Doublers rig (EA vs Markbass)

Norre · #1 12-11-2006, 11:19 AM

Hello,

Is there anyone here on TB who has played through the iAmp800 and Markbass SD800 (or LMII)? If so, how do they compare?
I'm asking this because I'm looking for a new, light (!), powerfull amp (and cab) that i can use for both BG and URB. Unfortunately there's no dealer around here that sells EA and Markbass

Thanks in advance.

Ciao,

Norre

bobbykokinos · #2 12-13-2006, 02:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Norre

Hello,

Is there anyone here on TB who has played through the iAmp800 and Markbass SD800 (or LMII)? If so, how do they compare?
I'm asking this because I'm looking for a new, light (!), powerfull amp (and cab) that i can use for both BG and URB. Unfortunately there's no dealer around here that sells EA and Markbass

Thanks in advance.

Ciao,

Norre

Unfortunately, I havent had a chance to try the iAmp800 but I have a LMII running through 2 Epi UL-110s.. This setup sounds incredible for both electric and upright. Actually, 1 UL-110 would suit me just fine for the majority of my gigs but I like to bring two to big band gigs. The UL-110s are soo small, its not a hassle at all to carry an extra.

Sorry I dont have much of a comparison, but if you have any questions about the LMII, let me know..

Norre · #3 12-13-2006, 08:56 AM

Thanks Bob!
Have you tried the Markbass cabinets with your MKII yet?
If so, have you tried their 12" ? And how did they compare to Epi cabinets?
I really wonder if one 12" or a 2x10" is enough for me. We play really (sometimes "too"

) loud.
Have you ever felt you were underpowered with it?

Ciao,

KN

macmrkt · #4 12-13-2006, 10:55 AM

I had the EA iAMP500, the LMII, LMK and SD800 heads as well as the Traveler 121H, 151P and 102P. My comparisons were done mostly playing by myself in a small room with DB. I did use most of the stuff live with BG, but not in a direct comparison. I can say that I didn't find that I ever needed more power than the LMII or LMK heads so I can't say that the SD800 was necessary. The LMII and LMK just have tons of volume - more than my Walter Woods 1200 watt amp did in fact. The SD800 and LMII did sound very similar. The best Markbass cabs for DB IMHO were the 121H and 102P. However, I prefer the Berg EX112 over all. Never found the Wizzy to my liking but never tried the M-Wizzy which may be a gem.

bobbykokinos · #5 12-13-2006, 12:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Norre

Thanks Bob!
Have you tried the Markbass cabinets with your MKII yet?
If so, have you tried their 12" ? And how did they compare to Epi cabinets?
I really wonder if one 12" or a 2x10" is enough for me. We play really (sometimes "too"

) loud.
Have you ever felt you were underpowered with it?

Ciao,

KN

I tried a Markbass 2x10 combo which, from what I understand, is basically the LMII with 2x10s.. They sound good but the Epi's had a little but smoother transition between the sub and tweeter. The Epi's just sound like they have more "umpphhh" to them.

I havent tried the 12.. I was using Aguilar 12s but decided 12s are too big, for me, for DB..

The big band I play in is VERY VERY loud (enough to wear ear plugs). I've never felt under powered. I dont think I've even gotten up past 1/3 volume on the LMII

joel kelsey · #6 12-13-2006, 03:03 PM

Hi,

I currently have an Iamp 800 and I love it. It sounds great for upright and electric. It sounds like my bass but louder and sounds equally good with the electric. Some of the things I like about it.
1. parametric EQ that you can turn on or off (I never use the EQ)
2. DI with a volume knob and a Post or Pre setting and mute
3. tuner out
4. spreaker and DI mute

Overall, it is by far the best amp I have played through ( I have tried a lot of them). When it comes to amps, you just have to play through a lot of them and find what works for you. I have nopt tried Markbass but I hear great things from lots of people. As far as Epifani cabs, the UL 210 is great, especially for doubling. The only thing I don't like about it is the size of the box itself. The box is very light but huge (IMO). Overkill for a lot of upright gigs. I probably should have got two of the Ul110s..... I will be shopping for a small combo to replace my SWR Strawberry Blonde that I use for 90% of my amplified upright gigs and i will definitely be looking at Markbass. I hope my long post helps.

Joel

bobbykokinos · #7 12-13-2006, 10:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by joel kelsey

I will be shopping for a small combo to replace my SWR Strawberry Blonde that I use for 90% of my amplified upright gigs and i will definitely be looking at Markbass. I hope my long post helps.

Joel

Let me know if you want to check out my Little Mark II sometime. I really love it!

bolo · #8 12-14-2006, 06:54 AM

That picture of your rig is very cool. Bet it sounds real nice. Like you said, modular and portable. Nice.

Norre · #9 12-14-2006, 07:34 AM

Thanks for the information y'all

I hope I can test them both at the Frankfurt Musik Messe in march. BTW, i just found out that AER has released the Basscube2 and they will also release a head/cabinet line for the doublers in the near future. I wonder how it will sound. I tried their first basscube once and I was really impressed.

Btw, Bob, that's one FINE LOOKING rig you got there

Ciao,

KN