New Amp Day: Mesa WD-800

[Carterrific]

Just took delivery on a new WD-800 after my GK RB1001II blew up due to dirty power at the New Year's Eve show. It also fried our guitarist's Lone Star. I'll take the new amp to the studio tomorrow to put it through its paces, but I'm already impressed just by the information in the owner's manual. Lots of detailed (and actually useful) explanations and tips on how to use the controls to achieve a tailored sound. Apart from a Dual Showman back in the '70s, this is the first bass amp I've ever had with a tube. This is also the first time I've ever bought an amp without playing through it first, so I'm breaking new ground, at least for me. I'll let you know what tomorrow teaches me.

 

[5StringPocket]

There’s a lot to explore with that amp. Dig in and enjoy.

 

[squish]

Congrats!
I bought the WD without hearing it as well. There was a lot of new-to-me technology (HPF, passive mid control, power amp damping) that took some time and use to understand. The parametric EQ is still a bit daunting to me, but the user setting examples in the manual were a great starting place. Most of the features I didn't understand at first only made since when I had the amp turned up in a louder, live environment. I would never hear some of these controls with headphones or playing solo. Boomy tones on stage are calmed by HPF, instrument presence adjusted by passive mid control, attack (cone quickness?) are controlled by power damping... to me, all that stuff became understood in the mix at performance volume levels.
A good example: One of our singers whipped around during a recent sound check and demanded that I turn my bass DOWN. Granted, the elevated stage was large and the FOH guy had me up in the subs. I simply dialed the high pass filter up a few degrees and it removed the rumble from our feet. I also rolled the passive mid back a touch and my pbass mellowed. I didn't adjust the EQ or volume. Everyone was happy again, especially me.
Oh yeah, don't try to explain any of this stuff to non-bass players. Waste of breath. Well, monitor engineers understand it but likely won't be impressed. LOL
One more thing, the controls on Mesa amps are sensitive. Do small adjustments instead of big sweeps when dialing in your tone.

 

[Killing Floor]

Good stuff. The love is real.

 

[Geri O]

Congrats!
I bought the WD the without hearing it as well. There was a lot of new-to-me technology (HPF, passive mid control, power amp damping) that took some time and use to understand. The parametric EQ is still a bit daunting to me, but the user setting examples in the manual were a great starting place. Most of the features I didn't understand at first only made since when I had the amp turned up in a louder, live environment. I would never hear some of these controls with headphones or playing solo. Boomy tones on stage are calmed by HPF, instrument presence adjusted by passive mid control, attack (cone quickness?) are controlled by power damping... to me, all that stuff became understood in the mix at performance volume levels.
A good example: One of our singers whipped around during a recent sound check and demanded that I turn my bass DOWN. Granted, the elevated stage was large and the FOH guy had me up in the subs. I simply dialed the high pass filter up a few degrees and it removed the rumble from our feet. I also rolled the passive mid back a touch and my pbass mellowed. I didn't adjust the EQ or volume. Everyone was happy again, especially me.
Oh yeah, don't try to explain any of this stuff to non-bass players. Waste of breath. Well, monitor engineers understand it but likely won't be impressed. LOL
One more thing, the controls on Mesa amps are sensitive. Do small adjustments instead of big sweeps when dialing in your tone.

WD800 owner here. I bought mine unseen or unheard based on some very trusted advice. I wasn’t disappointed in the least.

Also, I’m a 25-year pro audio veteran with lots of monitor engineer experience. If your monitor engineer isn’t impressed by the workings of the WD’s tone controls and other settings, knowing those controls can make his life a lot easier, then you’ve got the wrong monitor guy….

 

[jivetkr]

I love my wd800. I think it’s the jewel in the subway lineup. Sounds awesome flat.

I also have a d800 as a backup and I don’t like that amp as much. Requires more knob fiddling to get a good sound.

 

[Mastermold]

If it's close to my Mesa WA as advertised I'm sure I'd enjoy it, but my WA is still going strong so I've got no desire to replace it. The D-350, on the other hand, has been tempting me for a while.

 

[IvanBassist]

Congratulations! It’s a great amp

 

[Coot]

I'm a geezer who's used MANY different amp heads. My Mesa WD800 ranks right up there with the very best I've ever used. Light , sturdy , tons of power, HPF, Damping , parametric EQ (or choose to bypass it with a footswitch ),extensive and concise manual. I haven't found a room that I haven't been able to dial in a good loud tone . I don't usually fawn over gear but this is a seriously great amplifier. The 15" Mesa subway cab pairs beautifully with it as well. My Fender Jazz loves it. I got it when it first came out and have never had any operational issues of any kind with it. To me.. having confidence in my gear is very important .

 

[Al Kraft]

I love my wd800. I think it’s the jewel in the subway lineup. Sounds awesome flat.

I also have a d800 as a backup and I don’t like that amp as much. Requires more knob fiddling to get a good sound.

I own both as well and the so different IMO that I can relate to your point about having to do a lot of knob turning on the D-800 if your tone goal is more WD centered. The WD being Walkabout inspired has its own specific character and a ton of ways to shape the sound.

To me the D-800 is more of a general purpose/"broader user audience targeted" SS amp with a range of Mesa and other flavors in its recipe. The D-800 has its own sound and playing feel that for me is very different from the WD.