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Genzler Amplification Club
- Thread starter Discount Saint
- Start date
Question
Context: I once (around 2012) bought a Genz-Benz Focus LT 112 Cab and a cheap TC amp. I was student at the time, and that was what I could afford. I planned on getting Genz-Benz amp and a second 112 when I got the money, but Genz-Benz didn't exist when I had the money for it.
Some amp fails and acquisitions later I now have a MarkBass LM 250 black line amp and a TC 208 cab, in addition to the Genz cab. I don't much care for the MarkBass sound, and actually prefer sound via preamp/d.i. ->Motu M2 soundcard -> studio headphone over my current rig.
Actual question(s):
How does the Genzler Magellan 350/800 compare to the MarkBass amp, soundwise, generally speaking?
How does the Genzler bass array cabs compare to Genz Benz Focus (Tweeter=OFF), soundwise?
How does the 10", 12", 15" bass array cabs compare?
tl:dr: Considering MG350 10-2 combo plus a 10-2, selling all the other stuff. Persuade me in one or the other direction.
Context: I once (around 2012) bought a Genz-Benz Focus LT 112 Cab and a cheap TC amp. I was student at the time, and that was what I could afford. I planned on getting Genz-Benz amp and a second 112 when I got the money, but Genz-Benz didn't exist when I had the money for it.
Some amp fails and acquisitions later I now have a MarkBass LM 250 black line amp and a TC 208 cab, in addition to the Genz cab. I don't much care for the MarkBass sound, and actually prefer sound via preamp/d.i. ->Motu M2 soundcard -> studio headphone over my current rig.
Actual question(s):
How does the Genzler Magellan 350/800 compare to the MarkBass amp, soundwise, generally speaking?
How does the Genzler bass array cabs compare to Genz Benz Focus (Tweeter=OFF), soundwise?
How does the 10", 12", 15" bass array cabs compare?
tl:dr: Considering MG350 10-2 combo plus a 10-2, selling all the other stuff. Persuade me in one or the other direction.
I don't know how much actual experience I can add with regards to your question but I was at a similar point several months ago. I had the good fortune to play through an 800/BA12-3. It basically caused me to entirely rethink the direction I was going in. Keep in mind, I am, at this stage in life, merely a home office player only occasionally playing with other friends (even less so these days). So, I was not looking to get an amp for the stage, I just want one with enough flexibility to get the tones I want.
From that standpoint, I fell, head over heels for the 800. The drive channel was the clincher for me. I find that with either my G&L L1000 or L2000 I can range from classic rock territory or an ultra clean hi-fi sound with the 800. I'll never need 800 watts of power but I do want the security of knowing it's there and knowing I'm getting the best option Genzler has to offer. So, the 800 was my choice. No regrets, no doubts. Buy once, cry one, I think they say.
Now, I also grabbed the BA12-3 literally weeks before the BA15-3 was introduced. Again, I have no regrets or doubts. The BA12-3 is such an incredible cabinet that I'm amazed when I read these threads about people looking for cabinets without even considering Genzler.
The reason I didn't go for the BA10-2 was more in keeping with the reasoning behind my purchase of the 800. I had physically heard the BA12-3 and knew how it sounded and at the time the only 'better' alternative was the BA210-3. The other thing was that the 12" speaker was more efficient and played deeper than the single 10" speaker in the BA10-2. There wasn't a BA10-2 to try nor was there an MG12TV around to try, either. All I had to go by was one of the dealers who seemed to intimate that the direction both he as a retailer and Genzler as a company were going in was with the Bass Array design. The subsequent release of the BA15-3 seems to reinforce that contention.
Don't get me wrong, I like the look and specs of the MG series but all I had to go on were YouTube videos and comments I had read on the web. I heard the BA12-3. I have a feeling the MG series may be more like the old GB cabinets. I don't really know but the choice was a no brainer for me.
If you can make the stretch, the 800, coupled with even just one BA12-3 is a force to be reckoned with. Plus, you have the option of adding one or two more cabinets down the road. I've not heard that kind of stack in person but I can only imagine how insane it must sound.
From that standpoint, I fell, head over heels for the 800. The drive channel was the clincher for me. I find that with either my G&L L1000 or L2000 I can range from classic rock territory or an ultra clean hi-fi sound with the 800. I'll never need 800 watts of power but I do want the security of knowing it's there and knowing I'm getting the best option Genzler has to offer. So, the 800 was my choice. No regrets, no doubts. Buy once, cry one, I think they say.
