Gallien-Krueger MB800

[MyMusic]

Has anybody seen anything on this amp? I saw something about this head a couple of months ago before NAMM. Today I noticed a full page ad on the back of April Bass Player magazine. Just curious after all the lead in to the Genz and Aguilar new editions. The ad says:4.9 lbs, 800 watts, fits in your gig bag.

[jelwood]

I would imagine it would sound just like the mb500, maybe a bit cleaner because it has more headroom. It would sort of be like the 1001rb to the 700rb.

[::::BASSIST::::]

Curious about this one. Is it a 1u? What wattage at 8 ohms?

[tombowlus]

Here it is on the bottom:



This was the most impressive head I saw at NAMM. We have found the MB500 to be very fairly rated, and to perform at levels beyond most of the other "500-watt" micro heads. The MB800 has very noticeably more heft, punch, and volume than the MB500, so I'm inclined to believe that it is also fairly rated. As you can see, all of the controls are illuminated. And if you clip the input, the -10dB switch flashes red to tell you to turn it on. If you have the limiter off, and you begin to clip the rails, the master volume (which is push/pull for the limiter) flashes red to tell you to engage the limiter.

This head just sound phenomenal and packs a wallop like none of the other micro heads I have heard. It was one of our Bass Gear Magazine 2011 Winter NAMM Best of Show Award recipients, and rightfully so.

[::::BASSIST::::]

Thanks for the info Tom!

Here are the specs:


Description




The Gallien Krueger MB-800 is more powerful 800 watt version of the very successful MB series. This amp has a discrete FET preamp and 800 watts of GK power. It still only weighs just 4.9 lbs! All controls on this amp are lit up. the control are input clip, tuning mute, gain A, gain B, power amp clip, limiter enable, and EQ/contour settings. The same FET technology used in past GK amps is used in the MB800 preamp section. The MB 800 also has 4 band active EQ.





Features

Gallien-Krueger MB-800 Ultra Light Bass Amplifier Head:

* 800W at 4 ohms, 500 watts at 8 ohms
* 10dB pad
* Discrete FET Preamp
* Limiter Defeat
* 4-band active EQwith variable contour
* Push Activated Gain A/B
* Effects Loop & Tuner mute
* XLR DI out with Pre/Post Switch & Ground Lift
* Dual Speakon Outputs
* Headphone/ Line Output


Dimensions: 10.75 x 8.5 x 1.75
Weight: 4.9 lbs

[Hutzbordello]

how would this run with two 410mbe's?

i mean.....could it run two 800 watt cabs at the same time for good amounts of volume?

it looks so tempting

[::::BASSIST::::]

As long as they are 8 ohm cabs it should work. Personally I've tried both the 115mbe and 210mbe and was not impressed by either. My gkmb500 is stellar though. Just cant help thinking this amp would give me a little more oomph with my 15/6 which is 8 ohms.

[tombowlus]

Originally Posted by Hutzbordello

how would this run with two 410mbe's?

i mean.....could it run two 800 watt cabs at the same time for good amounts of volume?

it looks so tempting

I'd recommend upping the ante and going for the Neo series GK cabs with this head.

[Epitaph04]

Does it make that much of a difference? I'm looking to just go for an MBE212 soon but if a NEO cab is that much better....

[tombowlus]

Originally Posted by Epitaph04

Does it make that much of a difference? I'm looking to just go for an MBE212 soon but if a NEO cab is that much better....

I do think that they are a noticeable step up.

[moretolife]

Tom, from what you know about this amp, how does it (and what you invision about the future Mb fusion 800) compare to the tecamp puma?

[Musicman20]

Nice addition to the line!

[tombowlus]

Originally Posted by moretolife

Tom, from what you know about this amp, how does it (and what you invision about the future Mb fusion 800) compare to the tecamp puma?

Well, to an extent, it depends on if you are comparing it to the Puma 500 or the Puma 1000. But in general, the Puma's are more smooth and glassy, very deep, and don't hit quite as hard as their ratings might have you believe. The GK's are equally big and wide, but more aggressive and hit harder than their ratings might imply. I found the MB500 to be as loud or louder than even the Puma 1000 (in bridged mode), so the MB800 should toast either Puma, volume-wise.

[impactwrench]

I've been waiting on a thread for this amp. I don't think I've seen it stocked anywhere yet, but haven't been watching that closely either. I think I will wait until they have been out a while before considering one, plus I have a small arsenal of solid GK amps already so I have no big need right now.

[metron]

Oh great. I was good with my mb200 and 1001rb-ii and now this. The higher powered mb amps are tempting. Especially after hearing what the mb200 is capable of.

[johnnybass01]

this is a must have at least for me..would be unreal running two fearfuls in stereo..!!!!

[moretolife]

Tom, besides the volume, how does the tone compare to the tecamp pumas?

[tombowlus]

Originally Posted by moretolife

Tom, besides the volume, how does the tone compare to the tecamp pumas?

Tecamp is more smooth, with very deep lows and glassy highs. Somewhat more laid back in the mids. Very sweet, overall.

GK is big, open, dynamic, quick, more immediacy to the attack, a bit more aggressive in the upper mids, and a bit more bite up top (but not harsh). Can dial in some growl/snarl if you drive the Gain higher and the Master lower.

Both are very clear and articulate.

[greenboy]

I can't wait to see how those stack up in my next print issues of Bass Gear Magazine. Real graphs! Referenced specs! Swoon! Right now by desctiption I have some bets with myself on actual power delivery.

[tombowlus]

Originally Posted by greenboy

I can't wait to see how those stack up in my next print issues of Bass Gear Magazine. Real graphs! Referenced specs! Swoon! Right now by desctiption I have some bets with myself on actual power delivery.