sPiKi

Cheers Mark. It was actually in the Burrendale Hotel. My old Ampeg sounded awful in that room but the Mesa is so much easier to EQ & sounded great.

[color=#141414][font=verdana, geneva, lucida,]I thought I would post my thoughts on my experiences with the complete Subway rig having had it a few weeks now and in the last two weeks, been able to try it out in three different environments.[/font][/color] [color=#141414][font=verdana, geneva, lucida,]The bottom line is that the amp and cabs sound fantastic and it is easy to dial in a great tone with a little experimentation.[/font][/color] [color=#141414][font=verdana, geneva, lucida,]I was initially concerned about being able to deliver loud and clear without distorting and the height of the cabs (without angling them up) but I can honestly say I don't miss my 610 cab at all, given the thump out of the 112 + 115. I haven't had to push the master beyond 1 o'clock (and I do like to feel the bass) and little tweaks on the controls yield great results.[/font][/color] [color=#141414][font=verdana, geneva, lucida,]In the first set of photos taken from a local pub, with lots of tiled flooring, wooden panelling and high ceilings, I kept the tweeter at noon and as I had the cabs raised on a seat, rolled back the high mid and treble. The sound was great and the other guys all remarked at how much clearer and distinctive it sounded in comparison to my old Ampeg rig.[/font][/color] [color=#141414][font=verdana, geneva, lucida,][url="http://s207.photobucket.com/user/spiki1969/media/P1110667_1.jpg.html"][/url][/font][/color] [color=#141414][font=verdana, geneva, lucida,][url="http://s207.photobucket.com/user/spiki1969/media/P1110666.jpg.html"][/url][/font][/color] [color=#141414][font=verdana, geneva, lucida,]Last weekend we had two weddings back to back in the same hotel. On the first night we were set up just on the floor and on the second on a raised stage. To compensate for playing in a 'dead room' I turned the tweeters up full and had the Voicing control around 3 o'clock - what a sound! Was really impressed and all the time I was playing, was chuffed that I knew I had made a fantastic purchase. [/font][/color] [color=#141414][font=verdana, geneva, lucida,]Some of the photos here will give an impression of how high the rig sits. Great to feel the cabs pushing air and moving the hairs on your arms![/font][/color] [color=#141414][font=verdana, geneva, lucida,][url="http://s207.photobucket.com/user/spiki1969/media/P1110688.jpg.html"][/url][/font][/color] [color=#141414][font=verdana, geneva, lucida,][url="http://s207.photobucket.com/user/spiki1969/media/P1110713.jpg.html"][/url][/font][/color] [color=#141414][font=verdana, geneva, lucida,][url="http://s207.photobucket.com/user/spiki1969/media/P1110788.jpg.html"][/url][/font][/color] [color=#141414][font=verdana, geneva, lucida,][url="http://s207.photobucket.com/user/spiki1969/media/P1110804.jpg.html"][/url][/font][/color] [color=#141414][font=verdana, geneva, lucida,]To finish, I received my cab covers yesterday from Roqsolid with which I'm very happy. Both fit like a glove and give a decent amount of protection. I opted for the foam guard option and I will be a lot more confident setting these in the back of our Merc van. Only wish I had Mesa logos/patches for them! Great service too from Bryn.[/font][/color] [color=#141414][font=verdana, geneva, lucida,][url="http://s207.photobucket.com/user/spiki1969/media/2016-06-07%2012.07.29.jpg.html"][/url][/font][/color] [color=#141414][font=verdana, geneva, lucida,][url="http://s207.photobucket.com/user/spiki1969/media/2016-06-07%2012.07.45.jpg.html"][/url][/font][/color] [color=#141414][font=verdana, geneva, lucida,][url="http://s207.photobucket.com/user/spiki1969/media/2016-06-07%2012.08.17.jpg.html"][/url][/font][/color] [color=#141414][font=verdana, geneva, lucida,][url="http://s207.photobucket.com/user/spiki1969/media/2016-06-07%2012.08.40.jpg.html"][/url][/font][/color]

I'm trying to avoid using the most overused adjective in recent online bass discussion threads !

