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Gallien Krueger MB212-II Report

This has my interest peaked. I actually really liked the series I 212 combo, but when I pushed it the drivers blew out - twice. Although I liked the tone, reliability is always #1 to me. I'm hoping that with GK's production move back to the US will remedy that, but it'll likely take some time for them to get the ball rolling in their new facility. Do you feel afraid to push the amp? How does it take it? You can always tell when an amp is tipping over the edge when it's pushed.
 
This has my interest peaked. I actually really liked the series I 212 combo, but when I pushed it the drivers blew out - twice. Although I liked the tone, reliability is always #1 to me. I'm hoping that with GK's production move back to the US will remedy that, but it'll likely take some time for them to get the ball rolling in their new facility. Do you feel afraid to push the amp? How does it take it? You can always tell when an amp is tipping over the edge when it's pushed.

I'm afraid to "push" any amp into any speakers. They can all blow. You just gotta listen to your speakers.
 
I'm afraid to "push" any amp into any speakers. They can all blow. You just gotta listen to your speakers.

Very true. I meant to clarify in the context of combos. The cohesiveness of the amp section to the speakers should be well-matched enough for you to use both the amp and drivers to their full potential with total confidence. I don't mean to say push the volume to max, but utilize the optimum power levels without fearing failure
 
I had a fill in gig scheduled for Friday night at Hoagie Barmichaels, (Newport Beach), but I got bumped. I would've invited you down to hear the 212 in action. I had my reservations in the beginning. It was either going to be their MB212-II or the Bergantino CN212 (at twice the price). After a couple of missteps, (earlier in this thread), I've got a great rig. Loud rehearsal Monday night and it sang.

This rig has tons of headroom and that signature GK grind. I never felt as if the speakers were being pushed to their limits. I did get that impression with the old MB210 I had. It was dang loud, but I always felt if I pushed it too much I was going to blow the speakers. I don't feel that with the 212. There's a lot more depth there and it seems these speakers handle the increase in volume exponentially. I don't know if its the porting or the speakers, but it definitely cooks.
 
I had a fill in gig scheduled for Friday night at Hoagie Barmichaels, (Newport Beach), but I got bumped. I would've invited you down to hear the 212 in action. I had my reservations in the beginning. It was either going to be their MB212-II or the Bergantino CN212 (at twice the price). After a couple of missteps, (earlier in this thread), I've got a great rig. Loud rehearsal Monday night and it sang.

This rig has tons of headroom and that signature GK grind. I never felt as if the speakers were being pushed to their limits. I did get that impression with the old MB210 I had. It was dang loud, but I always felt if I pushed it too much I was going to blow the speakers. I don't feel that with the 212. There's a lot more depth there and it seems these speakers handle the increase in volume exponentially. I don't know if its the porting or the speakers, but it definitely cooks.

have you ever played the CN? If so, how would you describe the comparison? I am heavily considering that cabinet since I have a TecAmp Puma 900 that would go nicely with it, but money is always an obstacle...
 
No, but everything I've read is that it sounds a lot like the AE212 only bigger. I had an AE212 and let it go. I've been kicking myself ever since so I figured it was a no brainer, especially since it front ported rather than rear ported like the AE.

They have them now at Bass San Diego. I had planned to head down there'd last Thursday to try it out but the GAS gauge started flashing. I decided not to lead myself into temptation. Too many rigs and not enough gigs.
 
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No, but everything I've read is that it sounds a lot like the AE212 only bigger. I had an AE212 and let it go. I've been kicking myself ever since so I figured it was a no brainer, especially since it front ported rather than rear ported like the AE.

They have them now at Bass San Diego. I had planned to head down there'd last Thursday to try it out but the GAS gauge started flashing. I decided not to lead myself into temptation. Too many rigs and not enough gigs.

Then how would you compare the GK with the AE212?
 
I would say they're comparable but it'd be hard to quantify. I was using my Markbass LM2 and to me it sounded smooth and creamy. I do remember the AE212 and the AE410 sound similar, the 212 sounding a tad deeper. I A/B'd the GK 212 with the Little Mark/AE410 at a relatively high volume gig and I can say volume and depth wise it was an even match.
 
Thanks Fatcrabb for all the info about the GK 212 !! I tried one at guitar a center and it's exacly what l'm looking for. This cab is really transparent to me comparing to the MB !! Loud, Agressive and full of power in a small and light weight combo.. Just amazing !! Did you have any issues lately with the combo ?? Cause l've heard so much that l'm a bit scared to buy it but at the same time l still wanna get it ahah !!!
 
I also have a brand new MB212-II and it sounds really really good but...
with volumes on "0" and nothing attached it ahs a lot of ground noise.
Anyone else with the same perception?
I just got one also and my experience is the total opposite. No noise at all. As a matter of fact I was afraid the amp didn't work it was so quiet at idle. I was expecting noise as there is a lot of interference in the room I have it in and most other amps are noisy. Try using different outlets or different rooms.
 
I have not had both but the 151p is rated for 400w while the 2x12 cab in ths GL combo has more speaker surface area and is rated for 500 watts.

If my choices were limited to just this I would say the GK MB212ii combo would be louder and quite possibly be better for the "lowb". You can also add a second powered 212 GK cab later if desired.

Question: What head are you using with the 151p? The GK stuff has its own sound and you may not like it if you like MB heads
 

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