Question about 2 channel amp preferences

[mikewalker]

...

One feature I would like to see in a Mesa bass amp is a remote control that lets the bass player lower the volume of any nearby Mesa guitar amp.

 

[BadExample]

Taze them, works with any geetar amp as well as the drummer.

 

[Mvilmany]

I’m very happy with a single channel amp. Both your D800 & D800+ (Which I’ve been strongly considering both) are already adequate for my needs.

 

[BassmanPaul]

My needs are pretty simple. I’d like a two channel amp. Each channel identical. Gain, level, Bass, Middle Treble for EQ. A built in variable HPF. Master volume. No effects loop. A Channel Mute but no Tuner out. I haven’t used a plug in Tuner in years. Output power in the 1KW range into a 2Ω load.

 

[PullThePlug]

Adjustable HPF/LPF on each channel might be as good as dual eq.

MIND. BLOWN.

It would be awesome if each channel had their eq points, as well and an adjustable hpf/lpf.

I think there's something here.

 

[Korladis]

I've been reading some comments over the years concerning 2 channel amps and was wondering if player's tastes or needs have changed or if a second channel is still as useful as it was when we brought out the original GBE series (750 & 1200), followed up by the ShuttleMax? I'm wondering in the context of the Big Block which has global eq, and the Titan which is more like the GBE.

If 2 channels is important, how important is individual eq per channel, channel switching, channel mixing and other foot switched features?

I'm just trying to bring myself up to speed with your help, since I have been out of the 2 channel preamp market for a while and may have missed some of the evolving trends.

I would want overdrive and clean, each with its own EQ, with a blend and a footswitch, on a two channel amp.

 

[two fingers]

Walkabout channel one, 800-watt (or more) shared power section

D800+, channel two

Two inputs, blend-able channels

That would be amazing.... and would cost about what a nice used car would.

You'r looking at two separate preamps AND power amps, not jist sperate channels. The power sections of those two amps don't work the same at all. And part of the magic of the Walkaboutis the MOSFET power section. Way over simplified, MOSFETs "act more like tubes" than "Class D" or switching power supply (or whatever the proper name for the lightweight power section of a D800+).


It would also weigh about 25 pounds I would guess.

 

[two fingers]

PS: fwiw, when I mention "gain stage" I really mean something REALLY SUBTLE. (Just a hint of harmonics!)
I like to use this feature pretty much "always on - set it and forget it", tuned to my taste.
Oddly enough, the last couple of years I am finding that modern FET preamps actually sound NICER than actual tube preamps

The "just before breakup" tone of the Walkabout is just unreal. That's how I run mine all the time.

 

[BadExample]

That would be amazing.... and would cost about what a nice used car would.

But you don't NEED another car

 

[Jeff Scott]

For you folks that need a second channel, how come you don't get a programable eq pedal and an aby box?

Because, it's not the same as having two independent channels with their own EQ.

 

[Wasnex]

Several people have mentioned a variable HPF on each channel. I would tend to apply an HPF globally. What benefit do you gain from having an HPF on each channel?

 

[NKBassman]

Several people have mentioned a variable HPF on each channel. I would tend to apply an HPF globally. What benefit do you gain from having an HPF on each channel?

Being able to set each one differently?

 

[Stevorebob]

Never had a two-channel amp. Never thought I needed one. I’m a set-it-and-forget-it type regarding amps.

If I were to consider a two-channel amp, I imagine I would want separate EQ.

I would be very interested in a Mesa Bass OD pedal.

 

[Downunderwonder]

I would rather see a good pedalboard mountable power amp with nothing but volume HPF and LPF. Im down to just my pedalboard and a cabinet now with a small class D amp sitting on the board and I love it.

with power tube emulating overdriving powerstage before DI and a couple of pad levels for 100 250 500 final output.

 

[OzzyGreg]

.
I've only really ever used one or the other of the channels on my Shuttlemax 12.0.
Saying that, I did try blending the two for a while when I first bought the amp, but couldn't hear any benefit to the sound in a band context so I stopped doing it.
Footswitch? Never even tried it.

 

[agedhorse]

Several people have mentioned a variable HPF on each channel. I would tend to apply an HPF globally. What benefit do you gain from having an HPF on each channel?

Good question actually. The HPF can be used in conjunction with overdrive to manage low mid build-up that can muddy the tone, and this changes with how much overdrive is used, along with the bass itself.

 

[lowfreqgeek]

Several people have mentioned a variable HPF on each channel. I would tend to apply an HPF globally. What benefit do you gain from having an HPF on each channel?

For us doublers, HPF settings are completely different between upright and electric basses. A global HPF is useless for us.

 

[IconBasser]

For you folks that need a second channel, how come you don't get a programable eq pedal and an aby box?

Because that's more gear that I don't want to have to bring.

The way I see it, if I have to use pedals just to get a tone that I like, that means that the amp isn't right for me and it's not doing the job that it's supposed to (make stuff loud and sound good).

The GB ShuttleMax 9.2 is my favorite amp. I love the two channel setup, and I always have both channels on. Having 4 sweepable mid controls simultaneously is just too cool to pass up. And it helps that I absolutely love the sound of the amp when it's flat - the eq is just used for mixing in with the particulars of the band and the room I'm in at the time.

 

[Bander]

MIND. BLOWN.

It would be awesome if each channel had their eq points, as well and an adjustable hpf/lpf.

I think there's something here.

With one channel setup for hpf, the other for lpf? And a sweepable crossover for both? If I'm not mistaken, that is essentially a bi-amp arrangement:

 

[Jim C]

How about the ability to adjust the volume of ANY guitar amp that is way out of line?

800 Watt Walkabout: I've learned to accept the things I can not change....
BTW, When I had a WA it didn't sound the same taking the line out into a class D power amp so maybe it's not as simple as one might think.