Could anyone give me a two liner A/B comparison between MB800 Fusion and Genzler Magellan Amp?
And/or Bergantino CN112 and Array?
And/or Bergantino CN112 and Array?
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Genzler Amplification ! New Genz Benz ?
- Thread starter svtb15
- Start date
The Berg is a standard woofer/tweeter cabinet arrangement. Nothing wrong with that, I chose the Magellan cab which is Genzler's woofer/tweeter cabinet. The Bass Array cabs are a single 12 with 4 3" mid range drivers arranged in a central column and no tweeter. The claim is better horizontal dispersion in the room and a more natural, less zingy, high end extension. That claim would appear to substantiated by the users here who purchased those cabs so far.
As far as the GK vs Genzler, the Genzler Magellan 800 has a clean and a drive channel and a 3-band EQ with semi-parametric mid control. Nothing earth shattering there, though it appears to be well-executed. The gem on the amp appears to be the dual contour control. Setting A is the typical mid scoop control similar to what you have on the GK. Setting is the inverse, as you turn it up the lower midrange is accentuated while the highs are rolled off. Also, it can be run at 2.67 ohms, allowing you to use 3 8-ohm cabs or an 8-ohm and a 4-ohm cab together (like a 2x12 and a 1x12). I'm not as familiar with the GK head, but most or all of these features are fairly new to the market AFAIK in a lightweight format.
Hope that helps. If the GK works for you, that's great, they make a really nice amp at a great price point. Not slagging other gear. And Bergie cabs are some of the best on the market. But, Genzler is making some great stuff with innovative, and useful, features.
Two lines???
1. MBF800: goes deeper with the LF depressed, more grind, 4ohm, more compact.
2. Magellan 800: more versatile, clean channel is CLEAN, 2.67ohm, knobs feel better.
1. MBF800: goes deeper with the LF depressed, more grind, 4ohm, more compact.
2. Magellan 800: more versatile, clean channel is CLEAN, 2.67ohm, knobs feel better.
Another gig report with the Magellan 800. The lows are great on this cab with tons of weight behind the notes. Sits great in the mix and never gets too harsh. I'm pretty impressed at how cool it is to the touch even after being played for a couple hours.
Couldn't wait for the Genzler version to come out, so I grabbed a cover for my MG212T from Larry at LeCover. I ordered the thickest, most heavy duty offering available, and I'm *very* impressed with it. Plus, it arrived on my doorstep in less than a week.
Another gig report with the Magellan 800. The lows are great on this cab with tons of weight behind the notes. Sits great in the mix and never gets too harsh. I'm pretty impressed at how cool it is to the touch even after being played for a couple hours.
Nice rig, fenjazz!
I recognize that stage, the White Eagle. Were you in the PA or did your rig carry the room?
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Both amps have a headphone jack but the Magellan also has an aux in for an MP3 player or drum machine.
Well, I've had a Magellan 800 for a few weeks now. It is so versatile that I'm rethinking my pedalboard completely... there may be a massive pedal-purge coming. Last night I went bass > tuner > MG800 > 2 x Baer ML-112 / FOH thru DI out. Sound tech loved it, and even had me turn up!
I'm wondering at how many pedals were used to compensate for what I wasn't getting from the amp and simply to amuse me. With the switchable clean/drive and 2 contour settings, it gives me lots of easily accessed tone options. When I bought the amp I was only interested in a high quality, powerful, light Class D amp with a direct-to-amp effects return, that I could use to power my (pedalboard > Noble tube pre/DI) - that was also very clean and flat IF I chose to use it through the instrument input. When I spoke to Jeff, he said it was dead flat with the tone stack all at noon, running clean and contours all rolled off. I did a comparison and my ears couldn't tell the difference at rehearsal setup. SO, I started off doing that right away, then started to add a little 'sweetening' - playing with the contours, then juiced the bass just a bit. Last night I left the Noble at home (just to see) and, again, the sound tech loved it! I'm going to hang onto the Noble and my Cali 76 CB (and my tuner, of course), but I'm seeing less need for all the other 'stuff'... This amp is just THAT good!
