GK Combo Shootout...MB210 vs. MB212

[GaryLC]

Here's what may be a stupid question....but I haven't read all the tech details of the amp yet, only that you can't add another cab to it. Is the cab "hardwired" to the head, or can they be used independent of each other? I've been using a Carvin B800/B1500 with an Epi UL310 cab and an Avatar Neo212 cab, but this combo sounds sweet. Could I use the 212 cab as an extension to the B1500 & ULl310 for large volume gigs, and the MB212 combo for everything else? I'd get rid of the B800 & the Avatar cab!

 

[B-string]

Not sure of your question? The MB212 will not drive an extention cab, but I suspect you could use the line in to accept the effects out from the Carvin and have a 500 watt 212 slave amp.

 

[GaryLC]

Yes, that makes sense. What I was wondering was if the speaker cable for the 2-12's came "out" of the box and plugged into a speaker output of the GK amp. A lot of older combos are set up that way, so that you can unplug the combo's speaker, and use a different speaker cab. That way I could use the MB212 just as a 2-12 cabinet, bypassing the head if I wanted, and I could take full advantage of the Carvin B1500 for bigger gigs (enambling me to get rid of my existing 2-12 cabinet).
But your suggestion makes better sense anyway.

 

[tallboybass]

Gary, it doesn't have that possibility....it's hardwired.

Now I was thinking about this very thing. It would be easy for an electronics tech to put in a speaker jack and a switch to let you use it as a cab only.

This would make it easy to bring a microamp to use as a backup, should the onboard amp go out. So far, there has been no need for this though!

 

[GaryLC]

Gary, it doesn't have that possibility....it's hardwired.

Now I was thinking about this very thing. It would be easy for an electronics tech to put in a speaker jack and a switch to let you use it as a cab only.

This would make it easy to bring a microamp to use as a backup, should the onboard amp go out. So far, there has been no need for this though!

Tallboy,
That's what I'm thinking, that I may not ever need more than this. I'm a little overkill with the big Carvin, mostly use the B800 & Epi 310, so this sounds like heaven! I just want to try one before placing my order, and there aren't any around at the local stores.

 

[Stingray5]

Gary, it doesn't have that possibility....it's hardwired.

Now I was thinking about this very thing. It would be easy for an electronics tech to put in a speaker jack and a switch to let you use it as a cab only.

This would make it easy to bring a microamp to use as a backup, should the onboard amp go out. So far, there has been no need for this though!

I'm still flip-flopping between going for the MB212 or waiting for the cabs and getting a pair of mbe210s. I''m glad you confirmed this as I was wondering about it myself, I'd hate to be stuck at a gig and something goes wrong with the amp leaving me with 2 perfectly good speakers and no alternate way to power them.

 

[tallboybass]

I just want to try one before placing my order, and there aren't any around at the local stores.

Buy from somewhere with a good return policy.

I bought a Bergantino AE410 one time just on the word of people around here. It was awesome! Sometimes that works and sometimes it doesn't....best to try to get the best deal you can so you won't get hurt too bad if you don't like it.

I pretty much knew the MB212 was going to be the shizz after owning the MB210!

 

[tallboybass]

I'm still flip-flopping between going for the MB212 or waiting for the cabs and getting a pair of mbe210s. I''m glad you confirmed this as I was wondering about it myself, I'd hate to be stuck at a gig and something goes wrong with the amp leaving me with 2 perfectly good speakers and no alternate way to power them.

I'm speculating, but can't see any reason why it couldn't be done.

On the other hand, it might be one more thing that COULD go wrong if not done well.

 

[BackToTheGroove]

I just received the 1x15" BG500 combo in for review, and so far, I'm pretty impressed... In general, with the tone controls set to noon, the MB212 is going to be more clear and articulate, and the BG500 is a little darker and more full. The difference in weight is pretty notable, though. Tom.

Thank you Tom Eagerly looking forward to Bass Gear's review of the BG. I think I'm a 115 man, but would like to hear/know the difference with the BG500-210...

But, I don't want to side-swipe this GREAT THREAD on the MB212/MB210. I've really enjoyed it from page 1, as both these amps are on The List.

 

[tallboybass]

Tallbassboy,
I have really enjoyed reading your thread on the MB212. I was sold on the amp, but to hear other people say nothing but good things only wants me to get my Schecter Studio 5 string sold and August to come around I am going to get the MB212 and maybe if I can sell and get rid of some gear, get the MB112 that will be coming out in August for a practice amp and small gig amp Thanks for the reassurance and the rise of impatience and excitement

Do you play with effects much? That's one of the only things I am curious about now. I like to use lots of effects and distortion a la Om. Obviously the amp can handle, but does it sound good? Your thoughts would be much appreciated.

