JamesTun Posted September 13, 2014 Author Share Posted September 13, 2014 I agree getting the right sound for you from a Graphic EQ can be difficult. But I have only had them so I know how to get a rough sound I like. The 400 sounds so aggressive, I love it. Why did they stop producing them? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bassman Steve Posted September 13, 2014 Share Posted September 13, 2014 No idea but you'll see plenty of people telling them to start making them again on Boogie forums. The 400 came from the D-180 and was then superceded by the 400+ (which is more powerful and uses 12 power valves). Not sure when they changed but your amp will be at least 20 years old - but they are awesome amps. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JamesTun Posted September 13, 2014 Author Share Posted September 13, 2014 Interesting, Mesa Boogie isn't my most knowledgeable brand. But I know the difference between the 400 and the 400+. There is more graphic EQ controls and as you say more power in the valves. In the early 90s these were the amps to have. Still are reliable and great sounding. I think this will go great with an Ampeg classic as well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Geddys nose Posted September 13, 2014 Share Posted September 13, 2014 I'm on my forth one now which says something (stupid for selling or stupid for buying again!) I really love these and can't afford the new Mesa heads, They seem to be getting cheaper since the new Mesa Valve heads came out too. I never use the Graphic EQ really preferring to just use the tone controls on the amp which do take some getting use to and to be honest you would be best ignoring the numerals on the pots because they mean very little if you want to set it flat. Look after the valves and you will never have any problems IMO, I always revalve with JJ's as soon as I buy a new one. Combine a 400+ with a 1516 and it's tone heaven but I use to use it through a Ampeg fridge too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JTUK Posted September 14, 2014 Share Posted September 14, 2014 I think they moved away from valves as they saw the market was in SS. A good 20 year old amp is nothing in terms of use, IF it has been designed and built well and had a few services. On that basis, I wouldn't expect one to miss a beat in that time and far beyond. The other thing is that it should have been a quality amp in a time before Far East builds and cheaper component spec so this should help longevity especially as it a top range product at the time. Definitely pair it with the 1516 cab, IME as I feel it is a more sound cultured cab than the Ampeg fridge. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tonyxtiger Posted September 15, 2014 Share Posted September 15, 2014 The Boogie will take your SVT3s glasses off and stamp on them. Go for it. I had a 400+ for years and it easily competed with loud drummers and two full stacks. Great loud punchy tone. Effortless. And better than an SVT2 also. I wanted to like the SVTs but always sold them. I've had various Mesas for comparison but you'll be happy with the 400 if you want punch for slapping but with enough weight behind it. I did move on to a DB750 after which was tighter/clearer at higher volumes and saved on power tubes. Still heavy tho. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JamesTun Posted September 15, 2014 Author Share Posted September 15, 2014 Its literally why I bought it. The SVT 3 Pro wasn't doing it for me. Especially through a TC electronic cab. The combination didn't really do it for me. But I put the TC Electronic cab through a carvin bx 500. And that sounded amazing. Its the combinations that make great sounds. This Mesa 400 will be going through a Ampeg SVT-210HE Classic. So the cab will smooth out the sound for the finger playing. But the Mesa will bring out a great sound, hopefully! Should be getting it on this Friday! Might invest in a little head like a Carvin BX model. Just for the light moving around. Because as we all know, the Mesa Boogies are really not light! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roland Rock Posted September 16, 2014 Share Posted September 16, 2014 [quote name='JamesTun' timestamp='1410811993' post='2553537'] This Mesa 400 will be going through a Ampeg SVT-210HE Classic. [/quote] I haven't played that particular rig, but I get the feeling that if you turn the volume knob up on the Mesa too quickly the cab may explode ;-) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JTUK Posted September 16, 2014 Share Posted September 16, 2014 [quote name='Roland Rock' timestamp='1410864935' post='2553954'] I haven't played that particular rig, but I get the feeling that if you turn the volume knob up on the Mesa too quickly the cab may explode ;-) [/quote] Yep, 2x210's for that amp, unless VERY careful, IMO. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JamesTun Posted September 16, 2014 Author Share Posted September 16, 2014 Hmmm, I think I'll just use it for practising. Rather than just trying to go as loud as possible. Then save up for another 2x10. Probably the most sensible way of going about it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bassman Steve Posted September 16, 2014 Share Posted September 16, 2014 Just be sensible. Set the master to something like 4 and wind up the channel (1 for actives and 2 for passives) to suit. I suspect your ears will give up before the speakers! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JamesTun Posted September 16, 2014 Author Share Posted September 16, 2014 Exactly, I think I'll know if I'm pushing it over the edge. I don't need a lot of volume.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest monsterthompson Posted September 16, 2014 Share Posted September 16, 2014 [quote name='Roland Rock' timestamp='1410864935' post='2553954'] I haven't played that particular rig, but I get the feeling that if you turn the volume knob up on the Mesa too quickly the cab may explode ;-) [/quote] I'm not sure if it applies to this vintage of Mesa, but I've found some of their products do have a rapid ramp up on the volume knob. You might want/need to get a different taper volume pot wired in. I did that with one of their guitar amps and it made it much more practice-friendly. