Ordered a Mesa WD-800 before my Orange OB1-500 was delivered...

[HeavyGroove]

Initial impressions of the Orange OB1-500:

The amp is very solid and nothing feels cheap about it. All the controls have some heft to them, but the knobs spin a little easier than I like. It's thick and would take all of the 2U space if put into a rack. It was a little unwieldy to move around as a lot of its weight is in the back left corner. The one physical issue I did have was that one of the speakon connectors seems to be a very tight fit. The top speakon lets the connector snap/click into place audibly. The bottom one does lock, but I can see it moving into place and it doesn't make a click when actually locked. That might resolve itself overtime with some wear, but worth noting.

None of the sound comparisons were done with music, just the bass alone. I used my tweeter-less Peavey 1516 (15+8+8) that I refurbished with Dayton PA200-8's and an Eminence Legend CA154 as my test cab. *Side note: this cab has opened my eyes to the greatness of mismatched drivers and I'd probably go 115 + 210 if I went 100% Mesa stack.* I did comparisons with the following:

-GK Backline 600
-Peavey MiniMax v2
-Quilter BB800

All were run with a Broughton HPF + LPF in front of them - HPF just above 40hz and LFP off/20khz. The GK is an A/B amp while the other two are class D.

When I first plugged into the OB1 I wasn't really a fan. I tried to find my tone with the EQ and I just couldn't get where I wanted to be. Regardless of where I put the EQ there was an underlying baked in tone - I understand 100% what people are talking about now. It's hard to describe but like a sandy filter - dry but round at the same time. Or, no pun intended, if I had to give it a color it would be....orange.

Disappointingly, I really found no use for the blend in distortion/overdrive. It seemed to be more of a fuzz that didn't sound great when just trying to add a subtle grit to my sound. It wanted to be cranked...but I have pedals specifically for that.

I felt that the GK had better sounding bottom end and grit, the Peavey was slightly more musical overall and the Quilter is the Quilter, neutral.

The funny thing is, after playing the others I went back to the OB1, set the EQ around noon and thought the tone wasn't half bad. It continued to grow on me the more I played it as well. One thing the OB1 has over the others is that it has such a heft/punch to every single note and performed wonderfully with quick passages. There were no smooshed together notes. I'd best describe the tone as GK but rounder, less bass and less top end gank. The notes kept the same fullness across the spectrum as well - the highs were as thick as the low mids. The bass while tight, is kind of odd. Increasing it does shake the house, but I would not call it "rich bass" by any means.

At the end of night, the OB1-500 was actually my preferred amps to be playing through, baked in tone and all. That said, I very carefully but it back in the box. I really can't justify playing half an amp at that price. The cost of the Little Bass Thing is a bit more palatable but I'm not sure if it has the same heft in it's tone. Either way, the WD-800 is *fingers crossed* supposed to be delivered on Saturday, so I'll pull the OB1 out again then for some direct comparisons.

 

[HeavyGroove]

I am interested in how you feel about the bottom end feel between the two amps...when you get them

I just posted my thoughts about the OB1-500.

 

[ComeHomeShane]

@op, I personally love the Orange tone. I'm glad you are giving it a fair chance. I don't own anything Mesa, but I have AB'd some Mesa to my Thunderfunk and they were both very similar (clean, neutral, and powerful). I play a lot of different styles of music, so I reserve my Orange terror for the heavier music that needs more gain. Nothing beats the punch of my terror 1000. Like you said, Tons of heft in every note.

if you like both and can afford to keep both, just more tools in the arsenal.

 

[HeavyGroove]

@op, I personally love the Orange tone. I'm glad you are giving it a fair chance. I don't own anything Mesa, but I have AB'd some Mesa to my Thunderfunk and they were both very similar (clean, neutral, and powerful). I play a lot of different styles of music, so I reserve my Orange terror for the heavier music that needs more gain. Nothing beats the punch of my terror 1000. Like you said, Tons of heft in every note.

if you like both and can afford to keep both, just more tools in the arsenal.

