| Author | Message | ||
| gregduboc
Senior Member Username: gregduboc Post Number: 485 Registered: 11-2008 |
Questions about Markbass amps. Any of you using these happy-yellow amps?? Do they sound good, do they have a nice punch for the good old rock?? Give me your opinions! Greg | ||
| crobbins
Senior Member Username: crobbins Post Number: 672 Registered: 6-2004 |
I like mine. 500 watts, 4x10..... | ||
| 88persuader
Senior Member Username: 88persuader Post Number: 412 Registered: 5-2004 |
I love mine. LMTUBE800. 500WTS at 8 OHMS and 800 WTS at 4 OHMS. Awesome sound and power, weights 6.5lbs and fits in a computer bag! | ||
| sonicus
Senior Member Username: sonicus Post Number: 1272 Registered: 5-2009 |
I went to hear Michael Manring play recently again and he was using Markbass gear as well. He told me that it worked out well for him on the airplane travel that he is constantly required to be doing. It sounded quite good. But then he always does . (Message edited by sonicus on September 10, 2010) | ||
| hb3
Senior Member Username: hb3 Post Number: 532 Registered: 2-2005 |
I'm probably gonna buy one. | ||
| enzo
Advanced Member Username: enzo Post Number: 252 Registered: 4-2009 |
I have the combo 2x10 and I'm happy with the choice. One of the thing I like most is that it doesn't color the sound of your bass, it's very neutral. You'll hear the sound of your axe the way the factory thought it. | ||
| gregduboc
Senior Member Username: gregduboc Post Number: 486 Registered: 11-2008 |
Alright, there goes more money... Monday I'm getting myself some Markbass equipment. Little Mark III head and a 2x10 cabinet. Damn you, GAS Greg | ||
| hb3
Senior Member Username: hb3 Post Number: 533 Registered: 2-2005 |
Be sure to report back! | ||
| alembic76407
Senior Member Username: alembic76407 Post Number: 648 Registered: 5-2002 |
lets see some Photos of these little amps | ||
| gregduboc
Senior Member Username: gregduboc Post Number: 490 Registered: 11-2008 |
Here is a not-so-good cellphone picture of my new rig. It is unbelievable loud and clear! My jaw dropped and I haven' found it yet... Honestly, I've never sounded this good, and I must say that my now retired Phil Jones Bass combo really impressed me... But things have changed. I'm in love....  My camera is out of batteries... I'll charge it and post some better pictures of the head and cabinet for you guys to see when I can... Really, impressive gear!!! Go check it out at your closest dealer (and I'm not being paid for saying this!!!) Greg | ||
| hb3
Senior Member Username: hb3 Post Number: 535 Registered: 2-2005 |
Cool! So you're happy w/ just the 2X10? | ||
| 88persuader
Senior Member Username: 88persuader Post Number: 414 Registered: 5-2004 |
I don't think just 2X10s would work for a loud gig but for home and rehearsal (and volume controlled gigs where the bass goes into the house mix) it's great. Personally I run either 4X10s for normal gigs at 500 WTS at 8 ohms(MB LMTUBE800) or 6X10s (I have an extra 8 OHM 2X10 cab) running the head to 800 WTS at 4 ohms. 6X10s running at 800 WTS will keep up with the loudest rock band around. Still for a portable light awesome sounding all purpose rig the LM head and the 2X10 cab is a winner for sure! | ||
| gregduboc
Senior Member Username: gregduboc Post Number: 491 Registered: 11-2008 |
Hugh, I'm running at 500 watts. It is absurdly loud. I do think it is enough for any situation. A load of punch, lows and highs. And if you need more, just use the stage's PA. I'll be using it on a concert in October for an expected audience of more than 60.000. I'll put it through the mix to deliever the sound on the back speakers, but for the main audience, they will definetly hear me. For a comparisson, I was using an Ampeg SVT II with a 4x10 and a 1x15, and this portable, beautiful yellow rig kicks it's a** hands down. Raymond, I swear I can't imagine how loud you can be with your rig! I'm really glad I'm not your neighbor! Greg | ||
| murray
New Username: murray Post Number: 10 Registered: 7-2007 |
Just to add my bit - I am delighted with my Markbass Mini CMD 151P combo which houses a LM11 amp. I have a Traveller 151P cab as well (old size-same as combo) and this would unleash the full 500W but I never need it. I guess your 2 x 10 is rated at 4 ohms if you are running 500W? Glynn | ||
| gregduboc
Senior Member Username: gregduboc Post Number: 492 Registered: 11-2008 |
