GK MB210 vs MB500 head used w/cab?

friskinator · #1 03-26-2011, 04:26 PM

I currently own a GK MB500 head, which I use to power a GK Neo 210 cab. It's a killer sounding mini-rig, but I'm wondering if I could get the same result from the MB210 combo based on its similar specs.

If I went this direction, I'd probably sell the MB500 and keep the Neo 210 as an extension cab for bigger gigs, but use the combo alone for smaller gigs and practices.

Thoughts?

xring · #2 03-26-2011, 05:18 PM

I think you have the best of both worlds right now. I would just get the second 210 cab. The combo combination really could not be better than this.

shoot-r · #3 03-27-2011, 12:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by xring

I think you have the best of both worlds right now. I would just get the second 210 cab. The combo combination really could not be better than this.

+1...
I'm running my GK MB2-500 into two, 8 ohm, Avatar Neo 210 cabinets stacked as a vertical 410.
LOVE this set-up!
I run one cab for rehearsals/small gigs, both cabs when more volume and coverage is needed. Plus, using the two 210 cabs as a vertical 410 you get the advantages of vertical stacking over a standard configured 410 enclosure.

armybass · #4 03-27-2011, 03:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by xring

I think you have the best of both worlds right now. I would just get the second 210 cab. The combo combination really could not be better than this.

I agree. I have the MB210 combo and I wish I had purchased the MB500 and separate cabs.

LennyPenny · #5 04-04-2011, 01:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by armybass

I agree. I have the MB210 combo and I wish I had purchased the MB500 and separate cabs.

Why do you prefer seperate head and cabs? I'm planning on buying an MB210 combo because that would save me €200.

armybass · #6 04-04-2011, 02:03 PM

Because I personally think so much of the sound comes from the cab. I have found in my time playing that if you find a head that sounds good or great to you EQ'd "flat" and you combine that with a cabinet that has tyhe tonal characteristics you like...you will be happy for a long time. To me, SWR, Eden, and GK heads into SWR cabs is the sound that I have in my head as the perfect bass tone. For others, it could be completely different and lots of that can come from the style of music you like down to your bass or technique...

But in the grand scheme of things.... by using sep heads and cabs, you have greater versatility. I was a combo guy for a long time but I guess old dogs can learn new tricks.

I think the head in the MB210 is a great head, but I was not satisfied with the sound I was getting from the cab of the MB210 combo.

I traded the combo but would still very much like to find a MB500 head to put in my rack or an MB200 to throw in my gig bag.

garagebassman · #7 04-05-2011, 08:47 AM

I changed from MB212 to MB500 and 212MBE partly to run additional cab ( but haven't needed to ).
But mainly so I could have the contour knob vs switch.

After years of playing the 400RB (with contour switch)......I prefer the knob to adjust incrementally

friskinator · #8 04-05-2011, 08:57 AM

My original goal was to trim down the amount of gear I have to carry, and I figured that if the combo would get the same results as the head/cab, I'd just go that route. However, I really love the sound of the Neo cab kicked back with the drivers pointing straight up at me, which I know I couldn't achieve with the combo.

I'll probably stick with what I have for now - it's a great little rig.

armybass · #9 04-05-2011, 09:00 AM

Good call IMHO.