Tube head through Mesa Subway 2x15

[Kukulkan61]

I have a Subway 15 and a 12 that I use with my Walkabout head and an Mpulse 600, I know they aren’t tube heads but they are hybrids and they sound awesome!!

 

[agedhorse]

I don't think the cab can turn off the horn entirely. It just allows me to turn it down, which I did.

You can turn the horn virtually completely off on the Subway cabinets.

Hmm. Did not know that. Maybe you can take the back panel off and disconnect it? If I bought the Subway 215 and could not turn the horn off I would probably do that. I've been eyeing that cab, but never need a horn either.

You were correct, the horn can be turned all the way down.

What head would get me closest to an SVT thru a flatback 810? The SVT I assume?

Probably an SVT through the flatback 810, but that may bot be a practical rig for your circumstances otherwise you might have bought one presumably?

 

[BassAssHat]

You can turn the horn virtually completely off on the Subway cabinets.



You were correct, the horn can be turned all the way down.



Probably an SVT through the flatback 810, but that may bot be a practical rig for your circumstances otherwise you might have bought one presumably?

Is the horn off if I'm fully counter clockwise to the -2db mark?

 

[agedhorse]

Is the horn off if I'm fully counter clockwise to the -2db mark?

The control rotates past the -2dB mark. The center of the range is more expanded because most players find themselves fine tuning the cabinet between these two points. Doesn't mean that there's no more adjustment available though, keep on going.

 

[BogeyBass]

Don't waste your time reading this unhelpful, inaccurate, post. He has an agenda that is not valuable to anybody who is looking for useful, accurate, factual information.

Lie #1: You need a $30 SpeakOn to 1/4" cable... BS, you can use the 1/4"-1/4" cable that you already own because the cabinet uses SpeakOn CombiCons that include both a SpeakOn and 1/4" jack in the same housing.

Lie #2: Use the matching SVT 215E cabinet... Use ANY 215 cabinet that works for you. There are PLENTY of great 215's that are being used with SVT's every day with no issues.

If you don't care for the amp and/or cabinet, if they don't suit your personal tastes or needs, or if you are not willing to explore more possibilities to learn how they might work better for you then by all means return them and move on. Nobody wants you to be unhappy with your purchase, especially us.

No lies man lol

Hence why I stated

Technically you can run any head into it.

Real amps use switchcraft jacks

Hey at least your not as bad as Eden
Use a combo speakon for the pretty lights and not even connect the 1/4 inch section.

If he really really wants to run a 25 wide head on a 19 wide cab. Mushroom top is the new cool thing. Lol..... puke

 

[agedhorse]

If he wants to use an SVT with the cabinet, he can use a 1/4" to 1/4".

If you comprehended what I wrote, the CABINET uses the CombiCon style connector.

If he wants to use a 25" wide head, that decision (and its aesthetics) are up to him. Nobody give a damn what you think.

 

[Element Zero]

 

[BogeyBass]

So you suggest ditching my entire rig (head + cab)? What Orange and Traynor amps do you suggest I check out? I heard the Terror Bass doesn't come close to their all-tube offering. And at that price I'd look into the SBM or SVT CL. I assumed that the Subway cabs could do the overdrive thing since they introduced the WD800.

Traynor YBA200-2
Orange AD200 MK3
Orange 4 stroke 300/500
Orange OB1 300/500

Traynor Amps


Bass Guitar Amps – Orange Amps


Traynor also has neo Kappalite loaded 15" cabinets. TC115

Actually the unfortunately discontinued tilt back cabinet style Traynor TC412 is good neo cab. Alot of efficiency with the 412

Far as classic ceramic eminence loaded cabinets

SVT215E (158legend driver)
SVT810E ( 810legend driver)
Orange OBC115 (Kappa Pro driver)

 

[Arthur U. Poon]

BassAssHat, you can most definitely use a tube amp into that Mesa cabinet. Just make sure the amp matches the ohm rating of your cabinet. I personally turn my tweeter(s) completely off when I run distortion or overdrive.

Technically you can run any head into it.

But yes class D and neos is the last place to find grind.....Over head is there with Neos don't get me wrong. But I've sold all of mine.

Hi BogeyBass, you're not the first TBer that has made the statement that Neo drivers are lacking compared to ceramic drivers. I'm curious what you find lacking in Neo drivers.

I've plugged my Aguilar TH500 into one of my Mesa PH212s, which has neo drivers, and I can get some really nice grind. Same thing goes for when I use my GED-2112 preamp. The Mesa Neos sound very "Rock" to me.

 

[BogeyBass]

BassAssHat, you can most definitely use a tube amp into that Mesa cabinet. Just make sure the amp matches the ohm rating of your cabinet. I personally turn my tweeter(s) completely off when I run distortion or overdrive.



Hi BogeyBass, you're not the first TBer that has made the statement that Neo drivers are lacking compared to ceramic drivers. I'm curious what you find lacking in Neo drivers.

