Mesa Walkabout Megathread!

[Tryxx]

So what's the general concensous about running this puppy at less than 4 Ohms? I probably won't anywhere near the future, just seems like useful information.

I hear it can handle it, I just don't know for how long etc.

 

[tombowlus]

So what's the general concensous about running this puppy at less than 4 Ohms? I probably won't anywhere near the future, just seems like useful information.

I hear it can handle it, I just don't know for how long etc.

I don't know that there is a general consensus, really. All I know is that I have run mine for up to 4 hours pushing a 2 ohm load, and the amp never acted up or even felt hot at all. In fact, I cannot recall any Walkabout users claiming that they had a problem driving a 2 ohm load. Please let me know if anyone has. I do know that at least two M-Pulse 600 users have had total shutdowns driving a 2 ohm load, so that does present some cause for concern (though the output sections are not identical, of course, so this may not directly apply to the Walkabout - though it is in the same family of amps).

Tom.

 

[Tryxx]

Thanks a bunch. I was told early on by Silky Smoove that it could handle 2 ohms, and even in the manual it said it could. Just to what extent eluded me. That gives me some hope though!

 

[Vic]

Thanks a bunch. I was told early on by Silky Smoove that it could handle 2 ohms, and even in the manual it said it could. Just to what extent eluded me. That gives me some hope though!

Below is from the user manual... the language is actually pretty strong...

The optimum speaker load for your WalkAbout is 4 Ohms. You may use a cabinet (s) of a higher rating safely (8 Ohm) with no degradation in tone, however the amplifier will not produce its full rated wattage. Minimum load rating is 2 Ohms and while the WalkAbout will handle this lower load condition - and in fact produce more than its rated power, it is not recommended. Prolonged use of a 2 Ohm load will cause the power mosfets to run hot causing the protection circuit to trigger and mute the output signal until such time as the mosfets can return to a safe operating temperature. Avoid using 2 Ohm loads whenever possible.

 

[tallboybass]

I've read that too but, by offering the combo mainly in 4 ohms AND selling an extension cab, Mesa kinda makes it seem like it's OK. Also, Ben Strange here on TB was working for Mesa and said they had torture tested the WalkAbout @ 2 ohms and couldn't get it to shut down.

 

[Vic]

I've read that too but, by offering the combo mainly in 4 ohms AND selling an extension cab, Mesa kinda makes it seem like it's OK. Also, Ben Strange here on TB was working for Mesa and said they had torture tested the WalkAbout @ 2 ohms and couldn't get it to shut down.

Sweeeeeeet... maybe this text is just cut/paste from the 600 or 2000? I've heard stories of those shutting down at 2ohms. The Walkabout seems pretty bullet proof tho, with all it's headroom.

 

[tallboybass]

Vic, I was wondering how hard it is to swap tubes. Do you just take the top off and unplug tubes or is there more to it? Sorry for the silly question, but I've never done stuff like this before. (former solid state man)

 

[tombowlus]

Vic, I was wondering how hard it is to swap tubes. Do you just take the top off and unplug tubes or is there more to it? Sorry for the silly question, but I've never done stuff like this before. (former solid state man)

That's about it. The Walkabout makes swapping tubes a breeze!

Tom.

 

[Vic]

Vic, I was wondering how hard it is to swap tubes. Do you just take the top off and unplug tubes or is there more to it? Sorry for the silly question, but I've never done stuff like this before. (former solid state man)

That's about it. The Walkabout makes swapping tubes a breeze!

True. The only thing I'd add to this is the circuit board flexes a little under the pressure, so I like to sort of gently roll the tube around just a LITTLE bit circularly to work it in. Seems to go in easier that way and reduce flex. Probably not really a concern, but I'm just super careful about stuff.

 

[GRoberts]

I used my Walkabout head last night with a mini Bergie HT/EX 112 Stack of joy. (4 ohm load) Just wanted to report that for my indoor gigs, this combination of amp and cabs sounds stellar! It has excellent clarity, mids that cut and growl like a big dog, and it punches with a nice Vintage old school sound tijn addition to being great for slap tones. My Low B string is huge sounding too through both Bergies with this amp. I used both my Lakland DJ5 Passive bass (A Punchy, loud, clear sweet sounding passive bass) and my F Bass BN5 active bass. Stunning little combination. Gary

 

[Vic]

Doesn't prove anything IMO, and if Mesa really believed it could reliably handle a 2 Ohms load I think they'd market it that way.

I tend to agree with this. I'd think most vendors really wouldn't like talking about limitations unless they really had to.

 

[bassmonkeee]

So far, my only complaint with my Scout combo is that it doesn't like to play at lower volumes. If I play a low B while at bedroom volume, it gets very fuzzy. At first I thought maybe it was damaged in shipping, but when I turned the volume up to "neighbor annoying levels," it sounded great.

So, I tend to just use my Cafe Walter headphone amp around the apartment. Law School Girlfriend prefers that anyway.


Oh, and my one complaint with the Walkabout head is that the master volume affects the direct out volume, which I think is just plain dumb. But, it obviously isn't too big of a deal since I own two of them now...