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dad3353 Posted September 16, 2014 Share Posted September 16, 2014 [size=4] [/size][size=4] [/size] I love the notion of a 400 as a 'practice' amp. Headphones in the bedroom, perhaps..? We rehearse (and play out...) with a Hiwatt 200 valve head, but for practice, I use a Vox Amplug..! [size=4] [/size] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tonyxtiger Posted September 16, 2014 Share Posted September 16, 2014 From memory the volume kicks in quite quickly. I remember the day I got it I had my existing rig at home after a gig. I connected it to the mesa 215 and a 410 I had been using, turned it up to about 2 or 3, played one note and things fell off the mantelpiece. I couldn't have been happier. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JamesTun Posted September 16, 2014 Author Share Posted September 16, 2014 [quote name='Dad3353' timestamp='1410887029' post='2554358'] I love the notion of a 400 as a 'practice' amp. Headphones in the bedroom, perhaps..? We rehearse (and play out...) with a Hiwatt 200 valve head, but for practice, I use a Vox Amplug..! [/quote] Haha, I think I worded that wrongly. Its for future gigs and sometimes a practice amp! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest monsterthompson Posted September 16, 2014 Share Posted September 16, 2014 Sadly, I don't drive my Buster hard enough. It mostly is a practice amp Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sean Posted September 16, 2014 Share Posted September 16, 2014 [quote name='JamesTun' timestamp='1410608243' post='2551207'] Why did they stop producing them? [/quote] Weird Darwinian thing happened. Bass players evolved into pussies and wanted lightweight gear. Fortunately there were a few of us who were isolated from the main population and evolved in our way and have a flight or fight response when we see solid state amps or hybrids. The graphic is good however once you get your head around the fact that Bass=3, Mid =10, Treble = 3 is about flat the knobs are just as useful. The 400+ is one of 3 amps modelled as standard options in Logic Pro X, the others being the SVT and B15 flip top. That's all you ever need really. I love the 400+ I have, it's one of the best products I've ever owned. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JamesTun Posted September 16, 2014 Author Share Posted September 16, 2014 Haha true true. I like having lightweight cabs. But don't really mind about the heads because you can just place them on top of the cabs so it is relatively easier to have heavier items. Saying that I do like GK/Carvin heads for the their weight and the punch which it gives. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JamesTun Posted September 19, 2014 Author Share Posted September 19, 2014 Finally got it today. Pretty heavy in its flight case. Haven't played it yet. What Head to Cab cable does this use? I bought a regular one and it doesn't fit. See picture (Far left). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest monsterthompson Posted September 19, 2014 Share Posted September 19, 2014 [quote name='JamesTun' timestamp='1410891425' post='2554429'] Haha true true. I like having lightweight cabs. But don't really mind about the heads because you can just place them on top of the cabs so it is relatively easier to have heavier items. Saying that I do like GK/Carvin heads for the their weight and the punch which it gives. [/quote] I've found the cabs are bulkier so the weight is a bigger factor. The head is heavy, but compact (vs a cab) so it isn't as cumbersome. I'd totally cut cab weight first. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JamesTun Posted September 20, 2014 Author Share Posted September 20, 2014 [quote name='monsterthompson' timestamp='1411166464' post='2557284'] I've found the cabs are bulkier so the weight is a bigger factor. The head is heavy, but compact (vs a cab) so it isn't as cumbersome. I'd totally cut cab weight first. [/quote] You're right. Its why I'd probably go for a GK/TC electronic cab because its more of a one man job. I don't mind having the weight because I can just stick some wheels onto it if necessary. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sean Posted September 20, 2014 Share Posted September 20, 2014 [quote name='JamesTun' timestamp='1411165599' post='2557280'] Finally got it today. Pretty heavy in its flight case. Haven't played it yet. What Head to Cab cable does this use? I bought a regular one and it doesn't fit. See picture (Far left). [/quote] You need a speaker jack into one of the jack sockets (say 4 ohm) on the back and a speakon or speaker jack on the other end into the cab. The balanced output on the far left is the DI out to a mixing desk, there's no power in that, well not enough to drive a cab anyway. Make sure you use speaker cable not instrument cable. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sean Posted September 20, 2014 Share Posted September 20, 2014 When you start playing through it, turn the graphic EQ off and get to understand the mid/treble/bass controls first and what the push/pull settings do. Then when you're happy you've got your head around that section and its California quirkiness have a go at the graphic. I tend not to use the graphic and run the knobs at Treble 3 (not 3 O'Clock), Bass 3, Mid 10. Master never goes above 5 (unless you want dirt). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JamesTun Posted September 20, 2014 Author Share Posted September 20, 2014 I really like using the Graphic EQ. I've always had them on my amps. But I'll need to get my head around the tone controls and the Volume 1 and 2 parts. Going to pop down the music store today and grab a speak on jack. 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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