GK MB112 or GK MB115?

solarplexus · #1 01-25-2011, 07:35 AM

Ok so I need a portable amp. I will be playing small bars (50-100 ppl) and rehearse with my band. I don't mind using the amp as a monitor on stage and use the line out directly in the sound board. My effects are always used before the poweramp so no need for an effects loop. I will not need anything bigger because I am not going to be a gigging professional bass player in large halls and arenas with roadies and such.

I play a Squier CV P bass with flats and a MIJ Jazz bass with GHS brite flats.

Does the 100$ difference is worth it between the MB112 and the MB115 if you consider there is a defeatable horn and a defeatable limiter in the MB115? I am on a really tight budget.

Any help will be appreciated.

armybass · #2 01-25-2011, 07:45 AM

From what you say it seems the MB112 will be fine for you. I intend on getting one next month for small gigs and am going with the 12 because I prefer the definition of the 12" speaker, smaller cab and less weight. I also am biased as I am not a fan of 15" speakers but with that said....go for the MB112! :0)

pbasswil · #3 01-25-2011, 09:04 AM

If at all possible, go try these amps. You just never know, until you plug in -- preferably with your own bass.

armybass: Imho, you just can't count on old preconceptions about speaker size anymore. I realize: back in the day, 15s tended to be big and dumb and flabby. Today there are just too many variables to make that assumption. They can make them sound just about however they want.

Case in point: If you search on T.B. for the MB series, between the 2x12, the 1x15 and the 2x10, you'll see that the consensus is that the 1x15 is actually the least boomy of the three.

tdub0199 · #4 01-25-2011, 09:06 AM

I have the MB115 and love it.... you probably just need to go to GC and try both of them out and let your ears be the judge.....

4001 · #5 01-25-2011, 09:13 AM

Get the MBE150 Microbass amp.

pbasswil · #6 01-25-2011, 09:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by solarplexus

... there is a defeatable horn and a defeatable limiter in the MB115?

A lot of people don't like the tweeters on these combos. They're cheap, and don't sound natural. Unless you're playing in a raucous band and really need the cut, you can safely leave it off, and just use Treble to taste. Or kick it in only for your feature slap solo. :^>

If you're pushing a small amp to its limit, I suppose the limiter would be nice insurance to have. It'll only come on to protect the speaker; it won't effect normal playing volumes.

If you end up with the smaller MB112, a good habit to get into is to always place the amp so it's pointing right at your ear (sit it on a chair, or tilt it with a roll of duct tape under the bottom front, or get one of those tilted amp stands.) This way you can hear when you're pushing the driver past its physical limits.
And of course, the closer your ear is to it, the less you need to crank the volume.

MODELL · #7 01-25-2011, 10:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 4001

Get the MBE150 Microbass amp.

The OP said he was on a 'tight' budget, so I believe even a used one of these would be too much for his price range........

ThisisCraigP · #8 01-25-2011, 10:07 AM

Try before you buy! But if you can't I'd get the 115. More headroom is never a bad thing, espically in the world of bass.

tastybasslines · #9 01-25-2011, 11:11 AM

There is a boost control, which to me, really creates growl, limiter, horn and master, that the 112, doesn't have...+ there is more headroom, and I really like the sound of the 115...if its not too much more, save for the 115. Plus, I'm sure you could find a coupon for 15% off...I got mine for $340...

bstringrandy · #10 01-26-2011, 10:54 AM

I just pulled the trigger on a MB115 and amp stand. I needed to downsize and lighten the load from a racked SVT3Pro into a 410HLF or 610HLF for smaller (>100) venues. I figured that 200 watts should be plenty. If it isn't, then I should be bringing the larger stuff anyway.

I have a gig a week from this Friday and will report on its performance!

tastybasslines · #11 01-26-2011, 11:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bstringrandy

I just pulled the trigger on a MB115 and amp stand. I needed to downsize and lighten the load from a racked SVT3Pro into a 410HLF or 610HLF for smaller (>100) venues. I figured that 200 watts should be plenty. If it isn't, then I should be bringing the larger stuff anyway.

I have a gig a week from this Friday and will report on its performance!

You are going to love it, it will be more than enough to handle what you are using it for.

thudfromafar · #12 01-26-2011, 11:57 AM

I would go with the MB115 in your situation. Doesn't cost too much more but it will definitely be louder, whereas in some situations the MB112 might not be loud enough.

lowendblues · #13 01-30-2011, 07:28 AM

I just got the MB115 from MC Audio, they have a 10% discount code you can plug in at checkout.

Great price, great amp. It would handle your described room with no issues at all.

thatbasskid597 · #14 01-30-2011, 11:39 AM

I just got a MB112 and it sounds pretty nice, so far so good. Out of the box it sounded a little hissy, but after a few hours, it started to sound smoother and less harsh. More low frequencies than you would expect, probably due to it being ported. Overall though, I think it would perform nice in a smaller gig situation. It gets pretty loud too!