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2x10 Rig: Markbass vs. TC Electronics ?

Modern Growl

Modern Growl

Jun 7, 2005
3,334
150
NY/NJ Metro Area
#1
I'm looking for a good sounding 2x10 setup - something full, wide, fat & standalone sounding, and not a "component" 210 cab.

I've boiled my choices down to TC Electronics & Markbass and wondering what your thoughts were?

Markbass LMIII + (one of the million 210 cabs from Markbass, recommendations) ?
or
TC RH450 + RS210 ?
 
#4
I've played the TC Classic 450 through the RS212, GREAT rig, I could get a lot of different tones with that rig. If you're looking for more modern tones, the RH450 is a good choice for a more modern sound.
 
#5
I own an RH450 + RS210. RH450 is not the widest amp, since it rolls off at high frequencies and compresses the low quite a lot. But it does have a very good mid voice. RS210 is a great cab though. I like the coaxial tweeter a lot. I have heard LMIII paired with RS210 + RS112 in a live setting and the tone was fantastic too. (played by Felix Pastorius, Jaco's son, awesome player btw)
 
#7
The TC RS210 is, IMO, an easier cab to use with a variety of heads, and has a nice top end, nice mid punch, and a tight low end. Small, fairly light, and not highly priced.

Some might say they actually prefer the RS tone over the Markbass cab tone.

The RH450 is, IMO, a better amp (for what I like) compared to the LM2/3, which is indeed a good amp in itself.
 
#8
i say the GK MB200 with the GK 2x12. if you want a stand alone cab, the 2x12 is awesome! and it's the same size as most 2x10s. but it's waaaaaay fuller. and my MB200 fits in the gig bag's pocket, so i'm a one trip guy now. i have plenty of power for just about any gig with this rig.
 
#9
blindeddie said:
i say the GK MB200 with the GK 2x12. if you want a stand alone cab, the 2x12 is awesome! and it's the same size as most 2x10s. but it's waaaaaay fuller. and my MB200 fits in the gig bag's pocket, so i'm a one trip guy now. i have plenty of power for just about any gig with this rig.
Click to expand...

I know not all 12's are created equal - but in general, I"m not a fan of 12's so I'll be keeping to the above 10's.
 
#12
Not at all what you asked about, but I'm running an EA Micro 300 through an Avatar 210. Good tone, more volume than I've needed for small gigs, obviously super portable. Judging by your influences and basses, I wonder if the EA might better suit you.
 
#13
i have a little mark 250 which is the same as LMIII as i understand but with less power.
I just bought a RS210 cabinet after a lot of thinking and review reading comparing it to the MB 102HF (which is only $50 more expensive)
I should get that in about 2 weeks time, if you can wait i'll let you know what the sound's like :-)
 
#15
vin*tone said:
I would go with the Markbass head and TC 210 cab. The RH450 cannot be described as wide, fat and full. I love that cab though. Great form factor.

.... that said - I'd hunt around for a used Epi or Berg 210.
Click to expand...

+1 The RS210 is a wonderful 210... warm, punchy, and a beautiful top end. Great form factor also. The RH450 is an extremely voiced head, with a severe cut in both the deep low end and the mid treble, and IMO does not take advantage of the range of that 210.

The RS210 and the Markbass F1/F500 was one of the nicest combinations I've heard in a small rig.

To your point, my RS210 is gone and the Berg AE210 is still here (although I prefer the RS210 to the original AE210... mine is the vertical model with the improved crossover and smoother top end).

That being said, dollar for dollar, the RS210 is REALLY impressive, and stands with the best 210's I've heard. It won't thunder down low, but it has a very usable voicing for playing in a mix, and even though it is not loaded with neo speakers, it is relatively lightweight and very small.
 
#17
HMZ said:
I went with a mark Bass Little mark with an Avatar B210 4ohm cab. i love mark bass amps but hate their speakers. If I was going for a combo i would go TC.
Click to expand...

To the OP, and to your point, the Markbass cabs are a mixed lot. I would stay away from the very small 210 model and any Markbass speaker with a piezo tweeter. The larger 210 with the compression driver tweeter sounded good to me in the store, but never gigged it.

The smaller version with the piezo was not impressive IMO.
 
#20
KJung said:
+1 The RS210 is a wonderful 210... warm, punchy, and a beautiful top end. Great form factor also. The RH450 is an extremely voiced head, with a severe cut in both the deep low end and the mid treble, and IMO does not take advantage of the range of that 210.

The RS210 and the Markbass F1/F500 was one of the nicest combinations I've heard in a small rig.

To your point, my RS210 is gone and the Berg AE210 is still here (although I prefer the RS210 to the original AE210... mine is the vertical model with the improved crossover and smoother top end).

That being said, dollar for dollar, the RS210 is REALLY impressive, and stands with the best 210's I've heard. It won't thunder down low, but it has a very usable voicing for playing in a mix, and even though it is not loaded with neo speakers, it is relatively lightweight and very small.
Click to expand...

Great bit of info there Ken, and it is probably why I kept my RS210s x 2 and didn't sell them on for a neo loaded 2x10, which would have cost me a lot more.

The form factor and weight for a ceramic cabinet is quite impressive. Whilst I still love my RH750, I did sell the RS212 as it seemed the RS210 (or two) was covering the ground I needed without the extra bulk and weight.

I did try the LM3 with the RS210 and it sounded great. Very compact rig, lots of tone, very very punchy! It cut through with a 3EQ Ray excellently, against a loud drummer and guitarist.
 

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