GK MB200 as a STRICTLY Backup Amp to my SVT-VR???

blastjv · #1 08-15-2011, 08:16 AM

I'm giving serious consideration to picking up a GK MB200 to keep in my bass case as a backup to my SVT. My SVT has been perfectly reliable so far, but a backup seems prudent. I figured this one was small and light enough to just leave in my cass all the time. I'm sure people might be inclined to say that the MB500 would be a better choice for this, and that's probably true, but it's also larger and more expensive. I'm just asking if the MB200 will be able to keep up, even if only barely...

We're a fairly loud band, and many of the shows we will be playing will not have PA support for the bass/guitars. My SVT is run with both channels jumpered, and the volume is at 9:00 on channel 1 and at about 7:30-8:00 on channel 2 both with fairly consevative EQ settings (slight boosts all around), so I'm not really pushing the SVT terribly hard. I'm playing into an SVT810AV which is loaded with the newer Eminence B810 Legends. I have plenty of mids and highs in my sound, so I cut through the mix with tone just as much as with volume.

I realize the GK will probably not get the type of slight overdrive I get out of the SVT when I dig in, but I can just bump up the gain on my Xotic BB a bit to add a touch of grind. I don't need it to be a perfect replica of my SVT sound, just close enough to get me through a set if my SVT should happen to go down.

So, what do you think? In this situation, will the MB200 be able to keep up for a set here and there if I'm having some trouble with my SVT?

Thanks,

-JV

Slowgypsy · #2 08-15-2011, 08:27 AM

Some points to ponder...

If your main amp goes down, you're done. But if you can whip an MB200 out of your pouch and plug and play in a moment, you're not done. That said...

I believe much has to do with the cab you're plugging into. Don't know the science behind it but I do know from real world experience that if you plug an MB200 into a single 10" cab it will not sound nearly as huge as if you plug it into an 8x10 cab. That said...

My main amp for years has been a GK RB700-II. Lately for smallish bar gigs, complete with 2 guitars and drums, has been my MB200 plugged into my GK Neo 212. It more than keeps up to the task at hand.

blastjv · #3 08-15-2011, 08:32 AM

Thanks. I edited my initial post to show what cab I'm using - an 810 with upgraded speakers.

-JV

Wes Whitmore · #4 08-15-2011, 09:14 AM

That is a tough one. For the money, I don't think there is a better 200 watt amp on the market, but then again, it's not anywhere near as loud as my MB500. If I liked lots of stage volume, I would just get a used MB500 and call it the day. Besides, there is no efx loop on an MB200.
Wes

anonymous1015111 · #5 08-15-2011, 09:15 AM

Yeah, so my MB200 is fine for practice (at home by myself or with one guitar) with a 1x10. Works good in our warehouse practice space ( 2 guitars, drums and some ear ringing at the end of the night) using a 1x15. However the sound is a bit muddy with that and the volume is up to 1 o'clock. If I use both the 1x10 and the 1x15, I get a big sound in the practice space, and I only need to turn the volume up to about 11 o'clock.
The 2 differences are that that amp is putting out 200 watts into the 2 cabs (at 4 ohms) vs only 140 Watts into a single 8ohm cab. That and I am getting more cone area with both cabs.
My guess would be that if I plugged it into an 8x10, it would be more than loud enough for a mid sized gig (assuming it is a 4 ohm cab)
The more I play, them more I realize that big volume is less about amp power and more about the type and number of speakers you are driving.
-P

metron · #6 08-15-2011, 09:46 AM

Without pa support it may not meet your expectations. I would say that it will serve the purpose of a backup but you won't get the same gut punch that you get from your svt. It will obviously sound different too. It will work as long as you are good with the mb200 limits.

scottfeldstein · #7 08-15-2011, 10:03 AM

Get the MB500. I drove a 4 ohm 8x10 Ampeg fridge with it the other day and kept up with a loud metal band--barely.

Gearhead17 · #8 08-15-2011, 11:59 AM

"We're a fairly loud band, and many of the shows we will be playing will not have PA support for the bass/guitars"

Get the MB500 and call it a day. More money, well spent. Good backup overall.

