Gallien-Krueger MB800

[steve_rolfeca]

One plus to the 800, is that it provides a full 500 watts into 8 ohms. Lighted controls, and the discrete FET are others.

Another advantage over the MB500, is that it doesn't run into the limiter as quickly. If you have a 4 ohm setup that can handle 500-600 watts, then the 500 can start to crunch out before your cabs are maxed out.

 

[ScottyBoy]

One plus to the 800, is that it provides a full 500 watts into 8 ohms...

THats my main concern - you don't think that will be a problem into the 300 watt rated cab?

Another advantage over the MB500, is that it doesn't run into the limiter as quickly. If you have a 4 ohm setup that can handle 500-600 watts, then the 500 can start to crunch out before your cabs are maxed out.

Sounds logical

I think were I am at is I would be happy with the juice provided with the mb500 but the mb800 may give me more options down the track, and maybe a slightly nicer tone/omph for the ae112's if respected.

 

[B-string]

Oh yes one more thing about the MB800 "When the master knob is pushed the
limiter function is disengaged and the knob
indicator changes to white. If power amp
clipping occurs, the knob indicator will flash red
indicating that the limiter function should be
engaged." (MB800 owner's manual)

 

[1bassplayinfool]

Would driving a couple of 212 neos with this head be a problem?

 

[aproud1]

Would driving a couple of 212 neos with this head be a problem?

No. as long as the load is greater than 4 ohms. I mainly use my 800 with a Markbass NY122 2x12 cab . It's four ohms and it is ridiculously loud. Running two 8 ohm 2x12's with a MB800 might be considered obscene by some.

 

[1bassplayinfool]

Running two 8 ohm 2x12's with a MB800 might be considered obscene by some.

That's what I wanted to hear!!! My cabs are GK and one by itself can get pretty loud. I don't play at super loud volume, but it's nice to know the headroom will be there if called upon.

 

[B-string]

No. as long as the load is greater than 4 ohms. I mainly use my 800 with a Markbass NY122 2x12 cab . It's four ohms and it is ridiculously loud. Running two 8 ohm 2x12's with a MB800 might be considered obscene by some.

It was to our old keyboardist. When she had to be in front of my NEO412 I would find a reason to slide my B string. Would make her stop every time and the looks she would give me......priceless.

 

[aproud1]

It was to our old keyboardist. When she had to be in front of my NEO412 I would find a reason to slide my B string. Would make her stop every time and the looks she would give me......priceless.

Awesome. Thats got to be an amazing setup! One of the best parts of being a bass player. I found out last night my dog hates distorted bass. Not as much as he hates fireworks. We were working on a cover of sparks and I was going for that grindy tone Entwistle has on Live at Leeds and he ran for the hills (or maybe I'm just a terrible player???)

 

[Munjibunga]

It was to our old keyboardist. When she had to be in front of my NEO412 I would find a reason to slide my B string. Would make her stop every time and the looks she would give me......priceless.

Was she using your cab as her piano bench?

 

[B-string]

Nope we had to share a mic.

 

[nervous]

I was in a similar situation so I bought the 500. Got curious and bought the 800. 500 is great but to my ears the 800 just sounds better at any volume.

 

[2milehighspike]

Would driving a couple of 212 neos with this head be a problem?

Only to the unsuspecting people in the first rowIMHO that rig is perfect!

 

[rag]

Awesome. Thats got to be an amazing setup! One of the best parts of being a bass player. I found out last night my dog hates distorted bass. Not as much as he hates fireworks. We were working on a cover of sparks and I was going for that grindy tone Entwistle has on Live at Leeds and he ran for the hills (or maybe I'm just a terrible player???)

This isn't well known but John used a GK250ML to get his distortion sound.
Bob

 

[aproud1]

This isn't well known but John used a GK250ML to get his distortion sound.
Bob

Uh... that is really awesome to know. Thanks Bob. Are you just trying to get me to keep my MB800 using Entwistle persuasion???

 

[LeonD]

I'm seriously considering getting an MB800 to try out. My question is will it be overkill or more so, dangerous in potential damage to my cabs? I currently have 1 Bergantino AE112 rated at 300w and am looking at adding another AE112 or AE210. I will at times run 1 cab and also 2 cabs together.

I've been using the MB800 with the AE112 and AE210. I'll use just the AE112 on my drummerless gigs or at a really small venue. I'll add the AE210 if I'm playing with a drummer or outdoors.

IMHO, there's absolutely no problem with this pairing. I've always had more than enough sound and it's been bass glorious.

 

[stugotz]

I run my MB800 with two Hartke Hydrive 4x10 cabs. Its a deadly combo!!!!

 

[Jim Carr]

I love my MB 800, but it has developed a weird buzz, rendering it unusable.

 

[B-string]

I love my MB 800, but it has developed a weird buzz, rendering it unusable.

Contacted [email protected] yet?

 

[Jim Carr]

Contacted [email protected] yet?

Yes. He sent the Factory Repair Form pdf. Sadly, I must wait until June before I can do anything about it.

BTW, where is the serial number on these babies? I couldn't find mine on the outside—Yipes!

The sticker on the top left rear corner says GD0102A A00101.175 (or .up-arrow 75), as the label is rather worn. Jason didn't recognize it as a serial number.

The problem is this (sorry if I have posted this before):

Starting a few months ago, it intermittently has produced a significantly distorted output. I've tried my three different Epifani bass cabinets, which all sound fine with my Mesa M9 Carbine and GB Shuttle 6.0. I have also tried 3 different speaker cables, different instrument cables, and even two different basses—all passive Fenders.

Based on those tests, I must conclude it is the head, especially as a firm tap on the top of the unit causes it to resume normal operation. It is intermittently producing the distortion/buzz problem—though it is now doing it over half the time.

 

[B-string]

Sounds like a bad solder joint in the preamp or error control in the poweramp off hand. I don't know where the S/N is located other than the sticker on the top just above the speakon outputs.