Glynn, that is right. It's a 4 ohms cabinet that is capable of only 400W... I guess I even have power to spare... Greg | ||
| hb3
Senior Member Username: hb3 Post Number: 536 Registered: 2-2005 |
Oh, I thought the cabinets were only available in 8 ohms.... | ||
| 88persuader
Senior Member Username: 88persuader Post Number: 415 Registered: 5-2004 |
LOL .... I hear ya Greg! Normally I run with the 4X10s alone at 500 TWS and usually run the head turned up to around "4." When I run with 6X10s it's when i fill in for an 80s hair metal band and they are L_O_U_D!!!! I use the power and speaker surface more for HEADROOM than volume. I like my sound to be punchy, rich and clean as a bell. | ||
| mario_farufyno
Senior Member Username: mario_farufyno Post Number: 522 Registered: 9-2008 |
I own a Epifani 2x10 UL Cab and these new little Neo Cabs are truly amazing. Mine have specs that can rival many 8x10" in power handling, sensitivity (loudness) and range. With 500W (1000W peak), 102dB@W/m and flat from 40Hz trough 16KHz on 42 lbs pack, they are amazing. A UL2 4x10 handles a 1000W in 64 lbs and there is a lot of Neo Cabs being built by most well known labels. Great buy, Greg! I know that feelling and it is wonderfull... Glad for you. | ||
| 88persuader
Senior Member Username: 88persuader Post Number: 416 Registered: 5-2004 |
If that's a regular spec cab Greg you're running at 8 ohms at 300 WTS which is great because if you ever feel the need you can add another 8 ohm cab and run at the full 500 wts. MB heads won't run lower than 4 ohms so if it's a 4 ohm cab you're maxed out for the head. | ||
| crobbins
Senior Member Username: crobbins Post Number: 676 Registered: 6-2004 |
Here's my rig.  | ||
| davehouck
Moderator Username: davehouck Post Number: 9608 Registered: 5-2002 |
That's a nice bass! | ||
| hb3
Senior Member Username: hb3 Post Number: 537 Registered: 2-2005 |
Yes, that's an interesting question...one cabinet at 4 ohms, or two at 8? Why not just get a single cabinet w/ whatever configuration you want? Ie, if you want 4X10s, buy that in one cabinet, rather than two 2X10s... | ||
| crobbins
Senior Member Username: crobbins Post Number: 677 Registered: 6-2004 |
I like haveing the 2 x 10 combo, so if I want to play with some acoustic guitars, It's all I need. Add another couple of 10s, Lets rock..  | ||
| hb3
Senior Member Username: hb3 Post Number: 538 Registered: 2-2005 |
I can see that, but I think I'd also be thinking, when using just the combo, "I'm only using 300 watts!" Is that a legitimate concern, or is it just silly? | ||
| 88persuader
Senior Member Username: 88persuader Post Number: 417 Registered: 5-2004 |
It depends on the gig. For most rock gigs that "I" do 300 WTS and 2X10s simply will not cover and allow any headroom. I'll FART out the speakers in a heart beat. I'm big into HEADROOM. I want to be loud and rich and NOT need to push the amp over 6 or push the speakers into the FAT zone. I want to make sure my sound is clean and fat. Some bass players are USE to overdriving their equipment, that's their sound, not mine. I think having a 2X10 with 300 WTS for small gigs, acoustic gigs, wedding band, etc is perfect and add another 8 OHM cab and you can easily do most loud gigs. Of course the biggest attraction to the MB 2X10 combo is ease of use and portability. LIGHT is good! I bought the MB TUBE800 head because it was available at my local GC and I got a killer price on it but if they had the 2X10 MB combo there and i got a good price i think i would have gone the same route as crobbins. 2X10s for rehearsal and quite gigs, added cab for rock gigs. Perfect! The only difference is I would have added a 4X10 cab not a 2X10. BUT ........... what ever makes YOU happy is what you should use. | ||
| mario_farufyno
Senior Member Username: mario_farufyno Post Number: 523 Registered: 9-2008 |
Lets remember that Sound Pressure Level (effective loudness) is due to Speaker's sensitivity and not its power rate. So you can have a 500W Cab that really shouts out louder than antoher factory Cab with the same 500W rating. Sensitivity relates to how a Cab handles power and converts it into effective Sound. Take a Amp that delivers 300W in 8 Ohm load and compare it to a increase to 500W in a 4 Ohm load. How much loud it is now? The real difference is something like 2 or 3dB at maximum. It is louder, but not THAT loud. If the 8 Ohm Cab produces 100dB at 1 meter distant, the 4 Ohm Cab will give you 103dB at same distance. To be significant to our ears, we should expect a 6dB increase, so we have to make a big cash load on our gear just to take each little step ahead in terms of loudness. To figure it out, imagine that you need to double your Amp's Power to get 6dB more in loudness. And we all know how much that can represent to our pockets. So, adding a new Cab (or changing its Impedance) can be a cheaper way to get more Sound Pressure with the same Amp. | ||