I've plugged my Aguilar TH500 into one of my Mesa PH212s, which has neo drivers, and I can get some really nice grind. Same thing goes for when I use my GED-2112 preamp. The Mesa Neos sound very "Rock" to me.

Neos have alot overhead. Played around with few well known Eminence, B&C Faital drivers.

Clean , alot overhead. Could carry a room with less speakers. Just more amp. The so called " super woofers" with no highs and use mids. Dark deep Spongy.

I don't know how to describe it

Other neos that cover a wider bandwidth.
Mids are clear. Just missing a magical bark I guess you could say. And yes have alot overhead and are clean. But if they do hit distortion. Tone changes and feel spongy. The best I can describe it.

Likewise yes any good head distortion or pedal distortion sounds good. But still something missing

Some better than others. I've been happy with some 12" neo. But go back to a ceramic.

With the classic good cast frame ceramic. When clean their is magic. When going dirty there is extra magic lol. And when driven into horrid hell. There is no sponge and magic.

For clean it's very defined smooth classic bass tone. Little bit paper I call it sometimes.

Thinking that's it I've tried and ordered small gap thinner cones. With neo drivers.
Still not magic bark. Still spongy

 

[red_rhino]

I'm not really digging the tone overall compared to my previous rig of a Mesa Walkabout into 2x10 and 1x15

So if the D800 isn't what you're after, and you liked the Walkabout, why not try the WD800 instead? It seems like both amps appeal to people having different tonal goals. I liked the WD800 overall when I tried it, but I suspect the D800+ is going to be more my thing.

Different strokes.

 

[sludgetail]

Hooked up my Super Bassman to friend's 2x15 Mesa Subway cab and it sounded monstrous. Not a hi-fi sound by any means (though that head is badass and can get you dialed-in really well on the overdrive/modern channel), but it did offer up all the tube girth, grind, and that thick syrupy slump I was seeking.

I get the same slump out of my 210 and 1x15 subway cab combo, both with the D800+ and now their WD800 (which has plenty of grit and grind layered onto a phat bottom the way I've got it dialed-in). I too initially thought these might be hi-fi ONLY cabs based on the cost, the weight, how amazing the specs are, and how freakishly light they are... but I was wrong. Like the Subway heads, they do EVERYTHING very very well... and like I mentioned prior in this thread -- the heads are the same way -- they sound so damn good with everything I've plugged them into.

the Subway 2x15 is a killer cab, and it's on my short list of must-haves... if you decide on it, and it matches well with your head -- then awesome... if not, like aged horse said (and as I'm sure you know), there's a lot of other great cabs out there -- new and old that I'm sure will suit to your taste.

However, as far as the myth that Class D's and neos don't offer-up any grind, the Fender Bassman 8x10 and 6x10 cabs are both Neo-loaded cabinets and pair extremely well with their Bassman Amps... and they also offer plenty of thunder and grunt too. Good luck brotha

 

[AdamR]

If you liked the Walkabout maybe you should look at the WD800.

 

[Nephilymbass]

Hey everyone! Been a longtime reader and wasn't able to find the answer to this specific question so I set up this account.

Recently picked up a Mesa D800 head and Mesa Subway 2x15 cabinet based on recommendations on this forum. I love how light the cabinet is, but I'm not really digging the tone overall compared to my previous rig of a Mesa Walkabout into 2x10 and 1x15 (yes, I know now that this is a bad combo but it sounded great, even though the speakers were poopy Avatars).

Not sure if I'm not digging the head/cab or both. Has anyone run a tube amp into one of these newer lighter cabinets? Will the horn mess up the tone? Turning it down helped. Just curious if I could successfully pair a Fender Super Bassman or SVT CL into this 2x15 or if anyone has done it. The cab has speakon ins and is made to pair with the class D heads so it seems like an unwise thing to do. It seems like people here seem to really dig the Subway cabinets so I am assuming my issue is with the head. I like having some grit in my tone. I am also considering moving to the new GK Legacy 800 to get some of that grind back, but not sure if it's going to be worth the upgrade if it's similar to the D800. Any advice/experience?

I have a d-800 and like it. One of the common issues Ive read multiple times is people are too conservative dialing in their sound. The amp actually has a sort of tube emulation that comes alive when the amp is pushed right. Try different combination of dialing the “input” and “master” knobs. Don’t be afraid of led lights coming on

 

[TubeDood]

So you suggest ditching my entire rig (head + cab)? What Orange and Traynor amps do you suggest I check out? I heard the Terror Bass doesn't come close to their all-tube offering. And at that price I'd look into the SBM or SVT CL. I assumed that the Subway cabs could do the overdrive thing since they introduced the WD800.

I've got an SVT and neos , and I have many shades of grit and grind.


