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Gallien-Krueger MB800

MyMusic

MyMusic

Jun 1, 2010
1,054
636
Dover, De
#1
Has anybody seen anything on this amp? I saw something about this head a couple of months ago before NAMM. Today I noticed a full page ad on the back of April Bass Player magazine. Just curious after all the lead in to the Genz and Aguilar new editions. The ad says:4.9 lbs, 800 watts, fits in your gig bag.
 
#4
Here it is on the bottom:

Invalid Link Removed

This was the most impressive head I saw at NAMM. We have found the MB500 to be very fairly rated, and to perform at levels beyond most of the other "500-watt" micro heads. The MB800 has very noticeably more heft, punch, and volume than the MB500, so I'm inclined to believe that it is also fairly rated. As you can see, all of the controls are illuminated. And if you clip the input, the -10dB switch flashes red to tell you to turn it on. If you have the limiter off, and you begin to clip the rails, the master volume (which is push/pull for the limiter) flashes red to tell you to engage the limiter.

This head just sound phenomenal and packs a wallop like none of the other micro heads I have heard. It was one of our Bass Gear Magazine 2011 Winter NAMM Best of Show Award recipients, and rightfully so. :cool:
 
#5
Thanks for the info Tom!

Here are the specs:


Description




The Gallien Krueger MB-800 is more powerful 800 watt version of the very successful MB series. This amp has a discrete FET preamp and 800 watts of GK power. It still only weighs just 4.9 lbs! All controls on this amp are lit up. the control are input clip, tuning mute, gain A, gain B, power amp clip, limiter enable, and EQ/contour settings. The same FET technology used in past GK amps is used in the MB800 preamp section. The MB 800 also has 4 band active EQ.





Features

Gallien-Krueger MB-800 Ultra Light Bass Amplifier Head:

* 800W at 4 ohms, 500 watts at 8 ohms
* 10dB pad
* Discrete FET Preamp
* Limiter Defeat
* 4-band active EQwith variable contour
* Push Activated Gain A/B
* Effects Loop & Tuner mute
* XLR DI out with Pre/Post Switch & Ground Lift
* Dual Speakon Outputs
* Headphone/ Line Output


Dimensions: 10.75 x 8.5 x 1.75
Weight: 4.9 lbs
 
#13
moretolife said:
Tom, from what you know about this amp, how does it (and what you invision about the future Mb fusion 800) compare to the tecamp puma?
Click to expand...

Well, to an extent, it depends on if you are comparing it to the Puma 500 or the Puma 1000. But in general, the Puma's are more smooth and glassy, very deep, and don't hit quite as hard as their ratings might have you believe. The GK's are equally big and wide, but more aggressive and hit harder than their ratings might imply. I found the MB500 to be as loud or louder than even the Puma 1000 (in bridged mode), so the MB800 should toast either Puma, volume-wise.
 
#14
I've been waiting on a thread for this amp. I don't think I've seen it stocked anywhere yet, but haven't been watching that closely either. I think I will wait until they have been out a while before considering one, plus I have a small arsenal of solid GK amps already so I have no big need right now.
 
#18
moretolife said:
Tom, besides the volume, how does the tone compare to the tecamp pumas?
Click to expand...

Tecamp is more smooth, with very deep lows and glassy highs. Somewhat more laid back in the mids. Very sweet, overall.

GK is big, open, dynamic, quick, more immediacy to the attack, a bit more aggressive in the upper mids, and a bit more bite up top (but not harsh). Can dial in some growl/snarl if you drive the Gain higher and the Master lower.

Both are very clear and articulate.
 

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