Yeah, based on how I felt at the start, I was surprised how much the tone grew on me. Like I said in the post, though I don't know if I can justify it if I'm just using half of the amp since I don't care for the blender. Any chance you've tried out the Little Bass Thing? I doubt it, but does it have the same heft? That's really the characteristic that keeps me thinking about the Orange.

 

[Inara]

I own a Little Bass Thing, but I haven't played the OB1. I can say that one thing I love about it is the heft of the notes. I especially notice it on the D and G strings, which sound thicker and more substantial than on my other amps. I really love this amp.

 

[IvanBassist]

I'll echo what others have said before - best gear demos out there!

You know what, I should probably re-do a test at some point and record the signals mic’ing up my Subway 15. I recently moved to a new place and i’m still sorting some things out, but i’ll try to get it done once my recording space is set up.

 

[ComeHomeShane]

Yeah, based on how I felt at the start, I was surprised how much the tone grew on me. Like I said in the post, though I don't know if I can justify it if I'm just using half of the amp since I don't care for the blender. Any chance you've tried out the Little Bass Thing? I doubt it, but does it have the same heft? That's really the characteristic that keeps me thinking about the Orange.

I haven't, but from what I can tell the tone seems pretty similar. However, the terror's main thing is the valve pre-amp, which IMO makes a pretty big difference. Also the gain stage on the terror allows for clean or overdriven tone. So I guess I'm a fan of the terror.

 

[dbase]

As a preface, these are both from MF/MF on Reverb so I do have the 45 day return policy.

To sum it up, my last two/current rigs are an all pedal setup into a Quilter BB800 and also a Peavey MiniMax v2 (GK RB gear before that). I got tired of knob fiddling so the MiniMax became my primary player. I still have both of these setups and while completely serviceable, once I changed my primary bass from a down-tuned 4 string (D and C) to a 5 string, I was only getting about 80% of the way there with my tone. I definitely still have a good time playing, but always feel like a little something is missing now.

Regardless of the amp I'm using, my tonal profile is usually boost at 100hz and 1khz, cut with the bass knob to around 10-11:00, boost mid knob(s) to 1-2:00 and treble to taste. The thing I always chase is a decent tight grit to my sound as well (Geddy, Squire etc). This is why I ordered the OB1-500 in the first place.

Based on all the sound samples I could find, it seemed like it would be a perfect fit - slamming clean power with dialing in grit to taste in a parallel application. The problem is between ordering it (it arrived yesterday evening so I haven't had time to play it yet) and it being delivered, all the limitations of the OB1-500 really started to stick out in my head. I read the manual before and even emailed Orange directly to make sure I had all the info right, so I knew about them and thought it would be ok.

-No effects loop/limited outs
-A modest 22lbs (not heavy but not class D weight)
-Kept reading about the baked in Orange tone (you love it or hate it)
-Limited EQ (they don't even list the EQ points)
-No mute
-4 ohm operation (my Peavey only does 4 so this was fine but 2 ohms prevents having to slave another amp to run another cab for me)

For whatever reason, I started reading about the Mesa Subway series on here and these limitations became even more pronounced.

-The WD-800 goes down to 2 ohms
-All the loops, line outs etc that you could ever need
-Plenty of EQ options with the WD-800
-More tonal controls in general
-Tube pre
-HPF
-Mute and all the other creature comforts you'd expect from a more expensive amp

I listened to @IvanBassist 's blind comparison between the 800+ and the WD-800 and the WD won out on 90% of the samples for me. While the Mesa wasn't an immediate "that's my tone!" I do like it and it seemed like I could find my tone in there (primarily a pick player).

Playing either before buying wasn't an option nor have I played Orange or Mesa in the past, so this was jumping in blind besides the sound samples. The WD-800 is a little more money, but at that price point a $100 here or there doesn't make a huge difference, so that's more or less a non-factor.

