New Rig: Schroeder BMF412 and Mesa BB750

It's been over four years since I bought my first Schroeder cab and two years have passed since I made my last purchase from Jorg. My first order was a 1210 and a 4 space rack. I powered this rig with a Carvin DCM1000, BBE BMax and Dbx 266. This rig killed...so much that I thought it was a good idea to downsize. So, from there I ended up selling that rig in pieces and moved to running a Mesa Walkabout in a Schroeder Mini 12+ airhead. Now this rig was cool...but it couldn't get me the volume I was looking for. I should have known better...but that was my micro-rig phase, I suppose.

So, after going through a few other rigs and lastly dragging around a 176lbs behringer BA810 that made my back want to cry...I decided it was time to get a nice rig again. I knew immediately who I wanted to go with: A schroeder cab powered by a Mesa head.

Well, if I had my way, I'd be running a V12 Titan right now...however, I couldn't justify it right now, especially since I was looking to pick up the head used. So, I went with the next best option from Mesa, the Big Block 750. I found a pretty sweet deal on the head and rack for $750, so I jump right on it. I lined myself up with an Aphex 204 processor and tossed a behringer rack tuner in there for good measure.

I was able to get my rack set up before the cab came in thanks to getting some custom options. So, I was able to give the Mesa and Aphex a good testing through my old 8x10. I was impressed. Sadly, there's an issue with the footswitch so I currently can't comment on the Overdrive section of the 750, but I'm not feeling pressed to get it fixed. This rig has some balls. Especially with that Aphex 204. This is one powerful processor. Man! Even the behringer rack tuner doesn't feel out of place once I turn on the rack-lights it has. So...the rack is 100% and I'm happy.

Finally, the last piece of the puzzle, the cab gets here last Friday. I had Jorg use the Blue Rhino-Tuff bedliner. This cab is pure sex. Four twelves diagonally aligned. Gotta love it. Toss that rack on top with the lights all glowing...Oh yeah...it'll set the mood.

I'm still working in to dial in the cab, so for first impressions I'll share what my lead guitarist and drummer the thoughts of my lead guitarist and drummer: Clear and defined. I can't wait to really spend some time with everything together to really dial in what I'm looking for.

I went with this setup looking for punch and authority. From my new(to me)Warwick, the Aphex 204, Big Block and down to the Schroeder cab this rig was built around that idea of spleen rupturing bass. We'll see how things go...I'll keep you posted. We're off to a good start.

Edit: Now with Pics!

 

Gah...forgot one of my favorite points.

So, as I mentioned I was playing through a 176lbs monster. I was/am capable of moving it myself...just doing so is not a pleasant experience. Switching to nearly anything besides a bassoon 8x10 would be an upgrade...so, I swear the first time I picked this cab up after getting it out of the box...it was lik heaven. The shipping weight showed 65lbs...it feels like less. Even my drummer's tiny girlfriend was able to pick it up and walk it around. Maybe, I didn't need the casters after all...I think I'll still get good use out of them though...ya know..since they are already there.

Pics to come tonight.

 

I haven't really gotten to spend enough time with it yet.

I've basically had it long enough to test at low power in a hotel room and then one gig. The gig didn't give me a good idea because I ended up setting up on the opposite side of the stage from where i'm used to and I had my lead guitarists rig between my rig and myself. I've liked what I've heard and I'm getting what I expected from it so far, so I would not expect big differences in sound.

I just haven't had chance to feel like I've gotten to know the cab yet. I may have to take it out to dinner and try to get it boozed up...see if I get lucky...



Oh, do you realize that our avatars are taken from the same stage? I remember catching you with those schroeders up there. That weekend is a bit fuzzy,like most, but I don't think I had the chance to say hello or anything there.

 

Pics added to the first post.

 

No, still haven't had much quality time with her yet. Practice tomorrow and gigs Friday and Saturday, though. I'll have more to report shortly.

 

It kills. Love it. So have a couple of other bassists who have had chance to run through it.

I've ran it twice outdoors with no PA and it's been in a few bars now. It's getting the job done as I had hoped.

I kinda regret replacing the whole rig so quick. I'm just not sure what comments I should be making on which part of the rig, so this isn't a great review by TB standards. If I can find the time too, I'd like to switch some gear back on forth from the new and old rig just for comparison purposes(for myself as much as to share with you guys). We'll see though. As it stands, I'm expecting this rig to last me a while.