Now, I also grabbed the BA12-3 literally weeks before the BA15-3 was introduced. Again, I have no regrets or doubts. The BA12-3 is such an incredible cabinet that I'm amazed when I read these threads about people looking for cabinets without even considering Genzler.
The reason I didn't go for the BA10-2 was more in keeping with the reasoning behind my purchase of the 800. I had physically heard the BA12-3 and knew how it sounded and at the time the only 'better' alternative was the BA210-3. The other thing was that the 12" speaker was more efficient and played deeper than the single 10" speaker in the BA10-2. There wasn't a BA10-2 to try nor was there an MG12TV around to try, either. All I had to go by was one of the dealers who seemed to intimate that the direction both he as a retailer and Genzler as a company were going in was with the Bass Array design. The subsequent release of the BA15-3 seems to reinforce that contention.
Don't get me wrong, I like the look and specs of the MG series but all I had to go on were YouTube videos and comments I had read on the web. I heard the BA12-3. I have a feeling the MG series may be more like the old GB cabinets. I don't really know but the choice was a no brainer for me.
If you can make the stretch, the 800, coupled with even just one BA12-3 is a force to be reckoned with. Plus, you have the option of adding one or two more cabinets down the road. I've not heard that kind of stack in person but I can only imagine how insane it must sound.
Jeff Genzler
Commercial User
- Feb 9, 2007
- 1,819
- 11,893
- Disclosures
- Currently GENZLER AMPLIFICATION / Formerly GENZ BENZ
@arnebv ---- Thank you for your interest in our products.
I can provide some feedback and answers to your questions but obviously would not comment on other companies products.
***Regarding the MG350-MG800 amps, In general, most players have been very impressed with their simplicity to get a great tone, their versatility of features and the heft and weight of the notes. How that compares with other amps, others can maybe comment.
***Our BA cabinets are completely different than the former GB Focus 12" cabs. The fact that the BA12-3 cab offers a much more efficient and powerful woofer is one thing, but the combination of the 4 x 3" driver Array adds a completely different level of clarity and projection from the cabinet, along with a much smoother transition of all notes from the very lowest lows to the ultra top end. If you've enjoyed our previous Focus 12" perhaps moving towards the BA12-3 cab would be more of a direction to consider.
***Regarding the different versions of the BA cabs, 10, 12, 15, 2x10, 4x10, as you advance through the models you do pretty much get what you would expect.
BA10-2, extremely impressive for it's tiny-size and weight. Holds up well with B-string and really projects with very nice clarity. If size and weight are among the biggest concerns then this is something to consider here.
BA12-3 (SLT or STR) very big, robust LF for a fairly small 12". There is a nice difference between the SLT and STR versions and opens up interesting combinations with using 1 of each model.
The new BA15-3 SLT is now available in Europe too, and is exactly what you would expect from this bigger woofer. It is NOT like any other 15" design --- while it does have the big, robust, tight bottom end, the definition and projection with the 4 x 3" array adds something you've not heard in most 15" bass cabinets before. Like all BA cabinet designs, this one feels so light it is almost startling once you first pick it up. I promise all the drivers are in there. It almost feels like an empty cabinet!
If you have some specific questions about your tonal needs and potential gig use, send me a PM and I'd be happy to assist further.
I agree that the BA line is probably their "thing" at Genzler. I had the first combo amp. MG350 and the BA10-2. Loved it.Still do. I found when I played in my jazz quartet outside that I wanted just a little bit more. I was going to get another BA10-2 for a mini stack (even though I wanted to stick with a "one hand" solution) like I had with my old Genz Benz cabs and Shuttle amp. Jeff messaged me and said hold on, I will be introducing something you may like. It was the MG12TV. I got one. I love it. For me it's all I need as most of my gigs are DI/IEM.
If I need more of a rig, I'd probably go with a BA15-3 Slant on bottom and a 210 on top. Leaves you some flexibility as well. Take both for large/loud rooms. Take the 15 for singer/songwriter type gigs. Take the 210 when you need some punch. Lots of good options with Genzler. Can't really makea bad choice.