Tone is obviously the #1 priority but I was having buyer's remorse for not getting all of those features that come standard on other high end amps. Orange and Mesa do seem to differ a good amount tone wise, but I keep having a fear of encountering future issues of, "Oh yeah, I can't do that with the Orange..." even if I do like the tone.

Anyone else go through this sort of thing? Anyone else compare these two amps? The WD-800 will show up in the next few days, so I'll have some dedicated time with the OB1-500 before I'm able to A/B them.

I own a WD800 ... Be sure to read the instruction manual from beginning to end... I know, men don't need instructions but it was very well thought out and put together and there's lots to learn and understand ... Once you get that amp dialed in correctly you wont look back... I myself rather have an amp with on/off, volume, treble and bass knobs only but this amp has lots of features that you will eventually want to try. It is a workhorse gigging amp for sure.

 

[HeavyGroove]

I own a Little Bass Thing, but I haven't played the OB1. I can say that one thing I love about it is the heft of the notes. I especially notice it on the D and G strings, which sound thicker and more substantial than on my other amps. I really love this amp.

That's exactly what I noticed on the OB1 as well. I very well may have to give the LBT a spin then. Thanks!

You know what, I should probably re-do a test at some point and record the signals mic’ing up my Subway 15. I recently moved to a new place and i’m still sorting some things out, but i’ll try to get it done once my recording space is set up.

That would be great!

I haven't, but from what I can tell the tone seems pretty similar. However, the terror's main thing is the valve pre-amp, which IMO makes a pretty big difference. Also the gain stage on the terror allows for clean or overdriven tone. So I guess I'm a fan of the terror.

I thought about the Terror, but I'm just not a fan of the form factor.

I own a WD800 ... Be sure to read the instruction manual from beginning to end... I know, men don't need instructions but it was very well thought out and put together and there's lots to learn and understand ... Once you get that amp dialed in correctly you wont look back... I myself rather have an amp with on/off, volume, treble and bass knobs only but this amp has lots of features that you will eventually want to try. It is a workhorse gigging amp for sure.

I'm obsessive about knowing all the details of my gear, so don't worry, I've already read through the PDF version .

 

[kbakerde]

Initial impressions of the Orange OB1-500:

The amp is very solid and nothing feels cheap about it. All the controls have some heft to them, but the knobs spin a little easier than I like. It's thick and would take all of the 2U space if put into a rack. It was a little unwieldy to move around as a lot of its weight is in the back left corner. The one physical issue I did have was that one of the speakon connectors seems to be a very tight fit. The top speakon lets the connector snap/click into place audibly. The bottom one does lock, but I can see it moving into place and it doesn't make a click when actually locked. That might resolve itself overtime with some wear, but worth noting.

None of the sound comparisons were done with music, just the bass alone. I used my tweeter-less Peavey 1516 (15+8+8) that I refurbished with Dayton PA200-8's and an Eminence Legend CA154 as my test cab. *Side note: this cab has opened my eyes to the greatness of mismatched drivers and I'd probably go 115 + 210 if I went 100% Mesa stack.* I did comparisons with the following:

-GK Backline 600
-Peavey MiniMax v2
-Quilter BB800

All were run with a Broughton HPF + LPF in front of them - HPF just above 40hz and LFP off/20khz. The GK is an A/B amp while the other two are class D.

When I first plugged into the OB1 I wasn't really a fan. I tried to find my tone with the EQ and I just couldn't get where I wanted to be. Regardless of where I put the EQ there was an underlying baked in tone - I understand 100% what people are talking about now. It's hard to describe but like a sandy filter - dry but round at the same time. Or, no pun intended, if I had to give it a color it would be....orange.

Disappointingly, I really found no use for the blend in distortion/overdrive. It seemed to be more of a fuzz that didn't sound great when just trying to add a subtle grit to my sound. It wanted to be cranked...but I have pedals specifically for that.

I felt that the GK had better sounding bottom end and grit, the Peavey was slightly more musical overall and the Quilter is the Quilter, neutral.

