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A Markbass CMD question

#21
electracoyote said:
I read this from a small contingent of vocal TB'ers, and I have to take exception. I love my MB cabs and they have worked very well for me in all situations from the small patio gig to large theater stages. They sound great to my ears.
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I guess it just depends on what perspective you're coming from, but compared to my Berg and DNA cabs the Markbass cabs are okay at best to my ears.
 
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#22
fredrik.ygge said:
Again, I was really impressed by the CMD 12, but I essentially only have my GK combo as a reference. Has anyone tried both the CMD 12 and the CMD 15 and can give some feedback on differences? Any other brands I need to look at before buying a Markbass? (Most useful if you can relate them to the Markbass and point out the differences.)
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Keep this in mind:

LMIII + 151 cab = CMD151P
LMIII + 121 cab = CMD121P
LMIII + 102 cab = CMD102P

Sonically, I believe one basically equals the other. The only difference is, do you need the flexibility of different cabs/speaker sizes? Do you prefer the convenience of a combo?

As for matching the combo to an extension cab, I've had the best luck keeping the speaker sizes the same, and the cab and combo footprints to match. The only mixing I would consider is the 102 + 151.

As a MB player who did my comparison shopping long ago, I have a CMD151P combo which I sometimes combine with a 151 extension cab for large or outdoor stages. I also have the LMT800 head and a 4X10 cab. So I have some flexibility depending on the venue, 1x15, 2x15, or 4x10.

If you like the CMD121 combo, that plus the 121 cab will cover a lot of ground and give you much flexibility.
 
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#23
electracoyote said:
I read this from a small contingent of vocal TB'ers, and I have to take exception. I love my MB cabs and they have worked very well for me in all situations from the small patio gig to large theater stages. They sound great to my ears.
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I agree, they do sound great. People on this site are obsessed with "the best," and as good as markbass combos are, there are plenty of rigs that can outperform them. Most have much more weight and cost. You don't need a preamp for electric , the head sounds great on its own. (I use a tone hammer for my upright, though). I do like the matching compressore, for real!
 
#25
I've had the mini CMD 121p for a couple of years and I'm very happy with it. I could hear some of the sound qualities that TB'ers comment about, but in a multi instrument setting I haven't noticed it. I have an Epifani T112 cab that when connected really is quite nice. Personally I prefer to determine any coloration in sound rather than have it dictated to me. I use a Zoom B3 and can dial up a variety of tonal nuances and still have the power and ease of carrying. Markbass amps = very good, Markbass cabs = decent.
 
#29
Due to my laziness I had a 102p combo due to the light weight, compact form, ability to be a stage monitor and to go to the FOH. One thing I found handy was using the two ports in the back to store the power cable, instrument cable and long XLR cable. Even without the cover the cables stay in the ports very securely. All I had to take to gigs was my bass backpacked in a gig bag and the combo. I am seriously thinking about going back to the 102p again for all those reasons.
 
#30
electracoyote said:
Okay, basically the same. Post edited.
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That's not the case with mine, at least. The part that holds the amp is "extra", and I'm pretty sure the dimensions reflect that.
electracoyote said:
Okay, basically the same. Post edited.
Click to expand...

Internal volume might not be that different, since the cab has a recessed handle and the combo has the strap. Wow, are we picking nits or what? ;) .
 
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#32
I use the LM II head and avatar or Eden 2x12 cabs. Matching MB cabs have a characteristic tone, modulated by VLE/VLP, but too punchy for my tastes.

Funny, I'm looking at at single 12 cab now and am considering a CMD 12. There's one for sale in the classifieds in FL.

I am trying to reduce the accumulation of goods but just one more cab, combo, pedal, (repeat chorus ad nauseum)
 
#38
I'm surprised at the number of naysayers. Lots of people love them and you can obviously go try them out at any GC.

Your post caught my eye because I spent several hours in a couple of GC's A/B comparing the GK and MB combos. I ended up going with a 121 combo plus the extension cab as a 2x12 mini stack. I'm a big fan and also ended up later buying the Alain Caron signature model which is also awesome but hard to find. I like the combo form vs separate head because it adds to the overall simplicity and portability.

If you like the sound and you like lightweight gear I think the markbass stuff is tough to beat. One way to get more sub-low beef is to put an Ampeg SCR-DI in front of it. The bass boost on that thing is very deep and the overdrive is good sounding, easy to dial in and has a separate foot switch from the EQ.
 
#39
I regret selling my 121 more than any other. It was lightweight, strong sounding and cut through the mix - perfect for practice rooms, small gigs and as a backup amp/cab in the trunk for a gig.

I didn't consider it sterile but most people concerned with fine subtleties of tone have more than a few effects anyway.
 
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