GK Combo Shootout...MB210 vs. MB212

[GroovinOnFunk]

YaY!!! It's so easy to get caught up in other people's stuff here on TB. It works for YOU and that's all that matters!

Also, I was thinking about your wanting to add a 410 to the MB210. Actually, the 410 could be easier on the internal 2-10s than a 210 cab. My reasoning? The internal 210s will only see a max of 250 watts no matter what cab you hook up. However, if that cab happens to be more efficient (i.e. more speaker cone area) you won't have to turn up as much to obtain a given volume, thus the internal speakers aren't pushed as hard.

Thank you, thank you very much.

I actually got to try the MB212 this morning. I see what you mean tallbassboy about it being a little tighter on the low end. and certainly louder (though i didn't find it to be a HUGE difference)

and all my worries are now over. the MB212 sounds friggin amazing, don't get me wrong. but even if i had the extra money, i think i still would've gone with the MB210 just for my purposes. just has a little more punch i think.

now i'm actually seriously thinkin i might just get the 210MBE when it comes out and call it a set-up.

I have a question though. I'm definitely going to want to stack mine vertically (i love having a speaker at ear level) but i'm afraid it's not going to be sturdy enough and that the rumbling might cause the top amp to fall off or something.

I've seen pics of them stacked horizontally (on top of each other side-ways) but non of them stacked vertically. Has anybody tried playing with them stacked vertically? Maybe A-Bomb who has 2 MB210s or Tallbassboy, have you tried stacking your MB210 on top of your MB212 and playing out of both of them or maybe even the MB210 ontop of the MB115? I'm sure once the MBE cabs come out there will be instances of this stacking. I just really feel like whatever you put on top is likely to just fall off if you stack them vertically

 

[tallboybass]

Well, I'll trot out the same pics as usual from the "laboratory". Never had a problem with'em moving around. (except for the MB210 on a slick floor) Don't forget, they have interlocking corners.

 

[philter25]

^I completely agree with you about the slight subtle differences in sound. I posted the same thing many pages back.

now i'm actually seriously thinkin i might just get the 210MBE when it comes out and call it a set-up.

Good call. That was my plan when I first got it, but Im teetering between the 210 or 115.

I have a question though. I'm definitely going to want to stack mine vertically (i love having a speaker at ear level) but i'm afraid it's not going to be sturdy enough and that the rumbling might cause the top amp to fall off or something.

I've seen pics of them stacked horizontally (on top of each other side-ways) but non of them stacked vertically. Has anybody tried playing with them stacked vertically? Maybe A-Bomb who has 2 MB210s or Tallbassboy, have you tried stacking your MB210 on top of your MB212 and playing out of both of them or maybe even the MB210 ontop of the MB115? I'm sure once the MBE cabs come out there will be instances of this stacking. I just really feel like whatever you put on top is likely to just fall off if you stack them vertically

I would only worry about them falling if someone bumped into them. Maybe one of the very very VERY few cons of a lightweight cab. If you are afraid of them falling over, you could always go to home depot or lowes and pick up an adjustable strap tie-down and strap them together.

Something like this:

http://www.amazon.com/Grizzly-G8998-Tie-Down-Straps-Sets/dp/B0000DCZLH

 

[tallboybass]

I actually got to try the MB212 this morning. I see what you mean tallbassboy about it being a little tighter on the low end. and certainly louder (though i didn't find it to be a HUGE difference)

and all my worries are now over. the MB212 sounds friggin amazing, don't get me wrong. but even if i had the extra money, i think i still would've gone with the MB210 just for my purposes. just has a little more punch i think.

COOL!! I surely didn't start this thread to make MB210 owners question their choices! With a 210MBE, you'll have a killer, versatile rig for sure. Bob? A little help here?

One thing you should know about the MB212, it takes a looooong time to break in and develops MUCH more low end and volume as it does. Like I said before, the differences are pretty subtle. It's as much a question of form factor as anything else, I think.

 

[Adam Bomb]

Actually, the 410 could be easier on the internal 2-10s than a 210 cab. My reasoning? The internal 210s will only see a max of 250 watts no matter what cab you hook up. However, if that cab happens to be more efficient (i.e. more speaker cone area) you won't have to turn up as much to obtain a given volume, thus the internal speakers aren't pushed as hard.

Thank you, thank you very much.

I like it.

I'm definitely going to want to stack mine vertically (i love having a speaker at ear level) but i'm afraid it's not going to be sturdy enough and that the rumbling might cause the top amp to fall off or something.

I've seen pics of them stacked horizontally (on top of each other side-ways) but non of them stacked vertically. Has anybody tried playing with them stacked vertically? Maybe A-Bomb who has 2 MB210s or Tallbassboy, have you tried stacking your MB210 on top of your MB212 and playing out of both of them or maybe even the MB210 ontop of the MB115? I'm sure once the MBE cabs come out there will be instances of this stacking. I just really feel like whatever you put on top is likely to just fall off if you stack them vertically

I too wonder about the top box, light as it is, just walking off the bottom box. But Tallboy is right - the feet do interlock in a design that seems to have anticipated this. Maybe RAG can weigh in ...

