Pondering Some New Ideas, Need Some Input

[Wasnex]

Let me ask you, does the native voice of the amp become more important than the features to you?
I've never wanted more knobs or controls on an SVT as it sounds "just right" to my ears just as it is.
Understood that many will not agree with my example of best amp tone, but the older I get, the less features I need other than a HPF, slight OD, and maybe compression, all of which can be had with a couple small pedals Velcro'd to a piece of plywood.

IMHO. If the native voice of the amp is close to what you want, less controls are required to massage the sound into the desired shape.

IMHO the way tone controls work varies. Some controls are very good for dialing in a particular sound; mostly making minor adjustment to tonal balance. Other controls are more effective at dialing in a range of different sounds and/or possibly compensating for acoustic problems in the room.

IMHO SVTs have some of the better tone controls you will find on tube amps, but I don't consider them particularly versatile. Whether one likes it not, SVTs tend to stubbornly sound like SVTs (IMHO).

I would definitely say SVTs have more versatile tone controls than vintage Fenders, but I learned to play through a Fender and that sound seems more like home for me. I find it very easy to dial in an old Fender. However, Fender controls are useless when it comes to dealing with acoustic problems.

Old Mesas tend to have quite a bit of range to their tone controls. For me, some of them can be really fussy to dial in. It's sort of like I can almost get the tone I want and then the sound jumps somewhere else that is still not quite right.

To my ears Mesa graphics are an essential part of the sound, but I find it's best to use very gentle tweaks, otherwise the results are not particularly musical.

 

[profb]

Some features, like the added knob for the HPF, the ability to overdrive the gain stages/power amp can help some players eliminate the need for a pedalboard, or reduce to a single pedal. Just a different way of reducing (or redistributing) the perceived complexity.

This is one of the reasons I liked the idea of the graphic EQ carrying over onto a new model. Yes, many people have EQ pedals, but I'd rather have one fewer pedal. With the features you mention, plus an EQ pedal, all I'd regularly need is a tuner, which I'm happy to have separate from the amp.

 

[Wicked G]

Some features, like the added knob for the HPF, the ability to overdrive the gain stages/power amp can help some players eliminate the need for a pedalboard, or reduce to a single pedal. Just a different way of reducing (or redistributing) the perceived complexity.

That is me right there. I don't want or need a pedalboard. I want my amp to be able to give me some Texture, Drive and Compression either naturally or controllable with a knob. The one thing I do very much like now is the Damping knob on the WD800. I've never seen an amp with it and I like very much. That one knob changes my tone and feel in a very good way.

 

[Michael Eisenman]

I think the Fillmore idea of there being two separate but identical channels is a good balance between simplicity and options.

And possible in a compact enclosure (Acoustic Image Clarus Series 4). This one has a switchable HPF/Notch filter.

 

[agedhorse]

That is me right there. I don't want or need a pedalboard. I want my amp to be able to give me some Texture, Drive and Compression either naturally or controllable with a knob. The one thing I do very much like now is the Damping knob on the WD800. I've never seen an amp with it and I like very much. That one knob changes my tone and feel in a very good way.

The underlying principles for lower damping factor is built into the impedance selector of the TT as well, the damping factor tracks the impedance just like on a tube’s output stage.

And possible in a compact enclosure (Acoustic Image Clarus Series 4). This one has a switchable HPF/Notch filter.

View attachment 5423560

I did a similar concept to this with the ShuttleMax amps. It’s a challenge because making it too compact though because it can quickly become confusing and intimidating.

 

[Jim C]

That is me right there. I don't want or need a pedalboard. I want my amp to be able to give me some Texture, Drive and Compression either naturally or controllable with a knob. The one thing I do very much like now is the Damping knob on the WD800. I've never seen an amp with it and I like very much. That one knob changes my tone and feel in a very good way.

