New mesa subway amps and cabs!

[JOME77]

I gigged Wednesday evening using my Mesa D800+ paired with just one of my Berg 112's (HD). I played my Fender Elite P-Bass with a fresh set of TI Flats installed. What a awesome thick warm tone! The room had a wooden floor and the sound was quite boomy and undefined so I sat my Berg on a piano bench and tweaked the HPF and bass controls a bit and got a much more defined phat low end that had definition. A slight adjustment of the "Voicing" control and engaging the bass boost and the sound was perfect. I typically run my amps flat and vary the tone with my bass (in this case I was running my P-bass passive so just the tone control) but it's so nice to have so many tools on the amp to address issues with different venues. I definitely feel that it's worth the little extra cash to go with the 800+ to get the HPF and the semi-parametric mid controls (plus a few other nice features). Whether you need them or not, it's nice to have them just in case.

 

[sacahill42]

I just got back from rehearsal, where I was able to run 1 or 2 GK Neo 410 cabs with the Mesa WD 800. This was the first time I could really push some air since I got the amp (about 10 days ago) and I'm impressed! I ran the amp flat except for some low mid + mid bump, and with the HPF ~ 10-11 o'clock. I was running the input between 12 and 3 o'clock and played my P-bass most of the night. The magic seemed to happen with the master turned up past 11 o'clock.
It was sufficient to play through one cab (8 ohm) to get the "magic mix" of input and master and keep the volume reasonable for the small space we were in. I did engage the second cab when I busted out the 5-string and that was good fun (and totally over-the-top).
The WD 800 gets 4 thumbs up from my bandmates too. I can't wait for the first gig with it next week!

Here it is sitting in the rack that will eventually be its home:

 

[McFarlin]

I got my Wd-800 last week and the sound of my pbass with my bergie cn212 is downright godly! However, I have a question. On the master vol knob, I hear a click (almost like static) at about the 9 to 10 o’clock position. When I turn the knob clockwise, the sound increases slowly before I hit 9 o’ clock but once I hear the click, it gets really loud really fast. Is this normal?

Just FYI, mine does exactly what you describe. Hopefully time/use will make it less noticeable, as agedhorse said.

I'm only reminded of it when making adjustments at low volume. I haven't thought about it at all when playing with other musicians.

 

[Al Kraft]

I ran the amp flat except for some low mid + mid bump, and with the HPF ~ 10-11 o'clock.

Based on my experience with the GK Neo 410 this setting would be absolutely perfect for getting some serious punch and volume with a full but not overwhelming deep low end. Did you notice much of a change with these cabs with different damping switch positions? It looks like you used the high setting (it's a little hard to tell) and I would imagine that gave you nice, well-defined notes with a P-bass.

 

[sacahill42]

Based on my experience with the GK Neo 410 this setting would be absolutely perfect for getting some serious punch and volume with a full but not overwhelming deep low end. Did you notice much of a change with these cabs with different damping switch positions? It looks like you used the high setting (it's a little hard to tell) and I would imagine that gave you nice, well-defined notes with a P-bass.

Indeed, damping was set "high". I tried the "low" setting for a bit and didn't hear much difference, but I didn't explore that very much. Those cabs are ported, so I was following the recommendation in the manual to use the "high" setting.

The effect of the other settings was as you described. Up until last month I had a GK MBF 800 driving that rig (it has suddenly gone silent and is sitting in the repair shop). My initial impressions of the WD 800 (one 4-hr band rehearsal and several hrs of solo practice through a 115 at home) are (1) that it has been very easy to dial in the warm tones I'm looking for and maintain clarity/punch and (2) the amp sounds better to me when it's turned up. I was eager to hear how the Mesa would play with the GK 410s and I'm a happy camper.

The WD 800 is a sweet bit of kit- hats off to Andy!

 

[daveobieone]

I'm not sure how all this new Mesa gear slipped by me the past few months!...so I'm just trying to catch-up. If this has already been covered, forgive me. I've only read through about 1/3 of the comments here so far.