| 88persuader
Senior Member Username: 88persuader Post Number: 418 Registered: 5-2004 |
Interesting! So how do you change a cab's impedance? I'd love to lover my 4X10 cab to 4 ohms! | ||
| murray
Junior Username: murray Post Number: 11 Registered: 7-2007 |
This is becoming a really good thread - here is my MB set up and also my EBS rig which I don't use now but can't bear to part with. Glynn | ||
| murray
Junior Username: murray Post Number: 12 Registered: 7-2007 |
Trying to attach photos! | ||
| murray
Junior Username: murray Post Number: 13 Registered: 7-2007 |
Sorry -can't send them as exceed the 150kb. Any suggestions? | ||
| adriaan
Moderator Username: adriaan Post Number: 2594 Registered: 6-2002 |
For Windows? Install IrfanView (), and install the plugin that lets you easily "Save for Web". Brilliant, really. | ||
| murray
Junior Username: murray Post Number: 14 Registered: 7-2007 |
  | ||
| hb3
Senior Member Username: hb3 Post Number: 539 Registered: 2-2005 |
Yeah, I've got a big rig too that sounds fantastic, and I don't want to get rid of it. But transporting it out of my living room has become a niiightmaaaare.... So I am seriously thinking about the Markbass stuff, I just wanna make the right choices. | ||
| mario_farufyno
Senior Member Username: mario_farufyno Post Number: 528 Registered: 9-2008 |
Raymond (88persuader) to change Impedance on a 4x10" 8 Ohm you must change each Speaker on it. There is some devices that do this eletronically, but I can't remember the Label or product name. As far as I can figure it out, your Cab may have four 8 Ohm Speakers wired in series/parallel. Probably two 8 Ohm Speakers wired in series, summing 16 Ohm each pair, and both pairs wired in parallel finally summing 8 Ohm on Cab. So if you want to change your Cab to 4 Ohms you should use only 4 Ohm Speakers wired in same fashion... Not a cheap convertion. (Message edited by Mario Farufyno on September 17, 2010) | ||
| sonicus
Senior Member Username: sonicus Post Number: 1292 Registered: 5-2009 |
You can change parallel to series , you can use series-parallel combinations . You can use a huge dummy load that is used for testing amplifiers. The use of a dummy load however would be quite comical in such an application. like _LOL ! http://www.gollihurmusic.com/faq/31-OHMS_AND_IMPEDANCE_FROM_THE_OUTPUT_SPEAKER_PERSPECTIVE.html | ||
| sonicus
Senior Member Username: sonicus Post Number: 1293 Registered: 5-2009 |
A hot plate can also serve as a dummy load http://www.thdelectronics.com/product_page_hotplate.html Dummy load http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?partnumber=019-030&source=googleps | ||
| sonicus
Senior Member Username: sonicus Post Number: 1294 Registered: 5-2009 |
In an 8 /10 AMPEG SVT cab that is 4 OHMS you might find 8 /32 ohm speakers wired in parallel ! CTS speakers in the older models. I have one like that that I have not used in many years. | ||
| 88persuader
Senior Member Username: 88persuader Post Number: 419 Registered: 5-2004 |
Cheaper and easier for me to just buy a new cab! I have two 8 ohm cabs to bring the head to 4 ohms when needed anyway. Tonight I'm subbing for a LOUD 80s metal band so I'll be using both my cabs. (6X10s - 4 ohms - 800 WTS) Saturday night I'm playing a normal bar gig with my band and will used just the 4X10 cab running 500 WTS at 8 ohms. | ||
| hb3
Senior Member Username: hb3 Post Number: 540 Registered: 2-2005 |
There's a local listing for a 2X10 combo for $795...probably get it for $750. I was thinking of buying an LMIII and then buying a cabinet or two over time, but there's something to be said for just getting it over and done with. But then there's all the insecurities of the used market. Advice/suggestions? | ||
| crobbins
Senior Member Username: crobbins Post Number: 685 Registered: 6-2004 |
