MarkBass LMTube 800, Sounds Good, But Vibrates Off Cab

[lbwdog]

After four months of ownership, and four gigs with it, I've concluded I like my LMTube 800 just fine. I was apprehensive after reading some negative opinions and chatting with KJUNG, but I can now say, it does what I need it to just fine.

My regular rig (G-K 700RB III/SWR GIII) is in my primary band's trailer, and we have a two man crew that sets up for us, so I've been using the LMT 800 for my self carry dates. I've been doing a gig in New Orleans about once a month for the last four months, and using it with my Carvin LS 1503. Well yesterday, I reinstalled an Eminence 3015LF in the Carvin, and man....I had forgotten what a difference it could make!!
Only problem is, the head kept falling off the cab, so I guess I'll have to find some kind of trick with velcro.

Anyway, in that particular setting, the 800 Tube produced a strong evenly balanced signal for that cab. Didn't have to make much EQ adjustment either.
I'm not highly critical of most amps that I've tried, so as long as they work like they're supposed to, I'm happy. Up until last night, I've been using the stock Carvin 15", and was reserving judgement till I could get that 3015LF back in there. It's possible I could have been happier with one of the other micros I considered (F-1, F-500, GK MB500), but I have no complaints with the performance of the 800 at this point.

[WarwickDude68]

I also recently got a LMtube 800. I have been playing it through an Epifani T-310 cab and it is MONSTROUS! I am absolutley loving the sound.

[jnewmark]

Eric, is your 1503 carpeted ? If so, velcro does the job quite well. Glad to hear the 3015LF is working out, finally. I tried the 3015 non LF in mine, but did'nt notice that much of a difference.

[lbwdog]

Yeah, it's carpet and if you have any good ideas as to how to use the velcro, I'd be happy to hear 'em. I guess I could remove the rubber feet and replace them with a velcro piece about the same size.

As for the 3015LF, when I originally installed it in 2007, It sounded fine in my house except for a couple of rattles at certain frequencies, but on the first gig (300 miles from home), the cab sounded horrible! Luckily my 4x10 was in the trailer.

Naturally, I assumed the 3015LF was the culprit since it was fine before. So, after returning home, I swapped the stock 15 back into the cab and the distortion was still there. Carvin shipped me a new HF driver which didn't cure it. Then after Greenboy and I discussed it, we concluded that it could be a crossover problem, so Carvin sent a new one. It seemed to help, but there were some other sonic artifacts that remained. In the meantime, I ordered a pair of Dr Bass cabs since I was tired of dealing with the whole thing..

So, a few months back, I decided to try the LS1503 on the N.O. dates, and it performed pretty well, although at fairly high power, you could hear the cab stressing a bit. After re-reinstalling the 3015LF, the cab sounded great! Extremely even response at all low to mid frequencies, and plenty of power. I'm still getting some rattles here and there, but with enough troubleshooting, I should be able to find and eliminate them.

BTW, I lined the sides with batting which I believe helped contribute to the good results. I don't know how yours is, but mine came with lining only on the very back wall of the cab. When I have more time, I'll go back in and line the top wall and port shelf. I also intend to brace the cab internally, and install t-nuts for the woofer mount.

Down the road, I plan to eliminate the HF driver, have the first crossover rebuilt to a stronger two-way, and possibly replace the 6.5" mid cone (maybe with the new Eminence Alpha Neo).
If all this works out, I'm thinking I can postpone a fEarful build for a while!

[jnewmark]

Couple of things you could do. Buy the carrying case for the amp. You can leave it in the case while playing. It already comes with a velcro flap on the back panel that you can attach to the cab. Or, you can buy some velcro " dots " , which are little round pieces of velcro and attach those to the feet on the amp. I really don't think you need that much velcro to do the job. Another option is to use that rubber matting stuff and cut a piece to place the amp on. I've used that stuff on tolex covered cabs and it works well.

My 1503's have been optioned for PA use and also, outdoor party rig for my Ipod. They make really sweet sounding cabs for home stereo use ! I pretty much gave up on them for bass, and, as you know, have gone back to the JBL's.