Want critical feedback on GK MB200

BigOldHarry · #1 04-21-2011, 06:55 PM

I'm considering going up to Center this weekend to get an new MB200. Yeah, I hate buying new, but in this case it might work for me - with the 30 return thing, I can test drive it to see if it works.

What will I use it for? Practice head. Simple as that. Just a tiny amp I can use for practices (so I don't have to schlep my heavier head). I guess I could also call it a "backup", but I have yet to have a need for a backup in 35 years of playing out... But it's so small I could put it in the pocket of my gig bag, so why leave it at home?

So what does the TB hive say about this? Yes, I've done some searching / reading, but most of what I've read has been from guys who buy them and declare them to be "ALL THAT" without much road-time.

So now that some of you had had them for a while, let's here the good AND the bad.

thx

spcmstrbtasp · #2 04-22-2011, 07:04 AM

I know you are also looking for long term reliability info in this thread, and I cannot provide that at this time, but I can offer a quick gig report on the MB200.

I used mine last night in a small club w/o PA support with an 8 piece horn based rock band. Driving 2 Bag End S15Ds and pre-amped with my BDDI (blend at 9 o clock, for minimal Sans Amp effect), the MB200 was surprisingly capable. Having only used it by myself in a practice space, I felt like I was taking a chance using it on the gig, but in the end I'm glad I did.

I was concerned about how well I'd be able to 'fill the room' in balance with the rest of large, not terribly quiet band. But, afterward I had another bassist tell me how my sound was "commanding attention" both on EUB and EB. This bassist has seen us before, so when she said she heard the bass from down the street, I was pleasantly surprised. (Of course the windows and doors to the venue were open, and bass carries...etc.)

From my position on stage, I enjoyed most of what I heard from the amp. I'm not sure I had exactly the tone I wanted, but it was close enough, and when I was digging in on EB, it actually reminded me of the tone of the 1001RB (1st gen) I used to own.

That's the good.

About the only bad thing, and this was expected, is that I didn't feel like I had much room to turn up any louder. I was definitely at the clean headroom limit of the MB200. Thankfully, though, this was enough for this gig.

I look forward to using it again.

StereoPlayer · #3 04-22-2011, 07:18 AM

It costs as much as some pedals....I do like my more powerful heads, but....

These heads are so cool!, Sound great! Light, versatile, surprisingly loud.

The only negative I can report is:
I was using one for a rehersal, it just quit after 5 seconds.
It was promptly replaced by MF

I like the MB200 so much...I have three!

I have called it a KEYCHAIN amp, fits in gigbag like it was meant to be there.

It's a safe bet you will love it!

tombowlus · #4 04-22-2011, 07:37 AM

Considering its price, size, and capabilities, I find it very hard not to recommend the MB200. My MB200 is one of the first units that went out to the public, and I have been using it for band and private practices for over a year. It has been with me at several gigs (as a backup), but I have not gigged with it. That being said, I have a good number of hours on it, and it has been pushed reasonably hard at some band practices.

My only "complaint" is that it sounds so good and goes so much louder than you might have initially expected from its rated power and Lilliputian dimensions, that it's easy to expect it to perform at levels beyond what should reasonably be expected. While it is very loud for what it is, it will run out of steam if you try to drown out a loud drummer and two Marshall half-stacks.

But other than the potential for grossly unreasonable expectations (brought on by its ability to shatter any reasonable expectations), I really can't find much fault in the MB200.

Once again, considering its low price point, extremely diminutive stance, and its capabilities, the MB200 is something that every bass player should strongly consider as a backup, a practice amp, or even as a main gigging amp (if you do not require significant stage volume).

Tom.

jnewmark · #5 04-22-2011, 07:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigOldHarry

I'm considering going up to Center this weekend to get an new MB200. Yeah, I hate buying new, but in this case it might work for me - with the 30 return thing, I can test drive it to see if it works.

What will I use it for? Practice head. Simple as that. Just a tiny amp I can use for practices (so I don't have to schlep my heavier head). I guess I could also call it a "backup", but I have yet to have a need for a backup in 35 years of playing out... But it's so small I could put it in the pocket of my gig bag, so why leave it at home?

So what does the TB hive say about this? Yes, I've done some searching / reading, but most of what I've read has been from guys who buy them and declare them to be "ALL THAT" without much road-time.

