Markbass F500 vs. Little Mark III

porkchoppe · #1 03-31-2011, 02:18 PM

So I'm building my first professional level rig and I'm decided on a Markbass amp head but I'm undecided between the F500 and the Little Mark III.

I had the F500 recommended to me by my teacher but I haven't yet experienced it's sound, I understand that it isn't a hell of a lot different than an LMIII but what makes it different or worth spending more money on?

I plan on using this head for both upright bass and electric; is one better for upright than the other?

Also, what cabinets do you recommend? I play smaller venues at the moment but would like a little more power to prepare for bigger venues. Would 400W do it? Should I go with 1 15' speaker or 2 10' speakers, etc?

I'm sorry, I have a lack of knowledge of amp gear so any help or further advice would be great!

Thank you!

KJung · #2 03-31-2011, 02:26 PM

More different than you think! Both are great. For DB, I would think the semi-parametric mids of the F500 would be a must.

The F500 is smaller, class D power, and a bit brighter and punchier than the larger, class A/B LMIII (which is a bit smoother and fatter.

If you click on the Youtube link in my sig, there is a clip of an LMII/F1 comparison, which would be pretty much identical to the LMIII/F500 comparison. That might give you another data point.

Again, the F series heads have a bit more upper mid brightness, a bit more low mid push and a tighter low end, with the LMII/III being smoother in the upper mids, and more warm than 'quick and punchy'. I like both very much, but the F500 is my favorite.

GrowlerBox · #3 03-31-2011, 02:26 PM

KJung is a veritable fountain of knowledge on these amps, and the F500 seems to be his long-time favourite gigging amp. I own an F1 (essentially same as the F500 without the semi-parametric mids) that didn't quite do it for me on an EUB -- very different animal from acoustic, of course, and different amp voicing is needed when you're trying to emulate a tone than when you already have and just want it to come out.

That said, the F500 is likely to be somewhat more transparent, with quite a mid-based presence that you may need to control a little with the EQ. The LM is a little more "old-school" (sorry JimmyM!) sounding, sort of like a clean-tubey sound (no grit).

I would do a search under KJung's posts around cabinet matching -- he's tried 'em all.

Edit: He keeps doing this! Posted while I was typing. Cheers, Ken.

JimmyM · #4 04-01-2011, 01:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GrowlerBox

That said, the F500 is likely to be somewhat more transparent, with quite a mid-based presence that you may need to control a little with the EQ. The LM is a little more "old-school" (sorry JimmyM!) sounding, sort of like a clean-tubey sound (no grit).

well, i guess it means something to some people when you say "old school"

that assessment is pretty accurate, though.

jeff7bass · #5 04-01-2011, 10:34 AM

F500 + 210's.

Quadzilla · #6 04-01-2011, 10:40 AM

I've owned both and prefer the F500 by a wide margin in the live mix (at least w my Epifani UL10 series cabs). It cuts without sounding harsh. The LM series sounded great too, but did not really punch thru the mix like my F500 does and I also had to use the EQ control the lows a bit more on hollow stages.

So for me, it's the F500 all the way. More feature, better tone (IMHO) in a smaller package!

Infidelity · #7 04-01-2011, 10:52 AM

Man, honestly I would try both or buy both if you are thinking of this two micro heads.. I own the F1 which fits my needs more than the LMIII/LMII so it's basically what fits your cab or what sound is in your head.

But I agree with the post above you will need the semi-parametric EQ from the F500 if you are going to amplify your Upright.

Ohh btw, I love the tone of the LMII/LMIII with the Bergantino HT112(non ER) on an upright works well with electric too..

snowtraveler65 · #8 04-13-2011, 10:18 AM

Markbass puts a balanced input on the front of the LMIII specifically for the purpose of amplifying an upright. However, comments regarding the variety of EQ options afforded by the F500 are worthy of consideration. I'm presently debating between these two amps myself. Curious that users of MB amps don't seem to use MB cabs... any thoughts as to why that is?

JFN · #9 04-13-2011, 10:57 AM

I use the Mark Bass cabs all the time. I have the front ported 4x10, the traveler 2x10, and the standard 15. I like the 4x10 best but could see the 2x10 being good for DB and smaller gigs like the OP is interested in. It can always be paired with another 2x10 for bigger rooms.