Home Studio Amp

**Kinetic Shadow** · #1 03-15-2011, 09:26 PM

Truth be told, I'm getting back into playing after a decade long hiatus and glad to be back. Needless to say, I haven't kept up with the advances in amps during that time so have a question I'm hoping the TB community can help with.

Currently I'm running my MIA P, Modulus FU4 and EBMM Stingray HH through a Roland Cube 100, which for the most part seems fine, just a little "synthetic" at times. I mostly play 70-80's Punk/Alt, but have also added funk/slap and now tapping to the mix. I'm not gigging, nor plan to be, just having fun, but am looking for an amp that is versatile.

I've been reading reviews on three different amps I am considering getting, but don't have much opportunity to get out and actually try them. so I'm looking for some feedback on the following:

Markbass*Mini CMD 121P
Hartke Hydrive 112C or 115C
Gallien-Krueger MB112B or MB115

Thanks for any input.

Jazzdogg · #2 03-15-2011, 09:30 PM

Don't overlook the new Carvin microbass combos:

Carvin.com - Guitars, Amplifiers & Pro Audio: BX Micro Bass Amps

benta · #3 03-15-2011, 09:31 PM

I have no input, but I'm sure all of those amps have inputs.

I'm not funny.

4Mal · #4 03-15-2011, 09:32 PM

I'm a GK fan so, Avatar SB112 and Gk MB200. Lot's more tone in that setup than in the combos IMO. You should be able to get that done under 500 new I think, though used would be my preference.

chuck3 · #5 03-15-2011, 09:33 PM

not sure exactly what your criteria are, but if you are looking for a great 1-12, try the Genz Benz Shuttle 6.0-12.

Jeff Scott · #6 03-15-2011, 09:53 PM

Don't dismiss the Markbass Minimark, it is a great amp for studio or gigging. I have used it for both with wonderful results.

**Kinetic Shadow** · #7 03-15-2011, 09:56 PM

I knew this was the right place to ask. Thanks all thus far for the responses -even the rimshot joke.

I was leaning towards the GK. And the thought of having components vs. combo is appealing.

Not ruling out any of the other suggestions, but anyone have any experience with the three that I have listed?

**Kinetic Shadow** · #8 03-16-2011, 05:53 PM

Still looking for opinions on the amps I listed BUMP.

mebusdriver · #9 03-16-2011, 06:02 PM

I like the MarkBass. I've gigged and recorded with several different models. The VLF and VHF controls alone can do wonders for tone in any setting. They always produce smooth clean tones with very little noise and that's really my number one priority in a recording setting. The 12's are surprisingly loud too. MarkBass gets my vote.

skruch · #10 03-16-2011, 06:06 PM

Used SWR LA 8. Sounds great, 35 watts, 20 pounds and cute as hell.

Jake Morris · #11 03-16-2011, 06:13 PM

if you want an amp that suit any style of music, look no farther than the mesa walkabout. i was literally blown away.

Mesa/Boogie Walkabout Scout 1x12 Combo | Sweetwater.com

this combo is a bit expensive, but well worth it, especially with the tweeter control and the fact you can remove the head without trouble and use it with any other cab you have.

GrowlerBox · #12 03-16-2011, 06:45 PM

I like Markbass, and would second mebusdriver's comments. Another couple of options for a small, light rig with good sound might be the Genz Benz Shuttle 3 (with either an 8 or a 10" cabinet, I believe), or the Ibanez Promethean. Both have easily detachable heads, good DI, both very giggable amps (if you change your mind about that) with sufficient cabinet for the job.

bassinagain · #13 03-16-2011, 07:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kinetic Shadow

Still looking for opinions on the amps I listed BUMP.

I haven't played any of those exact Hartke HyDrive combos yet, but if you haven't seen this on youtube yet here is a link of Stu Hamm demoing the 112C.

YouTube - Stu Hamm Demo's the New Hydrive Combos

and then there's this one with both the 2x10C and 115C:

YouTube - Steve Adelson Hartke HyDrive video!

Can't commit on the others at this time.

**Kinetic Shadow** · #14 03-16-2011, 07:16 PM

That's 3 votes for the Markbass, 2 for GK and 2 for Genz Benz so far with no love for the Hartke. This is definitely starting to narrow it down for me, thank you.

I would like to keep the cost under $1k and stick with a 12" so I think the Genz Benz Shuttles are out, unless I can find a 6.0-12 used.

So that leaves the Markbass or some GK configuration - either the combo or head and cab as mentioned by 4Mal.

Decisions, decisions...

**Kinetic Shadow** · #15 03-16-2011, 07:18 PM

@bassinagain, thanks I did see those videos and they were the primary reason the Hartke was in the list to begin with.

seamonkey · #16 03-16-2011, 07:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kinetic Shadow

Truth be told, I'm getting back into playing after a decade long hiatus and glad to be back. Needless to say, I haven't kept up with the advances in amps during that time so have a question I'm hoping the TB community can help with.

Currently I'm running my MIA P, Modulus FU4 and EBMM Stingray HH through a Roland Cube 100, which for the most part seems fine, just a little "synthetic" at times. I mostly play 70-80's Punk/Alt, but have also added funk/slap and now tapping to the mix. I'm not gigging, nor plan to be, just having fun, but am looking for an amp that is versatile.

I've been reading reviews on three different amps I am considering getting, but don't have much opportunity to get out and actually try them. so I'm looking for some feedback on the following:

Markbass*Mini CMD 121P
Hartke Hydrive 112C or 115C
Gallien-Krueger MB112B or MB115

Thanks for any input.

If you're going to use a PC for recording, the best studio amps these days are modelers.
Ampeg SVX
IK Fender
Amplitude
Guitar Rig 4
Peavey Revalver
...
They all have demo versions to try.

**Kinetic Shadow** · #17 03-16-2011, 07:35 PM

@seamonkey, thanks for the info, good to know as I have been doing some recording on the Mac Pro using Logic Pro which does have some pretty decent built in amp modeling of its own.

But I'm still looking for a "live" experience as well when practicing and not recording, just doesn't feel the same going through the monitors.

Interceptor · #18 03-16-2011, 08:15 PM

Of the choices you've listed, I like the Hartke the best.

But, considering your budget, there are lots of head + cabinet pairings that would crush any of those combos.

A great practice amp is one that you really dig the tone of.

**Kinetic Shadow** · #19 03-17-2011, 09:22 PM

I've pretty much narrowed it down now to the Markbass, now it's just a matter of choosing the Markbass CMD 121H with the horn tweeter or the Markbass Mini CMD 121P with the piezo tweeter. Thoughts?

GrowlerBox · #20 03-17-2011, 09:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kinetic Shadow

I've pretty much narrowed it down now to the Markbass, now it's just a matter of choosing the Markbass CMD 121H with the horn tweeter or the Markbass Mini CMD 121P with the piezo tweeter. Thoughts?

I believe that most here would prefer the horn over the piezo. I like the piezos in my cabinet, but there are 16 of 'em.