I'm wondering at how many pedals were used to compensate for what I wasn't getting from the amp and simply to amuse me. With the switchable clean/drive and 2 contour settings, it gives me lots of easily accessed tone options. When I bought the amp I was only interested in a high quality, powerful, light Class D amp with a direct-to-amp effects return, that I could use to power my (pedalboard > Noble tube pre/DI) - that was also very clean and flat IF I chose to use it through the instrument input. When I spoke to Jeff, he said it was dead flat with the tone stack all at noon, running clean and contours all rolled off. I did a comparison and my ears couldn't tell the difference at rehearsal setup. SO, I started off doing that right away, then started to add a little 'sweetening' - playing with the contours, then juiced the bass just a bit. Last night I left the Noble at home (just to see) and, again, the sound tech loved it! I'm going to hang onto the Noble and my Cali 76 CB (and my tuner, of course), but I'm seeing less need for all the other 'stuff'... This amp is just THAT good!
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+1
I'm right there with you man. Sold off some stuff already; MXR M81 and Pork Loin went and my Tone Hammer and fdeck HPF are going. Diamond Comp is probably going too though I've found it's a bit more transparent if I run a buffer in front my (now only) 3 pedals (tuner, octave, comp).
That's impressive that you mention the Noble, I've not tried one but their demos sound awesome. I don't play my P bass much but I feel like I've been able to get some great tones thru the Magellan. It actually reminded me a little bit of those great balanced, punchy tones of Ian Allison in those Noble demos....minus his talent
...whatever, I'm happy!
+1
I'm right there with you man. Sold off some stuff already; MXR M81 and Pork Loin went and my Tone Hammer and fdeck HPF are going. Diamond Comp is probably going too though I've found it's a bit more transparent if I run a buffer in front my (now only) 3 pedals.
That's impressive that you mention the Noble, I've not tried one but their demos sound awesome. I don't play my P bass much but I feel like I've been able to get some great tones thru the Magellan. It actually reminded me a little bit of those great balanced, punchy tones of Ian Allison in those Noble demos....minus his talent
Yes, Ian is awesome! I still LOVE my Noble, and will continue to use it most of the time, but it is great to know that I can still get a great sound and clean DI feed with this head alone.
I have a gig with the Genzler rig tonight. I'm looking forward to playing it in anger. It'll be my Spector "P" into the MG800 through (2) 12-3 arrays. Tone report to follow.
Jeff Genzler
Commercial User
- Feb 9, 2007
- 1,820
- 11,894
- Disclosures
- Currently GENZLER AMPLIFICATION / Formerly GENZ BENZ
Thanks guys.
Hey Husky. ....go ahead and play angry. The gear can take it and a little bit of anger puts a nice edge to your tone.
Have fun.
Since SBT15B started this post, and, since he and I have the similar tonal goals, I pose this to you Magellan owners.
Historically, I have not been able to get the sonic slam that I can get with a lead sled with the older lightweight amps.
Assuming a good pre, I have not been able to duplicate the huge, firm, tightly controlled low end that is not compromised by a high and/or wide slope HPF.
Yes, I known this is standard fair for many amp builders in order to protect gear from those that can’t hear the speakers shouting the death march.
OTOH, there are many that know when the limit is starting to become audible and can back off the appropriate bass or volume control.
My list of small amps that could not match the low frequency extension of a pre/power rig include a TH500, a recently sold SM9.2, and to a lesser extent, a MB800.
Nine and three quarters has reported that he gets the same full low bass with the Magellan as he gets from pro pre/power rigs.
He also has a huge amount of speakers and amps to gang together.
I am interested in how a single Magellan might work with my GB NeoX 2x12.
It’s not that what I have been hearing is bad, but I have had a slightly better experience with the lead sled approach.
This also applies to the heft and weight of a note reported here, especially mid way up the “G” string.
Do you other guys hear this in a similar way?
Can this little amp really produce the low frequency extension, dynamics, clean tone, slam, and thickness that one can expect with a 1,000+ watt, pro, pre/power rig?
For that matter, has anyone been able to achieve this with any other small amp?