I have never played with them stacked vertically. It can be done, though you need a right-angle cable, of course, going into the input.

Besides my stack toppling in the middle of the gig and making me look like a n00b, my other concern would be the greatly reduced access to the knobs of the bottom amp. Of course, if you only had a cab down there I would think that would be moot.

--Bomb

 

[GroovinOnFunk]

I like it.





I too wonder about the top box, light as it is, just walking off the bottom box. But Tallboy is right - the feet do interlock in a design that seems to have anticipated this. Maybe RAG can weigh in ...

I have never played with them stacked vertically. It can be done, though you need a right-angle cable, of course, going into the input.

Besides my stack toppling in the middle of the gig and making me look like a n00b, my other concern would be the greatly reduced access to the knobs of the bottom amp. Of course, if you only had a cab down there I would think that would be moot.

--Bomb

in my situation the bottom one would only be a cab. Either the 210MBE, 212MBE or 410MBX (though i'm probably not as likely to get the 410... not ruling anything out yet)

so i wouldn't need access to any buttons on the bottom one.

thanks for your input guys. looks like stacking vertically wouldn't really be an issue

 

[GRAHAM SG1]

Those stacks look very good, cant wait to get a 210 MBE when they come to the UK in July .

 

[tallboybass]

I have never played with them stacked vertically. It can be done, though you need a right-angle cable, of course, going into the input.

Thanks Adam, I forgot to mention the need for a right-angle plug on a combo stack.

in my situation the bottom one would only be a cab. Either the 210MBE, 212MBE or 410MBX...

...and only ONE of those is an option at the moment.

I'm really interested in the 410MBE. Pretty sure they won't hit the estimated 41 lb. mark, but even at 50 lbs. that's a light 410!!

 

[ClassicJazz]

Well just ordered a MB212 Should have it on Monday!

I am amazed that this combo amp weighs less then my current amp rack which has a Carvin B1500 (heavy sucker) and a Korg tuner.

The true test is when I plug my Sadowsky into it on Monday. But from what I have been reading I should not be disappointed (I hope)!

The only issue that erks me about this combo is why could they have not provided a tuner out and/or a mute button. Two simple and value added features.

 

[tallboybass]

Well just ordered a MB212 Should have it on Monday!

I am amazed that this combo amp weighs less then my current amp rack which has a Carvin B1500 (heavy sucker) and a Korg tuner.

The true test is when I plug my Sadowsky into it on Monday. But from what I have been reading I should not be disappointed (I hope)!

The only issue that erks me about this combo is why could they have not provided a tuner out and/or a mute button. Two simple and value added features.

Congrats! Let us know what you think...but please realize it will get louder and have more lows as it breaks in.

My 'work-around' for the tuner/mute situation....my little Korg tuner is velcroed on the top of the amp with a 1' cord plugged into it. When I want to tune, I plug the other end of the cord into the headphone jack. This mutes the output and sends the signal to the tuner. When you're done, pull the plug out of the headphone jack...you're ready to rock! (there IS a wee bit of a 'pop' when you pull the plug) Not really 'elegant' but gets the job done.

Is your Sadowsky a 5-string Jazz? It feels like this amp was MADE for my Lakland Joe Osborn 5er!

 

[rag]

Congrats! Let us know what you think...but please realize it will get louder and have more lows as it breaks in.

My 'work-around' for the tuner/mute situation....my little Korg tuner is velcroed on the top of the amp with a 1' cord plugged into it. When I want to tune, I plug the other end of the cord into the headphone jack. This mutes the output and sends the signal to the tuner. When you're done, pull the plug out of the headphone jack...you're ready to rock! (there IS a wee bit of a 'pop' when you pull the plug) Not really 'elegant' but gets the job done.

Is your Sadowsky a 5-string Jazz? It feels like this amp was MADE for my Lakland Joe Osborn 5er!

Very good tip, hadn't thought of that one. The MB combos do not have a lot of bells and whistles, just raw performance and light weight, at a great price.
Bob

 

[ClassicJazz]

Congrats! Let us know what you think...but please realize it will get louder and have more lows as it breaks in.

My 'work-around' for the tuner/mute situation....my little Korg tuner is velcroed on the top of the amp with a 1' cord plugged into it. When I want to tune, I plug the other end of the cord into the headphone jack. This mutes the output and sends the signal to the tuner. When you're done, pull the plug out of the headphone jack...you're ready to rock! (there IS a wee bit of a 'pop' when you pull the plug) Not really 'elegant' but gets the job done.

Is your Sadowsky a 5-string Jazz? It feels like this amp was MADE for my Lakland Joe Osborn 5er!

Good tip....

Both of my Sadowsky's are 4-bangers, I have a 1988 NYC Standard 4 and NYC Fretless that was just built for me.

 

[tallboybass]

The MB combos do not have a lot of bells and whistles, just raw performance and light weight, at a great price.
Bob

True. Personally, I don't need all the extra stuff....especially when you consider how it would effect the price. Just don't know of anything else that hits this price/power/weight ratio.

