iAMP Micro 300, Markbass F1, Eden WTX-260

[bolo]

The Sept. ’07 issue of BP has a four page spread on these three featherweight heads.

I’d sum up the review highlights, but ... they probably want you to go out and buy the mag. If I worked for them (I’m willing), I probably would too.

[ Pssst ... The article will probably be available for viewing at bassplayer.com in a little while. ]

EA also sent a Wizzy 10 along, so maybe we will see a gear review in a subsequent issue. The Markbass F1 is pictured w/ a Traveler 102P 2x10 and a Traveler 121H 1x12, and the Eden is shown w/ a D112XLT 1x12.

[Greg Clinkingbeard]

Interesting........I've been using the Eden and have been happy with it, but have been curious about the other stuff also, particularly the 300. I don't suppose BP actually tells much more than, 'they are all good', but I'll check it out.

Oh, forget that. I'm going to practice more .

[bolo]

Originally Posted by clink

Interesting........I've been using the Eden and have been happy with it, but have been curious about the other stuff also, particularly the 300. I don't suppose BP actually tells much more than, 'they are all good', but I'll check it out.

Yeah clink, I did recall that you were using the Eden w/ upright and reporting good results.

Actually IMO this article is well-written and informative. I think they do a nice job of highlighting the key features for each amp. And they go into a fair amount of detail re: what they feel are the strongpoints and essential character of each unit.

Surprisingly it's not all syrupy praise either. There are a couple of construction/design gripes about the EA, which EA says have since been resolved. Apparently BP got one of the earlier units w/ transformer issues. They also point out there is no balanced XLR output on the Micro. I think the only thing they did not like about the Eden was that in their words it "could be a little louder."

They don't say if any were actually tested w/ upright, which I guess would be my only gripe.

[Greg Clinkingbeard]

Volume has never been a problem with the Eden. My only concern is that I haven't tried the other stuff and I wonder if it is as transparent as the other stuff-for DB. OTOH, a friend of mine who has tried everything pm'd me to say the tone starts with a thought, travels to your hands and out the amp. Amps are amps he said. He's a heck of a player, so maybe I SHOULD just practice more.

[uglybassplayer]

Just so all of you are aware, I received my Micro 300 back from EA today and it looks like all of the issues have been resolved. This one is pretty quiet, no more signal leak when the mute button is engaged, and it even sounds louder than the one I sent back.

Edit: Another interesting thing: The mute is always engaged when you power up the amp. At first I found it a bit annoying, but I'm beginning to appreciate it.

- Frank.

[Randy Ward]

thanks for the 'heads' up Bolo.
After reading it I kinda wondered why they didn't throw an acoustic image head into the mix.

[Mark Sacchetti]

What was the "skinny" on the F1 in the review

[uglybassplayer]

Originally Posted by Mark Sacchetti

What was the "skinny" on the F1 in the review

Probably that it was "skinny" compared to the other two

[Randy Ward]

Originally Posted by Mark Sacchetti

What was the "skinny" on the F1 in the review

From the BP review September 2007

EA micro 300
Pros:
Crisp and clear tone. Two channel
design greatly improves flexibility,
crazy light.
Cons:
No XLR output
Bottom Line:
An excellent choice for a weight
conscience gigger,
especially one who doubles

MARKBASS F1
Pros:
Syrupy juicy midrange and smooth top;
Louder than one might think; well voiced EQ
Cons:
No mute switch
Bottom Line:
A light head that sounds big for it's britches

EDEN WTX-260
Pros:
Extremely Flexible preamp with
thoughtful, Rugged design.
Clean, clear tone.
Cons:
Could be a hair louder.
Bottom Line:
A baby-sized head with a daddy-sized tool-belt

[Mark Sacchetti]

Hey Randy thanks for posting the info

[Greg Clinkingbeard]

Randy almost said it all. Thanks man.
The Eden does sound best for me on both DB and slabs when everything is set flat. A minor tweak of the tone controls does more than any amp I've tried, and usually it's best to leave everything at noon. I haven't doubled with it yet, but when I do I'll run an active bass into the aux input and control tone and volume at the bass. It is a very flexible amp.
No experience with the other amps.

[bolo]

Well, now that you've got the scoop, I still think you oughta consider laying down the $5.99 cover price if you're that interested. That's part of what makes their world go 'round at BP.

[bolo]

Originally Posted by Randy Ward

thanks for the 'heads' up Bolo.

Oh, now I get it.

Originally Posted by Randy Ward

After reading it I kinda wondered why they didn't throw an acoustic image head into the mix.

You're right, same weight range. Probably 'cuz it ain't so new anymore I reckon, in relative terms. The AI does have some unique features for DB in comparison (HPF, notch). LOTS of little white buttons. But I think the VLE on the Markbass looks pretty interesting too.

I still stare at my Focus and wonder how they packed 800 watts and all those features in that little thang. Rick is one seriously smart dude.

[uglybassplayer]

Originally Posted by Randy Ward

From the BP review September 2007

EA micro 300
Pros:
Crisp and clear tone. Two channel
design greatly improves flexibility,
crazy light.
Cons:
No XLR output
Bottom Line:
An excellent choice for a weight
conscience gigger,
especially one who doubles

The lack of an XLR out is not a biggie for me. I got around it by getting a 1ft 1/4" TRS --> Male XLR cable... problem solved.

[Bassist4Life]

Originally Posted by bolo

Well, now that you've got the scoop, I still think you oughta consider laying down the $5.99 cover price if you're that interested. That's part of what makes their world go 'round at BP.

...in addition to all of the advertising they have.

[Randy Ward]

hey uglybassplayer;
Is there any documentation that says
That it's now supposed to power up in mute mode?
That does seems odd but I guess
if you were used to it it'd be OK.

Originally Posted by bolo

Well, now that you've got the scoop, I still think you oughta consider laying down the $5.99 cover price if you're that interested. That's part of what makes their world go 'round at BP.

Right; there is an article on slapper Lee Rocker
and a really good transcription
of Jaco’s “HAVONA” that includes
interesting analysis and thoughts
by bassists including Christen McBride.
I think reading the whole three ‘light head’ reviews
might worth the price of admission but it
is not a shoot-out in as much as a
overview of each amp viewed separately.


And I agree with you Bolo,
I too wish this article had included a test drive
with a double bass.
Let’s cross fingers in hopes of a possible BP reviews of
the wizzy 10 and markbass travel cabs with a double bass.
I am always happy that I paid for a subscription
when they include a DB in reviews.

[uglybassplayer]

Originally Posted by Randy Ward

hey uglybassplayer;
Is there any documentation that says
That it's now supposed to power up in mute mode?
That does seems odd but I guess
if you were used to it it'd be OK.

It worked that way ever since I've had it, even before I sent it back to be repaired. I don't recall reading anything in the manual about it though.

- Frank.

[Jazzdogg]

Are any of these heads switchable for 110/220 volts for international travel?

[Mike Arnopol]

The EA automatically adjusts to voltage from 90 to 250, I think--no need for switches, just adapters.

[Jazzdogg]

Originally Posted by Mike Arnopol

The EA automatically adjusts to voltage from 90 to 250, I think--no need for switches, just adapters.

Thanks!