Markbass Big Bang?

[Russell L]

I like the added features, especially the headphone out. That way I don't have to have another amp stacked that does have a headphone out, and since I don't have a separate headphone amp.

Say, in order to use the headphone out is it also necessary to have a speaker plugged in? Or can the BB work safely without a speaker plugged in?

[B String]

Originally Posted by Son of Bovril

IMO they should have replaced the LM III with the big bang and kept the F500 and F1

They don't need the F1 in the product line if they have the F500. Same amp with better eq.
With SWR becoming a "shelved" company, the Headlite which is very similar to the F500 will no longer be available either. I too think Markbass should bring back the F500. Very nice head.

[darius8]

Originally Posted by Russell L

I like the added features, especially the headphone out. That way I don't have to have another amp stacked that does have a headphone out, and since I don't have a separate headphone amp.

Say, in order to use the headphone out is it also necessary to have a speaker plugged in? Or can the BB work safely without a speaker plugged in?

You don't need to have any speakers plugged in to use the headphones. The aux-in accepts a stereo 1/8" plug (3.5mm) but the BB combines both channels (left and right) when the signal comes out through the headphones.

To me, it didn't sound bad at all. The bass still sounds really good and warm through the headphones.

[mam1862]

Originally Posted by darius8

You don't need to have any speakers plugged in to use the headphones. The aux-in accepts a stereo 1/8" plug (3.5mm) but the BB combines both channels (left and right) when the signal comes out through the headphones.

To me, it didn't sound bad at all. The bass still sounds really good and warm through the headphones.

+1.

[willsellout]

Got a chance to hear one at GC a day ago. I was really, really impressed with it. Sounded huge, nice and warm but with a really nice balance. It definitely had a mid push to it. I loved it.

[Son of Bovril]

Originally Posted by B String

They don't need the F1 in the product line if they have the F500. Same amp with better eq.
With SWR becoming a "shelved" company, the Headlite which is very similar to the F500 will no longer be available either. I too think Markbass should bring back the F500. Very nice head.

Yeah I know and agree regarding the F500/F1 models. Has SWR been "shelved" what does that mean? Are they gonna stop producing them?

[Tunaman]

*** where they thinking when they designed this? Footswitch optional? Mute cant be used any other way? Replaces the F500 & F1? What?
EPIC fail here, its too bad, $700+ for a 500w amp and the optional footswitch when I can get a 9.2 shuttlemax for that?
What a shame

[darius8]

Originally Posted by Tunaman

*** where they thinking when they designed this? Footswitch optional? Mute cant be used any other way? Replaces the F500 & F1? What?
EPIC fail here, its too bad, $700+ for a 500w amp and the optional footswitch when I can get a 9.2 shuttlemax for that?
What a shame

You can't put a GB 9.2 shuttlemax in the glovebox...

[Akito]

I steer clear of MarkBass after they decided to simply not respond to my amp's total failure under warranty. That's about the worst in customer service- none. Buyer beware

[willsellout]

Originally Posted by Akito

I steer clear of MarkBass after they decided to simply not respond to my amp's total failure under warranty. That's about the worst in customer service- none. Buyer beware

There's plenty of people with great MB CS experiences. I prefer dealing with companies that I can get ahold of by phone, though. GK has my business.

[Akito]

Originally Posted by willsellout

There's plenty of people with great MB CS experiences. I prefer dealing with companies that I can get ahold of by phone, though. GK has my business.

Bully for those people! My own experience is quite different, and I am not afraid to share it.

[darius8]

Originally Posted by Akito

I steer clear of MarkBass after they decided to simply not respond to my amp's total failure under warranty. That's about the worst in customer service- none. Buyer beware

Did you contact "VST Service" for the repair? All you need is the sales receipt.
http://www.vstservice.com/t-markbass.aspx


There are 2 MarkBass Authorized Service Centers in your state, Tacoma and Seatle.

[Son of Bovril]

LIkewise here Customer Service has been great, I have spoken with Marco himself

[KJung]

Originally Posted by Akito

I steer clear of MarkBass after they decided to simply not respond to my amp's total failure under warranty. That's about the worst in customer service- none. Buyer beware

Again, something strange here. Warranty service for Markbass products in the US is very simple, and very good. The company even has a 'panic' button on their website in case the typical warranty process in the US (i.e., either take it back to Guitar Center, and use the authorized repair centers) for some reason doesn't work. I just 'tested it out' a couple weeks ago, just to see what the process was about) and got a response within 12 hours.

[sratas]

just grabbed a used but mint Big Bang...I'm quite impressed...I must say that my previous experience with a Markbass has been less than good...
This head has all the features I desire in a amp, but the tone surprised me a lot...very very warm sounding while still remaining detailed. But the good and transparent midrange drove me crazy.
Tested it briefly with my cabs today but I must wait to challenge it in a demanding environment before building a stable opinion...again, the thing that took my attention was the warmth, quite surprising considering the digital poweramp and the F1/F500/LM Tube 800 tone.
The Di sounds nice, maybe a little less deep and warm than the Thunderfink's one, but nice.
The only thing that disappoints me is the phones out, the tone and volume is there, but there is always a fuzzing sound that accompanies the peaks and transients, no matter how I set the gain and volume...maybe it's a defective component, but let's see, it seems to vanish more and more every time I use it.
Awaiting a rehearsal or gig...probably I will wait a long time, my wife is on the point of delivering me two newborns...busy period...