A fresh review of the GK MB212

[synterx]

I've read all the threads. Took a shot. Here are my thoughts to potential buyers...

My frame of reference is a very compact rig comprised of a Genz NeoX-212T cab and a GK MB2-500. Used this for 2 years or so on many gigs big and small. It was always perfect for the job. This one cab could fill a big hall. Fantastic cab.

I quit the band scene last fall, sold all my gear. Needed the dough and had to do it.

Last week I found a band I thought sounded interesting. I had no amp of any kind for practices/auditions.

I bought a MB115 from sweetwater, and then found a older Peavey TKO115S 75-watt combo locally for $100.

In my basement trials, the Peavey actually kept up and surprassed the MB115 combo. But I couldn't carry it up the stairs! 75 pounds vs 35 pounds matters. I took the Peavey to the first practice and it kind of worked. Anything below A was kind of "gone" while playing.

So I took a chance and swapped it out for the MB212 figuring that's what I've always been used to, 500 watts, two 12"ers. Only this combo is of course even lighter than the Genz.

Bottom line? The MB212 is probably the only combo style amp that I could actually recommend to people who play in rock-type bands. It can realistically keep up sitting right next to a drummer and loud guitarists. It's so lightweight that I don't see the point of bothering with a 2x10. Makes no sense. The 212 gives the right amount of volume without straining.

HOWEVER. The GK/Genz combo is in another league. The low end booty coming off the Genz cabinet was so incredible. It really is a 4x10 killer in my experience, which is why I bought it in the first place.

The MB115 was no where close. Maybe angled up at my head it would have sufficed as a monitor...but for actually filling a practice space or small bar with real bass tone, the 212 version would be perfect.

But I am seriously jonesing for a "real" 212 cabinet from Genz again. Superior tone and volume - but with an extra 20-30 pounds and $800 dollars (when factoring in the amp I'd have to buy).

Another round of kudos to GK for designing this type of combo. Are there any 212 combos out there at all to compete with? I can't find any. The weight, price, and volume are a very well-thought out compromise. 70 pound combos like the TC series don't cut it for me anymore. That's too heavy to lug around like a combo is supposed to be. 40 and under is perfect.

Now if GK would add good rubber feet on the bottom, turn the darn XLR jack around for crying out loud, and give me a mute/tuner out I'd be even more happy.

Thumbs up to the 212, not so much on 115 for realistic volumes.

[Fender74]

Synterx -

Thanks for the review. Very good detail - these combos are IMO the better deals for the buck right now. Recently, I tried a MB210 at GC. I liked it a lot but, like you think 2x12's for me would be a better purchase. I'm using an Ampeg 100w combo which is heavier than the GK. Looking forward to saving my back and improving my tone.

[NickRich]

Thanks for the review.

[LennyPenny]

Thanks, very happy to read that it's that well suited for rock!
And with the new MBP enclosures, I'll even have the option to hook another 212 up if needed, although I doubt I'll need that much air movement for now.