This is my micro, it delivers...to say the least.
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Gig-worthy Micro Combos
- Thread starter Doublesixes
- Start date
I gig with two acoustic guitarists who go through the PA and the monitors.
One guitarist also uses a Woodskin cajon (cajon with kick and snare pedals) which is mic-ed up with a kick drum mic inside and a 58 outside for the snare sound.
We've played venues that hold 200++ people making noise.
My Peavey Max 115 is simply used as a stage monitor and DI-ed to the PA. I have only once gone higher than 3 on the gain and volume and that was outdoors at a festival.
The FOH sounds great and the stage sound is fantastic.
I am currently looking for a good quality smaller amp for most gigs and rehearsals.
So yes, a micro combo can be enough depending on your situation.
I could redo your list.....
You only need a big rig if.....
1) Your drummer has no understanding of dynamics
2) Your guitarists think they need to turn up to 11 "to get their tone...man"
3) You only use a crappy FOH that can't handle any DI-ed bass
4) You think your stage sounds needs to be louder than the FOH
5) You need a big rig on stage because you think it makes you look like a rock god.
I think #3 applies to an awful lot of people. I do a LOT of gigs where there is no FOH for bass, and I know there are a lot more besides me. That said, even then, you don't necessarily need a "big rig" you need a "big sounding" rig. That's where a good quality rig like a Barefaced Big Baby 2, perhaps with a Super Midget on it, comes in handy.
Another vote here for Markbass CMD121P. With 350w, it definitely holds its own and is easy to move around. I made a little wheeled "dolly" for it to sit on. I also have a NY121 to complement it when I need more power (as the amp will do 500w then).
I have both a Micromark 801 (50w) and a Minimark (150w) and I have to say I use the Minimark more. I like the sound a little better (has tweeter) and obviously more power.
You could probably fit the Micromark in an airline bin. But that isn't a lot of power.
Other ones might be the Phil Jones Cub (though I haven't tried it, I've been tempted).
I have both a Micromark 801 (50w) and a Minimark (150w) and I have to say I use the Minimark more. I like the sound a little better (has tweeter) and obviously more power.
You could probably fit the Micromark in an airline bin. But that isn't a lot of power.
Other ones might be the Phil Jones Cub (though I haven't tried it, I've been tempted).
I bought an Aguilar TH500 and (so far) one SL112 cab - love it. I also loaned it to a friend to use in a small club and it sounded great, very full and loud, and easy to carry
I regularly play restaurants and small jazz clubs in NYC and gig the micro mark by makbass. It's 1x8 ,50 watts and is loud. I use it with a sadowsky pedal for my passive jazzes and it can handle a jazz drummer easily as well as an aggressive brass player and jazz guitarist.
In A city where you carry your own gear on the subway, bus or perhaps a cab, it's a lifesaver.
For big band gigs it's a little mark II and a 1x12 mark bass set at perhaps a 3-4 volume setting . This is the equivalent of the cmd 121p combo. It weighs 29 lbs and is 500 watts at 4 ohms.
In A city where you carry your own gear on the subway, bus or perhaps a cab, it's a lifesaver.
For big band gigs it's a little mark II and a 1x12 mark bass set at perhaps a 3-4 volume setting . This is the equivalent of the cmd 121p combo. It weighs 29 lbs and is 500 watts at 4 ohms.
The TC BG250 combos are pretty solid. I sold mine because I wasn't playing enough small gigs to justify keeping it, but it sounded great!
But the markbass 1x12 combo is the best micro combo of all time, IMO. If that falls within your budget, I would even consider anything else.
I like my Markbass CMD121 combo as well, but I couldn't see schlepping it one-handed down several city blocks - let alone trying to maneuver it through subway stations & bus stops.
I think one of those classic GK MB 1x12 combos with its thinner profile, lighter metal chassis, & shoulder strap / gig bag would be a good affordable choice for a city dweller on the go.
I think one of those classic GK MB 1x12 combos with its thinner profile, lighter metal chassis, & shoulder strap / gig bag would be a good affordable choice for a city dweller on the go.
