What Micro?

INTHEPOCKET69 · #1 11-04-2010, 06:40 AM

I just scored a Epi T-310 from a fellow TB'er ( LOVE the cab!) and am looking to pick up a micro as a back up to my Mesa M6. Maybe will use the micro as the main head for some gigs. Any suggestions out there? I've read good stuff on the forum about the Markbass /Epi pairing but which one? LM111, F-1 or F-500? or should I look at something else? Our gigs are mostly classic rock stuff and I do have good FOH support I also play an active 5 string that has a fairly hot output..I'd appreciate any advice

StuartV · #2 11-04-2010, 08:29 AM

Ibanez Promethean. 500W @ 4 ohms (250W @ 8 ohms). Aux In, Headphones Out, Tuner Out, Footswitch in, multi-band graphic EQ (defeatable).

Small. Around 7 pounds.

tombowlus · #3 11-04-2010, 08:53 AM

Any of those Markbass heads are going to work well with that cab. The LMII is a bit more punchy/growly to my ears, and the F1/500 a bit more smooth, but either should pair up nicely. The F500 sounds just like the F1 when both are set flat, but those parametrics (and the improved DI) are nice. The T-310 is a tad darker sounding than the UL-310, and something more aggressive up top, like a GK MB500 or MB Fusion, would rawk, as well. The Promethean is another head that I could see working very well with that cab.

Tom.

KJung · #4 11-04-2010, 09:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tombowlus

Any of those Markbass heads are going to work well with that cab. The LMII is a bit more punchy/growly to my ears, and the F1/500 a bit more smooth, but either should pair up nicely. The F500 sounds just like the F1 when both are set flat, but those parametrics (and the improved DI) are nice. The T-310 is a tad darker sounding than the UL-310, and something more aggressive up top, like a GK MB500 or MB Fusion, would rawk, as well. The Promethean is another head that I could see working very well with that cab.

Tom.

+1 for the most part. I owned that cab back in the day... nice, and like you said, a bit darker, and even less low mid present than the UL model.

I would definitely suggest the F500 versus the F1 or the LMII. The LMII/III is a bit 'smooth' in the low mids for that cab. The F1 is tighter and punchier down there (and brighter, as you say), but that fixed low mid control is just set too high to really 'plug the punch hole' that I hear in the Epi line in general, and that cab in particular. The F500's combination of tight punch and upper mid brightness, along with the nice semi-parametric low mid control that you can dial down to where you need it are great.

The GK micro's EQ is set in the right place also, and if you want a wider, deeper, sizzlier, more aggressive tone, those micro's would be great also IMO.

Pilgrim · #5 11-04-2010, 09:27 AM

I have to put in a vote for the Genz-Benz shuttles. I have the 6.0 and it's all the power and punch I'll ever need, but the 9.0 is gospel to many people here. I suggest you try one or both into that cab before you buy. They're VERY hard to beat!

KJung · #6 11-04-2010, 09:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pilgrim

I have to put in a vote for the Genz-Benz shuttles. I have the 6.0 and it's all the power and punch I'll ever need, but the 9.0 is gospel to many people here. I suggest you try one or both into that cab before you buy. They're VERY hard to beat!

Haven't been quite as impressed with the Shuttle amps and the Epi voicing versus some other cabs. IMO there.

tombowlus · #7 11-04-2010, 09:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KJung

Haven't been quite as impressed with the Shuttle amps and the Epi voicing versus some other cabs. IMO there.

+1 We agree on this one, Ken.

INTHEPOCKET69 · #8 11-04-2010, 10:03 AM

Thanks guys.....good advice as always. Since I like a slightly wider deeper sound I pulled the trigger on the GK MB500. I had a GK head many years ago and dug it then so I'm gassed to get the new one! Read some excellent reviews on it too. I would not have even been thinking in this direction were it not for your advice! Thanks a bunch!!!!!

**Chef** · #9 11-04-2010, 10:04 AM

tom and ken agree?
it's a read letter day

the GK MB-fusion should be on your audition list.

KJung · #10 11-04-2010, 10:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chef

tom and ken agree?
it's a read letter day

the GK MB-fusion should be on your audition list.

That super goosed thing is not my thing anymore, and I have no amp GAS at the moment. However, it seems like a VERY nice head, and I can see those who dig the Mesa M6 and M9 considering one of these as a micro alternative or addition (from my experience with the M500).

tombowlus · #11 11-04-2010, 11:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by INTHEPOCKET69

Thanks guys.....good advice as always. Since I like a slightly wider deeper sound I pulled the trigger on the GK MB500. I had a GK head many years ago and dug it then so I'm gassed to get the new one! Read some excellent reviews on it too. I would not have even been thinking in this direction were it not for your advice! Thanks a bunch!!!!!

In all honesty, I think that MB500 may be the very best option for that cab. Let us know how you like it!

INTHEPOCKET69 · #12 11-04-2010, 02:00 PM

Thanks Tom.....I won't get it till next week so won't gig with it until the 20th. I'll be using my M6/PH212 this weekend and will be interested to see how the GK/EPI 310 matches up.

After I do that gig I'll file a new post A/B ing the two rigs. We'll be playing the same club both weekends so I'll really be able to get a fair comparison.

I have a feeling I"m really gonna like the GK/Epi

B String · #13 11-04-2010, 02:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KJung

+1 for the most part. I owned that cab back in the day... nice, and like you said, a bit darker, and even less low mid present than the UL model.

I would definitely suggest the F500 versus the F1 or the LMII. The LMII/III is a bit 'smooth' in the low mids for that cab. The F1 is tighter and punchier down there (and brighter, as you say), but that fixed low mid control is just set too high to really 'plug the punch hole' that I hear in the Epi line in general, and that cab in particular. The F500's combination of tight punch and upper mid brightness, along with the nice semi-parametric low mid control that you can dial down to where you need it are great.

Well. Just like old times. A big +1 to all the above.
I have the UL310 and have used the T310. I think the GK's are maybe not quite the match with this cab as opposed to the Markbass heads. Haven't see the Ibanez head in LA.

I've been very happy using the Shuttle 9.0 with my UL310. Having said that, I honestly haven't used many amps that didn't sound great with the UL310. Spectacular box, in my opinion. I've found that Epifani boxes like as much power as you got. The more headroom the better. The only amps I didn't love with my Epi boxes are the Euphonic Audio heads. The EA highs just bug me with the Epi voicing.