Genz Benz Shuttle 3.0 or Little Mark 250
 

Hi everybody,
Is Markbass Little Mark 250 louder than Genz Benz Shuttle 3.0? I play in a rock band with two guitars, drums and keyboard and I need something loud, but small.
Thank in advance for any input or comments.

Mike

The 3.0 has a few more watts... 20% more. So, given the same set of cabs, it should be louder. Realistically, you will get more volume with more speakers. Say two 410 cabs vs. a single 112 cab. Wattage plays a much smaller role than does cone area when it comes to volume.

I assume you are looking for something 'loud and small but inexpensive', since there are many small amps that are massively more powerful than those two.

A lot is going to depend on the cabinet you use. IF you get a reasonably large, reasonably efficient 4ohm cab, these heads would provide enough volume (assuming you need some real bass response) for a moderate volume gig in a small venue.

If you are limiting yourself to those two heads, while both great, since you will be pushing them most likely to their full output at most times, the Genz has a more gentle limiting circuit that will result in that head sounding a bit more open when really pushed.

If you are primarily dollar limited, among the really small, relatively low powered heads, the Aguilar TH350 seems to have the most ooomph per dollar and watt. Pretty impressive. The GK MB200 is really small and cheap, and relatively loud given its wattage, but it really is not at the level of quality as the other heads you are considering IMO.

Given you are in a two guitar rock deal, I'd save my pennies for a nother month or two, and get one of the higher powered micro's that would give you more headroom and a bit more volume. They aren't that much bigger and are just a bit more expensive (although I realize 'just a bit' can be 'more than I can afford' for some). The GKMB500 for modern and bright and aggressive, the Aguilar TH500 for fat and growly, the Markbass Big Bang for even and warm and clean, the Genz Shuttle 6.2 for warm and a bit bright up top, etc.

I guess if 'small and loud' is your primary goal, and you don't want to break the bank, the GK MB800 is probably the king for 'volume per watt and dollar'.

That all being said, if you are limited to the lower line, lower powered amps, IMO, the TH350 with a good 4ohm 410 or 212 will cover a lot more ground than its wattage rating would suggest.

I've used my 3.0-10t with a second speaker (two 8-0ohm speakers gives it 300W) in a lineup with vocals/lead guitar/rhythm guitar/drums and it was OK. It wasn't the sound I wanted, but that's another matter.

If price is important, this little rig will set you back about $1100 if you buy new. I usually run a Mesa/Boogie Walkabout head into two 10t cabinets and it works fine, but that's even pricier.

While not my thing tonally, the winner of the 'most volume, decent tone, lightest weight, lowest cost' rig that can do almost any gig would be the GK MB500 with two of the Neo112's. Not much over $1,000 if you shop carefully (i.e., get free shipping from Musician's Friend and 15% off the most expensive item), and it will put out 'full volume, moderate club' volume.

I used to own a 3.0-10t and it was a punchy little amp and light. But, the TC Electronic BG250 blows it away at a better price and not much more weight (although it is considerably larger). More features though on the BG250.