Markbass CMD121H Experience?

Musicman20 · #1 06-01-2010, 04:34 PM

Hi

Im just wondering what the general view is on these combos?

I know the P version is very popular, but I dont like the idea of the Piezo.

How 'large' would you say this combo is?

How does it compare to a GK MB combo or a Genz Shuttle Combo?

Thanks

**Freddels** · #2 06-01-2010, 05:18 PM

It's Michael Manring's choice of combo. I love how it sounds in this vid.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vg5TaS4EIVE

mbrancalion · #3 06-01-2010, 06:30 PM

I own one since 7-8 months. I used it on quieter gigs and for rehearsals.

I really like it. It can be loud, but also when used with little volume it's always faithful, as sound. The sound is very detailed, but not sterile. When recording through the DI (which has indipendent volume) the sound is very hi-fi.

The eq is VERY versatile. It's quite light in weight and i carry with one hand easily, and can store it in the not so big trunk of my car (Seat Ibiza 6j).

Greetings.

Musicman20 · #4 06-02-2010, 10:16 AM

Anyone else?

Cheers for the input guys

Usedtoplaymore · #5 06-03-2010, 02:30 PM

I use it as a practice amp, when I record and smaller venues - It has a nice direct out - and the sound is always true - I have used it in situaions with an extension cab (I have a separate Markbass 1x15 and a separate 2x10 cab) - I have even paired it with an EDEN 1x12 - always sounds great - no issues here.

deckard · #6 06-10-2010, 09:31 AM

I've had one for about a year now - traded my Markbass CMD 102P in for it.

Originally, I wanted the CMD 121H, but they were not yet sold in the US - so I "settled" for the CMD 102P; I liked the CMD 102P a lot, but size-wise it was a little bigger than I wanted, hence the eventual trade for the CMD 121H.

I like it quite a bit. Not *quite* as aggressive as the CMD 102P, but has more clarity IMHO and more bottom-end.

It fits nicely in the passenger seat of my older Toyota pickup; I *can* carry it fairly easily, but bought a little collapsible hand-truck to save my back.

It's not quite as "transparent" as my cafe walter headphone amp - I'd really like that kind of "transparent" sound live - but is pretty close. I came to the conclusion that to get the kind of "transparency" I'd really like to have, I would likely have to cart around more gear - and really wanted just one all-in-one unit for the sake of simplicity & ease of "cartage".

I use virtually flat EQ settings on it, obviously tweaking for whatever room I'm in.

I like the combination of the 12" speaker & compression driver/custom horn tweeter.

I think it is a VERY under-rated unit that deserves more attention; people seem to prefer the CMD 121P, probably due to the much smaller size... but I think they're missing the boat by not getting the 121H instead.

JMHO

Hope that helps...

**Freddels** · #7 06-29-2010, 06:37 PM

Is there an attenuator for the horn on the CMD121H combo?

How is the extra 10 lbs for portability?

I'm thinking I would prefer the tone of the larger box but I don't want to be lugging too much.

mbrancalion · #8 06-30-2010, 02:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Freddels

Is there an attenuator for the horn on the CMD121H combo?

No.

Quote:

How is the extra 10 lbs for portability?

In my opinion, it's quite light.

deckard · #9 06-30-2010, 07:40 AM

Like Marco says, no attenuator for the horn - it's a non-issue for me, but *would* be nice to have...

I find my CMD 121H to be easier to cart around than the CMD 102P I used to have: smaller box (fits easier in the passenger seat of my Toyota p/u) and it is about 3-4 lbs. lighter.

I've never owned a CMD 121P so I couldn't really say how it compares size/weight- or sound-wise...

EXCEPT that when I went to GC trade in my CMD 102P for the CMD 121H, I tried a CMD 121P & was immediately struck by how "boomy" it was compared to both the CMD 121H and the CMD 102P...

JMHO

**Freddels** · #10 06-30-2010, 11:37 AM

Has anyone had the opportunity to compare the CMD121H to the Berlin model? The Berlin is my favorite sounding of the combos (but I've never tried the 121H and only heard it online).

I'm also wondering how the Traveler 121H cab would sound with the F500 head since you can use the parametric eq with that head.

bebop1 · #11 06-30-2010, 11:49 AM

I have the CMD121P and the Traveler 12H cab. I also have the LM tube head (and run the 2 cabs from the tube pre'd head). I keep the LMII in the CMD121P as a backup. Perfect combo of units for me.

I like the sound of the 121H cab much better than the 121P. It's low end extends way deeper and the high end is more pleasant to my ears. There is a tweeter attenuator built into the 121H cab.

I often just use the LM tube head with the 121H cab. More than enough for indoor gigs and I just love the tone. Musicians and sound people are always commenting unsolicited and very positively. Many bassplayers in my community are moving to Mark Bass after hearing this rig. For large stages and outdoor gigs, I bring both cabs and run them with the LM tube head. For cafe or for ease of cartage to practices, I will use the 121P combo with the LMII head built in. All these combinations are light, totally pro feeling and sounding, and cover any gig, small to huge. Works for me.

deckard · #12 06-30-2010, 01:06 PM

You know, upon reflection, if I had it to do all over again... I think I *would* go with the 121H cab and an LM II/III head.

Just seems more versatile + even more/higher "ease of cartage" (great phrase!).

Oh, well - maybe on the next go-round...