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GK Combo Shootout...MB210 vs. MB212

#681
Update: I am a Double MB212 family!! Stacked horizontally, they are BIG sounding, while retaining the basic sound that I love! :bassist:

Like azureblue pointed out, 1000 watts, 4-12s, under 80 pounds, in two easily schleppable pieces. Not to mention the stereo possibilities!! :hyper:

I now have an MB Fusion in the classifieds. :ninja:
 
#686
tallboybass said:
How do you connect yours? I'm using a MicroPog that has two outputs...
Click to expand...

I use a mono Y-cable. I plug the male plug into the input of one of the amps, plug the cable from my pedalboard into one female plug and plug the patch cord to the other amp from the other female plug. I have also found that the second input on the amp works as a Y as well: plug into "Passive" input on one amp and run a patch cord from the "Active" input to the "Passive" input of the other amp. I did not notice a loss in volume doing that.
 
#688
KPJ said:
I use a mono Y-cable. I plug the male plug into the input of one of the amps, plug the cable from my pedalboard into one female plug and plug the patch cord to the other amp from the other female plug. I have also found that the second input on the amp works as a Y as well: plug into "Passive" input on one amp and run a patch cord from the "Active" input to the "Passive" input of the other amp. I did not notice a loss in volume doing that.
Click to expand...

Also for those bemoaning the lack of a tuner out if you plug your tuner into the active jack run your cable to your bass on the passive it works well for tuner. It even works with the amp power off so you have a poor man's tuner jack with little more inconvenience then hitting a mute switch
 
#690
buffalobillh said:
Sub'd. Waiting for my MB212 to arrive.
Click to expand...

I really hope you purchased from somewhere with a good return policy. My first one produced a really weird static noise. I returned it and got a second one. It has twice produce sound that only be explained as similar to the old "snap, crackle, pop" commercial.

These are great amps, no doubt. But there are issues.

Still, in my opinion, the sound and weight are second to none for the price range.

John
 
#691
jfh2424 said:
I really hope you purchased from somewhere with a good return policy. My first one produced a really weird static noise. I returned it and got a second one. It has twice produce sound that only be explained as similar to the old "snap, crackle, pop" commercial.

These are great amps, no doubt. But there are issues.

Still, in my opinion, the sound and weight are second to none for the price range.

John
Click to expand...

I've been doing my research, and I have heard this complaint before. Thanks for the head's up. I'm getting one used in great condition from a reputable TB'er. No issues that I'm aware of at this point. Hopefully, I won't have any problems. The reasons I've decided on the 212 are what you stated (and more) - Light, portable, lots of power, affordable, GK sound, GK simplicity, GK's reputation & customer service. I'll use my upright bass, my NS bass, and my electric basses with it frequently, and GK has a long history of working well with all kinds of basses.

I've got a Peavey Tour 700 and a Dietz 1x15 in the band trailer, and I'll have the MB212 at home for everything else. I won't have many other cab needs with one exception: I still intend to build a fEARful 15/6. And maybe a powered extension for the MB212. Hmm... GAS never goes away completely. Is there a GAS-X available for bassists?
 
#692
So I decided to return the MB 212 combo and get another one. Thank God, I am dealing with Musician's Friend who accepts returns with no problem.

This is my third try at an MB 212 this month. If there's issues with this one, I will just get a refund. I can't just keep doing this all the time.

That would be a shame, these units really sound good. But everything has a limit.

What was really scary is that the noise was also audible in the headphones. That tells me it wasn't a speaker issue as some people described. It was really an electronics issue.

John
 
#693
jfh2424 said:
So I decided to return the MB 212 combo and get another one. Thank God, I am dealing with Musician's Friend who accepts returns with no problem.

This is my third try at an MB 212 this month. If there's issues with this one, I will just get a refund. I can't just keep doing this all the time.

That would be a shame, these units really sound good. But everything has a limit.

What was really scary is that the noise was also audible in the headphones. That tells me it wasn't a speaker issue as some people described. It was really an electronics issue.

John
Click to expand...
Man, I always hate to hear that....but I can understand your frustration! Hope it works out for you!!
 
#695
I'm not trying to be insulting to anyone who owns one of these but I have considered buying one to replace my Ampeg BA115HP. I played through them at GC and they sound decent and I really like the light weight but there is just something cheesey about them that sort of puts me off. They seem really "budget" to me. This thread is not helping to change my mind.
 
#696
srxplayer said:
I'm not trying to be insulting to anyone who owns one of these but I have considered buying one to replace my Ampeg BA115HP. I played through them at GC and they sound decent and I really like the light weight but there is just something cheesey about them that sort of puts me off. They seem really "budget" to me. This thread is not helping to change my mind.
Click to expand...

Is it the light weight that is skewing your thoughts maybe? If it doesn't feel substantial you may feel you aren't getting something substantial? Just a thought. I could be wrong.

The first one I got (used btw from MF) was busted up. They sent me a new one and I haven't had any trouble with it. Maybe there are quality control issues, but so far my new one has been solid (knocks on wood).
 
#697
srxplayer said:
I'm not trying to be insulting to anyone who owns one of these but I have considered buying one to replace my Ampeg BA115HP. I played through them at GC and they sound decent and I really like the light weight but there is just something cheesey about them that sort of puts me off. They seem really "budget" to me. This thread is not helping to change my mind.
Click to expand...

Really? I'm curious what seemed cheesey and budget about them to you. Not to argue at all, I'm just curious.

John
 
#698
The build quality just looks cheesey to me. The tolex looks like it's very thin and the control panel just looks cheap. It looks to me like an inexpensive entry level type of amp. The light weight doesn't bother me at all. That's what makes them so interesting.

It's just my opinion based on my time with them in the store. I really want to like the MB210. I wanted to get a combo that I could add a cab to if I need it but it would be a practice amp most of the time. I have never been crazy about the sound of GK gear but I've used them with my Sansamp and I got something that I liked. I have always viewed their gear as high quality stuff. Exception being the Backline and Goldline series otherwise they make pro level gear. These combos just don't seem like they measure up to what you would expect from GK.
 
#699
My 212 came in today. It is everything I hoped it might be. Light, strong, great sound, huge power. Clean highs, powerful, tight lows, lots of mid, growl, etc. available. Nice, nice, nice! Tuki cover is great, too.
 
#700
I just picked up the MB212 from my local music shop also. Really great combo! I have 2 active basses (Carvin 4 string and Ibanez 6 string) and both sound great. I do have a few questions though..

1. Is there a way to put casters on the bottom? I know its "light" and all, but being able to push it wouldn't hurt.

2. On the front of the combo, if you look to the left of the bottom speaker, are you supposed to be able to see clear through to the back of the combo?

3. The serial number for my combo appears to be on a white sticker that looks like there may be other stickers underneath it. Is that normal? Or should the serial number be directly printed on it?

Thanks!
 

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