The funny thing is, after playing the others I went back to the OB1, set the EQ around noon and thought the tone wasn't half bad. It continued to grow on me the more I played it as well. One thing the OB1 has over the others is that it has such a heft/punch to every single note and performed wonderfully with quick passages. There were no smooshed together notes. I'd best describe the tone as GK but rounder, less bass and less top end gank. The notes kept the same fullness across the spectrum as well - the highs were as thick as the low mids. The bass while tight, is kind of odd. Increasing it does shake the house, but I would not call it "rich bass" by any means.

At the end of night, the OB1-500 was actually my preferred amps to be playing through, baked in tone and all. That said, I very carefully but it back in the box. I really can't justify playing half an amp at that price. The cost of the Little Bass Thing is a bit more palatable but I don't think it has the same heft in it's tone. Either way, the WD-800 is *fingers crossed* supposed to be delivered on Saturday, so I'll pull the OB1 out again then for some direct comparisons.

I have messed around with the OB1 a couple times. I don't love them, but I wanted to. I agree the OD is not useful. Interesting to me, you talked about the weight and punch of the notes, to me if you like that but want something that sounds better, the Mesa Carbine was always in my eyes better. I never played the Mesa 800, so I don't know if you can EQ it to give you similar carbine feel or not.

One thing I'll say about Orange, is I am currently using the AD200B and the Orange more than anything else I've ever played (except maybe vintage Acoustic gear) seems dependent on having an Orange cabinet. I only played the OB1 through very efficient 2x12 cabs that stay very clean. I played the Orange through them and it was meh. Good, but not great (better than the OB1). But, put the AD200 with a pair of OBC115's, and holy crap!! I have no idea if the OB1 is similar. I also heard in some reviews, it shines with a P bass more than other basses. Just a couple extra cents.

 

[HeavyGroove]

I have messed around with the OB1 a couple times. I don't love them, but I wanted to. I agree the OD is not useful. Interesting to me, you talked about the weight and punch of the notes, to me if you like that but want something that sounds better, the Mesa Carbine was always in my eyes better. I never played the Mesa 800, so I don't know if you can EQ it to give you similar carbine feel or not.

One thing I'll say about Orange, is I am currently using the AD200B and the Orange more than anything else I've ever played (except maybe vintage Acoustic gear) seems dependent on having an Orange cabinet. I only played the OB1 through very efficient 2x12 cabs that stay very clean. I played the Orange through them and it was meh. Good, but not great (better than the OB1). But, put the AD200 with a pair of OBC115's, and holy crap!! I have no idea if the OB1 is similar. I also heard in some reviews, it shines with a P bass more than other basses. Just a couple extra cents.

Thank you for the input! I never really looked at the Carbine itself, but have read on here that the WD-800 has a little bit of Carbine flavor, but the 800+ more so. If in person the WD-800 isn't for me, I was planning on trying the 800+ anyway.

 

[jeff7bass]

I haven't, but from what I can tell the tone seems pretty similar. However, the terror's main thing is the valve pre-amp, which IMO makes a pretty big difference. Also the gain stage on the terror allows for clean or overdriven tone. So I guess I'm a fan of the terror.

The Terror also tested out with HIGHER power ratings than advertised by Bass Gear magazine. Nothing wrong with that.

 

[agedhorse]

The OB1 and Carbines have very different voicings IMO.

 

[the bat]

I thought "flat" was more around 10:00-2:00 because of the make up gain even though the control is passive. Not trying to be critical, but that jumped out at me when I was watching and I could be wrong.

You're not wrong. The "clank" someone referred to liking is because he has the passive mid knob all the way to the right. The 10-2 placement is the more flat setting.

 

[HeavyGroove]

You're not wrong. The "clank" someone referred to liking is because he has the passive mid knob all the way to the right. The 10-2 placement is the more flat setting.

That was me saying I liked the clank, but I thought I read that the passive mids were centered around 250hz? I figured that wouldn't really contribute much to the upper mid clank.