So now that some of you had had them for a while, let's here the good AND the bad.

thx

If, as you say, it's just for a rehearsal head use, then you can't go wrong. I have used mine like this for 6 months, into an 8 ohm PA cab for rehearsals only, and I'm totally satisfied with it for that purpose. It also excells as a headphone amp, allowing me to plug my computer into it to learn new stuff. I have also used it as a preamp into a power amp, a QSC PLX 1202, powering a 215, and it is loud as you need it. By itself, on the gig, I would use it in 4 ohm loads to get the max wattage, but, at the end of the day, it's 200 watts, not 2000. I would definitely use more than a single cab ( unless it has multiple drivers ) on the gig to increase the volume. You are also getting the GK tone so take that into consideration. It is limited in EQ, i.e., no boost, etc., and does'nt have a Master volume, but, for what you get, it is definitely worth the price. I have not had it louder than noon, and it seems to be enough, but I play in reasonably loud bands. If you are in a Led Zep cover band, I might look elsewhere. And, lastly, in an emergency, it will get you through the gig. I always carry it in the pocket of my bass case for this purpose.

BigOldHarry · #6 04-22-2011, 10:45 AM

Great stuff - keep it coming!

Vic · #7 04-22-2011, 02:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigOldHarry

Great stuff - keep it coming!

I basically echo what Tom said. If you have a lightweight gig and a decent driver compliment, it IS loud enough to gig with, but especially as a practice rig, I can't imagine it not satisfying pretty much anyone.

As long as you have sensible expectations for its power output and feature set (which is limited primarily by real estate on the ultra-small form factor and of course its target price-point), I'm pretty sure you'll dig it.

IMHO anyway.

Adam Bomb · #8 04-22-2011, 02:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigOldHarry

I'm considering going up to Center this weekend to get an new MB200.

Love mine. Had it for several months now. I have used it not only for practice but rehearsals as well, where I have fed the Line Out onto a power amp. (I never expected it, pushing only a 210 + 115, to keep up with that loud drummer.) So for the most part I have not pushed the Speaker Out but I have pushed the rest of it *very hard*. Knock wood, not a hiccup.

At home, I have to make a point of playing my other amps so they don't get scratchy pots. Don't tell Mrs. Bomb but really this is all I need. Whether into my GK 112 or headphones, the tone is more than plenty phat for me.

Soon, I may have the opportunity to use my MB200/GK112 Nano-Rig of "Doom" for some less volume-intensive rehearsals. I will KYP.

--Bomb

Eric Moesle · #9 04-22-2011, 04:25 PM

I typically use mine for home practice and for gigging with an upright bass through a tiny 1x10 cab, but I took it to a fill-in rock gig on a whim with NO PA support driving an 8x10 cab. It filled the small-medium room, covered the drummer and a 7 piece band, never got warm and never turned up past "5".

I don't know if I'd try to cover the same volume situation without the benefit of the 8x10's speaker area, but its like keeping a swiss-army knife around. You may not need it for awhile, but it sure is convenient to have around when the situation arises. Its just so tiny, cheap, and good-sounding that its kinda a no-brainer for a bassist to have one.

Vic · #10 04-22-2011, 07:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eric Moesle

I typically use mine for home practice and for gigging with an upright bass through a tiny 1x10 cab, but I took it to a fill-in rock gig on a whim with NO PA support driving an 8x10 cab. It filled the small-medium room, covered the drummer and a 7 piece band, never got warm and never turned up past "5".

I don't know if I'd try to cover the same volume situation without the benefit of the 8x10's speaker area, but its like keeping a swiss-army knife around. You may not need it for awhile, but it sure is convenient to have around when the situation arises. Its just so tiny, cheap, and good-sounding that its kinda a no-brainer for a bassist to have one.

Just goes to show how radiating area is SO SO important when it comes to "loudness". Folks get all hung up on 1000W amps plugged into single 12's and wonder why they can't hang with a loud band.

MyMusic · #11 04-22-2011, 07:10 PM

Since you are in San Diego, don't forget the Carvin BX250.

Human Element · #12 04-22-2011, 07:22 PM

Well my first one went up in smoke after about 20 minutes of playtime at very low volume...maybe around 2. Returned it to guitar center. They gladly swapped it. The 2nd one lasted about 3 weeks. So they scared me off. Friend of mine has had his about 5 months now & loves it. Guess I just got a "bad batch".