 

[tombowlus]

So far, my only complaint with my Scout combo is that it doesn't like to play at lower volumes. If I play a low B while at bedroom volume, it gets very fuzzy. At first I thought maybe it was damaged in shipping, but when I turned the volume up to "neighbor annoying levels," it sounded great.

That must be an issue with the cab (perhaps the passive radiator isn't getting enough positive movement, and it's kind of "waffling?"), as I have never heard that with my Walkabout head and any other cabs.

Tom.

 

[bassmonkeee]

That must be an issue with the cab (perhaps the passive radiator isn't getting enough positive movement, and it's kind of "waffling?"), as I have never heard that with my Walkabout head and any other cabs.

Tom.

Yeah, that's my guess, too. I have a feeling that it is a result of the passive radiator not having much air to work with. I mean, I'm talking about master volume on less than 2 here.

Not really a problem--just an observation.

 

[Vic]

So far, my only complaint with my Scout combo is that it doesn't like to play at lower volumes. If I play a low B while at bedroom volume, it gets very fuzzy. At first I thought maybe it was damaged in shipping, but when I turned the volume up to "neighbor annoying levels," it sounded great.

--------

That must be an issue with the cab (perhaps the passive radiator isn't getting enough positive movement, and it's kind of "waffling?"), as I have never heard that with my Walkabout head and any other cabs.

Yeah, that's my guess, too. I have a feeling that it is a result of the passive radiator not having much air to work with. I mean, I'm talking about master volume on less than 2 here.

I wonder about this tho. My EBS head does the same thing, and interestingly, both are high power amps based on torroidal transformer technology to save weight. Admittedly tho, at least on the EBS, it has to be REALLY low volume.

Oh, and my one complaint with the Walkabout head is that the master volume affects the direct out volume, which I think is just plain dumb. But, it obviously isn't too big of a deal since I own two of them now...

Oh man, I didn't know that. Yeah, that's stupid. I'll have to remember that tomorrow, I'm going to gig with it for the first time.

 

[tombowlus]

both are high power amps based on torroidal transformer technology to save weight.

You might have this backwards, Vic. To the best of my knowledge, a toroidal transformer is not considered a "weight saving" design, and in fact it is the opposite. This makes it all the more impressive that the Walkabout is as light as it is, for that is a pretty beefy toroidal transformer.

FWIW, switching power supplies are typically what I think of when I hear about "weight saving" amp designs.

Tom.

 

[tallboybass]

So what's the general concensous about running this puppy at less than 4 Ohms? I probably won't anywhere near the future, just seems like useful information.

I hear it can handle it, I just don't know for how long etc.

I'm going to use the Scout with an EA Wizzy tonight at a gig, I'll let you know what happens. Scout + Wizzy = 2 OHMS

 

[zac2944]

I used to run my Walkabout at 2.67 Ohms from time to time and never had any problems.

When my Walkabout and 8 ohm SWR 15" were not enough, but I really didn't need to use(too lazy to hook it up) my Mackie 1400i, I would stack a 4 ohm Avatar 210 onto the SWR and run both into the Walkabout for a 2.67 load. This always gave me a lot more stage volume.

I have done this on maybe 5 to 10 gigs, with typically three 50 minute sets. I have never had any issues or shut downs.

Since I got a 4 ohm Schroeder 1212 I have not needed to add the SWR. I still have it if I need it, and for really large or outdoor gigs I will add the power amp.

I feel very comfortable running at 2.67 ohms, and would do it again if I needed to. I have yet to hear about anyone else having issues either. I think that this thread will help use get a good idea of just how far you can go.

Anyone want to donate there Walkabout to science? We'll run our own "Smoke-A-Walkabout" test, and gig it long and hard at 2 ohms till she dies!

 

[Vic]

You might have this backwards, Vic. To the best of my knowledge, a toroidal transformer is not considered a "weight saving" design, and in fact it is the opposite. This makes it all the more impressive that the Walkabout is as light as it is, for that is a pretty beefy toroidal transformer.

I'm gonna have to bonk you a little on this one...

From: Invalid Link Removed

" HIGHER EFFICIENCY
Tortech toroidal transformers are manufactured with the highest quality materials which allow a saving of approximately 50% in weight compared with conventional laminated transformers."

From: Invalid Link Removed

"Advantages of Toroidal Power Transformers
Toroidal transformers offer many advantages over standard laminated power transformers. Toroidals provide quiet, efficient operation with very low stray magnetic fields. Their small size and weight support a package that is easy to design into any application."

 

[tombowlus]

I'm gonna have to bonk you on this one...

From:
Invalid Link Removed

" HIGHER EFFICIENCY
Tortech toroidal transformers are manufactured with the highest quality materials which allow a saving of approximately 50% in weight compared with conventional laminated transformers."

I'd bet this particular feature is not unique to their brand, either.

But, how many SS bass heads use "conventional laminated transformers"? It seems to me, that most have either toroidal transformers (like the iAMP 800, Mesa Walkabout, etc.), or they use switching power supplies (like Walter Woods), with the former being the "heavier" and the latter being "lighter."

Granted, many tube amps do seem to use the laminated transformers.

Tom.