Inside my Markbass Mini CMD 121P

domdec314 · #1 07-05-2011, 03:55 PM

When I was shopping for a Markbass combo amp, I tried and couldn't find picture of the inside. Now that I finally have one, I've decided to take some picture and put them up here for those who may be interested. These are cell phone pictures. If people are interested, I can get a hold of a real camera and take better pictures.

UPDATE: I've put up better pictures a few posts down.

Here is a shot looking towards the top:

Here is a shot looking towards the bottom:

This is the combo head removed:

Overall, I'm impressed with the amp. It is by far the best made amp I've owned. This is the first time I've owned an amp that actually had batting in it. I was worried I might've had to add it myself. The cabinet seems to be well braced. When I bang on the sides it makes the concrete sound, not the bass drum sound. I was surprised how heavy the front grill was. It's heavier than the large grill on my old Ashdown MAG 4x10 cab. As was expected, the top of the head is exposed. However, there are two unused screw holes at the top, which should make it fairly easy to add a cover to. This would be nice should you want to be able to remove the amp and use it with another setup.

will33 · #2 07-05-2011, 04:00 PM

I was gonna say, it's nice to see lining and some sort of bracing. There's one model of markbass I can take off my $&¡± list.

Nice to see you got what you paid for.

domdec314 · #3 07-05-2011, 04:03 PM

I bought this one used so I would definitely say I got more than what I paid for compared to other amps I've bought. I'm a happy camper!

will33 · #4 07-05-2011, 04:06 PM

Can't tell from the pic but is there a coil on the tweeter filter or just the one cap?

Handyman · #5 07-05-2011, 04:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by domdec314

As was expected, the top of the head is exposed. However, there are two unused screw holes at the top, which should make it fairly easy to add a cover to. This would be nice should you want to be able to remove the amp and use it with another setup.

I've been kicking around the idea of doing this, myself. How much of a PITA was removing the head? I'm currently torn between just buying the matching 1x12 cab and yanking out the head when needed and getting a larger external cab. The $500 for the MB 1x12 is a bit steep.

domdec314 · #6 07-05-2011, 04:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by will33

Can't tell from the pic but is there a coil on the tweeter filter or just the one cap?

Hmm, I don't remember. I will definitely take better pictures so that everything is clear.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Handyman

How much of a PITA was removing the head?

Very easy. Just remove the four hex screws from the top and push the head out.

domdec314 · #7 07-05-2011, 05:28 PM

Here are some better pictures...

Combo without cover:

The back of the speaker:

Inside straight-on:

Inside towards the top:

Inside towards the bottom:

Top of the X-Over:

Bottom of the X-Over:

Jim Ingraham · #8 07-05-2011, 05:57 PM

Thanks for doing this!! 121P's rock!! Best amp/dollar I've ever had.

domdec314 · #9 07-05-2011, 06:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim Ingraham

Thanks for doing this!! 121P's rock!! Best amp/dollar I've ever had.

No problem, man! I frequently see people asking what the inside of various cabinets look like and wonder why more people don't just take some pictures. As long as it doesn't break the warrenty, I'm going to do this with every new cab I get.

**Kinetic Shadow** · #10 07-05-2011, 07:52 PM

Excellent! Now how does one unplug the tweeter?

domdec314 · #11 07-05-2011, 08:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kinetic Shadow

Excellent! Now how does one unplug the tweeter?

I saw people talking about this on this forum. In order to take the tweeter out of the mix, do you simply unplug it? If so then it's a simple task as the wires all use clips and aren't soldered. Could someone who about this please give a definitive answer?

Dean N · #12 07-05-2011, 09:02 PM

I'm surprised that plate isn't soldered.

domdec314 · #13 07-05-2011, 09:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dean N

I'm surprised that plate isn't soldered.

Please excuse my ignorance, but what is the "plate" you are referring to?

Bassamatic · #14 07-05-2011, 09:15 PM

I don't think that this is a real crossover, as the inductor is far too small - probably just a 2-pole blocking filter to keep the lows out of the tweeter with a thermal device to protect the tweeter in case of severe abuse. You can probably just unplug the tweeter and be done with it, or perhaps just connect the wires from the amp direct to the main driver.

Line6man would know for sure.

Buying one of these is far and away the best money I have ever spent on bass items. I think that this may become the B-15 of the future.

Dean N · #15 07-05-2011, 09:27 PM

I was just referring to what you described as the top of the crossover (7th post) - you can see the wires attached with press-fit clips instead of solder. Probably doesn't matter. Those Markbass guys know what they're doing!

domdec314 · #16 07-05-2011, 09:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dean N

I was just referring to what you described as the top of the crossover (7th post) - you can see the wires attached with press-fit clips instead of solder. Probably doesn't matter. Those Markbass guys know what they're doing!

Ah, well the clips are very tight so I'm not at all worried about them coming undone. I've seen clips used in quite a few amps and cabinets so I don't believe it's uncommon.

**bass4worship** · #17 07-05-2011, 09:49 PM

I'll never part with my, the amp can do some damage if need be. I done some nice gigs with just the 112.

JimmyM · #18 07-05-2011, 10:24 PM

IMHO the tweeter disconnection is not a good idea for the 121P. The woofer has nothing past 2k, or at least it sounds that way to me, so you lose all your highs altogether. If you want a more vintage sound, best to use the VLE knob. Plus it voids the warranty.

will33 · #19 07-05-2011, 11:31 PM

I wouldn't expect a lowpass section but an inductor would indicate the tweeter is passed something steeper than 1st order which is good.

Russell L · #20 07-06-2011, 05:54 AM

Thanks for taking your amp apart and showing it to us. I have the 121H version with its bigger cab and a compression driver. What a phenomenal combo it is! Very deep, too. I assume mine would look about the same inside, only bigger. I'm glad to hear you say it was easy to get the amp out. I've thought about that. Scared, though.

I added a 151P cab to mine, and although it's a mismatch, speaker-wise, there are no problems, and it sounds fantastic. I am sold on Markbass. For the money I don't think there is anything better out there. IMO.