MARKBASS GEAR-How does it rate??

[cchorney]

Originally Posted by bassybill

it's kind of strange that the "in the mix" sound is so much of what I like about this rig, rather than the "on its own" sound. It's only when I'm playing with a band that I really appreciate just how very good this stuff sounds, for some reason. I sometimes think that if you guys heard me playing this at home or in a store, you'd have a hard time understanding what's so great about it (as would I). That understanding would be there instantly if you heard the same sound in a band situation and it's in that situation that my tone brings a big cheesy grin to my face rather than at home. I suppose this is a similar situation to the way that on some favourite recordings, a bass that sounds great in the mix can sound totally different when isolated. Anyway, moving on...

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3) All that said, I do agree that there is a slight mid-heavy voicing to the cabs, especially the 210. This only helps for me personally. I like it and it really helps me to be heard in a mix without overpowering the rest of the band onstage.

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6) Construction and build are absolutely top notch in all respects.

7) The products seemed pricey to me when I purchased them, but I'm totally satisfied with what I got for the money. I can't see me using anything else and if the need arises I'd replace either product with the current MB equivalent without hesitation. I understand that different people like different stuff, but I consider myself lucky to own what for me is the perfect setup in terms of sound, features, convenience and quality.

Is there anything I don't like about my Markbass stuff? No, nothing much (okay, maybe I'd prefer tolex to ratfur and some different options for the tweeters).

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Yes, I agree with all this stuff. Nice to find another CMD102P user with the same feelings on it.

[darius8]

I got the Big Bang and I love it. The only thing I'm puzzled with is that VPF filter for cutting at 380 hz. The LOW MID is already centered at 360 hz.

The VLE filter is like a high frequency cut-off shelf from 20Mhz to 250hz.

[BassNGuns]

About a year and a half ago, I went on a new rig search for about 3 months and tried everything out there.
Markbass won hands down.
I have the 151 traveler and the 210 traveler cabs which are the lightest and best sounding cabs I've ever played.
I've got the LMIII head which is amazing, I set everything a little higher than flat and it just sounds like my bass. Very transperant. No coloring. Very powerful and only 6 pounds!
Even in big clubs, I've never turned it passed 2.

[waveman]

Had a LM II and gigged with it for over a year, great amp, but I really like the LM III. I have had a few solid state amps like Genz Benz, Peavey, Ampeg, and currently a GK MB 500. I love the MarkBass amps the best. GK is a close second. I use Avatar 2x10 and 1x15. Usually just need the 2x10 for most venues.

[Tvrtko]

As about me, that thing even don't exist. I don't like look, I don't like sound, I don't like anything. It's just piece of yellow colored equipment, that means nothing to me. If it disappear tomorrow, I would even not notice.

As about me, it's just currently fancy piece of regular Italian crap. Don't try to talk to me about. Because, I don't care about it at all.

[dreads311]

Originally Posted by Tvrtko

As about me, that thing even don't exist. I don't like look, I don't like sound, I don't like anything. It's just piece of yellow colored equipment, that means nothing to me. If it disappear tomorrow, I would even not notice.

As about me, it's just currently fancy piece of regular Italian crap. Don't try to talk to me about. Because, I don't care about it at all.

Did Markbass pee in your cereal this morning? Harsh!

[Russell L]

Originally Posted by darius8

I got the Big Bang and I love it. The only thing I'm puzzled with is that VPF filter for cutting at 380 hz. The LOW MID is already centered at 360 hz.

The VLE filter is like a high frequency cut-off shelf from 20Mhz to 250hz.

I wish the Big Bang had semi-parametric mids. I may buy one anyway, but paramids would sure make that head complete, IMO. Then, you wouldn't have to worry about what the VPF does. I don't get it either as to why the VPF cuts at 380 when the low mids are at 360 (which is too high, IMO). Except, the VPF covers more territory than the low mid control. And it makes me disappear unless I use it VERY sparingly.

[darius8]

^ yup, if the low-mid and high-mid were both semi-parametric, the Big Bang would be unbeatable.

[Russell L]

Originally Posted by darius8

^ yup, if the low-mid and high-mid were both semi-parametric, the Big Bang would be unbeatable.

Hey, Markbass, are ya listening?

[KJung]

Originally Posted by Russell L

Hey, Markbass, are ya listening?

Well, since the Big Bang replaces the F500 (my favorite head of all time), they made a conscious decision to remove the semi-parametric mid controls. IMO, a big mistake, but this is not a 'dumb company'. I guess, in general, the 'Musicians Friend/Guitar Center' customer wanted more 'non performance bells and whistles' like a headphone out and MP3 in, than higher end preamp controls.

That took the Big Bang off my list, but I have two F500's

[MostlyBass]

My Jeff Berlin combo sounds great, is light, and built well.

[Phil413]

@bassnguns

I tried your exact setup at GC - Traveler 102 and 115 with Big Bang. How large of a venue can yours play on? Outdoors? Oh and what speakon cables do you use? This will be my first amp/cab rig.

Thanks

[XXL]

Ive had my SD800 for over 6 years with not one problem. Sounds great paired with my Avatars or my Ampeg. I honestly haven't had GAS for a new head since.

[Bob Gross]

I have a Mark Bass CMD 102, a CMD 121 and a Traveler 115 cab. I've been using them for about six years and just love them. I'm in my sixties and I've had major back surgery, so first off the light weight is a real blessing. The tone is even and I usually start off with everything flat then tweek it accordingly for the room. I use mostly Fender style four string basses but also a Peavy Cirrus 6 string and these amps do just fine on the 'B' string.

[Marko5657]

What a shame… I’d just gotten an old (never played through, just damaged in shipping, so I repaired it) MB CL152 (Classic 2x15), only ~73lbs, thought about what MB head to get for it, and decided the whole band should go DI.

Haven’t gigged it or even played around with it enough to tell ya what it sounds like, and now it just sits in a back room with the rest of my rigs.

Oh well…

[BassNGuns]

After months of testing everything, I went for the LMIII, 210 and 115 Traveler. AMAZING.

[XXL]

Shooot I'd love to try out that 2x15 with my SD800!

[Stone Soup]

Originally Posted by Russell L

I wish the Big Bang had semi-parametric mids.

MoMark SA500

Close enough for me.

[Marko5657]

Originally Posted by XXL

Shooot I'd love to try out that 2x15 with my SD800!

So would I.

[fenwickbacker]

Originally Posted by BassNGuns

After months of testing everything, I went for the LMIII, 210 and 115 Traveler. AMAZING.

Yep, what BassNGuns said - use just the 210 for most gigs, add the 115 for larger venues. Our sound engineer loves the signal and tone from the LMIII for the front of house.