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GK Combo Shootout...MB210 vs. MB212

#241
tallboybass said:
Hey Butch, I didn't try your setting this weekend....of course I'm gigging with the MB212 these days so it would be different.

I noticed another bump in lows this weekend! I swear it's still breaking-in so the settings are changing:

Bass - 11:15
Low Mids - 12:30
High Mids - 12:30
Highs - 12:00

Gain & Boost - 12:00
Contour & Tweeter - Off
Limiter - On
Master Volume - 9:30!!!

It may be time to A/B the MB212 against the MB210+115 again. I think the MB212 is catching up!! :eek:
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My settings at most gigs are almost identical with the exception of the master being around noon and I have my tweeter on, limiter off and my boost at 9 o'clock.
 
#242
Quadzilla said:
My setting at most gigs are almost identical with the exception of the master being around noon and I have my tweeter on, limiter off and my boost at 9 o'clock.
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That's really interesting... you're just about the first person I've heard that actually uses the tweeter with the amp. How can you manage to get a decent sound out of your tweeter? It's just about the worst horn I've ever heard in a cab (though it doesn't bother me at all because I still love my amp w/o the tweeter on).

Also, why do you keep your limiter off? Isn't it a safety measure to make sure you don't blow your speakers or your amp? From what I've read, there's no downside to keeping the limiter on.
 
#243
GroovinOnFunk said:
That's really interesting... you're just about the first person I've heard that actually uses the tweeter with the amp. How can you manage to get a decent sound out of your tweeter? It's just about the worst horn I've ever heard in a cab (though it doesn't bother me at all because I still love my amp w/o the tweeter on).

Also, why do you keep your limiter off? Isn't it a safety measure to make sure you don't blow your speakers or your amp? From what I've read, there's no downside to keeping the limiter on.
Click to expand...

The name "limiter" should tell you something? If your technique is not the best yet, then by all means us the limiter. :bassist:
 
#244
GroovinOnFunk said:
Isn't it a safety measure to make sure you don't blow your speakers or your amp? From what I've read, there's no downside to keeping the limiter on.
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True. It doesn't do anything except keep you from blowing stuff up if you push it too hard. The only reason I could see turning it off is if you are needing more volume than it will allow and you don't mind risking your equipment to do it.
 
#246
I don't post here often, but I came here hoping to find some honest thoughts about the sound, quality & reliability of the GK MB212.
Tallboybass, I have thoroughly enjoyed this thread, thanks!
I have occasional reoccurring problems with my feet that will not allow me to carry a heavy amp if I should have a gig and one of my feet is ailing. Having an amp that sound great that even my petite wife can handle if need be, is very appealing.
I have a GK MB200 that I bought new about 20 years ago. It is one of the sweetest sounding bass amps I've ever played through. I'd love to have that exact tone in a bigger amp. I know that Mr. Gallien sometimes posts here in GK threads. I'd love to read his thoughts on the comparison of the tone between the two amps.
At first while reading this thread I was a bit disappointed to see that there is no extension cab output, but if this amp can hold it's own in a blues-rock band with two semi loud guitarists and a drummer that has a John Bonham-like style, then it really doesn't matter.
 
#247
Rickenbrother said:
I don't post here often, but I came here hoping to find some honest thoughts about the sound, quality & reliability of the GK MB212.
Tallboybass, I have thoroughly enjoyed this thread, thanks!
I have occasional reoccurring problems with my feet that will not allow me to carry a heavy amp if I should have a gig and one of my feet is ailing. Having an amp that sound great that even my petite wife can handle if need be, is very appealing.
I have a GK MB200 that I bought new about 20 years ago. It is one of the sweetest sounding bass amps I've ever played through. I'd love to have that exact tone in a bigger amp. I know that Mr. Gallien sometimes posts here in GK threads. I'd love to read his thoughts on the comparison of the tone between the two amps.
At first while reading this thread I was a bit disappointed to see that there is no extension cab output, but if this amp can hold it's own in a blues-rock band with two semi loud guitarists and a drummer that has a John Bonham-like style, then it really doesn't matter.
Click to expand...
Hey there Rickenbrother, glad you've enjoyed the thread!