Calling TomB and any others with direct experience!
Historically, I have not been able to get the sonic slam that I can get with a lead sled with the older lightweight amps.
Assuming a good pre, I have not been able to duplicate the huge, firm, tightly controlled low end that is not compromised by a high and/or wide slope HPF.
Yes, I known this is standard fair for many amp builders in order to protect gear from those that can’t hear the speakers shouting the death march.
OTOH, there are many that know when the limit is starting to become audible and can back off the appropriate bass or volume control.
My list of small amps that could not match the low frequency extension of a pre/power rig include a TH500, a recently sold SM9.2, and to a lesser extent, a MB800.
Nine and three quarters has reported that he gets the same full low bass with the Magellan as he gets from pro pre/power rigs.
He also has a huge amount of speakers and amps to gang together.
I am interested in how a single Magellan might work with my GB NeoX 2x12.
It’s not that what I have been hearing is bad, but I have had a slightly better experience with the lead sled approach.
This also applies to the heft and weight of a note reported here, especially mid way up the “G” string.
Do you other guys hear this in a similar way?
Can this little amp really produce the low frequency extension, dynamics, clean tone, slam, and thickness that one can expect with a 1,000+ watt, pro, pre/power rig?
For that matter, has anyone been able to achieve this with any other small amp?
Calling TomB and any others with direct experience!
Good eye! I was plugged DI, but that was just for the monitors. The 800 had more than enough power into the 4ohm cab to carry the room.
Okay guys finally out of the dog house!
Jim C,
I can honestly say yes to all of your questions it will really produce the same weight low frequency extension, dynamics, clean tone, slam, and thickness that one can expect with a 1,000+ watt, pro, pre/power rig or good poweramp. I've had time to do some more A/Bing with my poweramp/pre and both Magellan 800's. When I did the testing it was with just 2 then 3 and max 4 cabs. Now I have what most would consider a top of the line 2400 watt 1U power amp the Lab Gruppen IPD2400 which is also is a class D amp. I just sold my Crest CA-9 but only after comparing the Lab Gruppen first to the CA-9 to see if it would compare without any compromises, so I know exactly what your talking about concerning weighted notes. The IPD2400 was the first class D power amp that I used that could match the CA-9 with no compromises. After I sold the CA-9 I bought another IPD so now I have 2 of them. The IPD2400 puts out 1200 watts X 2 at 4 ohms. I've never been one to sacrifice sound no matter how heavy or light the weight is. And if you read my first post when I first received my MG800 I just knew it would not compare because I've had quite a few "micro heads," and they could not even come remotely close to comparing to my lead sleds. Way to thin sounding! I've always loved a poweramp/pre for the very same reason you do. And will still probably always keep one rack but have found that I really don't need it. It's only out of habit that I'm doing so. Maybe with playing the MG800's a bit more I'll get rid of everything rack based. It's really hard to believe that the tone and sound is coming from such a small head and truthfully I'm sort of looking for a let down so I can say "I knew it," but ever time I play the MG it just gets better and better. The MG IMHO can not compare to the first generation class D stuff out there. I haven't tried anymore class D amps since the second generation has come so I personally don't know if anything else can compare to the MG. I will say that that when testing both setups, the poweramp was set to give me 75% of its power and with comparing using both sides of the power amp on the IPD (stereo) to both seperate MG800 (master at 3 o'lock, gain 1 o'clock) the Magellan's are louder but at this point it's a loudness that you'll never play at anyhow. The poweramp will probably get louder but has a lot more hissing coming through the cabs while the MG's are very close to silently. Overall, I was more impressed with the sound, weight, and girth of the notes played thru the MG's rather than the poweramp/pre setup. The tone is just absolutely fantastic in every way. And I don't feel like I'm giving up anything but rather gaining more by using the MG. I care nothing about the weight, I want tone! And at any cost that's what I'll have done my whole life playing bass even if it weighs 100 lbs. it's just an added benefit that it happens to weigh 6 lbs. I'm truly impressed!
I had the opportunity to play through an MG800 and a Bass Array 12/3 cab today and directly compare it to one of my beloved AudioKinesis TC112V2 cabs.