Couple more photos... [URL=http://s207.photobucket.com/user/spiki1969/media/2016-05-20%2012.59.14.jpg.html][IMG]http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb176/spiki1969/2016-05-20%2012.59.14.jpg[/IMG][/URL] The cabs are quite deep [URL=http://s207.photobucket.com/user/spiki1969/media/2016-05-20%2012.58.58.jpg.html][IMG]http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb176/spiki1969/2016-05-20%2012.58.58.jpg[/IMG][/URL] [URL=http://s207.photobucket.com/user/spiki1969/media/2016-05-20%2012.58.29.jpg.html][IMG]http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb176/spiki1969/2016-05-20%2012.58.29.jpg[/IMG][/URL]

Not loud at all. Tbh I haven't noticed it at the gig (obviously) or practicising at home. Had the 112 at practice tonight and it coped very well. Delivers a surprising amount of low end although granted it wasn't overly loud. No deep switch engaged either. But a very solid tone. First impressions are very good but eager to get out into a normal venue which won't be for another fortnight to crank both speakers.

Cheers Frank. I can't wait to get out again and put it to the test in a more forgiving environment.

[color=#141414][font=verdana, geneva, lucida,] So, I had my first gig last night with my new Subway rig. I was looking forward to this since Wednesday when it arrived and was keen to see how it performed in a band setting.[/font][/color] [color=#141414][font=verdana, geneva, lucida,] The venue itself was quirky to say the least. A converted barge from, it seems, the earlier part of the 20th. This consists of a small reception area, restaurant/bar, and below deck, a small museum and live venue, accommodating a max of 100 people. Yesterday was a very mild day and down below, it was uncomfortably warm, with the metal side of the boat warm to the touch.[/font][/color] [color=#141414][font=verdana, geneva, lucida,] [url="http://s207.photobucket.com/user/spiki1969/media/belfast%20barge.jpg.html"][/url][/font][/color] [color=#141414][font=verdana, geneva, lucida,] [url="http://s207.photobucket.com/user/spiki1969/media/belfast-barge-1.jpeg.html"][/url][/font][/color] [color=#141414][font=verdana, geneva, lucida,] The lift in was fine and the weight of the Subway cabs were a real bous, walking over a gang plank, down two flights of stairs and across the venue. Took me a couple of minutes to set up and get a tone I was happy with.[/font][/color] [color=#141414][font=verdana, geneva, lucida,] [url="http://s207.photobucket.com/user/spiki1969/media/P1110599.jpg.html"][/url][/font][/color] [color=#141414][font=verdana, geneva, lucida,] Playing in a metal box though, does produce some audio problems and after about two songs one of the staff appeared and requested if I could turn down the bass a bit as diners upstairs were complaining - result!! So, yes the deep switch rocks the boat![/font][/color] [color=#141414][font=verdana, geneva, lucida,] Gig went well, a small intimate wedding of about 80 guests. However, over the course of our set, about two and a half hours, I was tweaking the low mid and bass settings regularly to try to reduce the reverb from the tin can. No doubt in a bricks n mortar venue things may be easier. I brought the stack - how could I not - and had plenty of volume/headroom if needed.[/font][/color] [color=#141414][font=verdana, geneva, lucida,] [url="http://s207.photobucket.com/user/spiki1969/media/P1110618.jpg.html"][/url][/font][/color] [color=#141414][font=verdana, geneva, lucida,] I was impressed by the rig and how it performed but look forward to our next gig to get a more representative impression. Today, I stuck my VT Bass pedal in front of it and really liked the scooped tone I dialled in but feel for the money I have spent, about £2000 Sterling, I don't want to have to use a £100 pedal to get my tone. All in all, I'm happy but with more familiarity with the controls and these cabs (quite a difference from my old Ampeg 610) I am expecting to get the best out of it. Hope you've enjoyed this mini review.[/font][/color]

[quote name='FuNkShUi' timestamp='1463122999' post='3048719'] I've never played through a Mesa amp or cab, but that is a cracking looking rig Nice [/quote] Neither had I!! No decent shops over here to try out top end gear, so bought based on Talkbass recommendations and Youtube videos, which I'll never sound like, ha ha. The head is great for the tone I was after. It just makes every string sound thick, rings out clearly and balanced...feels a bit like stringing your bass with suspension cables!

