there are lots of tones to dial in. And in truth, the DB750 is also more flexible than you might initially expect. So, depending on how you dialed in your DB750, you may or may not be able to hit something close with the M6. They have different starting points, but there is some overlap.

Tom.

+1 all the way. I finally was able to try one of these, and it's just an amazing head. However, it's a very different direction for Mesa, and I've posted that it's kind of a 'Mesa head for those who don't particularly dig the classic Mesa tone'. By that, I mean it really is very tight, quick, clean and solid state sounding, versus the quite convincing 'all tube emulation' vibe of the MPulse line.

I'm not a fan of tubes in pre's at all, and I LOVE this thing. It sounds more like my Markbass F1 with more power and low end than it does my old MPulse600.

The very mixed response that this head has gotten on this thread ('I love it' versus 'I hate it') probably has more to do with expectations given the Mesa name versus 'good or bad'. If you are looking for a fat, almost all tube tone, the other heads in the Mesa line do that as well or better than anything I've heard. If, on the other had, you want punchy and clean but with no 'hi fi sterility', this head is definitely worth a look.

I totally dig the look and features also.

This head gets a rare 'Ken A+'


Edit: The only negative I can come up with is the name... cheezy, but what the heck.

 

[Big String]

Ken, you have to do the sound of the report = Puh Kak
I've fired the 30 carbine many times .. awesome.

Thanks for the report, did you happen to try it via an AE410 ??? Sounds like I'd like it pretty much even though I'm a big DB750 fan too.

 

[KJung]

Ken, you have to do the sound of the report = Puh Kak
I've fired the 30 carbine many times .. awesome.

Thanks for the report, did you happen to try it via an AE410 ??? Sounds like I'd like it pretty much even though I'm a big DB750 fan too.

It was hooked up to a new Mesa 610. It was just wonderful. VERY different (in a good way IMO) from the DB750. It really is more like a Markbass F1 on steroids than anything else. That wonderful mid present, even, tone with a touch of upper mid 'aggressiveness'. However, you can hear the extra weight and the additional wattage down low. It really is a 'chest thumper', but doesn't have any of that 'give' and 'softeness' that I hear in the DB750.

Killer, killer head for modern and R&B type tones. VERY different for Mesa. It made the Walkabout sound like woolly mush to my ear

Edit: I usually HATE any sort of presets on an amp. They always seem too extreme to me. However, the mid voicing 5 level control on the Fathom/M6 is GREAT. It's an unusual kind of 'active' enhance control that can cut or add mids. The two most extreme setting are useless (IMOP, but the flat and one click either way settings sound great. As with most well voiced heads, it sounded best to me in the flat position. But man, one click to the right (mid boost), and my Sadowsky sounding like I switched to all bridge pickup setting with tons of fatness. The single left click was similar to the Markbass enhance at around 9 o'clock... just softened the mids a bit and brought out a touch more deep low end and 'click' up top. VERY nice!

 

[GRoberts]

If you are looking for a fat, almost all tube tone, the other heads in the Mesa line do that as well or better than anything I've heard. If, on the other had, you want punchy and clean but with no 'hi fi sterility', this head is definitely worth a look.

I totally dig the look and features also.

This head gets a rare 'Ken A+'

Whoah ! The rare Ken A+? Dammit. Everytime you do that, I think I need to buy something.

Edit: The only negative I can come up with is the name... cheezy, but what the heck.

+1 on the name. It should come in Camo. Sounds like a WWII rifle. Ready, aim, fire! M6 alone would have been fine. Why "Carbine?" Secure your perimenter Sargent!

 

[tombowlus]

It was hooked up to a new Mesa 610. It was just wonderful. VERY different (in a good way IMO) from the DB750. It really is more like a Markbass F1 on steroids than anything else. That wonderful mid present, even, tone with a touch of upper mid 'aggressiveness'. However, you can hear the extra weight and the additional wattage down low. It really is a 'chest thumper', but doesn't have any of that 'give' and 'softeness' that I hear in the DB750.

Killer, killer head for modern and R&B type tones. VERY different for Mesa. It made the Walkabout sound like woolly mush to my ear

Edit: I usually HATE any sort of presets on an amp. They always seem too extreme to me. However, the mid voicing 5 level control on the Fathom/M6 is GREAT. It's an unusual kind of 'active' enhance control that can cut or add mids. The two most extreme setting are useless (IMOP, but the flat and one click either way settings sound great. As with most well voiced heads, it sounded best to me in the flat position. But man, one click to the right (mid boost), and my Sadowsky sounding like I switched to all bridge pickup setting with tons of fatness. The single left click was similar to the Markbass enhance at around 9 o'clock... just softened the mids a bit and brought out a touch more deep low end and 'click' up top. VERY nice!

You are hearing this amp much the same way that I hear it. I think it's a killer option from Mesa/Boogie that compliments their other, more traditionally warm sounding, amps. I will say, though, that if you spend some time playing with the gain stages, you can dial in some tube grit/growl/warmth on the M6, but not quite to the extent that you can on an M-Pulse. And again, they seem to have different targeted starting points for the inherent voice of the amp.

I think that by using inductors for the voicing options, Mesa was definitely able to keep things more musical than where you might try to use different 'contours' that are based upon EQ tweaks. Great stuff!

Tom.

Edit:

And in case y'all missed it, the M6 sounds spectacular with the AE410!

 

[J.Wolf]

I've posted that it's kind of a 'Mesa head for those who don't particularly dig the classic Mesa tone'. By that, I mean it really is very tight, quick, clean and solid state sounding, versus the quite convincing 'all tube emulation' vibe of the MPulse line

true, I never really dug Mesa heads until this one came along.

It sounds more like my Markbass F1 with more power and low end than it does my old MPulse600.

totally

Edit: I usually HATE any sort of presets on an amp. They always seem too extreme to me. However, the mid voicing 5 level control on the Fathom/M6 is GREAT. It's an unusual kind of 'active' enhance control that can cut or add mids. The two most extreme setting are useless (IMOP, but the flat and one click either way settings sound great. As with most well voiced heads, it sounded best to me in the flat position. But man, one click to the right (mid boost), and my Sadowsky sounding like I switched to all bridge pickup setting with tons of fatness. The single left click was similar to the Markbass enhance at around 9 o'clock... just softened the mids a bit and brought out a touch more deep low end and 'click' up top. VERY nice!

+1, I almost never like mid scoop/bump presets, but this one really creates good sounding options with one or two clicks.

And in case y'all missed it, the M6 sounds spectacular with the AE410!

dude I really didn't need to hear that.....

 

[76Dub]

Ken, you have to do the sound of the report = Puh Kak
I've fired the 30 carbine many times .. awesome.

Thanks for the report, did you happen to try it via an AE410 ??? Sounds like I'd like it pretty much even though I'm a big DB750 fan too.

Hey Dean GK Fusion550 no joke bro

 

[GRoberts]

Hey Dean GK Fusion550 no joke bro

GK Fusion550? Seriously? They are not getting a lot of accolades that I have seen. Seems there are two camps; People who like them, and people who don't. Most people are like; "motorized knobs? ***! Somthing else to break." I haven't heard much else.