Sincerely,
Ben

Hey Ben, didn't mean to bypass your question, sorry. I don't use effects on the gig and was hoping someone else would chime in here. At home I've used the MB210 stacked on a 115 cab, with a synth pedal (DigiTech) and it was freakin' HUGE!! I thought for sure that the cones were going to shoot across the room but nothing bad happened.

Thanks for the kind words BTW.

 

[Mike M.]

I would love to try out one of the MB212 combo's based on what I'm reading here. 12" speakers have always been my favorite for bass and besides, it seems like that amp would fit perfect in the trunk of my Focus!

So, these amps will handle the low end from a 5 string with no problem?

 

[tallboybass]

So, these amps will handle the low end from a 5 string with no problem?

Yes.

 

[bassplayer7770]

So, these amps will handle the low end from a 5 string with no problem?

Yes.

What he said based on my limited experience with an MB212.

 

[Mike M.]

What he said based on my limited experience with an MB212.

Thanks, guys. Nice, small package that more than delivers the goods. Sounds encouraging.

 

[tallboybass]

That's actually one of the differences between the MB210 & 212. The MB210 does a fine job with the B string, don't get me wrong, it's all there with plenty of bottom. But there's a level of clarity & definition to a B string played on the MB212 that I feel is slightly lacking from the MB210. Of course hook up a killer 8 ohm cab to the MB210 and all bets are off....

 

[lefty007]

Just got me an MB212 yesterday. Alan, G-K should send you at least a few t-shirts, or extended warranty for your amps, because I think you are responsible for quite a few sales of these amps. . . LOL.

Well, my initial impression is not exactly "wow." I put it side to side with my current rig: Schroeder 1212L and Markbass LMII. I like the sound if this rig, but I wanted something with a little more low, low end, and the Schroeder can sound a bit boxy sometimes. And also I wanted to add another cab/amp for larger stages where the 1212L has not been enough, and I wanted something even lighter (the 1212L is 42 lb, and the LMII is 5 lb, so I'm saving 10 lb total with the MB212).

The MB212 sounds great, but in comparison to the 1212L/LMII, it sounds like if I had put a blanket over the amp. There is a lot more definition to the note in my rig, a lot more punch, and the highs are tuned lower in frequency that in the MB212, which is nicer. The sound overall is a lot more aggressive than the MB212. The 1212L also has a lot more low down below - but as Alan has mentioned a few times, these speakers need to be broken in and they will deliver more lows over time. I'm counting on that.

The 1212L/LMII seemed to have a bit more volume, but the MB212 seemed to spread the sound around it a lot more, filling more the room. The1212L is quite directional.

I'm hoping that the lack of a ground lift in the XLR out won't be a problem. My bass goes through the mains in 100% of my gigs, and once in a while I've had to flip the ground switch. I guess I'll have to invest in a $29 direct box, although most clubs and sound companies have plenty on hand.

Another observation, I can't seem to hear anything different when I use the boost, just more volume. I thought the sound was going to warm up, but really couldn't tell the difference, maybe a bit more high mids? (I adjusted the gain accordingly when not using the boost in order to compare the sound at the same levels.)

The tweeter is just a bit hissy, and rather small. I hope it doesn't fry at high volume. Some mentioned that the tweeter is useless; well, I think it makes a big difference with brighter, active basses, but of course, passive basses sound just find with the tweeter off. I play with earplugs, so I tend to EQ a bit heavy on the high so I the sound is not muddy (in my head...)

And I think they went overboard with the contour switch. I think a gentler EQ curve would have been more usable, but it scoops the sound way too much.

Construction is indeed very nice at this price point. Only time will tell how will these hold up with use.

Tonight I have an outdoors gig. I'll report tomorrow. Great workingman's amp for the price, no doubt.

 

[Todd GT5]

I had my first outdoor gig last night with the MB212, after a couple indoor gigs and weeks indoor of rehearsal time.

This thing performed great. I have never had that good of sound outdoors before. I went without my VT Bass pedal this time and I use an amp stand.

I'm not expierenced with really large rigs, I replaced a Peavey 410tx and Mark III with the MB212. The band isn't supper loud and we play older classic rock. I didn't use any PA support.

