New mesa subway amps and cabs!

[DJ Bebop]

As others have stated you did no damage whatsoever to the amp or cab. All you did was limit the power output to around 300 Watts versus the 400 Watt full potential you had available. It is actually a really cool feature that can serve a number of useful purposes as you can probably imagine.

I am 100% sure of this answer as I was a beta tester on the WD-800 program and helped with the development of the user manual.

I am liking that feature!
My 1x10 is rated at 200watts. Bumping down to 300 + or - and with the HPF seems to be safe. I am not trying to tear anything up, so...

 

[Al Kraft]

That's exactly the kind of utility that switch provides!

 

[DJ Bebop]

That's exactly the kind of utility that switch provides!

Plus that funky (I mean that in a good way) power tube emulator thang in the back end is cool and seems to come alive with that setting!

 

[DJ Bebop]

So, I've posted around TalkBass about me running a true bi-amped system with my two cabs.
Highs over say 500 hertz into the 1x10 and the lows into a 1x12. So I plugged the Mesa direct out
into my bi-amp rig. Now I know I am not getting the power tube emulation but...

I'll shut up now and crawl back into my hole

 

[Al Kraft]

Plus that funky (I mean that in a good way) power tube emulator thang in the back end is cool and seems to come alive with that setting!

...and that is yet another cool feature of using that switch with an 8 Ohm or 4 Ohm cab(s). With a 4 Ohm load it sort of governs the output to the 600 Watt range versus the full 800 Watt potential.

 

[musicmansf]

Good evening, TB'ers.

I've got a bit of a dilemma. I love my Powerhouse 2x10 and 2x12 running off a Demeter to the absolute core, but I've reached a bit of a breaking point with the weight of the cabs recently. Some background: a band I've been playing in has started gigging out on the town more and those things are just brutish, if not dangerous, to move by myself if the bandmates aren't around – plus, I'm getting older.

Another element is I live in an Escher-inspired apartment complex with a fire door and a 7-step staircase just to get to the elevator (and vice-versa on the bottom floor).

This is where I recently started sniffing around the Subway cabs for gigging purposes. I know I'm just going to get DI'ed anyways, so I might as well save the Powerhouse grunt work for studio purposes/bigger venues (if we're lucky) and bathe in the new-age glory.

As for the band-vibe, it's prog-inspired with a heavy hitting drummer (Tool/Mastodon/Rush-type stuff). The guitarist is also gonna downsize from a 4x12 for these gigs for the same reason - most likely a 2x12.

I *love* the idea of a single 1x12 so I can just walk down the stairs with the thing - elevator need not apply, but I just tested out some of the Subway cabs and, I gotta say, seems like the 2x12 fits the music much better – has the oomph with the extra speaker and 4 ohm load. Problem is, the extra 19 lbs. between the 1x12 and 2x12 isn't going down the stairs like the 1x12 would.

Buried lede here: has anyone used a Subway 1x12 to keep up with a loud drummer, opposite a guitarist playing through something equal to a 2x12, in a heavy-feel band with monitor support, and felt satisfied?

I know it's probably asking too much of the 1x12, but hey, if I can ditch the lead-sled power amp and feel great about it, I figure this is do-able too!

I can already hear everyone typing "why not two 1x12s"

 

[DJ Bebop]

Good evening, TB'ers.

I've got a bit of a dilemma. I love my Powerhouse 2x10 and 2x12 running off a Demeter to the absolute core, but I've reached a bit of a breaking point with the weight of the cabs recently. Some background: a band I've been playing in has started gigging out on the town more and those things are just brutish, if not dangerous, to move by myself if the bandmates aren't around – plus, I'm getting older.

Another element is I live in an Escher-inspired apartment complex with a fire door and a 7-step staircase just to get to the elevator (and vice-versa on the bottom floor).

This is where I recently started sniffing around the Subway cabs for gigging purposes. I know I'm just going to get DI'ed anyways, so I might as well save the Powerhouse grunt work for studio purposes/bigger venues (if we're lucky) and bathe in the new-age glory.

