Markbass LM 800 with 8 or 4 ohm cabs?

armybass · #1 02-19-2011, 09:54 PM

I am looking at getting a Markbass LM800 and am a 210 cab guy. I have always gone with a 4 ohm 210 and used it as a stand alone cab. I was thinking of doing the same thing and getting the MB 102HF 4 ohm 210. But seeing as this amp is 800 watts into 4 ohms... I am tempted to do the 2 210 8 ohm cabs. The amp can still deliver 500 watts to 8 ohms but I am just a little hesitant to get an 8 ohm 210 cab. It would be a while before I added the second cab. I dunno, what say you folks? BTW I play either a MIA Jazz, Fretless Stingray 5 or G&L L2500 in a blues band in small clubs. No outdoor or stadium gigs in my immediate future.

GrowlerBox · #2 02-19-2011, 10:04 PM

In my view, there's nothing to be gained from a 4 Ohm 210 in this setting. You'd never be able to turn the master volume much past halfway without the speakers farting out. The audible difference between 800W and 500W through the same speakers is less than 3dB, which, due to the logarithmic "gain structure" of the human auditory apparatus, is perceived as a trivial increase. Real volume increase comes with more speakers, so get the 8 Ohm now, and another when you need/want/can afford it.

armybass · #3 02-19-2011, 10:55 PM

Now that is a damn fine answer! I love it. I guess I always thought having the 4 ohm cab was better but I certainly can not argue with scientific facts.....especially since I am not sure exactly what you said.... but I get the gist of it..... 8 ohm cab.

GrowlerBox · #4 02-19-2011, 10:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by armybass

Now that is a damn fine answer! I love it. I guess I always thought having the 4 ohm cab was better but I certainly can not argue with scientific facts.....especially since I am not sure exactly what you said.... but I get the gist of it..... 8 ohm cab.

Tru 'dat, brotha!

IronLung1986 · #5 02-20-2011, 12:10 AM

i did exactly what you're talking about: little mark 800 into an 8 ohm markbass 102. it's my practice/small gig rig, and it really sounds great. amazingly clear and responsive but not overly hi-fi. without PA support, the sound isn't really "big" enough for my shows (it's only a 210 after all), but of course it can easily be paired with a second speaker. regardless of what speakers i use, the LM800 is my main amp for most situations...it's got plenty of power and sounds awesome loud or soft. i'd say you're likely to be very happy with what you're considering buying.

THORRR · #6 02-20-2011, 12:26 AM

I play a LM 800 through 2 Avatar B410 Neos at 8 ohms per cabinet and it's tremendous.

I imagine you'd do just fine with 8 ohm 210 cabs as well.

The LM 800 will allow you tons of headroom to spare and room to grow your rig if you ever want to.

That little powerhouse of an amp does more than produce volume and tone to spare . . . it produces THRUST !