I'm loving it, I'm playing at a private party which should be a bit louder today, we'll see if it does as well.

-Todd

 

[tallboybass]

Just got me an MB212 yesterday. Alan, G-K should send you at least a few t-shirts, or extended warranty for your amps, because I think you are responsible for quite a few sales of these amps. . . LOL.

Well, my initial impression is not exactly "wow." I put it side to side with my current rig: Schroeder 1212L and Markbass LMII. I like the sound if this rig, but I wanted something with a little more low, low end, and the Schroeder can sound a bit boxy sometimes. And also I wanted to add another cab/amp for larger stages where the 1212L has not been enough, and I wanted something even lighter (the 1212L is 42 lb, and the LMII is 5 lb, so I'm saving 10 lb total with the MB212).

The MB212 sounds great, but in comparison to the 1212L/LMII, it sounds like if I had put a blanket over the amp. There is a lot more definition to the note in my rig, a lot more punch, and the highs are tuned lower in frequency that in the MB212, which is nicer. The sound overall is a lot more aggressive than the MB212. The 1212L also has a lot more low down below - but as Alan has mentioned a few times, these speakers need to be broken in and they will deliver more lows over time. I'm counting on that.

The 1212L/LMII seemed to have a bit more volume, but the MB212 seemed to spread the sound around it a lot more, filling more the room. The1212L is quite directional.

I'm hoping that the lack of a ground lift in the XLR out won't be a problem. My bass goes through the mains in 100% of my gigs, and once in a while I've had to flip the ground switch. I guess I'll have to invest in a $29 direct box, although most clubs and sound companies have plenty on hand.

Another observation, I can't seem to hear anything different when I use the boost, just more volume. I thought the sound was going to warm up, but really couldn't tell the difference, maybe a bit more high mids? (I adjusted the gain accordingly when not using the boost in order to compare the sound at the same levels.)

The tweeter is just a bit hissy, and rather small. I hope it doesn't fry at high volume. Some mentioned that the tweeter is useless; well, I think it makes a big difference with brighter, active basses, but of course, passive basses sound just find with the tweeter off. I play with earplugs, so I tend to EQ a bit heavy on the high so I the sound is not muddy (in my head...)

And I think they went overboard with the contour switch. I think a gentler EQ curve would have been more usable, but it scoops the sound way too much.

Construction is indeed very nice at this price point. Only time will tell how will these hold up with use.

Tonight I have an outdoors gig. I'll report tomorrow. Great workingman's amp for the price, no doubt.

Carlos, I know this thread really presents the MB212 in a good light, hopefully folks will use their own judgment on whether this is 'their' amp or not. Everything I say is genuinely from the heart, I have absolutely nothing to gain by pimping GK's stuff.
The MB212 does exactly what I want & need it to, but that doesn't mean it will be the answer to everyman's amp quest.

The speakers on your MB212 WILL open up considerably with use...the lows, while not being the super-low lows, will become more dominant in the sound.

The tweeter 'to me' is useless. It just adds a weird high-end that I can't use in a band situation.

Also, the DI is again 'to me' useless. Mine has a bit of noise and doesn't secure my XLR cable properly. I decided to not use the DI and either bring one or...like I did at an outdoor gig, have them mic it...it sounds wonderful.

That contour setting sounds a lot like the 800RB....if you turn it on, it's too much IMO, but some guys like it.

The Schroeder comparison leaves me scratching my head. I owned a 1210 for about a week, it wasn't for me for sure. All I heard was mids, no real lows to speak of...and it didn't seem to project according to my friends in the audience. Not arguing, just presenting my experience.

The boost control you may have to play with for a bit. It is totally dependent on the gain setting IMO. If you raise both gain and boost, (and use the passive input) then lower the master accordingly, you'll get more of what it does.

Mine has been gigged constantly since I got it with no issues. Maybe I'm lucky, but so far it has been very reliable.

Thanks to everyone for sharing their experiences!!

 

[jmain]

I'm still waiting for GC to get an MB212 so I can check it out. Don't really want to deal with a return if I can try it locally. That's "IF".

 

[mello_bedwetter]

I bought the MB210 just because I'd be able to get the MBE210 extension cabinet. I ordered it at least 6-8 weeks ago probably longer. I just got another email stating it's back ordered again until at least July 30. I wish I would have known this was going to be an issue. I may have went with the 212. I have a pretty big outdoor gig coming up in August...I sure would have liked to have the extension cabinet for that. I do like the MB210 though...it's a back saver.