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Mesa Powerhouse Cabs - The Big Boys!!!

Neil

Neil

Mar 21, 2004
779
97
70
South River, New Jersey
#1
I currently use an M6 with an M9 on order. I'm looking for a 1 cabinet solution so I've been thinking about buying 1 of 3 Mesa Powerhouse cabs. I'm thinking of either the PH610, PH1200 or PH412. The problem is there are no dealers in my area who carry any of these cabs for me to audition. I've owned the PH212 and dug it. I've play the PH410 and really loved the sound but didn't like the fact that if I punch my B string the cab starts to crap out and only moderate volumes.

I'm leaning towards the 610 because I like the quickness, articulation and punch of 10s. However I'm afraid the 610 might not give me much more ooomph than the 410 and more importantly I'm afraid the 610 might crap out like the 410 did. If someone out there has ever compared the 410 to the 610 maybe you can give me your prospective on these 2 cabs.

Also at just 2 or 3 pounds heavier I'm thinking why not go for either the PH1200 or PH412. Those cabs are rated at 1200 watts as compared to 900 watts of the 610 cab. My thoughts are that I'd probably be able to slam on the B string without fear of crapping out either one of those cabs. If I were to go this way I'd probably lean towards the PH1200 because of the 4 - 10s. But does the 15" driver in this cab make the cab sound boomy? Crabby liked the PH412 cab much more than the PH1200. In fact he thought the 1200 sounded boomy compared to the 412 but I believe he was using an MPulse and not a Carbine so maybe that makes a difference but who knows.

So I'd really appreciate it if any of you guys could give me your thoughts, opinions and reviews. Thanks a lot.
 
#2
Answered in the Mesa Boogie thread.

Reposted here:

I play with a bit of distortion adding drive for grit, but without the grit I add, the 412 cabinet is extremely articulate. It has a definite midrange voice, but still reproduces the lows extremely well ( I usually only play in standard tuning, sometimes a 1/2 step down).

My basses all mostly have double P's (I play BCR CS basses, one of which has the p/j combo) and all but the Wave ( the only import I own (strangely enough also my favorite bass due to the neck) ) have Dimarzio's in them (the Wave is having EMG P-x's installed in her). And the Titan/412 combo really sounds tight with my axes. The 412 cabinet is extremely sensitive and I feel it has a really transparent tone, in other words, it really lets the sound of the amp/bass come through almost uncolored. I found the PH1k to be less bright, and IMO no more articulate than the 412. A good cabinet to compare the Mesa 412 to is the GK 412. The GK is similar, but might be a little less defined and more rock voiced (which is not a bad thing at all, the GK is actually, in some instances, a better cabinet depending on what sound I am in the mood for!).

What I have found, is that for the sound I like, the 400+/PH412 is TOO bright. I have not really been able to find the sound I like, but the 400+ did sound pretty killer through the PH1k. I think that the 400+ would sound best, IMO and for the sound I like, through a 215/ or maybe a 610 or 810. Too that end, as much as I like the GK, I may end up putting it up for sale for a 2-15 or 610.
 
#4
I have the PH610, and it handles a low B quite well - I play in loud bands, and have found it to be an excellent stand alone cab... The PH610 definitely ourperforms the PH410 by quite a bit...


- georgestrings
 
#6
I have the PH412 and it handles the b string well and is rather live, alot different sounding than my NV610 was.
The NV610 was punchy compaired to the PH412 it sounded a tad smoother, in a band setting the PH412 just sits in the mix with no sweat, while the NV610 you had to boost the mids a tad.. NOT to say the NV610 was not an awesome cabinet, it is more vintage based IMHO I wanted a little bit more of a whallop than punch if that makes any sense
 
#10
Neil said:
Ledyard where abouts do you live in NY?
Click to expand...

I am in Homer sir. Half way between Binghamton and Syracuse. I bought mine apx 2.5 years ago from a professional touring bass player in Philly. I drove down to get it. I have thought about going for a different cab or cabs recently but I'm not sure. I had given some brief thought to selling or trading it but thats about it. Nothing in depth. i was waiting to see how my soon to be bought new head would sound through it.
 
#12
I've played all three and owned the 610 for a short time several years ago - it was my least favorite of the three. I'd recommend the 412 first followed by the 1200. Didn't like the 610 that much - it seemed to lack some focus - almost like it had too much porting or something. There was a lot of driver movement. That said, I'm sure it would match with the clear, punchy nature of the M6/M9, just not my first choice.
 
#13
Neil said:
Hey George thanks a lot for your feedback. As I said I was leaning towards the 610 but feared I might make the low end crap out just as easily as the 4x10. I loved the sound of the 410 just need more of it. So you would say the 610 is the way to go?
Click to expand...


I'd say either the PH610 or the PH412 would be the way I'd go if I were you...


- georgestrings
 
#14
JGR said:
I've played all three and owned the 610 for a short time several years ago - it was my least favorite of the three. I'd recommend the 412 first followed by the 1200. Didn't like the 610 that much - it seemed to lack some focus - almost like it had too much porting or something. There was a lot of driver movement. That said, I'm sure it would match with the clear, punchy nature of the M6/M9, just not my first choice.
Click to expand...


Different strokes, I guess - because I wouldn't trade my well used PH610 for a brand new PH1200... I've played both the PH1000 and 1200, and consider them to be on the bottom of the Mesa pile - I wouldn't own either one, unless someone practically gave them to me...



- georgestrings
 
#15
The Mesa 412 continues to be the best sounding cab I have ever heard or played through as far as being balanced and articulate. Its not overly mid humped or mid scooped. Its not vintage sounding at all but also not overly hi fi. It sounds clear, deep, punchy and crisp but with a fantastic sounding horn. I love it!
 
#16
Thanks Crabby. Really interesting that just as many people love the 610 as love the 412. I guess it just depends which camp you're in. I think I've eliminated the 1200 and narrowed it down to the 610 and 412 with the edge going to the 610. Since I really dig the sound of 10s I figure I should stick with em plus even though the weight of the cabs are all about equal, the 412 is much larger and probably a lot more difficult to manage. Damn it would be so easy if I could actually audition these cabs like you did.

By the way do you play a 4 or 5 string?
 
#18
mesas have seemed very bright and slightly nasaly to me with eq ran flat so expect to have to deal with that. but they are pretty solid cabs i love how the housing for the cab is so close to the speaker so the cabs arent unecisarrily big they make the cabs as small as possible.
 

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