Thanks Muzz. Don't know if I will use it vertically. Sitting horizontally it comes to about waist height and is only about 4 or 5 inches short than my 610. But nice to have the choice.

Thanks for the heads up Frank. Just had our Saturday gig cancelled on us due to a double booking. The joys of playing in a cover band

Thanks guys. So far, very impressed but the true test will be out with the band this weekend.

[color=#141414][font=verdana, geneva, lucida,] Have a nice little surprise awaiting me yesterday. Finished early at work and just as I got home, the FedEx van was in the driveway. Cabs were ordered from GAK a few weeks ago and came into stock on Tuesday and were delivered on Wednesday.[/font][/color] [color=#141414][font=verdana, geneva, lucida,] [url="http://s207.photobucket.com/user/spiki1969/media/2016-05-11%2015.10.51.jpg.html"][/url][/font][/color] [color=#141414][font=verdana, geneva, lucida,] I set up the 112 first of all and was very impressed with the tone, although had to keep it down as doors, keys, furniture & teeth were beginning to rattle...[/font][/color] [color=#141414][font=verdana, geneva, lucida,] [url="http://s207.photobucket.com/user/spiki1969/media/2016-05-11%2015.16.25.jpg.html"][/url][/font][/color] [color=#141414][font=verdana, geneva, lucida,] Next came the big brother, the 115. I was surprised at how sturdy and initially, I thought, fairly weighty it felt. The tone was solid, clean and balanced. The clairty from the rig sounded almost as if I had new strings.[/font][/color] [color=#141414][font=verdana, geneva, lucida,] [url="http://s207.photobucket.com/user/spiki1969/media/2016-05-11%2015.25.42.jpg.html"][/url][/font][/color] [color=#141414][font=verdana, geneva, lucida,] Side view, gives you an idea of the depth of these puppies...[/font][/color] [color=#141414][font=verdana, geneva, lucida,] [url="http://s207.photobucket.com/user/spiki1969/media/2016-05-11%2015.46.30.jpg.html"][/url][/font][/color] [color=#141414][font=verdana, geneva, lucida,] New speakons and just kept the tweeter at 12 o'clock, which sounded great.[/font][/color] [color=#141414][font=verdana, geneva, lucida,] [url="http://s207.photobucket.com/user/spiki1969/media/2016-05-11%2015.47.23.jpg.html"][/url][/font][/color] [color=#141414][font=verdana, geneva, lucida,] The full rig and family. Initial impressions are that I prefer the tone from the Jazz; was really easy to dial in a cracking tone. Really like the rock settings as suggested in the D800 manual. The Dirnt P is taking a bit more time and a bit less low mid. I know I'll get there with some tweaking but the Jazz sounds sweet.[/font][/color] [color=#141414][font=verdana, geneva, lucida,] [url="http://s207.photobucket.com/user/spiki1969/media/2016-05-11%2015.56.04.jpg.html"][/url][/font][/color] [color=#141414][font=verdana, geneva, lucida,] 112 goes vert:[/font][/color] [color=#141414][font=verdana, geneva, lucida,] [url="http://s207.photobucket.com/user/spiki1969/media/2016-05-11%2016.20.20.jpg.html"][/url][/font][/color] [color=#141414][font=verdana, geneva, lucida,] [url="http://s207.photobucket.com/user/spiki1969/media/2016-05-11%2016.20.42.jpg.html"][/url][/font][/color] [color=#141414][font=verdana, geneva, lucida,] This rig just oozes quality. Build, finish and tone are first class. Can't wait for this weekend, when I have two gigs. Friday's is going to be interesting, playing on a docked barge near the Titanic area in Belfast. Might have rocked it off it's moorings come the end of the night ! Maybe get a wee gig report up over the weekend.[/font][/color]

