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Carvin vs. Markbass

T

thaibass

Nov 25, 2007
16
0
#1
Due to my location, I've been restricted as to what equipment I can use. However, recently I've had the chance to try out about 10,000 different amps, cabs, and combinations thereof. Limited by price and picky about tone, here's what I've come down to. This system needs to be venue-versatile and durability is key (no repair techs here)... Any suggestions?

Markbass LMII Head with either Ashdown ABM 414T or Ampeg SVT-410HE (like 'em both... which is better?)

or

Carvin BRX1510.4 = System includes: one B1500 1900w head, one BRX10.4 cabinet, one SP5 cable

They both cost about the same, and I just want to know your opinions. I've searched already, but didn't find much direct comparison. In case it matters, I've got a MusicMan Sub and a Zoom B2.1u

THANKS!

Crap, I forgot... I also really liked the Carvin SBR210.15 600W 210-115 BASS FULL STACK = Includes: BX600 600 watt head, BR210 cabinet, BR115 cabinet, Two PRO5S cable (mostly cause it was 300$ cheaper!)
 
#2
I had a B1500 and recently got a Markbass F1.

The B1500 is awesome! built like a tank and sound really good. Really clear and punchy.

The Markbass F1, similar I suppose to the II is really nice too. maybe a little darker but tighter. Lighter than air practically at 4.6lbs.

I don't think you'd go wrong either way. If you still don't mind lugging a heavy amp around go for the Carvin. If not the Markbass stuff is great!
 
#3
Only you know what matters most as far as the head goes-gobs of power with more features (the Carvin) or portability (the LM11). It's like comparing a grape to a watermelon-I like 'em both.
 
#8
thaibass said:
Ok, so it's time to buy. I'm still torn, but I figure any space big enough to require the Carvin will probably have a PA... I guess Markbass makes a bit more sense...

right?

oh man...
Click to expand...

I think you first need to get clear and methodical on your decision-making process. Make a list of all your purchase considerations. Then prioritize each item. Then weight each item according to relative importance (i.e. tone, power, cost, size, weight, ergonomics, etc. etc.). Then and only then, evaluate these rigs against the considerations on your list.

Once you make the time and effort to think through the matter in a careful, disciplined way, the decision often makes itself... :hmm:

MM

(But if it were me, it'd be the Carvin rig all the way...)
 
#9
There is a possibilty of larger spaces having a PA, and I think those are the kinds of places you want to be playing, ultimately. Who likes bringing their own PA? Most decent clubs have one. It makes sense to go with that Mark Bass, particularly if the places you will play will have PA, as with it, you'll be less likely (or less in need) of using the stage sound to fill the room.

The other thing about big amps, is that "like" is not "need" and sometimes, people confuse the two.

Both amps are going to sound good. I can't imagine that either one would fall short on volume. How about the weight? You'll have to lift the stuff, and over the long-term, and grind of frequent gigging, a lighter setup (by something more than just a few pounds) may tip the decision one way or another.
 
#15
MysticMichael said:
I think you first need to get clear and methodical on your decision-making process. Make a list of all your purchase considerations. Then prioritize each item. Then weight each item according to relative importance (i.e. tone, power, cost, size, weight, ergonomics, etc. etc.). Then and only then, evaluate these rigs against the considerations on your list.

Once you make the time and effort to think through the matter in a careful, disciplined way, the decision often makes itself... :hmm:

MM

(But if it were me, it'd be the Carvin rig all the way...)
Click to expand...

Excuse the rambling nature of this post. Just wanted to run through my thought process...

OK, so I made a list and few phone calls. I found out that the shipping costs are (omgymbkmwtf!!1!!1!) high. So I'm just going to by an amp when I'm in America and sort out cabs when I get back to Asia.

So I'm looking at Markbass LMII, Markbass F1, or Carvin B1500.

I didn't get to play it, but I don't think the F1 is worth the 200$ over the LMII.
Markbass.com said:
The F1 is half the size of the Little Mark II (single rack space), and about two pounds lighter. The F1 uses a digital power amp which gives it a super-fast response and a crisp clear sound, whereas the Little Mark II is often described as slightly warmer in tone due to its analog power amp. That said, both amps are clear, fast and warm.
Click to expand...

So LMII or Carvin.

I did slightly prefer the carvin sound, though they were very close on the scale 1-10. The LMII is 200$ cheaper and 1/5 the weight. My heart says carvin, but my brain and wallet are going to Markbass...
 
#18
liam_g said:
I haven't played the Carvin Neo 10.4, but I was surprised to find that the Neo 10.2 is as good as any 210 I've ever played.

Cheers,
Liam
Click to expand...

I played the 10.4 as a backline to an awkward bar gig with a jam band. It was very loud, but the tone seemed unbalanced to me. It was like there was a LOT of bottom and a lot of glassy top end, but the mids got lost completely.

I trust your opinion, though. It really could have been the room. The sound guy was really anal about no one messing with any knobs on the backline. Unfortunately, I was playing a passive Jazz bass, so there was next to nothing I could do. It was a good commercial for a DI/preamp pedal, lol.

mgood said:
Which Carvin speakers are subpar?
Some people have had issues with the PS10 and PS15 that were in the Red Line Series and are now in the BR Series.
I haven't heard many complaints about the neo speakes in the BRX Series.
If you've had problems with the BRX cabs, I'd like to hear about them.
Click to expand...

Aside from my above experiences, I have no live experience with Carvin speakers. I did, however, play a used Red Line series combo in a store once, and thought it sounded very anemic.

I should stressed the "IMO" in my original post. Like I said, I didn't have the opportunity to EQ the room, and I only played through them once. Definitely didn't sound good, to my ears, though.
 
#19
Markbass over Carvin, hands down.

No question about it.

Markbass is a new company and I don't really know how reliable they are down the line, but mine really does rock in such a small package.

However, I DO know that all Carvins I've encountered have problems that surface pretty darn quickly.

Realistically the LMII can do everything I need, even if it's not "1500" watts.

If you ever get a chance, Mike Visceglia wrote an essay in Bass Player about stage volume and setup. Loudness is overrated, but the LMII can push pretty damn hard if you want it to. It's got plenty of headroom.
 

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