School me on Markbass stuff. - Page 2

Tunaman · #21 02-19-2013, 08:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KJung

fatter, warmer, smoother, more relaxed and 'sweet' up top.

Sounds like a description for a Streamliner! ha.

I personally like the LMIII having the pre\post DI button which is why I didnt grab a LMII a while back.

KJung · #22 02-19-2013, 08:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tunaman

Sounds like a description for a Streamliner! ha.

I personally like the LMIII having the pre\post DI button which is why I didnt grab a LMII a while back.

Quite different than the Streamliner also. Much more even in the mids, punchier, with a different midrange character (more low mid punch and upper mid presence).

+1 That DI feature improvement of the LMIII was a nice little upgrade/revision!

Cycho · #23 02-19-2013, 08:50 AM

When I went to buy my current rig I brought my axe and my sound man and just went through a ton of combinations. I wound up with a Markbass NY 151 and a Little Mark III amp. I love this rig but didn't love all the Markbass cabs I tried. My conclusion is that it would be a bad idea to buy a certain brand because you liked what you heard from a musician using that brand.

KJung · #24 02-19-2013, 08:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cycho

When I went to buy my current rig I brought my axe and my sound man and just went through a ton of combinations. I wound up with a Markbass NY 151 and a Little Mark III amp. I love this rig but didn't love all the Markbass cabs I tried. My conclusion is that it would be a bad idea to buy a certain brand because you liked what you heard from a musician using that brand.

The cabs are a bit of a different thing. LOTS of variability in those, and I dig some and not others. +1, lots of different tonality across the Markbass line of cabs and amps. The TTE500, the various small cabs with piezo's, the larger cabs with true compression drivers, the 800 watt series amps, the 500 watt series amps.... all sound quite different.

Bassamatic · #25 02-19-2013, 09:19 AM

You couldn't see the cab because it was probably little tiny 12" cab tucked away somewhere.

I have the CMD121P 12" combo, a 15" cube , 32 lbs, that is fantastic. It is surely the best single item in the MarkBass line, and the best piece of bass gear I have ever owned. It is loud enough for any indoor gig by itself, and some outdoor gigs. If you back the little cab into a corner, it will rattle the walls. If you add an extension cab, it is 500W of thunder.

The first time I used it in a club, a couple of musicians came up asking to see my "stack", and their eyeballs fell out when they saw the little box in the corner.

I have a couple of super pro musician friends in my neighborhood that have tons of gear and can get anything they want, and they borrow my little 121.

The final deciding factors for me were
1. A review I found where someone deliberately tried to damage or break the amp or driver by over driving it with huge transients at full volume, etc, and said it was not possible.
2. Comparing the MB 12" and a much larger Ampeg 15" side by side. No contest!

Russell L · #26 02-19-2013, 10:15 AM

Anyone else tried a Traveler 151P cab? What do you think?

thedudebrah · #27 02-19-2013, 11:51 AM

Wow, this thread blew up! Thanks for all the good info!

I should add that the cabs I currently own are an 810e and Legion Sound 410. I'm not opposed to finding a new cab, maybe a 210? I prefer head and cab as I rarely play with PA support, and I like the idea of adding a second cab. I play a P in my main band (with a pick) and in my cover band, a classic Ray, finger style.

YouTube videos aren't doing it for me so I gotta hope my guitar center has a few heads I can try out.

tevitag · #28 02-19-2013, 05:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by greencow

Owner of a LM III and a Traveler 121H

I would advise to try as many different cabinets as you have access to. For instance I would never buy the traveler 102P

I'm curious to know why not the traveler 102P? The reason is I have a 102p and am very happy with it (only about 8 gigs so far). I have been thinking of also acquiring a 12 or 15 so interested to hear any comparison/difference etc. Thanks

Bassamatic · #29 02-19-2013, 05:05 PM

I found that 1x12" unit to have a much better sound than the 2x10 - IMO.

dreads311 · #30 02-19-2013, 05:35 PM

I play the MoMark SD800 and the Standard 4x10 front ported model. Best tone I've had in 15 some years (and super light!).

I love the whole concept behind the MoMark series. It's like the Mister Potato Head of amplifiers.

Justbleazy · #31 02-19-2013, 05:54 PM

Wow! This thread is right on time because I just brought a Markbass New York 121 home to pair up with the Mini CMD! I really liked........and I do mean really liked the way my bass sounded at GC through the Mini CMD and New York stack. As soon as I played my first note (EQ on Mini CMD set flat) I felt this was the way my bass is supposed to sound! I really can't wait for choir rehearsal on Thursday night!