 

[jmain]

I'm seriously considering a MB212. I have an early S2 Epifani UL-410 that hasn't come outta the cover in almost a year. I have a first generation Epifani PS-112 (UL grill and tweeter) and LMII that I use for a little practice around the house.

The church gigs are all IEMs and haven't been doing anything else lately.

Thinking the MB212 is small enough for a practice rig, light enough to bring wherever, but loud enough to bring it.

Space is tight here in metro DC but don't like to not have what I need.

Will the MB212 work well for a small practice amp or big-ish rig?

 

[c3powil]

Hey guys, I was really exited for these combos a couple of months ago. I took a trip to GC and all they had was the 2x10 combo. I played it for maby 2 minutes and didnt like the tone at all, but reading this thread I think I might take my chances buying the 2x12 combo and adding my avatar 2x10 cab for more volume.
Is this a bad idea? I dont know how a 2x12 and 2x10 would act paired together.

Also, if I still dont like the tone, do you think a sansamp would get me what I want?

 

[GroovinOnFunk]

Hey guys, I was really exited for these combos a couple of months ago. I took a trip to GC and all they had was the 2x10 combo. I played it for maby 2 minutes and didnt like the tone at all, but reading this thread I think I might take my chances buying the 2x12 combo and adding my avatar 2x10 cab for more volume.
Is this a bad idea? I dont know how a 2x12 and 2x10 would act paired together.

Also, if I still dont like the tone, do you think a sansamp would get me what I want?

ONLY THE MB210 CAN POWER AN EXTENSION CAB.

You can't pair the 2x12 combo with your avatar 2x10 cab (regardless of what GC says on their website.) If you actually look back through this thread you'll see many many many posts about this including Mr. Gallien himself clarifying it.

the MB115 and MB212 cannot be used with extension cabs.
the MB210 can be used with any 8ohm, 300 watt or better handling cab.

keep in mind that the tone on these things changes quite a bit as you break it in and play it when you first get it. most importantly though, do lots and lots of research before buying it so that you are well informed (to avoid, for example, buying the MB212 thinking that it can power an extension cab... which it cannot)

 

[origami]

I'm very interested in trying the MB212 in person too. I've only seen the 2x10 and 1x15 here in Dallas.

I played the older neo 2x12 cab and it was definately excellent! Liked it so much, I bought two of them to power with my 800rb. I only sold them recently because I got a deal on some cheap US Ampeg cabs (but I miss my GK cabs).

I've tried the MB210 and did not like the tone as much as the MB115 combo. I don't know why, but the 1x15 combo just sounded better. In fact the 1x15 just sounded great.

Only 3 drawbacks (maybe 4) that I see on just selling all my stuff and buying the MB212 tomorrow.

1. no external speaker output (like on the mb210) I really need this feature (I play some bigger shows that may need an extra cab).

2. the DI is pre EQ only not post (this currently a deal breaker for me) I like to run post EQ.

3. cosmeticly, don't like the shiny metal grills, prefer cloth grills (but that's just me)

4. can you pop in casters or not?

I still may go the route of a mb500 head and 2 smaller cabs (maybe neo 1x12).
That way I can have a small lightweight head that can be used post EQ. For backlined shows, public transportation or fly dates, etc. I just take the head.

If I have to have stage volume bring one or two of the smaller cabs depending on the need.
There were not a lot of venues that even one of my neo 2x12 cab couldn't handle stage volume-wise.

*note to GK.. I'd love to see the tube pre/extra power of the mb500 fusion with all the awesome EQ and DI features of the MB150 head w/o the chorus! I'd be first in line to buy it! I'm sad the head version of the microbass mb150E is discontinued because with a bit more power, it'd be so so so right up my alley.

I love my 800rb, but racked up it is getting a little heavy. Still the best sounding GK head IMHO

 

[c3powil]

ONLY THE MB210 CAN POWER AN EXTENSION CAB.

the MB115 and MB212 cannot be used with extension cabs.
the MB210 can be used with any 8ohm, 300 watt or better handling cab.

Ok, thanks. Tonewise I want a very punchy and warm sound. After breaking it in, Do you think the 2x10 with a 2x10 extention or the 2x12 would be for me?

 

[GroovinOnFunk]

ONLY THE MB210 CAN POWER AN EXTENSION CAB.

the MB115 and MB212 cannot be used with extension cabs.
the MB210 can be used with any 8ohm, 300 watt or better handling cab.

QUOTE]

Ok, thanks. Tonewise I want a very punchy and warm sound. After breaking it in, Do you think the 2x10 with a 2x10 extention or the 2x12 would be for me?

the MB210 has punch in spades!

i love it. there are many here that will tell you the mb212 has a better sound... and that's probably true but (though you may not even notice it... and if punch is really what you're looking for...) the MB210 is awesome. i love it! and 2 210s = 410 will be awesome for you.

the question is: do you need that much volume?

if you don't need that much volume, go with the mb212 for the sound probably.

the mb210 is awesome though. i've hooked it up to a 410 also for a 610 total setup. felt like a punch to the face with every note out of my musicman bass

 

[mello_bedwetter]

So is the MBE 210 extension cabinet still due to come out on the 30th or has it pushed back again? I ordered it...just waiting now.