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Mesa Powerhouse 112 or 115?

HeyyyyyJoe

HeyyyyyJoe

Yahtzeeee
Nov 13, 2007
1,009
277
39
Brooklyn, NY
#1
Hey guys,

Looking to dump my Avatar 210 NEO and pair up my Mesa Walkabout with either a Mesa Powerhouse 112 or 115. I need a cabinet that's versatile enough to switch from funk, blues, R&B to progressive rock music. Also need it to fit in my Volkswagen Passat. Probably playing small to medium size gigs in the near future. Also thinking of picking up a 5 string in the near future, not sure if a 12 or 15 might handle the Low B better

I don't recall playing many 12's, but every time I've played a 15 in a rehearsal studio, I loved how it filled the room. I have noticed some 15's lack definition, but never played a Mesa 15, so I'm not sure if that's the same situation. I know everyone loves the portability of the Mesa 112, especially since you can pair it with another 112 down the line if I need it. Pairing a Mesa 115 with a Mesa 210 is also a possibility down the line if I need the power, but I know everyone hates the idea of pairing different speaker sizes...

Thoughts? Thanks!
 
#2
The Powerhouse 15s sound great. I'd never describe them as lacking definition. And the more recent ones have the "player control network" which is a fancy way of saying "adjustable crossover". Flabby, they are not! Highly recommended - I use one PH115 for most situations (in other cases I like to use two!)

As for fitting in your Passat, be careful. Is it a hatchback? Mesa PH cabs are 18" deep...
 
#4
I wouldn't say that the mesa 15's lack definition at all. In my experience many of the currently designed 15's tend to have more presence in the mid range and quite articulate. I currently am using a pair of GK Neo 115's. No lack of definition for sure. I don't think you can go wrong with either of those cabs! Here is a good demo of both the 12'' and 15'' powerhouse.
 
#7
I have a PH212 and a PH115 that I use with a M6 Carbine.
Mesa's 12" speakers are insane. I like the 15", but the 12s are just dead-on perfect.
I recommend the 12"; you can always add a 2nd one for huge sound. Or, if you have the $$$, the PH212 is just the best EVAH!!!
 
#8
The PH122's are jut amazing cabs. I paid a lot for mine but they were worth the price.

P1030493.jpg
 
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#12
I run one or two PH 115's when on outdoor gigs because they have ample low frequency range when not going through a PA. Low B is fantastic with these cabs and you can always dial out some low end if too boomy. Keep in mind that I prefer the slightly slower response of 15's vs. 12's or 10's. If you're wanting to hear big, round massive low end, you can't go wrong with the Powerhouse 115. Yes, they are larger and heavier than many other 115's, but that's part of the reason the tone is so good. I have some super light-weight 115's with Neo speakers- they handle more power than the PH and are super portable, but there is no comparison when it comes to tone.
 
#15
With a walkabout you are way better off with a 4 ohm 2x12. Into a single 8 ohm cab it just isnt going to get very loud. Tone wise the 12 is more modern, the 15 has deep bass and lots of high mids -- classic barky 15.
 

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