Hi all, absolutely loving my WD800. Currently running a Berg HDN212, which it sounds glorious through, but would love a matching mesa 2x112 set up. Subway cabinets are virtually nonexistent here in Aus. A couple of used powerhouses have come up I’ve got my eye on, but just realising these cabs are only rated at 300w each, so I’ll be “overpowering” the cabs, both with the head at 400w for a single cab set up and 800 for 2 @ 4ohm (600w). At present with the berg, I don’t push the amp past noon, even when I had a berg 112, it didn’t have to work too hard. Could I assume the same with the powerhouses and potentially run this safely? Or is it just not worth it? Thanks all.
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Mesa Power Ratings
- Thread starter Ricoco
- Start date
- Feb 12, 2006
- 60,949
- 5
- 220,576
- Disclosures
- Development Engineer-Mesa Boogie, Development Engineer-Genzler (pedals), Product Support-Genz Benz
What you can do for added safety is to set the amp into 2 ohm mode which reduced the rated power to 300 watts at 8 ohms and 600 watts at 4 ohms.
Easy solution.
Easy solution.
Was concerned it may have been an “only run at 2ohm while 2ohm load is connected” kind of scenario, but that’s likely my ignorance talking!
I'm not sure the Powerhouse cabs would be considered “matching” for the Subway series.
I'd call it “not worth it” and stick with the HDN212 since it's making you happy.
That's just my opinion though, what I'd do.
I'd call it “not worth it” and stick with the HDN212 since it's making you happy.
That's just my opinion though, what I'd do.
I'm not sure the Powerhouse cabs would be considered “matching” for the Subway series.
I'd call it “not worth it” and stick with the HDN212 since it's making you happy.
That's just my opinion though, what I'd do.
Thanks for the 2c, good call too - I acknowledge the cabs will sound different to my berg, with the subway cabs likely being a better match to the WD800. But you’re right, and they’ll certainly be harder to offload if I prefer the berg (in a lucky position where I can actually own both for a short time and be able to compare and move on the inferior set up). Just got to weigh up the risk of the PH112s sitting there until they sell if they don’t live up to the berg, or rework my tone/making a sacrifice there, just to have a matching rig! That seems silly haha.
Certainly open to any direct feedback from anyone who has tried a WD800 through the powerhouse 12s!
Wow, what a useful piece of info. My one Eden cab is rated at 350 watts, my other is at 500 watts and both rated at 8 ohms. So I was in that “being cautious” mode which has been proven not to be 100% reliable. Another nice feature on this amp.
Many thanks.
- Feb 12, 2006
- 60,949
- 5
- 220,576
- Disclosures
- Development Engineer-Mesa Boogie, Development Engineer-Genzler (pedals), Product Support-Genz Benz
Yes, even being cautious it's possible to damage a speaker in a scenario like this.
For each player who chastises me for more conservative approach to powering cabinets, I also see players who discovered why being cautious is a good choice after they accidentally damaged a speaker. It happens enough that I make my recommendations based on real world feedback from all players, not just the lucky ones.
Powerhouse cabs are very nice. Depends on the sound you’re going for. I have a powerhouse 6x10, Subway 2x12 and 1x15. I’d say the powerhouse can sound more aggressive than the Subway cabs although not a fair comparison given the different speaker configurations. Never played through a Berg cab so I can’t comment on that.
I never would have thought to try this. Is there any particular disadvantage to it, in a situation where you want less power into a 4/8ohm setup?
- Feb 12, 2006
- 60,949
- 5
- 220,576
- Disclosures
- Development Engineer-Mesa Boogie, Development Engineer-Genzler (pedals), Product Support-Genz Benz
The real solution is Barefaced...
Actually been down that path and came back to Berg…! Each to their own
Thanks for your 2c, yes that is what I’m reading in the info I’m finding comparing the tone. As long as it is not “harsh”, I think I’ll be able to make it work, similar to the new Berg NXT line versus the HDN (for those who do know them).
I guess I’m also curious if the aggression can be toned back with the WD800’s powerful EQ section if I did find it overwhelming? Most of what I play is rock, so I feel they’ll be a good fit and have used both a PH412 and 610 in the past on backline with my old GK Fusion 550 head and remember loving them. I feel like the GK is more aggressive and snappy than the WD800, so surely with the mesa head I’ll be able to work the cabs with any extra presence in their mids. Also assuming the 12s are going to be most polite of the bunch (vs. 15s and 10s).
As a fellow Aussie mesa owner looking for another subway cab , is there any eta the cabs reaching Australia @agedhorse ?
I REALLY need another sw115
I REALLY need another sw115
- Feb 12, 2006
- 60,949
- 5
- 220,576
- Disclosures
- Development Engineer-Mesa Boogie, Development Engineer-Genzler (pedals), Product Support-Genz Benz
Nothing concrete, but I know they are currently being built for the EU and assume AU/NZ is in general part of our big export build-out.
I don't know if this is useful for future reference for you or folk passing thru, but here's a chart that sorts the 2Ω or 4/8Ω settings.
Shows what power is available for different ohmic value single or multiple
cabinet combinations, depending on switch position. Also shows what combinations you shouldn't try LOL. Only applies to the 3 products listed on the chart.
You're right, it's a nice feature. Nice versatility.
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