As for the band-vibe, it's prog-inspired with a heavy hitting drummer (Tool/Mastodon/Rush-type stuff). The guitarist is also gonna downsize from a 4x12 for these gigs for the same reason - most likely a 2x12.

I *love* the idea of a single 1x12 so I can just walk down the stairs with the thing - elevator need not apply, but I just tested out some of the Subway cabs and, I gotta say, seems like the 2x12 fits the music much better – has the oomph with the extra speaker and 4 ohm load. Problem is, the extra 19 lbs. between the 1x12 and 2x12 isn't going down the stairs like the 1x12 would.

Buried lede here: has anyone used a Subway 1x12 to keep up with a loud drummer, opposite a guitarist playing through something equal to a 2x12, in a heavy-feel band with monitor support, and felt satisfied?

I know it's probably asking too much of the 1x12, but hey, if I can ditch the lead-sled power amp and feel great about it, I figure this is do-able too!

I can already hear everyone typing "why not two 1x12s"

Two 1x12's?

Or stick a 1x12 on a chair facing you if you have the monitor support and just worry about yourself. The FOH will do the heavy lifting

 

[fig]

In light of recent talk/concerns of the impedance selector switch on the back of Subway amps, thought I'd re-post this chart I made awhile back for those who haven't seen it yet. Made it as a quick reference for me and a bassist friend. agedhorse approved it.

 

[DJ Bebop]

In light of recent talk/concerns of the impedance selector switch on the back of Subway amps, thought I'd re-post this chart I made awhile back for those who haven't seen it yet. Made it as a quick reference for me and a bassist friend. agedhorse approved it.
View attachment 3564039

Perfect!

 

[Al Kraft]

Good evening, TB'ers.

I've got a bit of a dilemma. I love my Powerhouse 2x10 and 2x12 running off a Demeter to the absolute core, but I've reached a bit of a breaking point with the weight of the cabs recently. Some background: a band I've been playing in has started gigging out on the town more and those things are just brutish, if not dangerous, to move by myself if the bandmates aren't around – plus, I'm getting older.

Another element is I live in an Escher-inspired apartment complex with a fire door and a 7-step staircase just to get to the elevator (and vice-versa on the bottom floor).

This is where I recently started sniffing around the Subway cabs for gigging purposes. I know I'm just going to get DI'ed anyways, so I might as well save the Powerhouse grunt work for studio purposes/bigger venues (if we're lucky) and bathe in the new-age glory.

As for the band-vibe, it's prog-inspired with a heavy hitting drummer (Tool/Mastodon/Rush-type stuff). The guitarist is also gonna downsize from a 4x12 for these gigs for the same reason - most likely a 2x12.

I *love* the idea of a single 1x12 so I can just walk down the stairs with the thing - elevator need not apply, but I just tested out some of the Subway cabs and, I gotta say, seems like the 2x12 fits the music much better – has the oomph with the extra speaker and 4 ohm load. Problem is, the extra 19 lbs. between the 1x12 and 2x12 isn't going down the stairs like the 1x12 would.

Buried lede here: has anyone used a Subway 1x12 to keep up with a loud drummer, opposite a guitarist playing through something equal to a 2x12, in a heavy-feel band with monitor support, and felt satisfied?

I know it's probably asking too much of the 1x12, but hey, if I can ditch the lead-sled power amp and feel great about it, I figure this is do-able too!

I can already hear everyone typing "why not two 1x12s"

The SW115 might be able to do the job and it's not much extra size or weight over the single 112 for the noticeable performance increase it offers. I like the SW112, but from your description it seems like it may be at or beyond it's limits for your application. On a positive note, the SW115 is not a compromise in mid range voicing compared to the SW112 as one might expect. My thoughts are based on owning both a SW112 and SW115 - which OBTW play really well together in case a 2 cab solution is a consideration.

 

[musicmansf]

Two 1x12's?

Or stick a 1x12 on a chair facing you if you have the monitor support and just worry about yourself. The FOH will do the heavy lifting

Ha, I have thought about elevating one.

The SW115 might be able to do the job and it's not much extra size or weight over the single 112 for the noticeable performance increase it offers. I like the SW112, but from your description it seems like it may be at or beyond it's limits for your application. On a positive note, the SW115 is not a compromise in mid range voicing compared to the SW112 as one might expect. My thoughts are based on owning both a SW112 and SW115 - which OBTW play really well together in case a 2 cab solution is a consideration.

