Need ultralight head advice

ad9000 · #1 03-13-2011, 03:54 PM

I am looking for an ultralight head to replace my EA Micro amp (1st generation). The Micro is definitely underpowered compared to a lot of the more recent ultralights. Also, I wouldn't mind something with a bit more warmth, and the capability to go from a fat tubey thing to a flatter, more neutral sound. I've read a lot of the threads on this topic, and if anything I'm even more confused and overwhelmed with all the ultralight choices out there now.

I suppose the likely candidates are GK (MB Fusion and MB500), Genz Benz Shuttle, Epifani, Aguilar Tone Hammer, the various Markbass models (which I'm especially confused about), the newer EA Micro, and possibly the Mesa Walkabout. I don't have an opportunity to try many of these in stores, except maybe the GK and Markbass models. Right now I have high hopes for the MB Fusion, but I haven't had a chance to check one out yet.

I guess what I want to know is, what's working especially well for folks out there, and if there are any other possibilities I hadn't thought of.

ad9000 · #2 03-13-2011, 04:02 PM

BTW, the cabs I use are an EA CXL-112 and a Bergantino HT322 (8 and 4-ohm respectively). Also, I do a lot of road gigs with rental gear. One of my main intentions for an ultralight are to take it with me to use with whatever cabs are provided on these gigs - that way I can control at least part of the equation.

mark roberts · #3 03-13-2011, 04:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ad9000

I am looking for an ultralight head to replace my EA Micro amp (1st generation). The Micro is definitely underpowered compared to a lot of the more recent ultralights. Also, I wouldn't mind something with a bit more warmth, and the capability to go from a fat tubey thing to a flatter, more neutral sound. I've read a lot of the threads on this topic, and if anything I'm even more confused and overwhelmed with all the ultralight choices out there now.

I suppose the likely candidates are GK (MB Fusion and MB500), Genz Benz Shuttle, Epifani, Aguilar Tone Hammer, the various Markbass models (which I'm especially confused about), the newer EA Micro, and possibly the Mesa Walkabout. I don't have an opportunity to try many of these in stores, except maybe the GK and Markbass models. Right now I have high hopes for the MB Fusion, but I haven't had a chance to check one out yet.

I guess what I want to know is, what's working especially well for folks out there, and if there are any other possibilities I hadn't thought of.

I have a Genz Benz Shuttle Max 12.0 and like it a lot. Very versatile. The new Max 9.2 is a lower wattage version of the same. Used 12.0 can be found at pretty reasonable prices, but you have to commit, no procrastinating....they sell very fast.

Good luck.

mark roberts · #4 03-13-2011, 04:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ad9000

BTW, the cabs I use are an EA CXL-112 and a Bergantino HT322 (8 and 4-ohm respectively). Also, I do a lot of road gigs with rental gear. One of my main intentions for an ultralight are to take it with me to use with whatever cabs are provided on these gigs - that way I can control at least part of the equation.

And the Genz Benz 12.0 can do mismatched ohms per internal power amp. I believe in your case, with a 12.0 you'd get 975W from the head to your speakers. And with you wanting to take something on the road to use w/house back-lined speakers...the 12.0 or 9.2 might be just what the doctor ordered.

ad9000 · #5 03-13-2011, 05:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mark roberts

And the Genz Benz 12.0 can do mismatched ohms per internal power amp.

I never actually use the EA and Berg cabs together, but it would interesting to try. I appreciate the info re. the Shuttle, I'll check it out.

GrowlerBox · #6 03-13-2011, 05:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ad9000

I never actually use the EA and Berg cabs together, but it would interesting to try. I appreciate the info re. the Shuttle, I'll check it out.

Not so sure it does the "fat tubey thing" you mentioned in the first post, though. The Streamliner might work better for that, perhaps even the Markbass LMII/III (if you like clean, fat tubey things), or my current fave, the TC Electronic RH450. Try as much as you can, ideally through one or other of your own cabs.

ad9000 · #7 03-13-2011, 07:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GrowlerBox

or my current fave, the TC Electronic RH450.

How would you describe the tone of the RH450? I heard someone playing through one at NAMM - it seemed cool, but under those circumstances I couldn't tell how it really sounded.

Marty Forrer · #8 03-13-2011, 07:32 PM

+ for the GB.

wingnut · #9 03-13-2011, 09:17 PM

My LMII and CXL112 sound awesome together! It is what I use for most of my gigs. Well it was, long story... The LMII fits in my gig bag and I put the CXL on a little fold up hand cart and strap it on with bungee cords. I can fit this set up with a bass strapped to my back on my road king!

musicxfactor · #10 03-13-2011, 09:57 PM

+1 on the Little Mark III - I get so many tones out of it.

GrowlerBox · #11 03-14-2011, 12:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ad9000

How would you describe the tone of the RH450? I heard someone playing through one at NAMM - it seemed cool, but under those circumstances I couldn't tell how it really sounded.

I have to say, I generally find this difficult to do, but here goes ... It definitely has a "voice" centred in the upper bass and lower mids, doesn't have a whole lot going on in the upper range -- much more "grind" than "sizzle", if you like. I think it would make a great rock head, but I use it with an EUB, and for me it seems to bring out the "dark woodiness" I like in an acoustic upright.

I'm not sure how much that helps. I actually picked it up as much for the "added extras" as anything (on board tuner, compressor, tube emulation, 3-channel presets), which allow me a lightning fast setup, but I love the tone with my main bass more than my backup amp, a Markbass F1.

KJung has some YouTube videos which make great demos of this and other heads through various cabs -- I especially like the one in which he plays his Mouse bass through it.

ad9000 · #12 03-15-2011, 03:36 PM

OK - my search is over, I think. I picked up a used Markbass Little Mark Tube 800 today for $650, and I'm extremely impressed with it so far. It has plenty of power and a great range of tones. It sounds amazing through the Berg HT322. While I'm a bit skeptical of amps that have "tube" in the model name - the tube doesn't always figure as prominently in the design as you would expect - in this case it actually sounds pretty much like what I would define as "tubey" with the mix control all the way to the "tube" side.
The LM Tube 800 is about twice the size of the EA Micro 300, so it is almost out of the ultralight category. It will still fit in a carry-on bag and in the front pocket of my gig bag (barely), so it accomplishes what I was seeking in that respect.
I've got a couple of gigs later this week to try it out on, so maybe I'll report back afterward.