The Orange stuff is nice , their amps are fluffy and sparkly in tone, but lack mids. You need access to mids for shades of grind.
The Terror amp is an awesome lil bugger, but sounds meh compared to its tubey big bro.
Traynor has a more transparent sound , but not as characteristic as an Ampeg.
You should be able to come deadly close to that midrange flavor of an SVT with Mesa's para mids setup. Just might take some knob tweaking to get there.

If you find yourself wanting more shades of grind , I would recommend switching to 12"s.

 

[basscapes]

Regarding the vote- CARROTS. I have nothing to add or contribute to that vote, as I simply don't have any experience with any Mesa 215.

Now, regarding an SVT with a MESA 2x15 (or ANY 215 cab) - I have one suggestion- TRY IT YOURSELF and make YOUR OWN JUDGEMENT. Use YOUR ears FIRST!


FROM PERSONAL EXPERIENCE-

If I didn't use my own ears and judgement with equipment selection, I would never have bought-

SVT810 cab (too heavy, old design). Sounds great (to MY ears) with "modern amps". Easier to lug around than a pair of 410s. load in/out? No problem!

Quilter Bass Block 800 (Class D, No "grind" or tone, Only tubes sound "right" with bass,etc). Sounds incredible (to MY ears) by itself or with quite a few "preamp" pedals in front.

Built my own P-bass from parts (or bought my first back in the early 90's. Again, Old, One Note Design,). Gets the "Big Rock Tone" (to MY ears) with my gear, in my particular use.

Multiple Guitar Effects Pedals (You'll lose all the bottom end. They don't "work" for bass). I use a LOT of "meant for guitar" effects and have no issues with the bass "not working with them".

Peace.

Now go PLAY something... LOL

 

[Element Zero]

oh how I wish you could read the last post or reason why someone got banned on here. would make for some fun laughs I'm sure.

 

[two fingers]

Hey everyone! Been a longtime reader and wasn't able to find the answer to this specific question so I set up this account.

Recently picked up a Mesa D800 head and Mesa Subway 2x15 cabinet based on recommendations on this forum. I love how light the cabinet is, but I'm not really digging the tone overall compared to my previous rig of a Mesa Walkabout into 2x10 and 1x15 (yes, I know now that this is a bad combo but it sounded great, even though the speakers were poopy Avatars).

Not sure if I'm not digging the head/cab or both. Has anyone run a tube amp into one of these newer lighter cabinets? Will the horn mess up the tone? Turning it down helped. Just curious if I could successfully pair a Fender Super Bassman or SVT CL into this 2x15 or if anyone has done it. The cab has speakon ins and is made to pair with the class D heads so it seems like an unwise thing to do. It seems like people here seem to really dig the Subway cabinets so I am assuming my issue is with the head. I like having some grit in my tone. I am also considering moving to the new GK Legacy 800 to get some of that grind back, but not sure if it's going to be worth the upgrade if it's similar to the D800. Any advice/experience?

Welcome to TalkBass!!!!

Before you go to all that trouble and expense, try a Sansamp pedal (or some other preamp designed to emulate the SVT sound) in front of your (already amazing) rig. The D800 and Subway cabs are cutting edge stuff. They will last your YEARS if you take care of them. I think the problem you are having is that they are just too "clean" sounding for you. There are all kinds of harmonics and "distortion" going on with tube amps (poor description I realize) that don't go for clean. If you like that sound, warm up your tone with a preamp pedal and keep your stellar rig. Another advantage is that you can have BOTH tones available. Simply turn your preamp pedal on or off for gritty or clean tones.

No way would I scrap a rig like that.

Jist my opinion though. You do what makes YOU grin.

 

[BassAssHat]

Welcome to TalkBass!!!!

Before you go to all that trouble and expense, try a Sansamp pedal (or some other preamp designed to emulate the SVT sound) in front of your (already amazing) rig. The D800 and Subway cabs are cutting edge stuff. They will last your YEARS if you take care of them. I think the problem you are having is that they are just too "clean" sounding for you. There are all kinds of harmonics and "distortion" going on with tube amps (poor description I realize) that don't go for clean. If you like that sound, warm up your tone with a preamp pedal and keep your stellar rig. Another advantage is that you can have BOTH tones available. Simply turn your preamp pedal on or off for gritty or clean tones.

No way would I scrap a rig like that.

Jist my opinion though. You do what makes YOU grin.

Thanks so much for the thoughtful response. I'll try a BDDI and VT Bass and see what happens. Any others to try?

 

[two fingers]

Thanks so much for the thoughtful response. I'll try a BDDI and VT Bass and see what happens. Any others to try?

Wanna have some fun? Swing over to the effects section of this forum. There you'll find some of the most helpful freaks ever.

Ask them what other options are out there. You'll get more stuff to sift through than you can imagine. Watch some YouTube videos based on what they recommend. It's a great time to be a bass player. More gear than you can imagine.