I would still consider something with even more wattage, but it would be silly to hope a 200 watt head would have enough headroom to get the tone & volume you want.

blastjv · #9 08-16-2011, 07:29 PM

Like I said, I'm sure you're right, and your opinions are all helpful. I'm just wondering if the MB200 would allow me to limp through a set...worse comes to worst...

-JV

bugsy · #10 08-16-2011, 07:39 PM

what has the world come to when we compare the size of a MB200 and MB500 and consider the 500 large?
Ive had a MB200 and while it was a good amp it wasnt loud enough .
They alway sound louder in your bedroom when there is no other competing sounds
get the 500 and you will be set, especially if you dont have PA support

anonymous1015111 · #11 08-16-2011, 07:46 PM

I suspect it has more to do with cost. $250 vs $500 for a backup is a good question. I would hate to have a $500 backup amp. But then again, I have never had a super expensive rig. My most expensive amp was an 800RB.
I personally would love to see GK make a power amp based on the MB500. Basically a MB500 that eliminates the Preamp. You could build the whole thing from the Effect Return on. If it cost $300-$350, you could sell a ton. Especially since the only competition is the SWR Amplite at $550.

JimmyM · #12 08-16-2011, 09:14 PM

Dude, the one thing that would drive me nuts using a backup amp to an SVT-VR is if the backup amp had a radically different sound than the VR. So for that reason I'd probably snag a PF500 instead. A little bigger than the GK, but is way more in line with the tonal goals of the VR and priced just as competitively as the GK.

blastjv · #13 08-16-2011, 09:55 PM

Yeah, the 500 is twice the price of the 200, and while they're both obviously small, the 200 would easily fit in my bass case, I don't think the 500 would.

I have tried the PF series, I think it was a 350, and it really did sound nice in the store. Definitely not something I could just leave in my case until I needed it, but I have considered it for at home, but for my at-home use it didn't make me want to replace my B100-R

Picking nits here, but isn't that what we do here.....?????

-JV

oldcatfish · #14 08-17-2011, 06:20 AM

Quote "So for that reason I'd probably snag a PF500 instead." Or at least a PF350. Probably be closer to your SVT sound than the GK, and only 50 dollars more. That being said, the GK would probably be ok for a backup.

AMJBASS · #15 08-17-2011, 06:23 AM

In a pinch you would be fine IMO. I have used my MB200 through an Ampeg 4x10" on a loudish funk gig and it was fine. I had to push it, but it worked out. I think these heads are one of the best deals going right now. They sound great.

Slowgypsy · #16 08-17-2011, 08:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blastjv

Like I said, I'm sure you're right, and your opinions are all helpful. I'm just wondering if the MB200 would allow me to limp through a set...worse comes to worst...

-JV

You've been very clear that you're not looking for another main amp. You're simply looking for a small and affordable emergency backup amp to allow you to "limp through a set". The MB200 would easily fit that bill.

scottfeldstein · #17 08-17-2011, 08:17 AM

If I wanted backup for gigs with good PA support, I'd use a SansAmp. If I wanted backup for a loud band with no PA support, I'd use the MB500 (or equivalent wattage). I think the MB200 falls between the cracks on this one.

Slowgypsy · #18 08-17-2011, 08:54 AM

Your location tag says you're in the Philly area. You're close to Bass Specialties. Why don't you give them a call and see if they have a MB200 on the floor. Just plug it in, take it for a test drive and decide for yourself. They've got a good sized space and a good selection of cabs to choose.

Eric Moesle · #19 08-17-2011, 09:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blastjv

Like I said, I'm sure you're right, and your opinions are all helpful. I'm just wondering if the MB200 would allow me to limp through a set...worse comes to worst...

-JV

I used one through an 8x10 at a fill-in gig, no PA support, medium sized bar. It kicked and I never had to turn it up over 11:00. If you have lots of speakers, it will get you through.

An 810 would be fine. A 410, I might worry about it a little.

waveman · #20 08-17-2011, 09:54 AM

Get an mb500 used