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New Mesa/Boogie Fathom Amp
- Thread starter Zooski
- Start date
I got a new Fathom and a new 4x10 mesa cab today...this rig sounds incredible. The Fathom is a very simple head to operate...it didnt take long (or a science degree) to dial up the sound I was looking for. I then got to digging into different sounds, and on top of being simple to use, this thing is extremely versatile. The voices are based off of present Q points, but a setting is included to bypass the voices altogether.
I agree that Mesa's current marketing plan is too metaphor heavy, and too light on the facts, but I have used an m2000 for a long time, and the Fathom is a big step up in overall sound quality as well as practicality. I cant say enough about how pleased I am with this amp...and cabinet.
I agree that Mesa's current marketing plan is too metaphor heavy, and too light on the facts, but I have used an m2000 for a long time, and the Fathom is a big step up in overall sound quality as well as practicality. I cant say enough about how pleased I am with this amp...and cabinet.
We hope to be doing an exclusive full review on the Fathom in our next issue...including bench testing. We can't wait!
I played one of these in the Hollywood store and at NAMM back in Jan. One of the best sounding heads I've ever heard. I don't say that lightly. I was warm enough but had a huge QUICK sound that just hit me in the chest through their powerhouse 1000 cab.
In my talk with the rep at NAMM, what makes the Fathom different is that the tube is not buffering the input like it normally would. The input is sent straight to the mosfet power section (I believe there are 6 mosfets) and THEN through the tube pre. According to them, this makes for a VERY quick responding amp that is very responsive to touch but not sterile or too SS sounding. I loved it. I really, really, don't need any more amps right now or else this would be at the top of my list.
BTW: I did some "research" and my local GC will custom order one for me if I wish...
In my talk with the rep at NAMM, what makes the Fathom different is that the tube is not buffering the input like it normally would. The input is sent straight to the mosfet power section (I believe there are 6 mosfets) and THEN through the tube pre. According to them, this makes for a VERY quick responding amp that is very responsive to touch but not sterile or too SS sounding. I loved it. I really, really, don't need any more amps right now or else this would be at the top of my list.
BTW: I did some "research" and my local GC will custom order one for me if I wish...
Ok...another day with this thing and I am more impressed than ever. This is one fantastic sounding head...like Groovin said above, it is super responsive...very clean. I've used my active Lull, passive Fender P and J, as well as the fretless...this thing really enriches the natural sound of each bass, while adding a ton of power...man its great to feel the air move from this thing. Believe me, you need to check out this amp!
- Apr 3, 2003
- 35,515
- 19,944
- Disclosures
- Editor-in-Chief, Bass Gear Magazine
That's great, but what does it sound like...
I will be able to tell y'all shortly. We're hoping to squeeze this into the first issue of Bass Gear Magazine.
Tom.
IIRC yes. All the controls are quite cohesive. This amp was well designed.
Forgot to mention earlier that it goes down to 2ohm as well...
bassace5 said:
Hmmm....
As a Bass400/D180 user for almost two decades now, I like hearing that the amp is responsive...but don't exactly like hearing that it's "clean".
Exactly what kind of clean we taking here? Like Eden and Markbass clean (ie: sterile)?
I'd like to get one of the new Mesa heads, but still want some of that characteristic coloring I grew up with Mesa having.
Yes, the passive mid switch, as well as the other controls work when you select a preset voice. The voices are also very practical....theres nothing on here that I wouldnt use, or be able to adjust a little and use. I have actually been bypassing the presets and dialing in my Lull which has an active 18v bart preamp....I couldnt be more pleased. When I switch to a passive bass its so easy to get the sound I want. There is a ton of room to work with here.
Caca I think you'd be very pleased with the sound options this amp provides. To me, its clean in respect to the way it lets different basses sing out in their own distinctive way....while still having more than enough adjustment possible. It really allows each bass to he heard (with a lot of responsiveness) without getting in the way, but if you want to color the sound there is no shortage of options. The gain control alone does a great job of coloring the sound, even at low to moderate volumes. Being a long mesa user myself, I can tell you they hit it out of the park with this one.
Caca I think you'd be very pleased with the sound options this amp provides. To me, its clean in respect to the way it lets different basses sing out in their own distinctive way....while still having more than enough adjustment possible. It really allows each bass to he heard (with a lot of responsiveness) without getting in the way, but if you want to color the sound there is no shortage of options. The gain control alone does a great job of coloring the sound, even at low to moderate volumes. Being a long mesa user myself, I can tell you they hit it out of the park with this one.
Someone mentioned online ordering for Mesa products. Are there online sites to buy their products? I've never come across one.
BTW the fathom looks amazing.
BTW the fathom looks amazing.
Just called Guitar Center (NJ) and they never heard of it...lol what a surprise. Guess I'll have to wait to try one.
I just tried one today - great amp for the money! I would have to hear it through my Bergie AE410 first - It sounded great though a Mesa cab, great through an AccuGroove cab, not so great through an EPI UL410 (YMMV - I never really liked the glassy sound of the epi cabs).