If I need more of a rig, I'd probably go with a BA15-3 Slant on bottom and a 210 on top. Leaves you some flexibility as well. Take both for large/loud rooms. Take the 15 for singer/songwriter type gigs. Take the 210 when you need some punch. Lots of good options with Genzler. Can't really makea bad choice.
I'd agree here but add that while there are no bad choices, there are different ones...
As you describe your uses, I would think that you only need the 800 head if you want the dirty channel. Beyond that, the two heads sound the same to me and the 350 goes plenty loud with great headroom for most people's uses.
I'm a true believer in the BA cabs. I have two - one of the first 50 of the 12-3's and a 10-2. If I had to pick one, I'd probably go with the 12, but it would not be an easy choice. You can tell they're siblings, but they are not twins. They do speak with a different voice. There are the obvious differences as well. Only you can decide which characteristics are most important to you.
My only experiences with Markbass amps is a few that I've played at Guitar Center. None impressed me. They all felt a bit constricted and honky... and as if trade-offs had been made to meet a price point that give you less of what makes a rig a pro piece of gear. I didn't play either the amp or the cabs with another brand so I can't say whether one category was the culprit over the other. The Genzlers speak with authority in every register and have a transparency that allows your bass and your playing to shine through. The design choices make sense and the amps and cabs all feel pro level across the line. I think anyone could find what they need for any setting in the line-up and get their sound.
I can make some observations, I'm not restricted by any endorsements or commercial status. I get no renumeration from saying what I'm about to say.
I've been playing bass semi-professionally for 15 years.
I've owned a lot of amps and cabs in that timeframe, including some you mention (Markbass, for one).
I've simply arrived at the determination, after much trial and error, that Jeff "get's me completely".
Get's the tone in my head, what my basses should sound like. That includes a number of electric basses, an electric upright, and my double bass, all of which I use on a regular basis thru the same head and cabs.
Get's how easy it is to get a good tone, and then tweak to another good tone very simply (either eq or by the 2 channels).
Get's how we all like lightweight, modular designs that sound great no matter how many cab configurations we throw at a head.
to me, that means Genzler is the best quality, best value in the marketplace today.
I do own one another manufacturer's head, that I use for dedicated practice amp. For gigging on stage, whether thru my own or thru backlined cabs, I will not (ok, refuse to) use any other gear for my amplification needs. Period.
I've been playing bass semi-professionally for 15 years.
I've owned a lot of amps and cabs in that timeframe, including some you mention (Markbass, for one).
I've simply arrived at the determination, after much trial and error, that Jeff "get's me completely".
Get's the tone in my head, what my basses should sound like. That includes a number of electric basses, an electric upright, and my double bass, all of which I use on a regular basis thru the same head and cabs.
Get's how easy it is to get a good tone, and then tweak to another good tone very simply (either eq or by the 2 channels).
Get's how we all like lightweight, modular designs that sound great no matter how many cab configurations we throw at a head.
to me, that means Genzler is the best quality, best value in the marketplace today.
I do own one another manufacturer's head, that I use for dedicated practice amp. For gigging on stage, whether thru my own or thru backlined cabs, I will not (ok, refuse to) use any other gear for my amplification needs. Period.
2 more cents.
I was a big MB fan. But sold off all of my MB for the genzler 350 combo and extra 10-2 cabs.
MB was good at the time; but falls way short of the quality sound from my genzler
I was a big MB fan. But sold off all of my MB for the genzler 350 combo and extra 10-2 cabs.
MB was good at the time; but falls way short of the quality sound from my genzler
I think it’s really hard to find anything that matches Genzler...or back in the day the Genz-Benz Line, especially for affordability and quality. I can think of maybe one other line I would use (I did have one of their cabs in the past) but it is significantly more expensive and I don’t think any better, just different.
Last edited:
speaker cabinet, or, i've heard headphones called cans. I'm pretty sure SteveC meant speaker cab.
Neither my phone nor my computer type what I intend them to type
Since I'm sitting staring at my rig, and thinking about my journey, I'll share...
I had a Markbass head, 15 and 2x10 cabinet. Thought I had reached Nirvana. Visited Bananas-at-Large in San Rafael (just north of SF). Owner said that I must check out this new Genzler stuff. I knew nothing about it but figured, why not?
Played my rig and a Genzler 350 and 2x12-3 cabs. Was blown away by the difference. I can't begin to describe how open the sound was and how easy it was to get different tones. I walked out with a 350 head and single 12" cab. It wasn't long before I added the second 12.
