Safe to run without cabinet? (tube in preamp)

grifff · #1 01-12-2011, 10:59 AM

I have a Markbass Little Mark Tube 800 and I was wondering if it was alright to run this head without a cabinet attached. This head has a preamp tube which is the only reason I'm concerned. I would be running the head directly into an interface for recording. The specs of the amp can be found here, at Markbass's site.

http://217.64.194.186/products.php?l...cat=1&vedi=101

Thanks!

greenboy · #2 01-12-2011, 11:02 AM

I sure hate running with a cab even if it's a small one. It keeps digging into my leg and makes me sweat harder. But those micro-heads are easy to do the mile with, maybe even the 10,000 meter.

Medford Bassman · #3 01-12-2011, 11:04 AM

I use my Shuttle 6.0 all the time without an amp. With a headphone out makes a great practice amp that doesn't bother the family.

Also, I have used it occasionally just for the DI. It's light and it's as good as a countryman.

grifff · #4 01-12-2011, 11:07 AM

There is also a tube blend knob on my amp, should I turn it all the way to the solid state side to be safer?

greenboy · #5 01-12-2011, 11:08 AM

Doesn't matter.

derrico1 · #6 01-12-2011, 11:14 AM

As a rule, if your head uses power amp tubes, don't run it without a speaker load.

If the head has no power amp tubes, you should be able to run it safely without a speaker load. This holds true even if it is a hybrid head that uses pre-amp tubes (like your MarkBass) or even if it uses what is essentially a pre-amp tube in front of a Mosfet power amp section (like the Mesa Boogie WalkAbout).

No tubes or pre-amp tubes only (e.g. 12AX7's or similar) = should be safe.

Big power amp tubes (e.g. 6L6's or similar)= beware.