I've been gigging through a D800, with SW 1-15 and 1-12 now for a year or so. Fantastic, very capable and reliable combination, and SO easy to move! It's just a little too clean for my taste.

For rehearsal and recording, I use an old (Magnavox) Ampeg V4b however. Mostly because I like the tube sound a little more. Usually running the EQ flat on the V4b. To get a similar sound on stage, I run an Ampeg SCR-DI into my D800, and it does dirty-up the sound just enough for my liking. Still not the V4b, but closer.

I've never had the pleasure of playing through a Walkabout. Is it similar to the V4b? Is there anyone here with experience with the V4b and the WD800 that can guide me? I'm very interested in a WD800...thinking that it might sound more like a light-weight, high-powered V4b. With the damping being adjustable, I'd guess a more tuby sound is in there somewhere (besides in the front-end). The bare-foot D800 is just too clean for me, even flashing the amber light on peaks. I also use a Keeley Bassist for just the slightest bit of compression/peak-control into the D800.

Just looking for some guidance here. To me, the V4b is sonic heaven, but WAY too heavy (I can barely lift the darn thing) and not powerful enough for my 10 piece band at gigs. If I could get even closer to that sound on stage with a lighter, more powerful Mesa I'd get out credit card today for a WD. If I only had a dealer anywhere near me with a WD800 I could perhaps bring my D800/SCR-DI in for a comparison. No such option.

Thanks!
Dave O.

 

[DrThumpenstein]

I can't directly compare the WD to the V4b but I can vouch for the tube warmth of the WD over the D800/D800+. Only your ears can tell you if it's what you're looking for, but for me it's tone nirvana. I played the D's through the same cabs you have. (The ones that seem to be creeping up my GAS list!)

I loved the Walkabout and was hopeful that the D series would give me some of that nice fat tubey warmth, but I'm like you, those are cleaner @ high gain than I wanted. That's not really the tonal goal they were going for with those two amps. The preamp tube in the WD is implemented perfectly and to great effect.

I could not be happier with what the WD brings when I crank the gain. Between that and the damping control, I can dial in the precise amount of breakup I'm looking for and it sounds so musical.

It is plenty loud, too. Gain @ 2, master @ 11 easily keeps up with two guitars, Keys, singer, and drums. Tons of headroom that I'll probably never need, but you might and it is there if you do.

Maybe plan a trip somewhere that you can give a listen? Ultimately, the right tone is really a personal goal, but from what you're describing, you really should give the WD a try!

 

[Maxfenderbass]

Just got word from L&M that my 215 is almost here.

 

[Leo was right]

View attachment 3316417 Just got word from L&M that my 215 is almost here.

Don't forget to brush your teeth before go to sleep Max.

 

[daveobieone]

.

Maybe plan a trip somewhere that you can give a listen? Ultimately, the right tone is really a personal goal, but from what you're describing, you really should give the WD a try!

Well Doc, I'm just down the river from you in Cape.
(and I play with a St. Louis based band)
Seriously, thanks for the useful guidance here! It seems like our sonic goals are similar.
For all I know the WD would be even more enjoyable than my old V4b is. Lugging it around certainly would be a great deal more enjoyable.
Thanks again,
Dave O.

 

[Leo was right]

Well Doc, I'm just down the river from you in Cape.
(and I play with a St. Louis based band)
Seriously, thanks for the useful guidance here! It seems like our sonic goals are similar.
For all I know the WD would be even more enjoyable than my old V4b is. Lugging it around certainly would be a great deal more enjoyable.
Thanks again,
Dave O.

For sure the tube are easier to find than in the V4B....

 

[daveobieone]

For sure the tube are easier to find than in the V4B....

Man, that's the truth!
The good news is, the funky 3 section 6K11 tubes in the V4b last a VERY long time (and I've got a good stock of them). The 7027's, not so much. But the new TungSol replacements I've been getting seem very good quality. My old Magnavox squeezes out about 115 watts at clipping, which isn't bad for a 100 watt amp. Sure ain't no D800 though!!!
Dave O.