I can't compare the MB212 to your 200MB, but I can use my (iffy) memory to compare it to the MB150E-112. IMO, the little MB150 sounded very 'boxy' when played solo but came through with pretty much what you needed in a mix to cut through. The MB212 is like a MUCH expanded, MUCH louder version of that. It's more mid-oriented than its brother the MB210, which, in a mix, is a good thing, but it has plenty of lows and highs to fill out the sound.

Hopefully Mr.Gallien will come by here and help us out.
 
#250
I've had no experience with the MB150E-112, but I do love the MB200. Sometimes I'll turn off the internal speaker and run the head through a SWR Goliath Jr II cab. That sounds nice also at a low to moderate volume level. The MB200 doesn't have the power to drive the Goliath Jr II at a high volume.

Tallboybass, in your experience with the MB212, do you think it has enough output to cut loud and clear through the mix of my type of band?

Thanks for your input!
 
#251
Rickenbrother said:
I've had no experience with the MB150E-112, but I do love the MB200. Sometimes I'll turn off the internal speaker and run the head through a SWR Goliath Jr II cab. That sounds nice also at a low to moderate volume level. The MB200 doesn't have the power to drive the Goliath Jr II at a high volume.

Tallboybass, in your experience with the MB212, do you think it has enough output to cut loud and clear through the mix of my type of band?

Thanks for your input!
Click to expand...

i would definitely recommend you consider the MB210. then you can add an extension if you need more power.

i couldn't be happier with mine.
 
#252
Rickenbrother said:
I've had no experience with the MB150E-112, but I do love the MB200. Sometimes I'll turn off the internal speaker and run the head through a SWR Goliath Jr II cab. That sounds nice also at a low to moderate volume level. The MB200 doesn't have the power to drive the Goliath Jr II at a high volume.

Tallboybass, in your experience with the MB212, do you think it has enough output to cut loud and clear through the mix of my type of band?

Thanks for your input!
Click to expand...
Hey RB, there's really no way to know that one. I'd say it has a good chance at doing that, but volume is something that is hard to estimate. GOF is right, the MB210 extends farther into the high-volume zone with the right extension cab. In my estimation, you'd be happier with the tone of the MB212 however, it is closer to the tonal profile of the little aluminum boxes (more mids).
 
#253
OK, it's time for a bit of an update. I had to make a decision on whether to sell my beloved Bergantino AE410 or not. So I had to see if I had the 'loud gig' scenario covered or not. This led to an A/B/C test of the MB210+115, MB212, and rack rig (GK2001RBP+900 wattQSC-PLX1804) through the AE410. Guess which was louder? You're right!

However, the MB212 has closed the gap between it, and the MB210+115 rig. It has broken-in even more since the last test and is nearly as loud as the 210 stacked on the Trace-Elliot 115 cab. The lows are still 'tighter' on the MB212 (which I like) comparatively speaking, and it 'feels' like it would do a loud gig just fine. The 210-115 stack definitely has more lows which have to be dialed back to sound balanced to me.

Removing the 115 from the MB210 after getting used to the high volume levels makes you wonder where it went. On its own, the MB210 sounds kind of mid-shy after hearing these roaring rigs duking it out. Still, astounding for the weight and size!

What happened with the AE410? It sounds beautiful, much more even than the little combos, loud, defined, musical, and I'm selling it. :bawl:
 
#254
tallboybass said:
I think the quick answer is....one exists and the other doesn't. :hiding:

The 212 NEOII is built heavier, stronger, and is bigger. The 212MBE is the same size as the MB212 combo, so it's smaller and lighter.

Bob? A little help here?
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You're doing fine! Also the 212MBE doe not have the horn management system. The MBE is intended to be very light to be compatable with the very light MB series heads and combos.
Bob
 
#256
Guys, thanks for the replies. I have heard the MB210 at a local music store and I thought it did sound very nice. I'm sure with an extension can hooked up it would more move air than the MB212 on it's own however, if in the case I have an ailing foot, I'd prefer to have the one piece (possibly the MB212) that's super easy to move and best cut through the mix of of the band. If I'm feeling 100%, I can just take my current rig.
I like alot of lows, but clear and well defined. I got spoiled from many years of playing Rickenbacker bass guitars though a SWR SM400 into a Goliath II 4x10 and Goliath Jr. II 2x10.
 

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