Markbass Two-Ten Cabs

[Russell L]

Thinking about starting over and going with a Little Mark III and two 210 cabs (8 ohms each). The only experience I have with Markbass is my 121H combo. Was gonna go for another 12" cab for it, but decided I want a bigger sound. A 410 would cut it, but I figured two 210s would be wiser. I love Markbass stuff, from what I have heard, and what I read, although my inexperience with lots of different equipment doesn't warrant such devotion---let's just say I'm enamored with the brand. If I'm going that route, I'd like to know more about their stuff.

With that in mind, I would really like to know how the 102HF, 102P, and Club 102 cabs sound. My impression is that the 102HF is deeper since the specs list 40Hz as opposed to 45Hz for the others. It's different also because it's front-ported, not that that will necessarily make any difference. Weight IS an issue with me, and to that end the Club 102 is appealing, except for the $800 price. It's listed at 29 lbs., which is really nice, but will it sound $150-200 better than either of the other two cabs? The 102P is a reasonable 33 lbs., but has the smallest cab of the three. However, two of them would be as big as the Markbass 104HR 410 cab.

Sheesh, it's hard to find all these cabs anywhere that I can try them out. I have looked at other stuff online, some of which is quite affordable (like the GK MBE stuff, but I'm afraid it won't be as good in quality, build-wise or sound-wise--although anyone who would like to advise me on that is welcome, too).

Anyway, ya'll, sorry to sound so general, but I'd really like to know more about these Markbass cabs, especially the Club 102. I can't find much on it anywhere. I'd love it if the 102P would give enough bottom since the price is good and the weight is good, too.

Whatever ya got, I'll take it. Thanks in advance.

EDIT: the Club 102 is also rated down to 40Hz. My mistake.

[BigOldHarry]

make sure you get a chance to play them first... and remember that everything on the floor at GC sounds better than it does in the mix.

[electracoyote]

If you like MB cabs, the two 2X10 cabs plus LMIII would be killer. Very versatile. For smaller rooms or lower-volume gigs, one cab would do nicely. When you need more volume and punch, bring 'em both.

[Russell L]

Yeah, there's a GC a couple of hours away. I just have to be able to get there. It will be awhile before that happens due to work. In the meantime, I'm just asking around and reading. I know I don't have to stay Markbass, but I'd like to if I can. I love the sound of my LMII amp in my combo. But I may look into other brands, maybe even start another thread or two, lol.

[Melvin7822]

Well, the Standard 102HF certainly is the deepest sounding of the bunch. However, deeper doesn't always equate to better in a live situation. The Traveler 102P, being a much smaller cab has a lot more midrange IMHO. I only use it by itself at rehearsals and small gigs. I've never been concerned about it going down to 45Hz as I've been able to get plenty deep with EQ.

Unfortunately, I've never had a chance to try the Club 102. However, it definitely appeals to me. One thing to note is that it uses the new Markbass drivers. So honestly, if I had the choice now, I'd go for a pair of Club 102 cabs. Not only cause of looks, but because they use the new drivers and don't have the piezo tweeter that the 102P has (not that it's bad, just different).

[Melvin7822]

Originally Posted by BigOldHarry

make sure you get a chance to play them first... and remember that everything on the floor at GC sounds better than it does in the mix.

The reverse is true of Markbass cabs. They sound a lot better in the mix than they do on the floor at GC. The vast majority of Markbass cabinets are voiced in the midrange. To most people they may sound sterile and lifeless.

[Russell L]

Originally Posted by Melvin7822

Well, the Standard 102HF certainly is the deepest sounding of the bunch. However, deeper doesn't always equate to better in a live situation. The Traveler 102P, being a much smaller cab has a lot more midrange IMHO. I only use it by itself at rehearsals and small gigs. I've never been concerned about it going down to 45Hz as I've been able to get plenty deep with EQ.

Unfortunately, I've never had a chance to try the Club 102. However, it definitely appeals to me. One thing to note is that it uses the new Markbass drivers. So honestly, if I had the choice now, I'd go for a pair of Club 102 cabs. Not only cause of looks, but because they use the new drivers and don't have the piezo tweeter that the 102P has (not that it's bad, just different).

Well, your thinking is what's been in my mind about those Club 102 cabs. But sheesh, the price, plus I'll be getting a LMIII as well--all in good time, of course. If I was sure the Club series sounds best, I'd forget about the price, though. I'll probably start by just getting one cab, then another in a few months, then...well...it'll take a year to put this all together, unless I sell some stuff.

Thanks for the replies so far, fellers.

[shadow_FIX]

I can comment on the LMIII through a single 8ohm 102P...this is my jazz/small gig rig. I also use it as my non-headphone practice rig at home. Honestly I haven't been able to get a displeasing sound out of it. I love the portability of it too, it's very light for a 2x10. I bet two of 'em would kick some serious butt! I've been gigging with is for about a year and a half now...I've received nothing but compliments when running either an upright or electric bass through it. It's also surprising how much volume, support and depth I can get from such a compact cabinet.

I recommend highly the exact setup you're going for...except you're doing it x2! I run my LMIII thru a 4ohm Aguilar GS410 for bigger venues (this moves a lot of air, plenty for all of my situations) but sometimes I wish I could saw it in half and take it in two trips!

Hope this helps, happy gear-buying!