I will say that GK has some nice stuff which I find to be more modern sounding vs. MB kind of having a natural old school vibe going.

coyote1 · #32 02-19-2013, 06:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shanebo

I've had the "Jeff Berlin" 16" single speaker combo MarkBass amp for about 3 years now.

I have three basses (currently), Cort artisan fretless 4, ESP B-335, and a Wishbass. Also have an SWR 15" combo amp in the practice room for comparison.

Doesn't seem to matter what gets plugged in to the MarkBass, it always has the tone(s) I'm looking for. Super powerful and lightweight are bonuses.

All the best,

Shane

They have those two 'magic' knobs. The one on the right, when set properly, has a way of making your instrument's tone control(s) expansive. We're I seeking new amplification and willing to spend, Markbass would definitely be near or at the top of the list.

Texan · #33 02-19-2013, 06:43 PM

I use a Genz Streamliner and a Shuttlemax and I love them dearly. But, I REALLY miss my LMII at times. They have a great sound. Punchy and thick yet clear IMO.

Now I have GAS again...

Shanebo · #34 02-19-2013, 06:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by coyote1

They have those two 'magic' knobs. The one on the right, when set properly, has a way of making your instrument's tone control(s) expansive. We're I seeking new amplification and willing to spend, Markbass would definitely be near or at the top of the list.

Yes, the two knobs on the right are indeed magical.

VLE and VPF, I think. Vintage Loudspeaker Emulator and (Variable?) (Pre-shape?) Filter, IIRC.

When frustrated by so many other knobs on things that make, by comparison, so little difference, these are almost like cheating.

All the best,

Shane

tbolles · #35 02-19-2013, 07:31 PM

Is Markbass worth the extra money? I'm looking into getting a lightweight amp that still is great for gigging etc.

Worldeeeter · #36 02-19-2013, 07:32 PM

Nope.

dreads311 · #37 02-19-2013, 07:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tbolles

Is Markbass worth the extra money? I'm looking into getting a lightweight amp that still is great for gigging etc.

If your concern is powerful road worthy gear that sounds great and won't break your back, I'd say yes. The yellow cones are a unique touch, too.

chuck3 · #38 02-19-2013, 07:54 PM

I mainly use Genz Benz heads but I have an LM II and I like it a lot, wouldn't part with it. I use it along with the Schroeder angled 212 as it gives that particular cab a warmth that the GB's don't. Gotta know how to use (or not use) those two magic knobs, though. They make a big difference.

Would like a mute button.

To change the subject slightly - anyone used the DI directly into the PA from an LM II? Thinking of trying it, but I read some negative comments about that here on TB. I've gigged many times on the Genz Benz DI which is great into the PA.

Shanebo · #39 02-19-2013, 09:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by coyote1

They have those two 'magic' knobs. The one on the right, when set properly, has a way of making your instrument's tone control(s) expansive. We're I seeking new amplification and willing to spend, Markbass would definitely be near or at the top of the list.

Quote:

Originally Posted by tbolles

Is Markbass worth the extra money? I'm looking into getting a lightweight amp that still is great for gigging etc.

I would suggest that only your ear and pocketbook can make that determination.

If possible, take your bass to try one out. Bring headphones or earspeakers if it's a loud store with wailing jammers

so you can hear what's really happening.

Then, once you've got it figured out, unplug the 'phones and blast the whole store into stunned silence. Probably only need to turn it to about 2 or 3 on the master volume.

Then, make your decision.

All the best,

Shane

xray · #40 02-19-2013, 10:48 PM

Although our church received a LMT-800 as a gift I haven't been all that impressed with it. So much that I'm thinking of trying a few different cabs to see if that can help. First you go to MB site and there's basically no supporting documentation. Maybe the Italians running this show can't translate anything but knob nomenclature. Secondly, why two different inputs that can't be controlled - almost worthless. Thirdly, the dreaded filter controls again who knows how they work? Can't find anything useful with them so i leave them both at 9 oclock. Have no idea where that is in the bigger scheme of things but seems to work for now. Lastly, amp is LOUD, not very punchy, very muddy and hard to control eq wise. Not my favorite.

Edit: What tube - this is the biggest disappointment of all -the SS/Tube pot does absolutely nothing. Poor marketing ploy. I doubt there is an actual tube inside.