Anyone have a Carvin MB15 bass amp?

Olde Axeman · #1 10-14-2010, 04:47 AM

I'm ready to upgrade to a better bass amp. 200 watts and a single 15" speaker will do everything I need. I keep hearing really good things about Carvin's new Micro Bass amp (MB15). 200-250 watts, 15" speaker, 33 lbs., made in USA, and $440 delivered to my door.

Just wondered if anyone actually owned one and, if so, how well they liked it and whether or not they have any quality issues.

I like that it's made in the USA. I don't buy products made in China, so that eliminates a lot of the cheaper stuff out there for me. This could be my next purchase unless there's a lot of bad experiences to relate.

Here's a link to their web site:
http://www.carvinguitars.com/product...p?product=MB15

Rip Topaz · #2 10-14-2010, 04:52 AM

Carvin's stuff is great. I just bought a full PA from them and it kills, but don't open it up or you might see a "made in china" sticker on some of the components.

jeff7bass · #3 10-14-2010, 10:44 AM

I went to the store in San Diego and played with all of the new combos. I like the MB12 the best, it has 3 drivers in it including a midrange and doesn't lack low-end, but the MB15 was a great sounding amp and I wouldn't hesitate to buy one if I didn't have a Carvin 15" combo already. I did buy the MB10 for a practice combo (in Blue). The little thing really cranks and I can imagine being heard even in a band setting, especially with an extension.
Another guy was in the test area with me and he plugged in an active 5-string and let me dial up tones thru the MB15. This is a good test because you can see how the combo handles not only the hotter input signal of the active bass, but also the depth of the low B. The MB15 passed with flying colors on all accounts and I jacked it up pretty loud. I also played the with built-in limiter, which helps keep the amp from distorting, but never had to use it much (3) even when pushing the amp hard. It's a nice feature to have on a lower priced combo.
IMO the only other combo in it's price range that competes with the MB15 is the new GK 15" NEO combo. Both are winners but the Carvin has a more extensive EQ section and more power when adding an extension.

craig.p · #4 10-14-2010, 03:41 PM

Somewhere in this forum there's a long thread about the MBxx series, with reviews of each model.

jeff7bass · #5 10-14-2010, 08:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rip Topaz

Carvin's stuff is great. I just bought a full PA from them and it kills, but don't open it up or you might see a "made in china" sticker on some of the components.

Can you tell me what you got Rip? I'm interest in buying one myself. I tried (while I was there) the 4-amp (400w each), 12 channel powered mixer into two dual 15" tower style cabs and was floored. The 3-way cabs also sounded great.

bass-flyer · #6 10-14-2010, 08:38 PM

Not yet. Next week I hope!!!!