I'm pretty sure @mmbongo tried connecting the Plex to various cabs and whatnot, or maybe he tried various preamps into MBPs - I can't remember.
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I'm pretty sure @mmbongo tried connecting the Plex to various cabs and whatnot, or maybe he tried various preamps into MBPs - I can't remember.
Yeah I was trying the powered cabs with different preamps...the Plex is the only one that worked right.
I may give it a go tonight, unless somebody here warns otherwise.
I picked up a used MB112 for my son locally. When I went over to the persons house to check it out, we hooked up a powered Yamaha monitor and it seemed to work just fine. He said he used that setup a few times without issue. I know the guy and he wouldn't BS me. So think it's fine but that was a very isolated situation. Hopefully other can chime in.
Thanks for your reply.
I'm actually trying to go the other way.
PJB D4 (amp with Line Out) -> GK MBP112 (powered cab)
I could be wrong on this, but I recall some discussion in the past about the signal level the powered cabs looked for maybe being on the higher side -- also that that might have changed at some point. I don't know if there might be other considerations -- and, again, I'm not certain of this.
@rag, could you clarify what the MBP cabs need to see for an input signal in order to function at their best?
I tried to use the old back line 600 for a leave behind rehearsal space situation, but it was distorting like crazy. I know they are what they are, but still disappointing. A lot of features for a budget amp.
Ok, here's what happened:
1) Directly from D4 to 112MBP using TRS to XLR sounded weird, especially the Bluetooth sound. Bass wasn't as weird, but not full.
2) D4 to GK Plex to 112MBP, I grabbed a TRS to mini stereo, and routed that from the D4 to the aux in on my Plex, then used the TRS/XLR cable from 1) above to go from the output on the Plex to the XLR chain in on the 112MBP and things sounded better.
I reverted to the setup in 1) and listened closely, by physically separating the combo from the cab. When I listened to the Bluetooth music, a little bell went off in my head. Then I pulled up Van Halen 1, and heard no vocals. (For those who don't know, the album was famously mixed with vocals and lead guitar each panned hard to opposite sides of the stereo mix.)
Reverting back to 2) brought both DLR and EVH back. So I'm a little confused. Maybe someone here can explain it?
EDIT: I thought about this some more, and maybe tomorrow I'll check my TRS to XLR for continuity. If bet if I had a TS to XLR cable, scenario 1) would work.
1) Directly from D4 to 112MBP using TRS to XLR sounded weird, especially the Bluetooth sound. Bass wasn't as weird, but not full.
2) D4 to GK Plex to 112MBP, I grabbed a TRS to mini stereo, and routed that from the D4 to the aux in on my Plex, then used the TRS/XLR cable from 1) above to go from the output on the Plex to the XLR chain in on the 112MBP and things sounded better.
I reverted to the setup in 1) and listened closely, by physically separating the combo from the cab. When I listened to the Bluetooth music, a little bell went off in my head. Then I pulled up Van Halen 1, and heard no vocals. (For those who don't know, the album was famously mixed with vocals and lead guitar each panned hard to opposite sides of the stereo mix.)
Reverting back to 2) brought both DLR and EVH back. So I'm a little confused. Maybe someone here can explain it?
EDIT: I thought about this some more, and maybe tomorrow I'll check my TRS to XLR for continuity. If bet if I had a TS to XLR cable, scenario 1) would work.
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Jumper the effects loop and see if that helps…
Greetings all GK acolytes-
I have an MB 800 Fusion arriving Monday, my second GK amp over my playing career. Had an RB1001 before and didn't totally jive with it, but am really interested in getting this Fusion in and fiddling with it, as I like a clean, powerful, straightforward amp, and nowadays I'm all about lighter and louder which this should deliver in spades. Will report back impressions after some testing, both live and via DI, as this is really the only brand I've never done a 'deep dive' into their product line with, so hoping for good things!