I've had my combo since October of 2007. Never had a problem yet, but I try to be very careful with it, and I have done quite a few gigs with it.I'm not sure who here in the USA can can do warrenty work.. | ||
| 88persuader
Senior Member Username: 88persuader Post Number: 420 Registered: 5-2004 |
Buy used through the Guitar Center on line. You actually order it from a store in the US and pay for shipping. The UP side is unlike e-bay if it's defective you can bring it back to your LOCAL GC for and exchange or money back. I did this with a bass I bought from them. When I got it the truss rod was broke. I called the ORIGINAL GC of origin and made my complaints and was given the green light to return it to my LOCAL GC for a refund. Having the ability to return something sure takes a lot of the FEAR out of buying used. | ||
| sonicus
Senior Member Username: sonicus Post Number: 1298 Registered: 5-2009 |
I would definitely agree . | ||
| hb3
Senior Member Username: hb3 Post Number: 541 Registered: 2-2005 |
Well, the local deal is seeming sketchy anyway.... | ||
| 88persuader
Senior Member Username: 88persuader Post Number: 421 Registered: 5-2004 |
The new band I joined is not as loud on stage as my last. I may actually end up buying one of the Markbass 15's plus horn used from the GC for the gig to save my back! Still handles 400 WTS and they CLAME it doesn't sound boxy like other cabs loaded with 15s. My LMTUBE800 head will push 500 WTS at 8 OHMS but I won't be turning it up enough to hurt the speaker. After carrying my 4X10 60lb cab this weekend for two gigs a small light cab sounds very inviting! | ||
| hb3
Senior Member Username: hb3 Post Number: 543 Registered: 2-2005 |
I have two Bag End 4X10 cabs...they're each over 100 lbs...and a racked Aguilar power amp and pre...I'd say all together, the whole thing is over three hundred pounds. Pedal board's probably fifty-sixty pounds...are you feeling me? | ||
| 88persuader
Senior Member Username: 88persuader Post Number: 422 Registered: 5-2004 |
LOL ... that's a lot of weight!!!! Time to trim down I think. | ||
| crobbins
Senior Member Username: crobbins Post Number: 688 Registered: 6-2004 |
I can carry my Markbass combo, and extra speaker cab at the same time.... 65lbs total... | ||
| hb3
Senior Member Username: hb3 Post Number: 544 Registered: 2-2005 |
Well, yeah, I picked up one of the 2X10 combos, and felt like I could do arm curls with it... | ||
| 88persuader
Senior Member Username: 88persuader Post Number: 423 Registered: 5-2004 |
I actually may look into Carvin 2X10 bottoms. Specs are good and they are literally half the price (or less) of Markbass speakers and just as light. | ||
| lbpesq
Senior Member Username: lbpesq Post Number: 4581 Registered: 7-2004 |
I've always liked my Carvin stuff. Great bang for the buck. (Floor monitors, power amp, guitars). Bill, tgo | ||
| tbrannon
Senior Member Username: tbrannon Post Number: 1238 Registered: 11-2004 |
I've always had great luck with Carvin gear too. Seems like if you're going to have problems, it's straight out of the box- and if the stuff comes in good working order it tends to be fairly bullet proof. I've also had very good experiences with the Carvin support folks. If there has been a hint of question, they've taken the return with no questions asked and shipped a new item quickly. | ||
| hb3
Senior Member Username: hb3 Post Number: 545 Registered: 2-2005 |
How about these? www.avatarspeakers.com | ||
| murray
Junior Username: murray Post Number: 15 Registered: 7-2007 |
Having had many (45) years of researching and using different gear,I have thankfully found that once you are reasonably happy with the sound and your bass then stay with it. I supported Trace Elliot for many, many years but found the 12 band graphic too complex. EBS and more recently Markbass have done it for me but I must say that the Alembic Orion 4 is brilliant (far better than my trustworthy 1968 Fender Jazz that was stolen). I think our sound comes from our fingers and now I just enjoy looking at other gear rather than agonising over it - I do think that money spent on expensive gear is not wasted and does take the uncertainty out of it. I know that once a doubt sets in then it can be a spiral of gloom. Hope this is not too heavy, just trying to help. Glynn | ||
| 88persuader
Senior Member Username: 88persuader Post Number: 424 Registered: 5-2004 |