I'm very impressed with my Mesa Subway D800. Major drop in weight compared to my V4BH and no loss in tone. Nice balanced sound, easy to get a good, thick tone and makes me smile packing this in my gig bag. Playing through a 610 HLF but eagerly awaiting the arrival of a Subway 115 and 112 next week, all being well.

I did miss that, Frank, my apologies. If I can find the time (FT job and gigging every week), I'll drop you a line and many thanks for the offer. A very decent community on here. Gratitude.

Hard to find a decent review or clip on YT that demonstrates bass amps played in a rock style...nothing but noodling...why??!!

Cheers Japhet. Not familiar with Tech SS but will have a look.

Thanks for all the responses. As much as I like the Ampeg tone, I'm not absolutely commtted to it. I rarely used the gain for a bit of dirt, preferring a clean sound for most of our stuff. I quite fancy a change & hopefully will find the right set up which is smaller, flexible and more portable & gives me big, clean and punchy.

[quote name='JTUK' timestamp='1442322483' post='2866019'] Refresh the memory..what cab are you planning to use...? The OTB is regarded as a 1 trick pony, IMV...and it depends if you like that trick. Some do...but it didn't work for you? Aguilar can do a modern take on Ampeg, but if you are considering the PF800...I'd stick on the Ampeg trail. I don't like the SVT3 but that might be another option. Very popular around here, for some reason.... and S/H prices should be helpful. If you were going to change out your cabs, I'd suggest a PF800 with TKS 2xS112's as that combo works great with a PF500. Best of both worlds...light AND ceramic I'd also suggest that CN Bergs and SL12's...which are NEO and light, work pretty well too. But I say this as they are combos I've researched and know work...IMO. The trick is trying these things to avoid another OBT situation. [/quote] It was the OB1 not the OBT, JTUK. I tried it through my Ampeg 610 Classic cabinet. Initially I thought I might have tried a PF500 or 800 but after doing some research, the frequency of problems with the 500, no matter how long ago, has put me off. I was also considering the SVT 7 Pro but even with the current revision of that amp (H? perhaps) there are still reported problems with cutting out. Not ideal when performing. Think I'm going to wait and see what the feedback on the Mesa is when it arrives. The only other strong contender is the TH500. Not sure about which cab(s) to consider. Still trying to get my head around the large output from the small cabs that seem so popular today (is 115 or 112 or 212 really loud enough for gigging?). Again would really like to downsize and go modular, but have very limited opportunities to try stuff out locally and haven't an unlimited budget, probably £7-800 for cabs.

So, I received my OB1 500 today and have just returned from a quick workout with our guitarist and drummer. What a disappointment! Hated the tone. Mids way too prominent and to my ears, just all 'honk' which I couldn't eliminate. In spite of the marketing of an active EQ, we found the range from the clean section of the amp to be pretty limited. I played through with my P and J basses, with no effects at all. It does the distorted thing great when the gain is cranked but I could never see me using that in our set. Enjoyed a quick run through Ace of Spades for old time's sake The unit itself feels very sturdy and weighty and it isn't going to budge from your cab; thought the knobs though were a bit cheap feeling. For comparison, we alternated heads to contrast with the V4 and I must say, in my opnion, that has a much more rounded, fuller tone which is not harsh unlike this one. I still have the problem of not enough power with my V4, so considering possibly PF800 + cabs, TH500 or wait for reviews on the Mesa Subway. Any thoughts or advice would be really welcome.

Saw that the other day...cracking photo

Delivery delayed! Typical. Will def. do a review though once I have given it a workout.