Edit:
Page 16 of the manual, the Specifications page:
Passive Mid: -15dB @ 250 Hz, dip only

 

[the bat]

That was me saying I liked the clank, but I thought I read that the passive mids were centered around 250hz? I figured that wouldn't really contribute much to the upper mid clank.

Edit:
Page 16 of the manual, the Specifications page:
Passive Mid: -15dB @ 250 Hz, dip only

Got it. I don't have that amp, it is possible that the way the EQ works it could be affecting that tone. I don't know for sure.

 

[Wicked G]

That's exactly what I noticed on the OB1 as well. I very well may have to give the LBT a spin then. Thanks!



That would be great!



I thought about the Terror, but I'm just not a fan of the form factor.



I'm obsessive about knowing all the details of my gear, so don't worry, I've already read through the PDF version .

When I was looking at the Orange 4 Stroke, I had a few people on here recommend the Terror Bass. Like you I was not a fan of the form factor, but I ended up getting both and they were right, the Terror Bass is pretty awesome.

The lunch box design in pictures kind of looked like a toy to me, but once I got it in my hands I actually started to like it a lot. Very sturdy with just the right amount of weight to it. And it also seems that all of the Orange amps have this weight and thickness to the notes that many other amps lack. The D and G strings will not get lost in a mix with these amps.

I never played an OB1 since it really didn't attract my attention as much as the 4 Stroke and Terror Bass. But I can picture the heft in the notes that you are talking about. It is definitely present in the 2 that I have.

I also have a Mesa TT800 and that is a totally different type of animal, so I would imagine the WD800 is as well. More of a bloomy 3 dimensional sound with a beautiful top end. The Damping Factor on the WD will let you switch it up and find which one you like better.

Some will gravitate more to the Mesa while others will to the Orange. Me, I like them both for what they are able to give me. I'll be looking out to see what your thoughts are on both amps after you a/b them.

 

[jeff7bass]

Not surprised about the Orange. My first experience I remember was sitting in a decent size bar watching a Kiss band (for some reason) and the Gene Simmons guy was playing through a big Orange rig. His notes were hitting me in the chest and I was a good 50-60 feet back. He was a really good player though so that plays into it. That being said you could likely replicate it pretty close with the WD-800 because of it's extensive EQ section. Just gotta twist them knobs and find it.

 

[Sauron_]

When I was looking at the Orange 4 Stroke, I had a few people on here recommend the Terror Bass. Like you I was not a fan of the form factor, but I ended up getting both and they were right, the Terror Bass is pretty awesome.

The lunch box design in pictures kind of looked like a toy to me, but once I got it in my hands I actually started to like it a lot. Very sturdy with just the right amount of weight to it. And it also seems that all of the Orange amps have this weight and thickness to the notes that many other amps lack. The D and G strings will not get lost in a mix with these amps.

I never played an OB1 since it really didn't attract my attention as much as the 4 Stroke and Terror Bass. But I can picture the heft in the notes that you are talking about. It is definitely present in the 2 that I have.

I also have a Mesa TT800 and that is a totally different type of animal, so I would imagine the WD800 is as well. More of a bloomy 3 dimensional sound with a beautiful top end. The Damping Factor on the WD will let you switch it up and find which one you like better.

Some will gravitate more to the Mesa while others will to the Orange. Me, I like them both for what they are able to give me. I'll be looking out to see what your thoughts are on both amps after you a/b them.

I have the 4 stroke + OBC115. I preferred it instead the Terror Bass because I wanted huge, clean, A/B type sound. And this is what the 4 stroke delivers.

 

[Wicked G]

I have the 4 stroke + OBC115. I preferred it instead the Terror Bass because I wanted huge, clean, A/B type sound. And this is what the 4 stroke delivers.

Yes sir, huge and clean until you crank the compressor up past 12:00 where you start introducing some nice drive into your tone. And don't forget about that kick. That amp puts my GK 700rb II to shame in the kick department.

I prefer the Terror Bass for the extra thickness and the tube gain, but if you are looking for huge, clean, versatility and mega thump, then the 4 Stroke is the answer.