All I can say is...Well done Mr. Genzler.
The MG800 sounds superb and WOW does that 12/3 cab project midrange! Super smooth and articulate midrange to boot. It is clearly a more efficient cab than my TC but they are both different flavors of awesome with different tone and performance goals.
The MG800 is on my short list to replace my former Tecamp Puma 900. It's hard to put into words but the MG800 just sounds great, no matter how you EQ it, what contours you use or if you use the Clean or Drive section. I simply couldn't get a bad tone out of it. I tried it with the 12/3 cab, the Magellan 112, the Magellan 212 and my TC. It sounded great with all of them but paired the the 12/3...pretty freakin' awesome.
All I can say is...Well done Mr. Genzler.
The MG800 sounds superb and WOW does that 12/3 cab project midrange! Super smooth and articulate midrange to boot. It is clearly a more efficient cab than my TC but they are both different flavors of awesome with different tone and performance goals.
The MG800 is on my short list to replace my former Tecamp Puma 900. It's hard to put into words but the MG800 just sounds great, no matter how you EQ it, what contours you use or if you use the Clean or Drive section. I simply couldn't get a bad tone out of it. I tried it with the 12/3 cab, the Magellan 112, the Magellan 212 and my TC. It sounded great with all of them but paired the the 12/3...pretty freakin' awesome.
Okay guys finally out of the dog house!
Jim C,
I can honestly say yes to all of your questions it will really produce the same weight low frequency extension, dynamics, clean tone, slam, and thickness that one can expect with a 1,000+ watt, pro, pre/power rig or good poweramp. I've had time to do some more A/Bing with my poweramp/pre and both Magellan 800's. When I did the testing it was with just 2 then 3 and max 4 cabs. Now I have what most would consider a top of the line 2400 watt 1U power amp the Lab Gruppen IPD2400 which is also is a class D amp. I just sold my Crest CA-9 but only after comparing the Lab Gruppen first to the CA-9 to see if it would compare without any compromises, so I know exactly what your talking about concerning weighted notes. The IPD2400 was the first class D power amp that I used that could match the CA-9 with no compromises. After I sold the CA-9 I bought another IPD so now I have 2 of them. The IPD2400 puts out 1200 watts X 2 at 4 ohms. I've never been one to sacrifice sound no matter how heavy or light the weight is. And if you read my first post when I first received my MG800 I just knew it would not compare because I've had quite a few "micro heads," and they could not even come remotely close to comparing to my lead sleds. Way to thin sounding! I've always loved a poweramp/pre for the very same reason you do. And will still probably always keep one rack but have found that I really don't need it. It's only out of habit that I'm doing so. Maybe with playing the MG800's a bit more I'll get rid of everything rack based. It's really hard to believe that the tone and sound is coming from such a small head and truthfully I'm sort of looking for a let down so I can say "I knew it," but ever time I play the MG it just gets better and better. The MG IMHO can not compare to the first generation class D stuff out there. I haven't tried anymore class D amps since the second generation has come so I personally don't know if anything else can compare to the MG. I will say that that when testing both setups, the poweramp was set to give me 75% of its power and with comparing using both sides of the power amp on the IPD (stereo) to both seperate MG800 (master at 3 o'lock, gain 1 o'clock) the Magellan's are louder but at this point it's a loudness that you'll never play at anyhow. The poweramp will probably get louder but has a lot more hissing coming through the cabs while the MG's are very close to silently. Overall, I was more impressed with the sound, weight, and girth of the notes played thru the MG's rather than the poweramp/pre setup. The tone is just absolutely fantastic in every way. And I don't feel like I'm giving up anything but rather gaining more by using the MG. I care nothing about the weight, I want tone! And at any cost that's what I'll have done my whole life playing bass even if it weighs 100 lbs. it's just an added benefit that it happens to weigh 6 lbs. I'm truly impressed!
Really impressive report and thanks for all the information.
You sure you’re not on the Genzler payroll?
Are you kidding, the guy should be a stockholder!Really impressive report and thanks for all the information.
You sure you’re not on the Genzler payroll?
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