Best mini head?

**ddbassGA** · #1 12-25-2010, 06:20 AM

Yeah I have the big heavy rack rig and stack but I'm getting older and don't like lifting.

So I'm putting together a light but powerful rig. Looking at GB shuttles, GK MB Fusion, LB, Carvin BX,Mesa Walkabout.

Ideal amp would have 300-500 watts @ 4 ohms, have tube preamp section, para eq with at least 3 sweepable bands for shaping mids, compression, and light as a feather. Oh and must sound great.

I was looking for a comparison or shootout but couldn't find one. What do you think?

Dark Horse · #2 12-25-2010, 06:24 AM

Not much can "really" be recommended till we know what kind of sound you're looking for. "Must sound great" means different things to different people. I don't like the modern, mid scooped tone of SWR amps, but many people do.

I see in your equipment list you're currently using Eden. If you like the sound of your Eden but want a more compact version, Eden makes the WTX260 head - http://www.musiciansbuy.com/eden-wtx260.html - it's at the low end of your wattage range, but you would be familiar with the tone.

Your equipment list also says you already have a GK MB200 head. What is it that you don't like about it ?

Anyway, more details about what you're looking for would help.

**JxBass** · #3 12-25-2010, 06:34 AM

Of the ones you mentioned I've only owned GB, GK, Mesa. I've also owned Markbass and several others. I have to say Genz Benz is really something. I'm hooked on my Shuttle 9.0 but they have a lot of great amps, with more coming next month.

Jarrett · #4 12-25-2010, 10:09 AM

I've used a Genz Benz Shuttle 9.0 for most of 2010 and I dig it. Before buying it I checked out the SWR Headlite and a couple of Markbass amps. Between those, I picked the Genz Benz Shuttle 9.0. I think it is a better sounding amp than those.

On a whim, I just bought a Carvin BX500 and it's kinda blown me away and has just about replaced the Shuttle 9.0 at this point. It's just as loud if not louder, can go down to 2 ohms where the GB can't and has much more tonal shaping options and a nice built in compressor. And for $369 brand new, its a crazy bang for the buck piece. It's just about made my Shuttle my back up amp that stays in the truck at this point.

I also picked up one of Carvin's 4ohm Neo 2x10 cabs and its silly how much air this tiny rig moves. The cab was $329. When I need more, I put the 2x10 on top of a 4ohm SWR 4x10 for a total of six 10's at 2ohms. The Shuttle cannot do this (go to 2ohms) and the volume is massive with this setup. I haven't turned it past 2 on the master volume in a band setting and its just crushing.

Voicing wise, they sound a little different. With all the EQ and compression options, you can make the BX500 get close to the Shuttle, but not the reverse as the EQ is a little limited on the Shuttle. Prior to the BX500 arriving, the Genz Benz had the biggest tone in a mini amp I'd heard before, but the BX500 sounds bigger. Makes the Shuttle 9.0 sound a little "SWRish" by comparison. The BX500 has a really big sound to it that reminds me more of the Ampeg/Mesa kinda thing, but its flexible enough to go in different directions.

The only downsides for me on the BX500 (which I haven't needed so far) are the lack of a post out on DI and graphic stops at 5khz. I'd love a 8khz slider on there to get into the hi fi sound range a bit more, but that's really just slipping hairs. I have done some recording with the BX500 already and the DI on it rivals the GB so all good there.

**ddbassGA** · #5 12-25-2010, 11:31 AM

@ Horse -- Yeah I should have indicated my tone preferences. I was raised on Ampeg B-15. I'm old school & like a big fat bottom with a strong thick low mid bump. I am not a personal fan of the mid scoop and only recently began to appreciate tweeters in bass cabs

Old man rock, soul, counrtry and jam (dead). No metal or techno sounds here (not that there's anything wrong with that).

I do like my GK. It's a 400RB so that's a typo in my profile. Nice and clean but can't get the low mid quite as I like and it sounds cold to me now that I have gone back to tube preamp amps with para eq for mids. Would also like something smaller and lighter.

DavidLopezJr · #6 12-25-2010, 11:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ddbassGA

I do like my GK. It's a 400RB so that's a typo in my profile. Nice and clean but can't get the low mid quite as I like and it sounds cold to me now that I have gone back to tube preamp amps with para eq for mids. Would also like something smaller and lighter.

Check out the Mesa Walkabout and the TC Electronics Classic 450 & RH 450.

Also you can use the GK MB200 you have as an "Power Amp" and use a Tech 21 Character pedal as a preamp through it.

TrevorOfDoom · #7 12-25-2010, 11:45 AM

for everything you've listed, the GB Shuttle 9.0 should be it!

but for a different flavour, my favourite is the Orange Terror Bass 500.

**ddbassGA** · #8 12-25-2010, 11:48 AM

@Jarrett
Good info there! I was thinking the BX500 appeared too good to true.

Anyone else have experience with the BX especially relative to a Shuttle, GK MB or Mesa?

