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Gallien-Krueger MB2-500
- Thread starter deekay911
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Would there be a way to have a stacked bass/sub bass knob? I think that would "solve" the issue nicely.
After another A/B session between the MB2 and Thunderfunk 750 using a Sadowsky M5/24 into a DrBass 2460 I've decided to return the MB2.
The MB2 is amazing for sure, but as I stated in an earlier post the TF750 does everything better; tighter low end, faster cleaner transient response, better control of the speaker, and flat our more brute muscle. Not to forget the Timbre knob nothing dials in fat tone faster.
My primary reason for purchase was playing at Sunday Worship with a smaller more portable head (as I leave an Acme LowB2 cab at Church). The idea of the MB2 in a gig bag pocket, cup of coffee in one hand with the Word in the other was very attractive, but the Bible does fit nicely in the gig bag leaving a hand free to carry the 21lb TF750. When a 21lb head becomes so heavy that I cant tote it to and from Church its time for a wheel chair.
Lastly, if all I could afford was $600 and I wanted a super portable head I might keep it, but since I already have plenty of other heads and a head weighing in at less the 4 lbs is not a necessity, gonna have to pass.
The MB2 is amazing for sure, but as I stated in an earlier post the TF750 does everything better; tighter low end, faster cleaner transient response, better control of the speaker, and flat our more brute muscle. Not to forget the Timbre knob nothing dials in fat tone faster.
My primary reason for purchase was playing at Sunday Worship with a smaller more portable head (as I leave an Acme LowB2 cab at Church). The idea of the MB2 in a gig bag pocket, cup of coffee in one hand with the Word in the other was very attractive, but the Bible does fit nicely in the gig bag leaving a hand free to carry the 21lb TF750. When a 21lb head becomes so heavy that I cant tote it to and from Church its time for a wheel chair.
Lastly, if all I could afford was $600 and I wanted a super portable head I might keep it, but since I already have plenty of other heads and a head weighing in at less the 4 lbs is not a necessity, gonna have to pass.
That's not fair to compare those two heads!! The TF really is a wonderful do it all (almost) type of amp.
Why isn't it fair, outside of price point? In the end, the sound is what matters, and it's easily possible for a less expensive head to sound much better than a more expensive head.
If the MB^2-500 DID sound better than a Thunderfunk 750, would it still be an unfair comparison?
Granted, I'm a GK fan and not a TF fan, so I'm a tad biased...
about, but as I stated that is not the issue for me. I wanted to try one of the new ultralight heads, and it didn't pass muster for me (not only that the MB2 was/is way to noisy) - that's it, nothing to do with cost.
Just got the MB2-500 yesterday; review shortly.
I have a couple of questions for users.
I'm trying to get used to the GK layout of EQ pots (they're opposite of other amps, their treble is on the left and bass on the right; a minor issue)
However, the manual says to "set the master volume at 3 o'clock and turn the INPUT volume knob to desired output level"
The INPUT volume is the GAIN knob, right?
This is opposite of what one normally does with a amp.
You usually set the gain until a clip light comes on, then you back it off slightly and use the MASTER volume to control output.
Is this just a GK thing? Or am I reading the manual incorrectly?
Regards,
Mike
I have a couple of questions for users.
I'm trying to get used to the GK layout of EQ pots (they're opposite of other amps, their treble is on the left and bass on the right; a minor issue)
However, the manual says to "set the master volume at 3 o'clock and turn the INPUT volume knob to desired output level"
The INPUT volume is the GAIN knob, right?
This is opposite of what one normally does with a amp.
You usually set the gain until a clip light comes on, then you back it off slightly and use the MASTER volume to control output.
Is this just a GK thing? Or am I reading the manual incorrectly?
Regards,
Mike
Yes.
I think that's more typical of a preamp with a tube in it, to help guarantee the tube is getting the hottest clean signal it can get to "drive" it "optimally". I don't think that's really necessary on a pure Solid State (SS) head, but it doesn't hurt. You can do it either way, but I generally follow the manufacturer's guidance because they're more intimately familiar with the way their gain stages are configured, so they usually offer the best advice for "starting points" like this.
Thanks Vic!
This is a cool amp. I'm running it through an Avatar 4 ohm 410neo and it has serious thump.
Mike
This is a cool amp. I'm running it through an Avatar 4 ohm 410neo and it has serious thump.
Mike
Music 123 had a special code on their web page last weekend that would give you 20% off most anything plus 15% off any extra items. You had to call them on the phone and use the code. I got the GK MB2 and 10' speakon speaker cable delivered for 500.24. I don't know how often the do that kind of promotion, but it was right on time for me. I have had no noise issues of any kind with this amp head and the tone is great with my Roscoe and 210 Neo.
Mike
I got mine brand new in the box for $350!
Oh the benefits of being in a band with a GC employee
Mine just came in. Will not get to use it until tomorrow but being the first time I have held a micro amp, I cannot believe how lite it is. I was not prepared for the lack of heft, my other amp being a GB 750.
used the 500 into a hartke 8x10 at rehearsal hall this afternoon, and blew the doors off of everyone and their moms. sucker cranks.
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