GK new MBP Powered Enclosures? (More info please!)

[thatonedude02]

Saw the below image over in the MB200 thread and it's making me want more information about the powered enclosures!

The image is vague, offering only the existence of such enclosures and a back panel picture showing an XLR in and XLR out. Presumably, they can be used as extension cabinets for the MB series combo amps.

That said, with an XLR input, and the fact that the MB combos only have an XLR "direct out" output, I am curious as to the usefulness of such a powered cabinet off of a DI or similar. Could you run one of these off of a DI?

Does anything else like this exist? (Google didn't seem to think so)

Of course, information is not yet up on the GK website.

[tombowlus]

Yes, these powered enclosures were intended to supplement the MB series combos. New iterations of those combos will have special balanced XLR outputs to feed to these powered enclosures.

Yes, you should be able to drive these cabs with another preamp (presuming that you the appropriate connections to send it a balanced XLR input), though your typical DI would likely not have sufficient gain to do so.

Yes, there are other powered cabs on the market. Jim Bergantino had the IP series cabs, though he has recently discontinued them. Forge Amplification had some big, heavy powered cabs, but they seem to have fallen off the face of the planet. Bag End and ISP Technologies continue to make powered bass enclosures. Markbass has an Alain Caron signature powered enclosure (and a preamp intended to be used with it).

There may be more that I am forgetting...

Tom.

[JonnyAngle]

My speculation:

A person would have their pre amp or choice and plug that right in to the input.

[xring]

Speaking of "new iterations", will my MB115 be compatable with these units?
Thanks.

[thatonedude02]

Originally Posted by tombowlus

Yes, you should be able to drive these cabs with another preamp (presuming that you the appropriate connections to send it a balanced XLR input), though your typical DI would likely not have sufficient gain to do so.

That's great. So something like a sansamp BDDI or MXR M80 could probably drive one...

Still, this justifies my GASing for a MB112...

[tombowlus]

Originally Posted by thatonedude02

Still, this justifies my GASing for a MB112...

I believe that only the MB115, MB212, and MB410 combos will have the balanced XLR out.

[Govier966]

I hope this doesnt mean they are going to get rid of the mbe enclosures. I was hoping at some point i could add a second 2x12 mbe to my set up.

[xring]

Sorry if I missed it, but when will these be available in stores? I'm ready for one now.

[thatonedude02]

Originally Posted by tombowlus

I believe that only the MB115, MB212, and MB410 combos will have the balanced XLR out.

Well, the MB112 does have an XLR...whether it is different from the type that can drive these cabinets, I don't know. One of my requirements for my new amp is that is must have a DI out. I figure I'd mostly use the amp as a stage monitor. So I am also hoping I can do the amp to a powered cab then take the signal out of that to the board... I can't wait to see a product manual for these!

[tombowlus]

Originally Posted by Govier966

I hope this doesnt mean they are going to get rid of the mbe enclosures. I was hoping at some point i could add a second 2x12 mbe to my set up.

I don't think that is the plan at all.

[tombowlus]

Originally Posted by thatonedude02

Well, the MB112 does have an XLR...whether it is different from the type that can drive these cabinets, I don't know. One of my requirements for my new amp is that is must have a DI out. I figure I'd mostly use the amp as a stage monitor. So I am also hoping I can do the amp to a powered cab then take the signal out of that to the board... I can't wait to see a product manual for these!

From my understanding of our discussions at NAMM, it sounds like their intention is to have a dedicated balanced XLR out to drive these powered cabs, in addition to the DI.

[spike42]

"From my understanding of our discussions at NAMM, it sounds like their intention is to have a dedicated balanced XLR out to drive these powered cabs, in addition to the DI"


Ugh, you mean that I could not then add one of these to the
MB115 I just bought last week? That would be a drag since I
was excited when I saw this stuff.

[banditcosmo]

Thanks for the pic. I'm more interested in the MB800. I didn't know that was coming out.

[tombowlus]

Originally Posted by banditcosmo

Thanks for the pic. I'm more interested in the MB800. I didn't know that was coming out.

Yeah, that MB800 was mind-blowing!

[Hutzbordello]

are they better or just new is my question

[tombowlus]

Originally Posted by spike42

"From my understanding of our discussions at NAMM, it sounds like their intention is to have a dedicated balanced XLR out to drive these powered cabs, in addition to the DI"


Ugh, you mean that I could not then add one of these to the
MB115 I just bought last week? That would be a drag since I
was excited when I saw this stuff.

I don't think so. Hit up Brian Clark to be sure (brian@gallien.com). Maybe you could return it and get a model with the new XLR output for the powered cabs?

Tom.

[xring]

Originally Posted by tombowlus

I don't think so. Hit up Brian Clark to be sure (brian@gallien.com). Maybe you could return it and get a model with the new XLR output for the powered cabs?

Tom.

That bumbs me out. I just bought the MB115 2 mos. ago and it's already superceded without the chance of running one of those. It's a great idea, but my timing was off again.

[rpsands]

Why not just run the XLR out to the powered extension and then run the XLR out of the powered cab to DI?

[Smurf-o-Deth]

^ That's a bingo!

[greenboy]

/me watches 1988 powered enclosure changes finally lapping up on the remote, sheltered shores of Basscabland.