Yeah it does seem like it's a quicker speaker for a 15, but I hear ya – I'm thinking these cabs are just on the other side of the envelope for – at least – this exact situation. Been reading up on some of the Schroeder offerings that may be able to fill this niche. It's kind of like buying an airliner that flies only one route, once a week.

That Subway 2x12 is sweeeet. Can't believe they were able to shave 26 lbs. off both the Powerhouse 2x10 and 2x12.

 

[pfschim]

Good evening, TB'ers.

I've got a bit of a dilemma. I love my Powerhouse 2x10 and 2x12 running off a Demeter to the absolute core, but I've reached a bit of a breaking point with the weight of the cabs recently. Some background: a band I've been playing in has started gigging out on the town more and those things are just brutish, if not dangerous, to move by myself if the bandmates aren't around – plus, I'm getting older.

Another element is I live in an Escher-inspired apartment complex with a fire door and a 7-step staircase just to get to the elevator (and vice-versa on the bottom floor).

This is where I recently started sniffing around the Subway cabs for gigging purposes. I know I'm just going to get DI'ed anyways, so I might as well save the Powerhouse grunt work for studio purposes/bigger venues (if we're lucky) and bathe in the new-age glory.

As for the band-vibe, it's prog-inspired with a heavy hitting drummer (Tool/Mastodon/Rush-type stuff). The guitarist is also gonna downsize from a 4x12 for these gigs for the same reason - most likely a 2x12.

I *love* the idea of a single 1x12 so I can just walk down the stairs with the thing - elevator need not apply, but I just tested out some of the Subway cabs and, I gotta say, seems like the 2x12 fits the music much better – has the oomph with the extra speaker and 4 ohm load. Problem is, the extra 19 lbs. between the 1x12 and 2x12 isn't going down the stairs like the 1x12 would.

Buried lede here: has anyone used a Subway 1x12 to keep up with a loud drummer, opposite a guitarist playing through something equal to a 2x12, in a heavy-feel band with monitor support, and felt satisfied?

I know it's probably asking too much of the 1x12, but hey, if I can ditch the lead-sled power amp and feel great about it, I figure this is do-able too!

I can already hear everyone typing "why not two 1x12s"

well, this is a Mesa Subway thread and I am a big fan of Mesa gear for sure .. particularly the amps. My go to amp these days is the WD-800 and I'll never give up my Walkabout for anything. I have also owned a D800+ recently, but sold it after I picked up the WD-800.

I have not been a big fan of the Mesa cabs from the past like the Powerhouse line and have only limited experience with the Subway cabs. I'm sure they are very good but I'm going to make a non-Mesa suggestion for you to consider the Bergantino cabs ... particularly the HDN212, or if you can find one of the CN212's. These pair up with the Subway amps wonderfully - I use a CN212 being driven by a WD-800 for 90% of my gigs and its a huge sounding cab with the WD (and it sounded great with the D800+ I had for a while too). The CN212 is 46lbs ... 6lbs lighter than the 52lb Subway 2x12 so its about 11% lighter and perhaps just a bit more maneuverable in your situation.

just a thought ... good luck with your downsizing

 

[mmbass21]

@musicmansf so I can echo @Al Kraft on the SW15, it's simply the best single 15" I've ever heard and in the TB community lots of positive reviews as a single cab solution. To also touch on @pfschim point, I also use bergantino cabs as I discovered them before the mesa subways. I only use my WD800 as well and it pairs extremely well with any cab I've thrown at it. The HDN line could be something to look at.

If you really want a super cab with a light and small footprint you should also look into Barefaced. If I'm taking 1 cab to a gig it will with be the Two10s from BF or if it's a bigger venue the HDN212.

The WD is the best amp head I've ever owned.

 

[MTN.bass72]

Good evening, TB'ers.

I've got a bit of a dilemma. I love my Powerhouse 2x10 and 2x12 running off a Demeter to the absolute core, but I've reached a bit of a breaking point with the weight of the cabs recently. Some background: a band I've been playing in has started gigging out on the town more and those things are just brutish, if not dangerous, to move by myself if the bandmates aren't around – plus, I'm getting older.