Wes Whitmore · #13 04-23-2011, 07:28 PM

I have had mine for almost a year, and it's my primary weekly gig amp. I have posted it a bunch of times, but i pair it with a SVT 210AV, but I have PA support.

-The post EQ XLR and 1/4" line out will start to distort past noon. If you don't get your stage volume at noon, you are hosed. Is mine the only one that does this?
-Post EQ, the DI almost has a limit on it. It soaks up the peaks and keeps the output at a constant volume. Very weird, but actually very usable live if you are sloppy like me.
-The sound above noon through the power amp starts to get squished and hairy in a really different kind of way. It's not clipping.
-There is no clip light, muting, contour knob, boost, or independant output volume for the cab volume. The trade off is very easy to get quality sound, and you like it or dont.
-The tone isn't exactly the same as other gk amps, especailly RB series. Mine is a little less zingy than the 400RBIII, but a thicker bottom end.
-Mine is the quietest GK I have ever owned.
-The headphone out sounds really good if you need it.
-You can power a set of speakers, plug in an ipod, and have a party very easily. Thats just a cool bonus!

For the money, it's a no brainer. If nothing else, it's a good backup amp and DI if you need it in a pinch.

Wes

Will Kelly · #14 04-23-2011, 07:37 PM

Quote:

My only "complaint" is that it sounds so good and goes so much louder than you might have initially expected from its rated power and Lilliputian dimensions, that it's easy to expect it to perform at levels beyond what should reasonably be expected. While it is very loud for what it is, it will run out of steam if you try to drown out a loud drummer and two Marshall half-stacks.

This. I have owned two of these, and now just have one to serve as a backup/practice amp. Its done many gigs and sounds great. Initially, though, I tried to get it to do more than it could, because it does sound so good and much louder than you would think. There is a line, though.

BigOldHarry · #15 04-24-2011, 03:54 PM

Well, I tried to buy one at one of the two local GC's yesterday. Of course, they were out. Funny thing - I played a few basses (I'm in the market for a new 5)... Sad to see nice basses so abused...

spcmstrbtasp · #16 04-29-2011, 07:55 AM

Last night at rehearsal with 5/8ths of an 8 piece horns based rock band, I used the MB200 into my Ear Candy Bassbomb 2x12- straight, no SABDDI. This cabinet is not as efficient as my Bag End S15s so this 4 ohm combination was not as loud, but tone was surprisingly ideal!

I was using my CVJazz wi TI flats, and we were rehearsing, of all things, a cover version of Jame's Brown's "Living in America."Amazingly, even the popped notes had presence and sweetness with this set up. The overall volume was what I would describe as adequate, but on its second outing with a band, the MB200 managed to impress...again.

craig.p · #17 04-29-2011, 08:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spcmstrbtasp

[...] a cover version of Jame's Brown's "Living in America."[...]

Yeah! One of his best!

BigOldHarry · #18 04-29-2011, 10:27 AM

I ended up ordering one from Amazon... should be here shortly - looking forward to it!

jnewmark · #19 04-29-2011, 10:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigOldHarry

I ended up ordering one from Amazon... should be here shortly - looking forward to it!

I don't think you will be disappointed, as long as you don't expect it to knock down walls. I would shoot for a 4 ohm load though, even though it's not that much of a difference. It's been my experience with these lightweight heads that the 4 ohm load is their sweetspot, whether you do it with two cabs or one.

BigOldHarry · #20 04-29-2011, 11:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jnewmark

I don't think you will be disappointed, as long as you don't expect it to knock down walls. I would shoot for a 4 ohm load though, even though it's not that much of a difference. It's been my experience with these lightweight heads that the 4 ohm load is their sweetspot, whether you do it with two cabs or one.

I currently have two heads: an Ashdown ABM 500 and an old GK400RB. I have been using the GK for band practice & small gigs and it has done a dandy job... but the idea of having a head so small that I can tuck it into my bass-bag (thus one less thing to schlep) really appeals; My two 2x10 cabs are 8 ohm, and I really don't see running this head with two cabs (that's why I have my Ashdown, right?) - I don't expect huge volume - I'm not one of those guys who buys a $500 bass and then bitches about how it doesn't slap like a Sadowksy...!

I think this head will work out *great*. Then I'll sell my old GK here on TB!