[JSK5String]

I like the way you're thinking, but any reason why you're not looking at one 2x10 and one 1x15? I've got a DIY set up with that being run by a LM II and I can run them both or unplug one or the other, depending on what the stage sounds like when I get there. Just a thought, as I know MB makes some nice 1x15 cabs as well.

[xjeremiahx]

Originally Posted by BigOldHarry

make sure you get a chance to play them first... and remember that everything on the floor at GC sounds better than it does in the mix.

[shadow_FIX]

Originally Posted by JSK5String

I like the way you're thinking, but any reason why you're not looking at one 2x10 and one 1x15? I've got a DIY set up with that being run by a LM II and I can run them both or unplug one or the other, depending on what the stage sounds like when I get there. Just a thought, as I know MB makes some nice 1x15 cabs as well.

It's a general consensus that two identical cabs will likely sound better together, but that's not to say you don't get good results with your setup.

[Russell L]

Originally Posted by JSK5String

I like the way you're thinking, but any reason why you're not looking at one 2x10 and one 1x15? I've got a DIY set up with that being run by a LM II and I can run them both or unplug one or the other, depending on what the stage sounds like when I get there. Just a thought, as I know MB makes some nice 1x15 cabs as well.

Well, I guess I've heard so much about matching cabs. But, other than that the two 210 cabs will be very easy to carry around, being a tad more compact. But, I REALLY, REALLY don't wanna come up short in the lows with this set-up.

I have a Harley-Davidson Sportster I need to sell that would fund all this nicely (keeping my Road King, though, oh yes!). Heh, heh, that way I can duck the wife's broom swing at me for overspending, huh? Or not.

What about that Club 102. Hasn't anyone tried it?

[shadow_FIX]

If it helps in your decision regarding "lows" requirements, I find that I have less of a use for lows than most other things. A little bit for support and "fatness" if you will, but most of the EQ boost I run is in the mid-low range on the LMIII. However for my purposes I prefer an aggressive, punchy tone as opposed to a fat pillowy tone. This approach keeps me, the band, and the soundguy happy. Also it's a common misconception that a 15" speaker is automatically better at handling lows.

[chuck norriss]

I dig their stuff too. this may hardly help: The CMD102 is a great combo. It's powerful enough for a 100-120 seat theater. That 40Hz is a factor.
Fill us in w/ a detailed review after you get your gear. Please.

[BassmanPaul]

I use the 2x10 format (Acme) and I find a vertical stack a versatile system. I use one to rehearse with, a pair to gig and all four when I'm in my druthers.

[Russell L]

Yep, I'm thinking vertical stack, too. And about the lows, I never boost the low eq knob on my 121H combo. But, I have turned the VPF filter up sometimes, but it's the cause for that loud click I heard the other night when I let my fingers flop back down on the strings at moderately high volume. The speaker reached its excursion limits, apparently. The 112 just isn't enough for what I'm playing, I guess, except for a few quiet gigs. However on that night that I heard the click, I just ran flat (we were outside) and it cut through the mix at volume, just not very deep. I coulda used two 410s, and could use them on all outdoor gigs, but PA is usually there, and I don't wanna carry all that around, not even one 410.

Sigh, it'll take awhile to put this together. But, be assured ya'll'll hear 'bout it when it happens. Heh, if I get the speakers first I can always take the combo aling, too, just for the LMII combo head inside it (I can unplug the 12" speaker).

[chuck norriss]

Originally Posted by Russell L

Heh, if I get the speakers first I can always take the combo aling, too, just for the LMII combo head inside it (I can unplug the 12" speaker).

thats a good start. you already have plenty of power w the LM2. I've seen swr amps removed from combos. myabe you can do the same with yours. good luck.

I love the vle/vpf filters.

[JSK5String]

I agree 100% with the "try it before you buy it" mantra preached by many here.

However, I disagree with the "two identical cabs will sound better" mantra also preached by many here. I'm an old guy who has owned a bunch of different gear over the years and have never personally had a problem mixing speaker cabs. I've also seen many bassists whose tone I didn't enjoy who had/have matching cabs and great gear all the way around. That said, being able to disagree in a cival manner is what makes our country great. That, and the fact that we finally found OBL yesterday! (thanks for a job well done, and done completely, to all of our military personnel involved, especially those on the ground who put their own lives at risk for the sake of ours)

There's very little difference between their 2x10 and 1x15. The 1x15 is not quite four pounds heavier and three inches taller, but it's rated to go down to 40Hz, versus 45Hz for the 2x10. Not a huge difference, so the arguement that a set up with 10's can handle the lows fine is a pretty solid one, unless you're playing in a raggae band, then you probably want a pair of 18's anyway. :-) I know I would. All of that said, I do like the sound of my 2x10 and 1x15 set-up. But that's me with my ears, not you with yours. You may well come see me play and go, "that guy's tone sucks!" And you'd be right, for your ears anyway...

So, if you want some advice from an old guy - try it before you buy it, buy what sounds good to you, then play the crap out of it and have fun doing it. Last I checked, that was the goal of just about all of us not currently signed to a record deal.

[mikeruss]

I have this exact setup except a LMII and love it. Plenty of punch and nice lows for the size. Very light for transporting and my drummer loves them when he gets the rear ports pointed at him. Lots of air comes his way.

[My name is Mudd]

I have a 102P cab behind me right now...I love the thing enough that it'll be a SERIOUS debate if/when I find an English Trace Elliot 102H cab as to which stays/gets a match. Two 102P cabs together is heaven, IMO/BTW/YMMV.