Another element is I live in an Escher-inspired apartment complex with a fire door and a 7-step staircase just to get to the elevator (and vice-versa on the bottom floor).

This is where I recently started sniffing around the Subway cabs for gigging purposes. I know I'm just going to get DI'ed anyways, so I might as well save the Powerhouse grunt work for studio purposes/bigger venues (if we're lucky) and bathe in the new-age glory.

As for the band-vibe, it's prog-inspired with a heavy hitting drummer (Tool/Mastodon/Rush-type stuff). The guitarist is also gonna downsize from a 4x12 for these gigs for the same reason - most likely a 2x12.

I *love* the idea of a single 1x12 so I can just walk down the stairs with the thing - elevator need not apply, but I just tested out some of the Subway cabs and, I gotta say, seems like the 2x12 fits the music much better – has the oomph with the extra speaker and 4 ohm load. Problem is, the extra 19 lbs. between the 1x12 and 2x12 isn't going down the stairs like the 1x12 would.

Buried lede here: has anyone used a Subway 1x12 to keep up with a loud drummer, opposite a guitarist playing through something equal to a 2x12, in a heavy-feel band with monitor support, and felt satisfied?

I know it's probably asking too much of the 1x12, but hey, if I can ditch the lead-sled power amp and feel great about it, I figure this is do-able too!

I can already hear everyone typing "why not two 1x12s"

I'll toss another non Mesa cab suggestion out to you.. as I don't have experience with the Mesa cabs. Greenboy Audio Fearless F112... this little booger just smokes.. my current situation involves a loud guitarist with a 412, loud keys, and loud electric drums.. plus four vocals..
This F112 easily keeps up with more to give. And no overseas shipping. Not knocking Barefaced, but that was a big deciding factor for me.
Roughly 38 +\- lbs.... easy schlep, and can kickback monitor style if needed ..
Oh yeah, it, and I, love my D800

good luck!

 

[Al Kraft]

@musicmansf so I can echo @Al Kraft on the SW15, it's simply the best single 15" I've ever heard and in the TB community lots of positive reviews as a single cab solution. To also touch on @pfschim point, I also use bergantino cabs as I discovered them before the mesa subways. I only use my WD800 as well and it pairs extremely well with any cab I've thrown at it. The HDN line could be something to look at.

If you really want a super cab with a light and small footprint you should also look into Barefaced. If I'm taking 1 cab to a gig it will with be the Two10s from BF or if it's a bigger venue the HDN212.

The WD is the best amp head I've ever owned.

+1 on the Berg cabs. My CN212 is a true favorite and as much as I love the Mesa SW cabs, I hope no one ever asks me to choose. The HDN212 would be equal or better IMO.

I'll also offer that for size, weight and performance, the AudioKinesis Changeling 112T or 212 would be hard to beat as long you have the Watts to feed it (and SW amps can deliver what it takes IME). My C112T might be my favorite cab when considering voicing versatility, convenience, and overall sound (please don't tell my SW115).

 

[/\/\3phist0]

+1 on the Berg cabs. My CN212 is a true favorite and as much as I love the Mesa SW cabs, I hope no one ever asks me to choose. The HDN212 would be equal or better IMO.

I'll also offer that for size, weight and performance, the AudioKinesis Changeling 112T or 212 would be hard to beat as long you have the Watts to feed it (and SW amps can deliver what it takes IME). My C112T might be my favorite cab when considering voicing versatility, convenience, and overall sound (please don't tell my SW115).

The SW 115 is not impressed.

 

[DJ Bebop]

The SW is not impressed.

 

[MultiScaleMale]

I change my avatar to something other than Agedhorse so that we can actually notice when he returns.

 

[DJ Bebop]

I change my avatar to something other than Agedhorse so that we can actually notice when he returns.

I left mine the same because, I'm lazy.
I love Agedhorse but, lazy won out

 

[Al Kraft]

I left mine the same because, I'm lazy.
I love Agedhorse but, lazy won out

Andy would be proud, and amused!