Shortly after that I traded, with a few $s, for an MG800 here on Talkbass. Love the headroom and overdrive channel on the 800 since I use it for a really loud hard rock band. As a side benefit, it has performed wonderfully in the studio. I recently recorded with a guy named Sean Beresford who used to run artist relations for Mesa/Boogie. I later learned that he was the bass tech for Level 42's Mark King (no pressure to play for him, right?). He LOVED the tone coming right out of the 800. I'd say that's a pretty good endorsement.
I started looking at another cabinet since I had straight 12s. I was considering a third 12 (slant this time) or possibly a single 10. I didn't know which way to go but then the 15 came out. Damn it! So, I bought the 15 and added a 2x10 slant to it. My 12s are up for sale at the local dealer mentioned above and I could not be happier with my decision. The 15 and 210 is just the perfect combination of performance, size/weight, sound, looks (yes, that matters to me) and flexibility.
Finally, being able to communicate with Jeff, here or directly, has made it so easy to be happy with my decision to switch to Genzler. It's icing on the cake to be sure, but Jeff's willingness to handle problems, provide feedback and guidance, listen and build great products has been nothing short of amazing. How many other companies can provide that level of service and interaction?
Moral of the story is that there are so many combinations of good with Jeff's products. There are no right or wrong choices, just options. I would love to own one of everything but for me, now, the 800 head along with a 15 and 2x10 is my today nirvana. I reserve the right to change my mind at any time (or at any time Jeff tells me to).
Anyone thinking about Genzler gear, you won't be sorry. Can't wait to be tempted by something else in the near future!
Stay safe everyone!!
I had a Markbass head, 15 and 2x10 cabinet. Thought I had reached Nirvana. Visited Bananas-at-Large in San Rafael (just north of SF). Owner said that I must check out this new Genzler stuff. I knew nothing about it but figured, why not?
Played my rig and a Genzler 350 and 2x12-3 cabs. Was blown away by the difference. I can't begin to describe how open the sound was and how easy it was to get different tones. I walked out with a 350 head and single 12" cab. It wasn't long before I added the second 12.
Shortly after that I traded, with a few $s, for an MG800 here on Talkbass. Love the headroom and overdrive channel on the 800 since I use it for a really loud hard rock band. As a side benefit, it has performed wonderfully in the studio. I recently recorded with a guy named Sean Beresford who used to run artist relations for Mesa/Boogie. I later learned that he was the bass tech for Level 42's Mark King (no pressure to play for him, right?). He LOVED the tone coming right out of the 800. I'd say that's a pretty good endorsement.
I started looking at another cabinet since I had straight 12s. I was considering a third 12 (slant this time) or possibly a single 10. I didn't know which way to go but then the 15 came out. Damn it! So, I bought the 15 and added a 2x10 slant to it. My 12s are up for sale at the local dealer mentioned above and I could not be happier with my decision. The 15 and 210 is just the perfect combination of performance, size/weight, sound, looks (yes, that matters to me) and flexibility.
Finally, being able to communicate with Jeff, here or directly, has made it so easy to be happy with my decision to switch to Genzler. It's icing on the cake to be sure, but Jeff's willingness to handle problems, provide feedback and guidance, listen and build great products has been nothing short of amazing. How many other companies can provide that level of service and interaction?
Moral of the story is that there are so many combinations of good with Jeff's products. There are no right or wrong choices, just options. I would love to own one of everything but for me, now, the 800 head along with a 15 and 2x10 is my today nirvana. I reserve the right to change my mind at any time (or at any time Jeff tells me to).
Anyone thinking about Genzler gear, you won't be sorry. Can't wait to be tempted by something else in the near future!
Stay safe everyone!!
I had some free time on and off Wednesday and was able to put this together. My recording stuff is outdated and somehow some weird noise/distortion got introduced but it came out ok. Used my Sire v7 passive favoring bridge p/u. MG800 had contour at noon, bass and treble at noon and a slight mid bump at 150hz. I did a slight upper mid cut around 2k on the mixer and another slight cut at around 9k. Tone knob on the bass was at about 60% as well. Gonna try and do a better video over the weekend.
Also a big thanks to the Genzler crew for featuring my rig on their Instagram page last week!
Also a big thanks to the Genzler crew for featuring my rig on their Instagram page last week!