**ddbassGA** · #9 12-25-2010, 11:54 AM

BTW I'm thinking a small Berg stack for this mini rig. I have the Ht210 and thinking of a Berg 115, 112, or 212 to put under it.

prokfrog · #10 12-25-2010, 12:09 PM

Another Vote for the BX. Killer sound and volume with tons of flexibility..

MyMusic · #11 12-25-2010, 12:20 PM

I have the BX500 and BRX10.2 set up and I'm very happy with it. I may add another BRX10.2 down the road. Great sound and great price.

Dark Horse · #12 12-25-2010, 12:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ddbassGA

@ Horse -- Yeah I should have indicated my tone preferences. I was raised on Ampeg B-15. I'm old school & like a big fat bottom with a strong thick low mid bump. I am not a personal fan of the mid scoop and only recently began to appreciate tweeters in bass cabs

Old man rock, soul, counrtry and jam (dead). No metal or techno sounds here (not that there's anything wrong with that).

I do like my GK. It's a 400RB so that's a typo in my profile. Nice and clean but can't get the low mid quite as I like and it sounds cold to me now that I have gone back to tube preamp amps with para eq for mids. Would also like something smaller and lighter.

I'm very much "old school" too. B15's, SVT's, etc had been my main setups for many years. More recently I downsized to a Aguilad 500SC head and really dig it. I run everything flat with my bass rigs, so it has to sound good without the help of EQ...and the Aggie does (big and fat, but has just enough definition with my old P Basses). However, the 500SC is a regular size head ( though MUCH lighter than a SVT). I know that Aguilar is coming out with a mini head here very soon - gonna be shown at NAMM - so I'm anxious to see that. I've also checked out the Terror Bass and that sounded good, but wasn't too thrilled with that physical setup - small, but if I'm gonna go "mini", I want to have it be small enough to fit in my bass gig bag.

Meanwhile, I've tried the SWR (didn't dig), the Markbass (liked quite a bit), Eden (not bad, not great), GK (decent, but didn't love it), and the Genz Benz (again, not bad, but not for me). Of course these are all great heads for someone - they just weren't what I want, which was fat, old school thump. The Markbass was very close - close enough that I could gig it and be very happy.

I hope this helps...Merry Christmas !

JimmyM · #13 12-25-2010, 12:29 PM

they're all very worthy, but i'll tell you, for the stupid low price points that these new ampeg portaflex heads are coming in at ($300 for 350w, $400 for 500w), despite not being hybrids, i'm highly tempted to get one come tax time. either that or a heritage 810e

wateroftyne · #14 12-25-2010, 12:36 PM

I have experience of the Mesa Walkabout, TC RH450 and the Ibanez Promethean with Bergantino HS210s. Like you, I don't go for HiFi and I prefer a thick bottom. :-)

IMO, the Walkabout is a GREAT head, but the TC gives me similar, but with more controllable lows, and a more clarity. And, of course, it's lighter and has far more features.

The Ibanez Promethean is also a great head for the money.

If you browse my YouTube videos, you can hear different combinations of these. Of course, videos like this are pretty unscientific.

SteveC · #15 12-25-2010, 12:39 PM

With all the stuff they have out, and all that is coming out, if you can't find a tone you like with Genz Benz, not to mention Customer Service, I'm not sure where else to look.

crusie · #16 12-25-2010, 12:39 PM

if it were me looking for an amp like that I would look for a Markbass littlemark rocker or a TC electronic rebelhead. The TC doesn't have tubes but a tube emulator that sounds very good. it also has a compressor that works pretty good, built in tuner, headphone out and 3 programmable presets - ideal for when you have to have different sounds for different songs out live. I wouldn't go for their cabs though. Personally I think they lack definition in the low register. I own a Barefaced Bass Big one. I also own a littlemark II, together with a GT10B and a VT bass pedal I can get virtually any sound. I do miss a nice grindy sound though . I use my VT pedal as an always on pedal and I don't like messing about with a sensitive pedal when out live.

here's a demo of the rebelhead 450 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xjr3m...eature=related

here's what sparesome info I could find of the littlemark rocker
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C6iqwo828es

THORRR · #17 12-25-2010, 12:47 PM

I bought a MarkBass LittleMark III - 800w about 6 months ago and have to say it has exceeded my wildest expectations.

It's got TONS of headroom and tonal flexibility once you play with the controls on the head and on your bass to get the sounds you're after. I've been able to match and/or exceed every tone in the book with great success with this little powerhouse.

I wouldn't trade it for anything else I'm currently aware of. Great unit - price - quality - flexiility. The 800w version of the LM III has a lot more body and punch than the 500w. It's worth the extra few bux to have it. I got mine for $540 delivered new in the box from Guitar Center on a weekend sale via their phone ordering dept. Best deal ever.

Weirdest thing to get used to about it is that it's only 6 lbs and about the size of a car radio. But it's a MONSTER inside!

It amazes soundmen everywhere I play. Fun!