 

[Coughdrops]

Man, that's the truth!
The good news is, the funky 3 section 6K11 tubes in the V4b last a VERY long time (and I've got a good stock of them). The 7027's, not so much. But the new TungSol replacements I've been getting seem very good quality. My old Magnavox squeezes out about 115 watts at clipping, which isn't bad for a 100 watt amp. Sure ain't no D800 though!!!
Dave O.

I have an old Magnavox V4B and the WD. The WD is much closer to the V4 than the D800. The WD has more weight to the notes than the D800. I'll have to sit down this week and directly compare again and will follow up with thoughts.

 

[daveobieone]

I have an old Magnavox V4B and the WD. The WD is much closer to the V4 than the D800. The WD has more weight to the notes than the D800. I'll have to sit down this week and directly compare again and will follow up with thoughts.

Wow...thanks VERY much for the feedback (the good kind)!
I figured someone would have a V4b, and know what I'm talkin about. If I can get D800-like power, and V4b like sound, in a light package, I'm in for a WD.
Any further observations are welcome.
Dave O.

 

[DrThumpenstein]

Well Doc, I'm just down the river from you in Cape.
(and I play with a St. Louis based band)
Seriously, thanks for the useful guidance here! It seems like our sonic goals are similar.
For all I know the WD would be even more enjoyable than my old V4b is. Lugging it around certainly would be a great deal more enjoyable.
Thanks again,
Dave O.

Neither of the shops that have Mesa in StL have the WD, so I bought it on a leap of faith. My rig now is ridiculously light, cab 35 lb 212 and the WD is 7 lb. If the D800 covers your volume needs, the WD will too.

By the way, Dave, that is one impressive collection of basses!

 

[redstrand]

Neither of the shops that have Mesa in StL have the WD, so I bought it on a leap of faith. My rig now is ridiculously light, cab 35 lb 212 and the WD is 7 lb. If the D800 covers your volume needs, the WD will too.

By the way, Dave, that is one impressive collection of basses!

Swing City had one for a hot second. I got a quilter because they had one. I’ll probably get the WD through them without demoing it

 

[daveobieone]

Neither of the shops that have Mesa in StL have the WD, so I bought it on a leap of faith. My rig now is ridiculously light, cab 35 lb 212 and the WD is 7 lb. If the D800 covers your volume needs, the WD will too.

By the way, Dave, that is one impressive collection of basses!

Thanks! The collection has now grown to 25. It's a sickness, but there are worse things to have.

I LOVE what this new stuff has done for my rig-weight too. Subway 1x12 sits in the trunk, the Subway 1x15 sits in the rear seat, and the D800, effects and basses can all ride either in the truck or the rear seat (depending on outside temps)...and there's still room in the passenger seat for my wife, who loves being my roadie now! We use a little collapsible 2 wheel dolly for the cabs, and we're in the venue on one trip.

It's a far-cry from the days of my Kustom K-400 with two 3x15 cabs! That rig sounded great, but could only be moved by someone in their 20's...which I was at that time. Probably why I have a bad back now.

Dave O.

 

[daveobieone]

Swing City had one for a hot second. I got a quilter because they had one. I’ll probably get the WD through them without demoing it

I got one of my Subway cabs at Swing City, and the other from another Mesa dealer...some place in Kirkwood I think. No one had a set of 115 and 112, which is what I wanted, so I had to do some driving. It was a good choice. The 115 has plenty of boom, and the 112 has plenty of bark.

I also have a 2x10 if I need even more stage power (down to 2 ohms then). We often don't have PA support for bass...and frankly, most of the time I don't want it. It seems like all I can hear is 5 or 6 notes booming back at me from the PA sub cabinets when we do. I need to use the Subway 112 for a stage monitor then just to be able to hear all the missing notes, or I have no idea what I'm playing.

If you hear of anyone getting a WD800 up there, please let me know. I'm old-fashioned, and would rather buy from a local brick-and-mortar store for things like these.
Dave O.

 

[Leo was right]

Man, that's the truth!
The good news is, the funky 3 section 6K11 tubes in the V4b last a VERY long time (and I've got a good stock of them). The 7027's, not so much. But the new TungSol replacements I've been getting seem very good quality. My old Magnavox squeezes out about 115 watts at clipping, which isn't bad for a 100 watt amp. Sure ain't no D800 though!!!
Dave O.