I'm really good with a built in HPF and even a compressor. While I own a number of high end rack and pedal compressors, I'm really not that picky even with a single knob version like the SWR antique. It's the OD I struggle with. So far the only one I really care for is the Runoffgroove Ginger which is based on an Ampeg SB12 amp.
OTOH, if it saved $200 without, I'd be fine using my paid for outboard gear.

 

[_Some Dude]

No interest for me in a rack case for an sub 10lb class D amp.
The factory bags, or even a simple lap top bag, has worked great for me for local club work.

And when an amp gets to 20+ lbs. I want a lightweight rack bag (although the factory head cases do look great).

On the subject of aftermarket swag...

...a Pelican style case that'll hold a SW amp, cable storage area, and maybe a misc pocket for random stuff.

...handle and rolling wheels for bonus points.

 

[Wicked G]

The underlying principles for lower damping factor is built into the impedance selector of the TT as well, the damping factor tracks the impedance just like on a tube’s output stage.



I did a similar concept to this with the ShuttleMax amps. It’s a challenge because making it too compact though because it can quickly become confusing and intimidating.

Yeah I know. What I like about the WD800 is that I can change it . I have a lot of basses and I have noticed that there are some I like better with low damping while others I prefer with medium damping. For example an EBMM Stingray Special 4 HH on Position 4 sounds awesome with the WD on Medium. It's very percussive while not so much on Low Damping.

On the other hand a Jazz Bass on Low Damping gives me that vintage Jazz Bass sound that I really like a lot. It barks with a bit of bloom to it. It's also going to vary with whichever cabinets I decide to use with it. So yeah, the Damping Knob is a wonderful idea that I wish other amps had as well.

 

[Nebadon2000]

perceived complexity.

Key statement

 

[McFarlin]

Brought up in a PM to me earlier… how interested would folks be in Mesa styled rack “head cases” for the rack mountable models?

I would buy something like this head case made by @N4860 .

I dig the aspect ratio of a narrower head case vs a cab-width rack case.

(But I don’t currently own a Mesa head, just Subway cabs.)

 

[T748]

I would buy that! That seems like an easy accessory for Mesa to put out.
Maybe a bit taller so I could install a cabinet sized Mesa engineering badge on the front.

 

[Topkat13]

Lite wt. combo for us Ol’ geezers.

 

[Nebadon2000]

Lite wt. combo for us Ol’ geezers.

Not just for us 'Old Geezers' each Generation want life to be better for their Children/Grandchildren

I would hate for younger generation to have had to go through what I did back in my youth; lugging SVT, 8X10, 1X18, double Marshall Stack, Hammond B3, 2 Leslie Cabs, PA Cabs, 3 Crown DC 300'S Etc.

 

[Old Blastard]

Lugged a borrowed 1990s Peavy TNT 115 600 watt boulder into a blues jam yesterday. At close to 90 pounds (felt like 180), Sisyphus had nothing on me.

Guy shows up with a Genz Benz Shuttle 6 and a 1990s Peavy 2:10 that weighed 60 pounds.

My G-B Contour weighs 50.

A 30-pound awesome 400-watt / 800 with extension would be awesome. (Signed, Old Blastard's Aching Back)

 

[sunbeast]

As someone currently gigging a Mesa Walkabout 15” combo as my main rig these days (and having used it for smaller gigs for many years prior), I’d love to see an updated combo using the Subway 15 specs with removable Subway head!

 

[DJ Bebop]

As someone currently gigging a Mesa Walkabout 15” combo as my main rig these days (and having used it for smaller gigs for many years prior), I’d love to see an updated combo using the Subway 15 specs with removable Subway head!

They have, its this…

It has a removable head too. I remove it from the top of my speaker cabinet and put it in its bag.

 

[Jeff Scott]

Not just for us 'Old Geezers' each Generation want life to be better for their Children/Grandchildren

I would hate for younger generation to have had to go through what I did back in my youth; lugging SVT, 8X10, 1X18, double Marshall Stack, Hammond B3, 2 Leslie Cabs, PA Cabs, 3 Crown DC 300'S Etc.

