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Mesa Walkabout vs. M6 Carbine 2x12" combo

Worldeeeter

Worldeeeter

Inactive
Mar 29, 2010
2,964
1,906
Asheville, NC
#1
This info. may already be on an existing thread; if so, please send me the link.
I read yesterday from more than one user that the Walkabout's tone is quite unique, putting is above the M-Pulse Venture in many folks' opinions.
I'd like to know the general opinion on the Carbine M6 2x12" combo; it's a LOT of amp (600W @ 4 ohms, 2 x 12" speakers, wheels & handle...you know!). It's only $100 more than the Walkabout (retail) with twice the wattage and # of speakers.
The passive radiator must have a lot to do with it.
I'm starving for information, so I can make an informed decision before purchasing.
 
#4
There are "Megathreads" on both the Walkabout and the M6 Carbine for the reading here on TB.

I have the Carbine combo and can tell you it is fantastic. It's a keeper for sure. There are others here on TB that have them as well and are happy campers.
 
#5
Briefly, the M6 is massively powerful and quite 'solid state' sounding. That combo is killer, but also killer heavy (I believe over 100 pounds!). The M6/M9 are what I describe as 'Mesa heads for those who hate Mesa heads'. Totally different than their more tubey sounding hybrids like the Walkabout and MPulse and Big Block line. So, huge low end, VERY bright, sizzly high end, and a 'hint of tube' when the input gain is really pushed. MASSIVELY loud for its 600 watt power rating.

The Walkabout Scout with a 112 extension cab (so running at 2ohms... different views on that) will be much more bloomy/tubey and warm, and about half as loud!

If you like a wide, modern tone (i.e., crisp slap tone, huge low end, etc.), the M6 kills. If you are more old school and like a bit of 'give' in the feel of the amp, and don't need huge volume, the Walkabout Scout is an amazing combo.
 
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#7
As Ken describes, it's really more a matter of tone. Two very different takes on bass tone.

But volume for money. The M6 combo will be louder due to watts and extra speakers. If you want the most of your power and volume to be obtained in the initial purchase cost then go M6.

But as said, adding a second cab to the Scout will give you add volume but still the M6 will have more headroom.

Another option, there's the M3 combo for less than the Walkabout Scout. Given the fact the M6 is huge power for it's rated watts, I'd bet the 300watt M3 combo would be fine for anyone shopping in the Walkabout power catagory . If you already have a cab to use with the M3 that would be your most economical route as long as you like the tone.
 
#8
I own an M6 combo and am considering moving to the Walkabout combo since 1) my tone needs have changed over the last year, and 2) I don't need anything approaching the volume or size of the M6 (the wheels on the combo aren't much use when you're carrying it up three flights of stairs!).

I spent some time demoing both before I bought the M6, and everything said here stands up to my experience. The M6 is very quick, clean and accurate, for lack of a better description. The thing that is pushing me to the Walkabout right now is that it can get a little gritty, with that "give." The M6 is pretty clean through the whole gain and volume spectrum.

To give you an idea of volume, I've never had the master on the M6 past 9 o'clock, even doing a couple of smaller outdoor gigs. I typically run the gain somewhere past noon, since the tonal character changes around there.

Both are great amps. I bought the M6 when I was in a hard rock band, and it made the whole band sound better. It still works well for the music I'm playing now, which is a slightly mellower rock, but my new situation isn't nearly as loud, so the weight is starting to become a factor for me.
 
#11
I did the side-by-side with the M6 Carbine and the Walkabout Scout today. Everyone who said the Carbine is amazing is RIGHT. In my opinion, it blows the Walkabout away, especially as it's only $100 more for 3x the wattage and much more speaker-age.
I say 3x the wattage because the Walkabout has an output of 300W, but that's at 2 ohms. The standard combo is 4 ohms, with an output of only 180W. If you connect the second 4 ohm speaker cabinet, you get the full wattage, but you can't turn it up, or it will overheat and go into protect mode.
I shook the entire Mesa/Boogie store in Hollywood today with the M6 Carbine, at a Master Volume setting of about 3. I am going to procure this combo and attempt to level buildings with the sound it produces. Yee-haw!
 
#13
Worldeeeter said:
The standard combo is 4 ohms, with an output of only 180W. If you connect the second 4 ohm speaker cabinet, you get the full wattage, but you can't turn it up, or it will overheat and go into protect mode.
Click to expand...

That isn't so. It's 300 Watts @ 4-ohms. Listed under features on the Mesa Boogie Web-Site.