You know the 3 sections of the 6k11 is very similar to the 2 sections of a 12ax7 type tube. I could be thinkable to figure a retrofit module with two standard preamp tubes to replace if needed.

Thanks! The collection has now grown to 25. It's a sickness, but there are worse things to have.

I LOVE what this new stuff has done for my rig-weight too. Subway 1x12 sits in the trunk, the Subway 1x15 sits in the rear seat, and the D800, effects and basses can all ride either in the truck or the rear seat (depending on outside temps)...and there's still room in the passenger seat for my wife, who loves being my roadie now! We use a little collapsible 2 wheel dolly for the cabs, and we're in the venue on one trip.

It's a far-cry from the days of my Kustom K-400 with two 3x15 cabs! That rig sounded great, but could only be moved by someone in their 20's...which I was at that time. Probably why I have a bad back now.

Dave O.

Your wife/roadies relationship have better chance to survive with the Subway serie than let say a SVT to take the worst example...

 

[NIN8185]

Just had my first cover gig with my WD800 so i feel now i can give a review. WOW was really impressed on stage. When playing at home i am above my garage with slanted ceilings and not to much space for air to travel before notes being reflected or dampened. So i knew there was going to be alot more potential once i got it out of my space.

Sound settings i used/have been mastering were 2db boost at ~700hz (wanted aggression), 5db cut ~1.35khz (unwanted clink), 3db boost at ~2.7khz (wanted Clank), Bass Noon, Treble a touch past Noon, Passive mid ~1 oclock. Gain a touch below 3oclock (OD light flash when digging in) Master 11oclock (almost maxed, flashing limiter once in a while on the really heavy playing) HPF 9oclock ,The Damping control is a awesome! at home i use High or Med. on stage i used Low. Active 3 band bass guitar set flat with a slight mid boost. Schecter MM pickups with blend knob set in the middle for my Modern sound, and turned up to the neck for my classic tone.

The damping control is Probably one of the best features of this amp, Why?, because it lets alter your boom and bloom with out altering your precious EQ you work so hard to fine tune in your practice space only to have it react different on stage. Just a simple twist of a the Damping. a little bit goes a long way as they say so not having to retune your EQ to the space is awesome.

Characteristics of the WD800. Clean, Articulate, Harmonic, Natural, Clean OD breakup, Cuts through the mix allowing the drums to cut through as well. This amp lives for the Mids. I would describe the Voice of the WD800 as having a woody character. Great for sounding clean, almost acoustic like, while peaking OD light adds a nice woody growl perfect for aggressive metal, hard rock if you still want a round/clean tone while being aggressive.

Cons - I find this amp does not have a great full distorted tone, its not what this amp is made for. With the OD Light on constantly there is nothing to rave about if your looking for a heavy ORANGE distortion tone but on the other hand the amp Thrives for the Flash of the OD light. To much and it gets muddy but Just the right touch of OD flash to break up the percussive notes this amp sings like a badass with good ears! For a thicker growl I add a Source audio Aftershock Tube OD set very clean. basically keeping my WD800 signal fairly pure with a nice touch of pedal drive behind it, complimenting it but not over salting the character of the amp.

I wish the Parametric EQ had a more defined guide (at least in the owners manual) of its Frequency points. I found my self busting out a calculator using division to calculate halfway/quarter points between the listed frequencies trying to find out where certain frequencies were when i was in the early stages of mixing the amp. I tune by ear but a guide to were the general points are in between would have been MUCH more user friendly. I understand the amp face needs to look clean, but a Page in the Manual with the mapped out Frequencies points would have been nice.

Overall this amp is Great! Very versatile! The amp gets its character by not over coloring your sound. Its your job to color your sound with the Parametric EQ. Depending on what your looking for it may take some tweaking to find how each knob counteracts with each other but that is what make great amps/tone stand out from more plug and play amps. You can pretty much fine tune any sound you want as long as your not looking for a super distortion. Cheers!