Opinions on small / lightweight portable bass heads

[heathenscum]

Can anyone share pros / cons on these small, lightweight, bass heads? Like the Gallien-Krueger MB series, the Genz Benz shuttle, the Mark Bass amps, Eden, etc... I'm sure there are many more, but I am pretty unfamiliar with actual user experiences with these amps, so I am hoping some of you can share your experiences?

I need something with enough power to drive an Ampeg 410-HLF for gigs and not have to lug an old heavy bass amp around anymore.

Thank you -

[Mulebagger]

mark bass, aguilar, GB, ..most micro heads will power a 4x10, unless your 4x10 is a gas hog, and then you might feel like you need more power.

[RickenBoogie]

They all have many threads each, and they all are capable of pushing your 410hlf. It all boils down to personal preferences. I suggest spending a couple hours reading through all the various existing threads.

[nutdog]

Be careful. The next thing you know you won't want to haul that old heavy cab around. It's happened many times before.

[Russell L]

Wait and see what folks think of the new Markbass Big Bang head.

[seedokebass]

Originally Posted by Russell L

Wait and see what folks think of the new Markbass Big Bang head.

That thing is tiny! Seems pretty cool, especially the footswitchable VLE and VPF filters.

To the OP: I've been rockin a Markbass SD800 since they came out. It's not a micro, but the weight/wattage ratio is great. 750 watts at 7 pounds! I run a Sansamp RBI into the FX loop of the Markbass, using it like a poweramp. But, I can still use the whole EQ section and filters. Tons of flexibility, and it gets loud!

I would say the only con is the weight of the rack and the RBI is more than the amp itself.

[fuzzy beard]

Velcro it to your cab so you dont pull it off!!

[Pilgrim]

Originally Posted by RickenBoogie

They all have many threads each, and they all are capable of pushing your 410hlf. It all boils down to personal preferences. I suggest spending a couple hours reading through all the various existing threads.

Amen. There are a number of long, long threads singing the praises of the Micro heads, especially the Genz-Benz heads. Search for them and we won't have to repeat everything in them.

I used a Genz Shuttle 6.0 once, immediately fell in love, sold all my heavy old gear (including a Sunn Coliseum-300, 4x10 and single 15) and went to the Genz amp and cabs. Never have looked back, either. They're FANTASTIC. More power, less weight, superb sound.

[Catbuster]

Nothing from what I can tell. I've got a 1001RBII & 700RB. The MB500 powered my 410 as well as the 700RB. I don't think it would drive two 410s as well as the 700, though.

[SoonerMatt]

The only con I can think of is selling your current gear to get a micro head

I made the switch to a GB Streamliner and I don't think I'll own anything but GB micros now.

[Pilgrim]

Originally Posted by SoonerMatt

The only con I can think of is selling your current gear to get a micro head

That's actually an advantage, because then you don't have to carry it around.

[JimmyM]

With a 410HLF, I'd do the SVT 7 Pro. Not quite a micro, but still way smaller than most amps and sounds quite dreamy in that cab. You could also do a PF500, be smaller, and save some money and get almost the same sound.

[scottfeldstein]

I know I like my GK MB500. I run a solid state head and get my dirt off my pedal board. If it were otherwise, I'd maybe look at a Genz Streamliner. Not exactly micro, but can dial up some grit.

[heathenscum]

The GK MB500 is looking good. Is the only difference between he MB500 and the MB Fusion the tube pre-amp and the additional $300? Also, what is the foot switch used for with the GK MB500?

When will the Markbass Big Bang be available & what is the pricing?

Thanks everyone -

[scottfeldstein]

The footswitch is to engage/disengage the Boost channel. It has a post-eq gain stage that lets you dial in more grind or just more volume.