sPiKi Posted May 12, 2016 Share Posted May 12, 2016 [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] 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Merton Posted May 12, 2016 Share Posted May 12, 2016 Very nice Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lw. Posted May 12, 2016 Share Posted May 12, 2016 (edited) Now they are handles! Great looking rig - congratulations. Edited May 12, 2016 by Lw. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sPiKi Posted May 12, 2016 Author Share Posted May 12, 2016 Thanks guys. So far, very impressed but the true test will be out with the band this weekend. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The GroovyPlucker Posted May 12, 2016 Share Posted May 12, 2016 Nice, what band are you playing with? I'm in Norn Iron, be nice to check out that rig live, The GroovyPlucker Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ahpook Posted May 12, 2016 Share Posted May 12, 2016 That looks awesome and I bet it sounds every bit as good. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CamdenRob Posted May 12, 2016 Share Posted May 12, 2016 Love the look of Mesa gear... Happy new rig day! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
machinehead Posted May 12, 2016 Share Posted May 12, 2016 That is a quality looking rig. The barge is a great venue but you'll need only one of those cabs. Are you playing around Belfast this Saturday? I'd also love to hear your new toys. Frank. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sPiKi Posted May 12, 2016 Author Share Posted May 12, 2016 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 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Muzz Posted May 12, 2016 Share Posted May 12, 2016 Aaaargh! That 112 vertically's setting off my OCD something rotten - wait till Discreet sees it... Seriously, though, that's a lovely looking rig. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sPiKi Posted May 12, 2016 Author Share Posted May 12, 2016 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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FuNkShUi Posted May 13, 2016 Share Posted May 13, 2016 I've never played through a Mesa amp or cab, but that is a cracking looking rig Nice Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kev Posted May 13, 2016 Share Posted May 13, 2016 Great looking rig would love to try that head one day! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bigwan Posted May 13, 2016 Share Posted May 13, 2016 All us Norn Iron lads (and lasses if there are any!) should get a wee bass bash sorted out one of these days... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sPiKi Posted May 13, 2016 Author Share Posted May 13, 2016 (edited) [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! Edited May 13, 2016 by sPiKi Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sPiKi Posted May 14, 2016 Author Share Posted May 14, 2016 [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 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
machinehead Posted May 15, 2016 Share Posted May 15, 2016 An excellent review! That barge is a difficult gig sound wise. I'm certain your new rig will sound better and more easily managed in a normal pub/hotel type venue. Anyway, I'm glad you enjoyed it. Frank. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sPiKi Posted May 15, 2016 Author Share Posted May 15, 2016 Cheers Frank. I can't wait to get out again and put it to the test in a more forgiving environment. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fretmeister Posted May 16, 2016 Share Posted May 16, 2016 The most important question is... How loud is the fan? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sPiKi Posted May 16, 2016 Author Share Posted May 16, 2016 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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
krispn Posted May 19, 2016 Share Posted May 19, 2016 There's nothing quite like testing new gear in your regular joint. Nice looking set up! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Musashimonkey Posted May 19, 2016 Share Posted May 19, 2016 [quote name='fretmeister' timestamp='1463414177' post='3051161'] The most important question is... How loud is the fan? [/quote] I've found the fan too loud for it to sit on my desk top while using it for headphone practice. I do play at low volumes (to save my hearing), but this is with both over ear and on ear headphones. But if I place it away from me and make use of some lead length it's ok. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fretmeister Posted May 20, 2016 Share Posted May 20, 2016 [quote name='Musashimonkey' timestamp='1463647390' post='3053004'] I've found the fan too loud for it to sit on my desk top while using it for headphone practice. I do play at low volumes (to save my hearing), but this is with both over ear and on ear headphones. But if I place it away from me and make use of some lead length it's ok. [/quote] Damn. I hate fan noise - and more to the point, the woodwind players in my band hate it too. It's so annoying. Tecamp / Eich can build plenty without fans, and there are 1000W per side 1u power amps (usually used in permanent installations) that are fanless too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Musashimonkey Posted May 20, 2016 Share Posted May 20, 2016 [quote name='fretmeister' timestamp='1463738483' post='3053698'] Damn. I hate fan noise - and more to the point, the woodwind players in my band hate it too. It's so annoying. Tecamp / Eich can build plenty without fans, and there are 1000W per side 1u power amps (usually used in permanent installations) that are fanless too. [/quote] I know! (Sorry for the thread derail). It seems like manufacturers aren't making fans a primary consideration. Everything else about the D800 is very special though. It's even got cab emulation on the headphone out. Very loud, great tones, OD built in, great EQ, super portable. I'm jealous of the OP's Subway cabs, a GREAT pairing indeed. 😊 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fretmeister Posted May 20, 2016 Share Posted May 20, 2016 The demos all sound brilliant so it's a bit gutting. Silence in orchestral music means silence. No fans, no transformer hum etc etc. I'd get less abuse if I just farted. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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