Some nice looking set ups and I'm sure they sound great but I don't think they are what the OP has in mind as a micro. I don't think any of them would make it into to airline cabin unless you were only taking the head.
There are a few approaches you can take to this. One is, "What's the smallest rig I can get that will do X?" Another is, "What's the most potent rig I can get in the overhead bin?" I'm not really clear on what you want to do.
If you're looking for something you can put in the overhead compartment of a plane, depth of the cab will be the biggest restriction -- a quick glance shows that many airlines don't allow anything over 9" deep.
Mike Arnopol makes a 1x6 (MAS 16) that goes about as loud as a good 1x10. I've heard it and it's very clear sounding. Cab measures 16" x 8 1/4" x 14", weighs 13 pounds, and is available in powered and unpowered versions. The powered version and something like an Empress ParaEQ+boost (or other small preamp of your choice) would give you a svelte traveling rig (double check on the voltage switching, though, for cab and pedal-power, too). You could also run the unpowered version off a tiny micro. Note: I don't know if the dimensions given apply to the powered version of the cab, too. Studio Slips or someone could make you a custom bag.
There are the aforementioned tiny combos -- Markbass, Phil Jones, etc. Again, doublecheck dimensions with the airline(s).
I still don't have a good idea of your volume requirements (though if you're asking about tiny combos, I assume they're not excessive) but, especially if you want to fly and gig, I'd make sure that whatever you get has a decent D.I. out.
If flying with it on the plane isn't a big deal, you have more options.
If you're looking for something you can put in the overhead compartment of a plane, depth of the cab will be the biggest restriction -- a quick glance shows that many airlines don't allow anything over 9" deep.
Mike Arnopol makes a 1x6 (MAS 16) that goes about as loud as a good 1x10. I've heard it and it's very clear sounding. Cab measures 16" x 8 1/4" x 14", weighs 13 pounds, and is available in powered and unpowered versions. The powered version and something like an Empress ParaEQ+boost (or other small preamp of your choice) would give you a svelte traveling rig (double check on the voltage switching, though, for cab and pedal-power, too). You could also run the unpowered version off a tiny micro. Note: I don't know if the dimensions given apply to the powered version of the cab, too. Studio Slips or someone could make you a custom bag.
There are the aforementioned tiny combos -- Markbass, Phil Jones, etc. Again, doublecheck dimensions with the airline(s).
I still don't have a good idea of your volume requirements (though if you're asking about tiny combos, I assume they're not excessive) but, especially if you want to fly and gig, I'd make sure that whatever you get has a decent D.I. out.
If flying with it on the plane isn't a big deal, you have more options.
All together... I think it was about $600 new with an extention cab.
That being said.. I played a large indoor gig (3000 people).... only time I used the extention cabinet.... they cut me out of the mains and had the amp do the work.. was still told to turn down against a 7 piece pop/rock act.
When feather weight amps are so light and compact, I'm still debating on the smaller lunch box sized ones.. I've not found one that worked in realityh
I wanted to recommend the 121P too, but it is too big for taking it with you on a plane, for jazz-gigs the Micromark should be loud enough:
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That was going to be my suggestion. Those have been around for many years and they're still in the G-K lineup because they work so well in these situations. The thin profile should allow it to fit in an overhead compartment too:
MicroBass Combos
The OP mentions he wants to carry this micro combo on airplanes, as he does his bass. If the normal airline rules are enforced, that means one of these things goes in the overhead compartment and the other has to go under the seat in front, right? Since it seems pretty certain it's the amp that has to fit under the seat, that might restrict the size even more.
I like the Carvin combos a lot. Taking it on a plane probably won't do. I'm not sure because I hardly ever fly and don't know the rules. I can't wait until someone comes up with a folding speaker you can put in your back pocket and an amp head that will do the same. Or an amp that has the output of an svt yet will fold up into a suitcase like George Jetsons flying car.
If you have a resident gig or two and always have PA support, a micro will work fine. I regularly used an ancient SWR Workingpro 12 for even the largest outdoor venues so long as it ran out to the FOH. Same reason I will be acquiring the Carvin MB15 to replace it
I love my MB115 I do highly suggest the matching cab. If for no other reason that the fact that it looks louder.
