Im about to pull the trigger on this cab. I will be pairing it up with my subway D-350. Anyone using this set up? How do you like it? Thankx in advance, scott.
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New mesa 2+12 bass cab
- Thread starter rockscott
- Start date
I also have a Subway 115 and 212 with a D800. The 212 is a great cab, probably the best I’ve owned, big tight lows and super punchy mids. I’m not into motorcycles or cars, and the Mesa rig was my dream “before I die” rig, and it’s lived up to that. Unfortunately I’ve been on smaller stages this past summer, so I’ve mostly played through combos and it’s stayed home more than I’d prefer.
I’ve never gotten to play through the 212 but I have 2x 115’s and they are everything I’d ever need quite honestly. Take EQ well, punchy, low, can growl. I’d love to try the 212. Checked out the 210 at music go round and was rather impressed, I’d need 3 of them though lol.
I own the 212 and 115 as well and I don't think I could ask any more from either of them. On their own - amazing. Together - a holy experience of pure sonic bliss. I use them with a WD800, so I'm not entirely sure what the difference would be with a D350 with it being lower powered. Maybe just available headroom? I know they can handle everything I've ever thrown at them with the WD800 and they punch HARD. I don't think a single 212 will be anything short of awesome.
I have two SW 1x15's, but, over time, the SW 2x12 gets much more playing time. Awesome cab! You will love it!
I have been loving mine coupled with the new 800D head. Outside of backline, I have been using 15s exclusively and really like how the Mesa 212 sounds. I tend to prefer old skool tones and rolling off the horn gets it where I like it. It's nice having it there if I needed more definition on a certain gig...and they include a slip cover. Small thing, but I was pleasantly surprised as someone who usually ends up having to order a case or cover for my cabs.
Is it a portability thing or just a preference in tone? I went 2x 112s for convenience, but always have wanted to try the 115s.
Just picked one up - 212. WD-800 too. Yet another try with Mesa. I am all over the place.
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No, not a portability issue. All three live in the music trailer and get carried to all gigs. Tone is that good. Two SW 15's are great, but the 12's really pack a punch.
Trying to offload my Ampeg Venture rig, mint, never giged in all selling places. Not one bite. I am surprised as I thought Ampeg was considered good these days. Having said that, going back to Mesa mainly because of 2ohms capabilities of the amp, support we get from @agedhorse here and 4ohm 212 cabinet. Well done, well done.
I provided backline last night with the Mesa 800D atop the Mesa 212 and it sounded great with two very different basses and players (the headliner insisted on using his MarkBass 
). Both a Fender Aerodyne P/J played with aggressive fingerstyle and my '76 Grabber G-3 played pickstyle sounded killer all night long.
The opener underestimated the 800D's output. Immediately, she had to back off the volume to match the stage but then she got a great tone. I already knew it would work for me. All said, I'm contining to be blown away by the punch this rig packs into such a relatively small footprint (I am a guy used to 70s tube heads and 2x15s).
). Both a Fender Aerodyne P/J played with aggressive fingerstyle and my '76 Grabber G-3 played pickstyle sounded killer all night long.The opener underestimated the 800D's output. Immediately, she had to back off the volume to match the stage but then she got a great tone. I already knew it would work for me. All said, I'm contining to be blown away by the punch this rig packs into such a relatively small footprint (I am a guy used to 70s tube heads and 2x15s).
If you can, rent/demo a 115, or just buy one, do it!
I found the 212 to be very punchy,full, loud and agressively powerful , slightly more mid driven, I would use for them Rock/metal/modern stuff but the 115 had what I can only describe as a Huge wide full round bottom, like it expands more..? I prefered this for deeper reggae /funk/ r&b classic rock stuff, and 2 x 115 is just more volume and coverage. Doesn't really change the full wide tone. I found stacking the 115s had a slightly brighter tone than putting them beside each other on the floor, mainly because closer to ear level. (tweeters still off) as a stack I need to stand way back to hear what I like compared to a single or double 115 on the floor.
Adding a 115 to your 2x 112's will give you many options that yo will love!!
I’ve been toying with the idea of moving one of my Ultra Lite 115’s and getting a 215. That way I’ll have a 115, a 215 and together a 315. I did the same with my Baer ML’s and that 312 stack rips. Overkill… yes. But I love love love those SW15’s.
Why not just add another single 115, it's cheaper and gives you the same options, 1,2,3 x115.
Unless you just wanna physically wrestle with a 215 cab, I see no other advantage musically, it's all Big, Bigger, HUGE
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I’m 6’4 and built like a Viking so the 215 @ 60lbs doesn’t deter me one bit, but I do see what you’re saying. It’s not really cheaper if I sell one of my 115’s and put it toward the 215. I’d stay in line if I bought used like I did with my 2x 115’s and might even save a buck or two. When I need two I’d only schlep the 215 so it’d be one trip. If I need 315 it’s two trips instead of 3 x 115’s being 3 trips. I can carry one 115 in each hand but that is dumb because of doorways and knobs and the like. Also, 3 x 115 is 58.1” tall vs the 214/115 being 53.74… I know not a ton of difference but it does give a slight bit more piece of mind.
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Ah ha! I was going to mention in my post ....."unless your a Viking "
I originally set out to get the 215, but When I lifted it in the store compared to the 212 and single 115's , and being in my late 50's and an average mid size runt..I couldn't do it well enough to commit
good on ya tho!!
I use 800d+ with 2 212’s for outdoor shows and 1 212 inside. Great sounding, lightweight cab and super loud, especially when running tandem.
Cabinet arrived safely from Zzounds. Amp to be picked up tomorrow at CME in Chicago. Yay!!
The last time I got to use both the 212 and 115 on a gig I had the 212 on top. However, at home I've found that the 115 on top has a more pleasing tone closer to ear level. They compliment each other well, but as I've said probably a dozen or more times on here already - the 115 is the absolute gem of the whole line. There isn't a single 1x15 of anything I've ever tried (combos, cabs, etc) in the 25+ years I've been playing that sounds anything like it. Whereas years ago a 15" cab might have been used to round out some low end with a 210 or 410 cab and rarely used solo, this thing is about as musically pleasing as it gets.
I also discovered with this cab that the tweeter does a lot more than just produce highs. I had a rehearsal where I experimented and completely rolled it off compared to keeping the dial being at noon. Wow, talk about a night and day difference. What I found happened is that it took a lot of the mid character with it as well and not in a way I would have ever expected nor to my liking. The old school way of rolling off the tweeter to kill the highs does not apply to this cab the same way. I asked Andy about it and I could tell that he seemed pleased I found a little hidden bit of clever engineering in his design.
