Mark Bass F500/LMIII with Acme Low B2?

J.Wolf · #1 06-21-2011, 04:13 PM

I just picked up a low B2 series II on a whim, and am curious if anyone is using their 4 ohm B2 with a Mark Bass head. Currently I own a LMII, but am thinking about swapping it out for an F500.

Can anyone tell me from personal experience how the LMII and/or the F500 pairs with a 4 ohm B2?

Would that extra wattage and forward voicing of the F500 be a major advantage over the LMII?

I have a rack rig (HBP-1 > QSC 1.4 (about 550 per side at 4 ohms, or 1400 bridged)) that I would use for mucho power, or to run safely below 4 ohms, I guess I'm just wondering if the LMII will cut the mustard with the acme, and if not, will then the F500?

thanks guys!

Russell L · #2 06-21-2011, 07:10 PM

Read my current thread, "Little Mark vs. F1 (Markbass content)." Scroll down to the reply by BassyPaul that has a link. Read that link for a nice explanation by KJung about the differences between the Little Mark amps, F1, and F500 amps.

Hope that helps.

J.Wolf · #3 06-21-2011, 07:32 PM

Thanks for the tip, I'm pretty familiar with the Mark Bass heads, I'm just curious how these two work with the Acme Low B2 in particular.

BassmanPaul · #4 06-21-2011, 08:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Russell L

Read my current thread, "Little Mark vs. F1 (Markbass content)." Scroll down to the reply by BassyPaul that has a link. Read that link for a nice explanation by KJung about the differences between the Little Mark amps, F1, and F500 amps.

Hope that helps.

BassyPaul???? Grrrrrrrrr!

BassmanPaul · #5 06-21-2011, 08:27 PM

I will keep on saying that IMO a single B2 is not enough for an average gig. A pair is perfect. I own four but just use a single pair in a vertical stack.

J.Wolf · #6 06-21-2011, 08:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BassmanPaul

I will keep on saying that IMO a single B2 is not enough for an average gig. A pair is perfect. I own four but just use a single pair in a vertical stack.

thanks Paul, I am familiar with that sentiment. Although, "average gig" is fairly non-specific. I am guessing you mean something like a 4 piece rock band?

Still, wanting some specific feedback on the heads mentioned with the 4ohm B2.

ahc · #7 06-21-2011, 09:38 PM

I've got a pair of 8 ohm B2s that I run with an F500. Works just fine. I've also got an MB CMD102P (an LMII head) that I've run the Acmes with by disconnecting the MB cab and plugging into the B2s. That sounded great, too. I bought the F500 because of it's more mid-forward tone and increased EQ capability. The B2s are biased more towards the bass, so I figured the F500 would be a good match. I think it is and so does my band (2 giutards, bass, and dumbs, rarely any FOH). You won't go wrong with either one. Not knowing the rooms, band type and makeup, or your tone goals makes it hard to say which would be "better".

I pretty much agree with BassmanPaul, but I have used a single B2 (8 ohm) in small rooms and it was ok, but didn't leave much room to uhhh... expand.

I posted a similar thread a while back and got mostly favorable responses so I went for it, except that I ended up with the F500. The thread is below.
Al

Acme B2's and MarkBass LMII/III ?

Russell L · #8 06-22-2011, 05:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BassmanPaul

BassyPaul???? Grrrrrrrrr!

Oh man, I am sorry. I owe ye one for that. Got my thinkin' cap on sideways.

**smperry** · #9 06-22-2011, 07:15 AM

I thought I read here the MarkBass amps have trouble with 4ohm Acme cabs. Because the impedance is slightly below 4ohms, heads were going into protection mode and shutting off. I'll try to find it. That's a reason why I didn't get an Acme cab for my F1.

**smperry** · #10 06-22-2011, 07:17 AM

Here it is Jake. Markbass F1 not playing well with Acme Low B2

J.Wolf · #11 06-22-2011, 08:10 AM

Thanks Marshall, I will re read that thread. I had it in my mind that this issue arose with 2 8ohm b2's rather than 1 4 ohm cab. Will have to check in on that. Although AHC didn't seem to have any issues there.

Thanks for the feedback AHC. Much appreciated! Although the 4 vs 8 ohm thing is a variable, mostly what I was after is the tonal pairings with those heads, which you've shed some light on.

**smperry** · #12 06-22-2011, 08:14 AM

The OP of that thread had a problem with one 4ohm b2 and a Markbass F1. Kjung mentioned other people having that problem with Markbass heads specifically, but I don't know of other examples.

ahc · #13 06-22-2011, 10:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by J.Wolf

Thanks for the feedback AHC. Much appreciated! Although the 4 vs 8 ohm thing is a variable, mostly what I was after is the tonal pairings with those heads, which you've shed some light on.

Happy to help. Never had a problem with the amp shutting down with two cabs. Also, if there's a GC near your location take your cab and try out both heads.

Al

J.Wolf · #14 06-22-2011, 10:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by smperry

The OP of that thread had a problem with one 4ohm b2 and a Markbass F1. Kjung mentioned other people having that problem with Markbass heads specifically, but I don't know of other examples.

thanks for clarifying this, it's weird that it's not consistently an issue, makes me wonder if it's specific to a certain batch of drivers/cabs, unless it's more consistent and prevalent than it seems.

I'm not sure how concerned about this I should be. I have a rack setup I love, that would deliver a better power load to open up the cab, but I'd hate to have to deal with that restriction, my gig schedule (sometimes 2-3 a day, having to set up multiple rigs in advance) and freelance nature of my work really benefits from the highest level of flexibility.

Anyhow, the B2 is already on it's way, I guess I'll give it a rip with LMII and see if there's any issues.