I hope the knobs don't get too small... good sized solid knobs are important on a dark stage.....
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Mesa Subway D-350!
- Thread starter mmbongo
- Start date
- Feb 12, 2006
- 60,961
- 5
- 220,642
- Disclosures
- Development Engineer-Mesa Boogie, Development Engineer-Genzler (pedals), Product Support-Genz Benz
1 speakon is cool, but pleeeease keep the XLR out
Of course! I would be the laughing stock of the pro audio industry if I left the XLR DI out off!
I use these knobs but they are only 1/8" less diameter than the Subway D-800 knobs.
The 800w models are light enough and small enough. I have no interest in a miniature head that is so small that I can't turn one knob without budging adjacent ones. Reduction in size beyond a certain point can be counter productive. Let's keep it ergonomic! Make the knobs sturdy and function labels large enough to be easily seen in low light. The knobs could be color coded. Knob diameter needs to be large enough to allow easy fine tuning adjustments. Pots should be sturdy, with a shaft that doesn't flex, feels smooth when turning and with some turning resistance. The metal work should be heavy gage - your hand should not be able to depress the top or bottom panels.
- Feb 12, 2006
- 60,961
- 5
- 220,642
- Disclosures
- Development Engineer-Mesa Boogie, Development Engineer-Genzler (pedals), Product Support-Genz Benz
Agreed, that's why that prototype used our standard knobs and standard compact spacing. I am VERY aware of making an amp too small to be practical.
I assumed that you were aware of these aspects, but, after reading some of the comments, I wanted to voice support for a sturdy, durable and ergonomic build. There are already plenty of light weight, miniature heads on the market. While it may soon be possible to make an 800w head the size of a smart phone, a sturdy 3x10x8 inch (or somewhat larger), 5-10 pound head with functional and attractive knobs and switched will always win out in my book.
Sorry sir I must have misspoke. I would prefer not to see small knobs on the D-350.
I think there can be a happy medium. There already is a D-800 that's pretty compact, but the concept of the D-350 (I think) would be a smaller and lighter version of the D-800.
Just in case votes are being tallied somewhere, I'm quite happy with the knobs currently in use on the 800 series. It would be nice if an iridescent marker (dot or line) or something I could feel with my finger (raised bar or dot) could be added so I could easily tell if the knob was in the 9 o'clock or 3 o'clock position and so on in low light situations.
I used a TC BH-250 for most of the last 6 years or so. Pretty meh. Liked the sound ok and it was enough for the church and small bar gigs I do—but I loved the form factor.
Finally was able to swing a used D-800 a few months ago, and really love it in all respects. It’s definitely a keeper. That said, had there been a D-350 that was cheaper than the 800, I would have bought it a lot earlier.
Finally was able to swing a used D-800 a few months ago, and really love it in all respects. It’s definitely a keeper. That said, had there been a D-350 that was cheaper than the 800, I would have bought it a lot earlier.
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I have not read through past the first page, yet, but I agree an small combo amp with this chassis would be fantastic for smaller, on the go gigs, or for a recording/rehearsal amp. Say, a 1-10, or 2-8 vertical would be perfect.
I agree on this point. That is why I quickly returned the Contax T that I bought when it first came to market.
A combo would be very cool, @Jeff Scott . I would go for a 2x8. And if possible, a 2x8 extension cab. Ohhh the possibilities!
But still loving the idea of a D-350 head....
As an owner of Mark-series guitar heads this is a no brainer! Lose the swithces and use pull-pots.
From the D-800:
Input - Pull active
Bass - Pull deep
Master - Pull mute
I admit that small size is impressive, but on the other hand I wouldn't sacrifice important features or comfort of use for just some inches or grams less. As long as the cabinets we have to schlepp aren't as small and lightweight as the amps it doesn't make a difference in the real world.
- Feb 12, 2006
- 60,961
- 5
- 220,642
- Disclosures
- Development Engineer-Mesa Boogie, Development Engineer-Genzler (pedals), Product Support-Genz Benz
My experience with push-pull switching pots has been terrible on every product I have seen with them. Both operationally (we used to use them at Mesa and stopped because of customer complaints), and because the thinner shafts break much more easily.As an owner of Mark-series guitar heads this is a no brainer! Lose the swithces and use pull-pots.
From the D-800:
Input - Pull active
Bass - Pull deep
Master - Pull mute
I owned the D800 and thought the size and features were excellent. To make it better, would make it 25% less tall so it could slip in a big bag. I would also add a bright switch so it could appeal to even more players. I didn't miss a hpf on that model.
This D350 seems to be missing a deep switch which was a cool feature but I guess not feasible with 350 watts? This model would appeal to me as a backup, practice on the couch amp if it kept all the features the D800 already has, plus bright/ deep switch, 25% less tall and less expensive. A single speakon would work.
This D350 seems to be missing a deep switch which was a cool feature but I guess not feasible with 350 watts? This model would appeal to me as a backup, practice on the couch amp if it kept all the features the D800 already has, plus bright/ deep switch, 25% less tall and less expensive. A single speakon would work.
Seriously, for me, what works in small amps is simplicity. If I'm getting a "small" ( < or = 350w) amp I want it to be small !
In order to do that, I am happy to have simplicity and not think about all the settings outside of GAIN - BASS - MID - TREBLE - VOL - XLR/Headphone OUT. Knowing that I am going to have the voice of a particular amp and not have to think about much else is comforting.
It seems there could be two approaches to designing this size. 1) go the micro route and have more watts than the competition or 2) go the "standard" size route and generally redo what has been done in the past with the WA and GM350. I would think, let GM have that market bracket and go for the best in the micros with simplicity/size (as small as any micro like TE or GK and more watts)/weight/cost beating out the competition. Neither approach/strategy is wrong or better. Just different. So far, it's a fun development to watch!
In order to do that, I am happy to have simplicity and not think about all the settings outside of GAIN - BASS - MID - TREBLE - VOL - XLR/Headphone OUT. Knowing that I am going to have the voice of a particular amp and not have to think about much else is comforting.
It seems there could be two approaches to designing this size. 1) go the micro route and have more watts than the competition or 2) go the "standard" size route and generally redo what has been done in the past with the WA and GM350. I would think, let GM have that market bracket and go for the best in the micros with simplicity/size (as small as any micro like TE or GK and more watts)/weight/cost beating out the competition. Neither approach/strategy is wrong or better. Just different. So far, it's a fun development to watch!
The more I think about 350 the more I want it as a combo amp. Something under 40 lbs. with a 10” speaker measuring around 12” W by 12” D by 16” T. This should leave plenty of room for the amps controls with all the features of the WD800. It should be designed so that you would be able to add a second 10” cab as an extension speaker and stack them. If this could have a selling price of around $1200 for the combo, I think you would sell quite a lot of them. This would be perfect for smaller gigs or stage monitoring with just the combo and medium gigs with the extension cab. I for sure would buy one.