300 Watts @ 4 Ohms (165 @ 8)
Simul-State™ Power
6 Tube Driven Power MOSFET’s, 2x12AX7
Formats: WalkAbout™ Compact Bass Amplifier (2 Rack Spaces) / Walkabout Head

And it's true that the 2-ohm question is debatable. However I run mine at 2-ohms for hours at a time and it doesn't even come close to getting hot, it's never gone into thermal shutdown or done anything indicative of a problem from running it at 2-ohms.
 
#14
KJung said:
Briefly, the M6 is massively powerful and quite 'solid state' sounding. That combo is killer, but also killer heavy (I believe over 100 pounds!). The M6/M9 are Totally different than their more tubey sounding hybrids like the Walkabout and MPulse and Big Block line. So, huge low end, VERY bright, sizzly high end, and a 'hint of tube' when the input gain is really pushed. MASSIVELY loud for its 600 watt power rating.

If you like a wide, modern tone (i.e., crisp slap tone, huge low end, etc.), the M6 kills. If you are more old school and like a bit of 'give' in the feel of the amp, and don't need huge volume, the Walkabout Scout is an amazing combo.
Click to expand...

All spot on. If you want old school Walkabout tone with more juice, then the BB750 or Titan is where to look. IME the Carbine (M9 in my case) cuts better in a band setting where the others are very loud, but the sweet, fat, roundness of the WA cannot be beaten when it comes to the Grail of tone IMHO. BTW the Venture combo is ridiculously heavy for a 212 combo. It's a great deal if your back doesn't mind, but it IS over 100 lbs.
 
#15
I have to agree with KJung, too. Because of that, I ended up with an M6 combo. Mesa has just introduced an M3 (300 watts) that you may want to check out vs. the Walkabout. It should be much less expensive and small enough to be actually portable. The M6 combo is well over 100lb and can be tough to move for for one person.

Best,sterling4
 
#16
Sterling4 said:
I have to agree with KJung, too. Because of that, I ended up with an M6 combo. Mesa has just introduced an M3 (300 watts) that you may want to check out vs. the Walkabout. It should be much less expensive and small enough to be actually portable. The M6 combo is well over 100lb and can be tough to move for for one person.

Best,sterling4
Click to expand...

Wow...that little bugger is expensive! $949.00 for 300W and a 12" speaker.
Granted, the M6 is a tank, but that's what I'm looking for right now. I don't mind the weight; I'll be living at ground level, so stairs won't be an issue, and I like the 2 x 12" + horn config. right out of the box. Plus, with a slight turn of the volume knob, I can go from playing at home to gigging and being heard through guitar, drums, etc. with NO problems.
That M3 Carbine combo will be a great alternative for those who don't want to spend $1300 on the Walkabout Scout, but twice the wattage, and twice the speaker-age for $400 more...sign me up!
 
#17
As it was said before, M6 is very clean, dynamic and selective sounding amp. 5 position voice control is very useful. Walkabout is warm and tubey sounding amp, quite bloomy. I'd say it is more tubey sounding than all tube Buster that I own.

Both are excellent amps. It's a matter of tone that you are looking for. Wattage shouldn't be the main reason while making a decision which one to pick up.
 
#18
jetofuj said:
As it was said before, M6 is very clean, dynamic and selective sounding amp. 5 position voice control is very useful. Walkabout is warm and tubey sounding amp, quite bloomy. I'd say it is more tubey sounding than all tube Buster that I own.

Both are excellent amps. It's a matter of tone that you are looking for. Wattage shouldn't be the main reason while making a decision which one to pick up.
Click to expand...

I fully agree - I have already made my decision on tone, though. Your description of the Walkabout sound is quite accurate. My beef with the Walkabout Scout is that it distorts when you push it. So, output IS a concern for me, or could be at some point, and I'll never have to worry about output, headspace or unwanted distortion with the M6.
I play punk/metal/rock most of the time, and the sound of the M6 suits my playing style more than that of the WA Scout.
 
#19
Worldeeeter, I don't think you'll regret an M6 combo purchase at all. It's a brutal amp that delivers every time. I use a sterling 4 H-S with the switch at both singles and an Am Series Jazz with CS 60s and the M6 just smokes. A hot, sizzling, driving, bass and LOUD!!! Good Luck!

sterling4
 
#20
Mesa had hit some serious home runs in the last few years with their bass gear. The Walkabout is becoming legendary for its amazing warmth and character as well as being a very adaptable rig. The head can be run with other cabs, an extension cab can be added to the combo, or the Scout combo alone makes for about the best sounding 112 combo ever made.

I can attest to the Scout 112 combo being amazingly loud and full for its size and keep up in many situations. My Walkabout head paired with my pair of Powerhouse 115 cabs is a thundering rig of the gods!

But I also have fallen head over heels for the Carbine and own an M9 which sounds absolutely earth shaking no matter what cab it's plugged into. Very different flavor then the Walkabout. I am very lucky to have them both.
 

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