I have an MB 800 Fusion arriving Monday, my second GK amp over my playing career. Had an RB1001 before and didn't totally jive with it, but am really interested in getting this Fusion in and fiddling with it, as I like a clean, powerful, straightforward amp, and nowadays I'm all about lighter and louder which this should deliver in spades. Will report back impressions after some testing, both live and via DI, as this is really the only brand I've never done a 'deep dive' into their product line with, so hoping for good things!
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Last night I played a GK 200RB into a 2-way 8 ohm cab- a 15 and a mid driver. P bass w/a Benson 5% overwound pup.
Outstanding.
I get a buzz that the 200 is "sweeter/warmer" sounding than the 400 or other models. I suspected this may be popular legend until my amp tech told me it's got some of the same transistors as some earlier Crown amps, and that is got a hefty transformer for it's pretty low power rating.
He also said it's unusual for an amp that is rated only down to 8 ohms to have two output jacks. We are wondering if this little head can run at 4 ohms? I haven't tried it, and have also written GK about it.
I got it for pretty cheap, it had been poorly repaired and was in fact a fire hazard when I got it... It's running fine now. If it had more wattage I'd start selling off a few other amps... I've got too many anyway.
I wonder how actually different the 200 RB is from say an 800RB?...
Outstanding.
I get a buzz that the 200 is "sweeter/warmer" sounding than the 400 or other models. I suspected this may be popular legend until my amp tech told me it's got some of the same transistors as some earlier Crown amps, and that is got a hefty transformer for it's pretty low power rating.
He also said it's unusual for an amp that is rated only down to 8 ohms to have two output jacks. We are wondering if this little head can run at 4 ohms? I haven't tried it, and have also written GK about it.
I got it for pretty cheap, it had been poorly repaired and was in fact a fire hazard when I got it... It's running fine now. If it had more wattage I'd start selling off a few other amps... I've got too many anyway.
I wonder how actually different the 200 RB is from say an 800RB?...
I used to have that cab, it was stellar! Amp arrives Monday, excited to check it out.
I admit that I'm more than alittle biased towards GK's cut through the band mix, clear, clean, slam, with the feel of a fast transient.
I have tried MANY other manufacturers bass heads and my ears just keep coming back to the combination of : old 4 string passive Fender Jazz > SansAmp BDDI V2 > G.K. head (with line from head to FOH) > Bergantino CN212 cabinet.
Hope you'll enjoy your Fusion MB800 as much as I do mine.
Pic is the herd of GK heads I've accumulated.
I liked the idea of the Legacy 800 but I did some listening on YT and even from just a recording thru my studio headphones, the Fusion definitely was more what I'm after, and that's exactly what you mentioned above, being a quick, clean/clear, pushing attack. A lot of our music has both guitars and bass doing lots and lots of unison runs so it's important to have that 'fast' feel and clarity, even with some Darkglass dirt thrown on top of it.
I currently have the Microtubes 500 v2 amp that I'm comparing this to, as that amp sounds great DI w/ the cab IRs, but isn't my favorite 'live' and through my DG410N cab.
How would you compare the 'original' MB 500/800 line vs. the Fusions? The one I got has some issues and unfortunately needs to go back, but I'm interested in comparing the two variants of the MB 800 line. I know Beller uses both, and I guess the main thing is the FET for MB and 3x 12AX7 for the Fusion in the preamp?
I’ve extensively gigged the MB500, MBF500 and MB800. Using the 500 for comparison, simply put - the clean tones are very similar. The B-channel (or Boost) is quite different between the families. The MB has something of a “hitting the rails” GK tone when boosted, the B channel of the Fusion reminds me more of a tube overdrive pedal at a light setting.
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I love all of those amps but I must include the MB-200 with them. The MB series work for me!
Welp, I tried running a 1/4" sprayed with deoxit D5 into the jack several times. I rotated the plug inside the jack several times as well. Didn't work - still sounds pretty dirty. Guess the amp goes to the tech...
Thanks that's good info to have. Looks like I need to keep my eyes open for both then.
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Greetings, and help me value my basses, please.- Latest: Lammchop93
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