I own a 2X10 Berhringer 500 WT 8 OHM bottom (metal speaker cones) that I've used a few times along with my GK 4X10 bottom but never on it's own because when I tried it on it's own it didn't seem to be able to handle the bottom at any decent volume without folding. Well I worked with it tonight and finally got "my sound" from it at what i consider a gigging volume with no folding (including the low B string) so I'll be trying that cab by itself this Friday on a small room gig. If it handles the gig OK then I'm home free with an under 50 LB cab without even going to the music store! Wish me (and the cab) luck! | ||
| smokinbear
Member Username: smokinbear Post Number: 97 Registered: 11-2008 |
Just bought a tube 800 the other day cause my crown macrotech is broken and DAMN!!! This thing sounds good. It's hooked up to a hard truckers 2x15 @4ohms and so far great head room. I'll see how it stand up to my buddies fender twin next week or so. Me likey. Bear | ||
| benson_murrensun
Advanced Member Username: benson_murrensun Post Number: 335 Registered: 5-2007 |
I generally like Carvin stuff, but I have noticed a few detractions: 1 - Have had three power amps malfunction (a rack-mount DC series, a powered subwoofer, and a bass combo amp), 2 - their 10"-loaded bass cabs don't seem to reproduce really low tones, and, 3 - resale value sucks. I have had good experience with customer service, however. I have heard their guitars are excellent for the price. | ||
| 811952
Senior Member Username: 811952 Post Number: 1852 Registered: 10-2003 |
I've got the Carvin BX500 and like it much so far. I'm running it through a Peavey 210H cabinet and actually sounds pretty good. I believe my next step is to replace the speakers with a pair of neodymium 10's and see how it goes.. John | ||
| hb3
Senior Member Username: hb3 Post Number: 546 Registered: 2-2005 |
Has anyone tried any of the Traveler cabinets in the Markbass line? | ||
| 88persuader
Senior Member Username: 88persuader Post Number: 428 Registered: 5-2004 |
I tried the 2X10 Traveler in a music store with the LMII head (only pushing 300 WTS at 8 OHMS) and I farted out the speakers with the head running at 4 with a 4 string bass. I was VERY disapointed! Maybe along with another cab it would be good but folding with a 300 Wt head running with the volume at 4?? That's lame! | ||
| hb3
Senior Member Username: hb3 Post Number: 547 Registered: 2-2005 |
It looks like Craig has the 2X10 Traveler in the photo he posted...opinions, Craig? | ||
| murray
Junior Username: murray Post Number: 17 Registered: 7-2007 |
Interested to know what you call volume 4 (88 persuader Oct 6)as I run my Mini CMD151P combo at just over 1 (8 o'clock) on master and about 11 o'clock on gain. With the Alembic Orion 4 about half volume it is plenty loud enough. Is your volume 4 about 2 o'clock? - if so I would have thought that was pushing the cab a lot. I have used the Traveller 151P extension a few time and it is fine but just not needed. Glynn | ||
| 88persuader
Senior Member Username: 88persuader Post Number: 429 Registered: 5-2004 |
I'm saying 4 as if 1 is off and 10 is full on but actually if you think of a clock It would be about 10 o-clock on the master, not quite up to half, and the pre-amp set just below clipping on the loudest played note as they recommend. Bass full up but as long as I'm not clipping the channel that shouldn't matter. With those settings using the LMII running 300WTS at 8 OHMs the cabinet was folding in the music store. That's why I didn't buy it. | ||
| murray
Junior Username: murray Post Number: 18 Registered: 7-2007 |
Yes - get your point. Actually, that helps me as I was thinking of trading in the rarely used Traveller 151P extension for a Traveller 210 just to see what it was like with the MiniCMD 151P. I think I'll stay put. Maybe the Traveller 210 isn't up to it. I've got my EBS HD350 + 210 + 115 (pictured above) still if the really full on loud gigs come up. | ||
| murray
Junior Username: murray Post Number: 21 Registered: 7-2007 |
Used my EBS HD350 with the Markbass Traveller 151P cabinet on Sunday with very impressive results. Not particularly better than the Markbass combo but different slightly. | ||
| crobbins
Senior Member Username: crobbins Post Number: 715 Registered: 6-2004 |
The 2x10 cab I use in combination with the 2x10 combo works great for me in the reggae band. People often comment that bass sound very good, nice and full. Although I would like to try the 1x15 cab with the 2x10 combo.. |
