seymourfluid Posted February 13, 2011 Share Posted February 13, 2011 Hi, can I get some help from you guys please? I have purchased a Mesa boogie Carbine M6 with 2 cabs, a 2 * 12 and a 1 *15. This was a direct replacement for an Ashdown AMB 575 with similar cabs. The mistake I made was assuming that as they are both about 600W the volumes of the 2 rigs would be about the same. The efficiency of the Boogie rig means that it’s soooo much louder I can’t run it at any volume and can’t drive the pre-amp stage to get the growl I want. If I run the two 8-Ohm cabs in series instead of parallel to get 16-Ohm, would it affect the tonal quality of the amp or would it just run at about 180 W? Does anyone know where I can buy a good quality speakon lead or box to bridge for serial? Thanks, Seymour Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
icastle Posted February 13, 2011 Share Posted February 13, 2011 Can't you just turn the Pre amp gain up and keep the master volume down? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
seymourfluid Posted February 13, 2011 Author Share Posted February 13, 2011 [quote name='icastle' post='1126037' date='Feb 13 2011, 03:29 PM']Can't you just turn the Pre amp gain up and keep the master volume down?[/quote] That's the problem. I have the master gain on 0.25. Only just breaking the power amp in and the preamp gain is around 11 o'clock. The valves don't start breaking until 12 o'clock. If I run just one cab, I can't get the sound so I need to run at 16 Ohm. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alexclaber Posted February 13, 2011 Share Posted February 13, 2011 I wouldn't recommend running two different cabs in series because their dissimilar impedance curves will cause strange power distribution and tone issues. Try just using one cab instead. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
icastle Posted February 13, 2011 Share Posted February 13, 2011 [quote name='seymourfluid' post='1126119' date='Feb 13 2011, 05:05 PM']That's the problem. I have the master gain on 0.25. Only just breaking the power amp in and the preamp gain is around 11 o'clock. The valves don't start breaking until 12 o'clock. If I run just one cab, I can't get the sound so I need to run at 16 Ohm.[/quote] Ah that'd be a problem then I haven't seen a parallel -> series convertor box or cable 'off the shelf'. Why not drop OBBM a message on this board and ask if he can make one up for you as a custom job? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
keeponehandloose Posted February 13, 2011 Share Posted February 13, 2011 What about changing the pre amp valves for some that break up At lower volumes Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
icastle Posted February 13, 2011 Share Posted February 13, 2011 Maybe the easiest option would be to take a look at some of the valve preamp pedals that are on the market. Set your drive level on that and just set your rig to a comfortable level. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
seymourfluid Posted February 13, 2011 Author Share Posted February 13, 2011 [quote name='alexclaber' post='1126139' date='Feb 13 2011, 05:20 PM']I wouldn't recommend running two different cabs in series because their dissimilar impedance curves will cause strange power distribution and tone issues. Try just using one cab instead.[/quote] I tried one cab last night. Takes the power down to 320W and I used the 2*12 on it's own. I just don't get the bottom end that I do with both cabs, so I need to run the 1*15 as well. What I should have done was buy the M3 300Watt version but it's a bit late now. :-( Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phil-osopher10 Posted February 13, 2011 Share Posted February 13, 2011 There is a handy we thing on ebay that controls the amount of signal coming from your bass, never tried it but i'm sure it'd work. also turn your bass and gain down very very low. and boost the pre amp should get you there. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bumnote Posted February 13, 2011 Share Posted February 13, 2011 Have you tried contacting Mesa Boogie? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
keeponehandloose Posted February 13, 2011 Share Posted February 13, 2011 What about something like a THD Hotplate or Marshalls version .Plugs between amp and cabs,google it...looks handy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alexclaber Posted February 13, 2011 Share Posted February 13, 2011 Have a look at the block diagram for the amp. You may be able to run the preamp output out through an FX loop, through a line level attenuator (ie a 25k pot) and then back in to the power amp, so you can push the preamp hard and then pull it back. Alternatively if you're running the amp that quietly you should be able to get plenty of bottom from one cab by messing with your EQ. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Musky Posted February 13, 2011 Share Posted February 13, 2011 [quote name='icastle' post='1126170' date='Feb 13 2011, 05:42 PM']Maybe the easiest option would be to take a look at some of the valve preamp pedals that are on the market. Set your drive level on that and just set your rig to a comfortable level.[/quote] +1 Seems like the simplest solution all round, though there are plenty of SS designs that might hit the spot as well. Badder Monkey? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thodrik Posted February 13, 2011 Share Posted February 13, 2011 Maybe you could trade the M6 in for an M3... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
seymourfluid Posted February 16, 2011 Author Share Posted February 16, 2011 [quote name='thodrik' post='1126549' date='Feb 13 2011, 11:17 PM']Maybe you could trade the M6 in for an M3...[/quote] I have tried most of the above, most colour the pure sound I wanted when I spent the money. :-( I contacted PMT southend who sold me the amp to ask if they would consider a part ex to an M3. 3 months old, 6 gigs, flight cased and they offered me £450. Reply not repeatable. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Noisyjon Posted February 16, 2011 Share Posted February 16, 2011 One question - I see on the Mesa Boogie page for the 2x12 Powerhouse cab that it says 8 or 4 Ohm, which is yours? I ask as the M6 Carbine puts out 320 Watts at 8 Ohms so it may help you if yours is an 8 Ohm version and as Alex said try running just the 2x12 and adjust the EQ to get the sound you want with the 1 cab... Just throwing the idea out there and hope it helps? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gsgbass Posted February 20, 2011 Share Posted February 20, 2011 (edited) When using both cabs, have you set the switch on the rear of the M6 from 8-4 ohm to 2 ohm? 8-4 ohm setting for one cab. 2 ohm setting for two cabs. Edited February 20, 2011 by famstd Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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