Mesa DC-2 through 1x15 Cab w/Altec 418-8H...WOW!

[muttznmongrelz]

So I've got this Mesa DC-2 and a couple of cabinets sitting around while I'm trying to sell them. I have been playing the DC-2 and wasn't initially overwhelmed by it. I am starting to figure it out a bit more and it's pretty darn cool.

I also have two cabinets at my disposal; an 80's Mesa/Boogie Metal Grill 2x12 w/Celestion G12T-75 Speakers and a Penn Fabrication Custom 1x15 Cabinet w/Altec 418-8H Speaker.

I tried plugging the DC-2 into the Mesa Cab and it was okay...loud, mid range rock sound but not rounded out or fuller by any means.




Then I plugged into the Altec 1x15 Cab...Oh...My...God...it cleaned up and bloomed into this really incredible full sound, just beautiful and complex. What an incredible improvement in sound this cab made!

 

[thebowl]

Re: Mesa DC-2 through 1x15 Cab w/Altec 418-8H...WOW!

In the right environment, Altec Lansings are as clean and articulate as anything ever made.

 

[Drano Max]

Re: Mesa DC-2 through 1x15 Cab w/Altec 418-8H...WOW!

I had the old .22 caliber a few years back. It didn't have the built in EQ. I didn't like that amp at all until I put a MXR 5 band in the loop. Damn amp came alive then.

Those Altecs are pretty good, in my opinion.

 

[muttznmongrelz]

Re: Mesa DC-2 through 1x15 Cab w/Altec 418-8H...WOW!

I was very impressed with the Altech 15" Speaker. I've read some similar things about people doing the same with an equalizer pedal in front of the Mesa Non-Slider EQ Model DC-2.

 

[Boogie Bill]

Re: Mesa DC-2 through 1x15 Cab w/Altec 418-8H...WOW!

Wrong speakers for the DC-2 in the Mesa 212.

IMO, the best combo is a Mesa C-90 in the top, with the back off. Use a Mesa MS-12 in the bottom, or better still, an EVM.

Vintage 30s also work well in these cabs, back top off or on. I use a Mesa Mark V combo with a C-90, and stack it on a Mesa 112 Wide Body Closed Back cab with a V-30, and couldn't be more pleased. So this combination should work well in the 212 Half-Back cab.

Or set the combo on a 112 EVM Thiele! This is how I use my Mark III, IV and DC-3 combos.

No surprise with the success of the Altec. Mesa used them in the early days. Wonderful speakers.

Bill

 

[muttznmongrelz]

Re: Mesa DC-2 through 1x15 Cab w/Altec 418-8H...WOW!

Thanks for the reply. After the research I've been doing of late on some of the gear I'm currently holding I think you're spot on with your assessment about speakers - rightly so with your amps and experience!

My friend had been running the Mesa DC-2 through the Altec 1x15 to clean up and expand it's sound and probably the Fargen through the Mesa 2x12 Cabinet to give it a bit more power and attitude. I've yet to plug the Fargen into the Mesa 2x12 and will probably give that a try this evening just to see.

 

[Ascension]

Re: Mesa DC-2 through 1x15 Cab w/Altec 418-8H...WOW!

I understand the frustration with Boogies as I have had a love hate thang going with my 2 for a while now. Running WGS's in both my 1/12 under the .50cal head ( Retro 30 ) and the 10 in my Subway Rocket ( ET 10) and digging them both a LOT!!
The .50 cal head in particular I feel like I'm fighting on stage live then hear it back off a recording and it's WOW so you DC 2 is likely similar.
Have the .50 cal / Blackstar 1/12 set up at Church right now here is last Sunday running just the head no effects on at this time with my Modern Player tele.

Might want to try a retro 30 with your DC 2 as both my .50 cal and the Subway love this speaker cab combo!