It builds character...

 

[Plastalmonus]

It builds character...

You misspelled ‘sciatica’.

 

[Bassi5t]

Haven’t made it through the whole thread yet but I’m working on it…

I’ve owned the WD800, D800+, Subway 212,115 and 210 (plus some older stuff that isn’t relevant). I have been lucky enough to play, at length, through all 4 of the heads. I no longer play Mesa.

I wanted so badly to love the WD but my bass just didn’t get along with it. My favorite features were the damping control, the HPF, and the soft clip of the power section. The texture of the WDs tone is awesome. The D800+ can definitely get me where I want to be tonality but it does not have the texture of the WD and I do t like the form factor as much as the TT/WD. I have always said if I had to go light weight I would do the D800+ into 3 Subway 112s… but I don’t have to so I use a tube head and couldn’t be happier.

I think Mesa is the coolest company out there. I love their philosophy, made in USA, story etc. I would love to go back but I would take a lot to rip me away from my current setup.

I find that tube power does make a difference. I remember Andy asking about a tube head a while ago and I see nothing has happened with that. I would love to see a 100-200 watt all tube option inspired by the 400+. Something with a tube driven EQ and nice OD tone… not quite as offensive as the Prodigy would get at high gain (yes I had one and I dumped it for my current head).

I know a all tube head is probably not in the cards so if we are sticking to the 800watt class D stuff, this is what I’d love to see and maybe it will get me to dump my big tube rig (I ain’t dumping my low wat tube head)
Tube preamp
Damping control
HPF
All analog (none of this programmable/modeling crap)
I love the fender tone stack but it’s not necessary
At least one sweepable mid control (if not using FTS)
2 ohm capable (pretty standard for Mesa now)
Soft clip output section
One channel
No graphic EQ
$1k or less

I am really looking forward to seeing what’s up next!!!

(btw the 212 Subway cab is the best Subway cab)

 

[gtirard]

Haven’t made it through the whole thread yet but I’m working on it…

I’ve owned the WD800, D800+, Subway 212,115 and 210 (plus some older stuff that isn’t relevant). I have been lucky enough to play, at length, through all 4 of the heads. I no longer play Mesa.

I wanted so badly to love the WD but my bass just didn’t get along with it. My favorite features were the damping control, the HPF, and the soft clip of the power section. The texture of the WDs tone is awesome. The D800+ can definitely get me where I want to be tonality but it does not have the texture of the WD and I do t like the form factor as much as the TT/WD. I have always said if I had to go light weight I would do the D800+ into 3 Subway 112s… but I don’t have to so I use a tube head and couldn’t be happier.

I think Mesa is the coolest company out there. I love their philosophy, made in USA, story etc. I would love to go back but I would take a lot to rip me away from my current setup.

I find that tube power does make a difference. I remember Andy asking about a tube head a while ago and I see nothing has happened with that. I would love to see a 100-200 watt all tube option inspired by the 400+. Something with a tube driven EQ and nice OD tone… not quite as offensive as the Prodigy would get at high gain (yes I had one and I dumped it for my current head).

I know a all tube head is probably not in the cards so if we are sticking to the 800watt class D stuff, this is what I’d love to see and maybe it will get me to dump my big tube rig (I ain’t dumping my low wat tube head)
Tube preamp
Damping control
HPF
All analog (none of this programmable/modeling crap)
I love the fender tone stack but it’s not necessary
At least one sweepable mid control (if not using FTS)
2 ohm capable (pretty standard for Mesa now)
Soft clip output section
One channel
No graphic EQ
$1k or less

I am really looking forward to seeing what’s up next!!!

(btw the 212 Subway cab is the best Subway cab)

I would love to see that too - not sure "$1k or less" is realistic though
(I'd be curious to know what your big and your small tube heads are)