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GK Combo Shootout...MB210 vs. MB212
- Thread starter tallboybass
- Start date
I bought my MB210 back in November for my 60th birthday present to myself. I mention my age so everyone knows that I probably treat my bass amp like the little old lady that only drives the Dodge Hemi on Sundays to the drag strip...er, I mean to church...yeah, that's the ticket.
I bought my MB210 after driving to Tulsa and listening to Alan (tallbassboy) play at a gig. I loved his sound.
I have to agree that the MB210 does seem to have a fair amount of low end once the amp and speakers are broken in.
I use a MIM Fender P-bass with Fender round wound and typically used my tone pot with the EQ dialed for all the low end. I started my amp EQ settings with the same settings that tallbassboy shared with me that he uses...and then I had to dial in more highs and cut the lows on the amp AND on my bass guitar. But with some tweaking, I found a couple of settings that make me happy and that is about all I need for my personal sound.
I have not posted since my initial post on the previous thread simply because I had nothing of interest to report...my band was idle for a period of time due to the guitarist/band leader breaking a finger on his fret hand...but recently we have been getting back into the rehearsal mode and picked up a couple of low volume gigs.
We had an opportunity to record our rehearsal about 2 weeks ago and I used the DI XLR output on the MB210 for the first time since buying the amp. I discovered that I have a noise in that signal, so the amp will have to go to the shop when time permits. I don't see that as a "big deal" since I rarely play gigs where we go through the PA...and I will make sure I carry my own DI for those gigs. My friend doing the recording was able to EQ out the noise so the rehearsal CD was a success...we will probably chop it up for a demo...
We played an outdoor gig this past week at the Arts festival downtown. It rained. (Hey, it's Oklahoma in "tornado season"...it is supposed to rain every week end, especially if there is an outdoor event. It's a law.)
Anyway, they moved the music performances from the stage (no roof) to the front entrance to a bank. Now think about it...concrete sidewalk, concrete overhang/roof, polished granite back wall with glass doors. How do you think it sounded? You're right!
I had a terrible sound everytime I hit an A...the harmonics just R-O-A-R-E-D. The soundman (provided by the event...happened to be a good friend whom I TRUST with my sound, a fellow bass player) dialed it out on both the PA and later on my amp as well...(neither one by itself was enough, he had to adjust both the amp and the monitors EQ.)
I just looked at my amp...have not had a chance to change the levels. Lows were around 2 oclock. Highs, high-mid and low mid were all set at 100%. Gain, Boost and Master were all about midway between 9 and 12 oclock. Contour and Limiter were both ON and Horn was Off.
I had adequate volume from the amp to cover stage monitor duties for the entire band (2 vocals, harmonica and electric guitar...NO drums...guitarist used a Blues Junior) We only put vocal and harp in the monitors.
While I have an 8 Ohm 410, I have never had the urge to hook it up to the MB210 simply because I do not play with a drummer...yet. My classic rock band is getting some gigs (have not even rehearsed since August, no gigs for 12 months) so I will be getting back with that project soon.
I have not been lurking on TB for several weeks and thus was unaware that GK is coming out with the 210MBE cabinet. I will buy one when they get in. Alan, I will let you have first dibbs on any that come in the Tulsa GC...I do most my shopping at the OKC store. (Got a buddy there...if you know what I mean.)
OK, that pretty well covers my experience with the MB210...I have no intention of getting the MB212...I would prefer to drop the money for a 210MBE. Why?
I have been playing for the past 10 years with either a GK400RB or an SWR Workingmans 160. The MB210 has more power than either of those and I found them to be more than adequate for the gigs I play. Getting the 210MBE will let me get all the available power from the amp AND it will let me move more air from the extra cone...
By adding the extension cabinet, I can use the "stack" for the classic rock band with the loud drummer and loud guitarist...and I can use the combo alone for the blues/R&B/Motown ensemble. Why would I want anything more in life?
Well, maybe some 3 inch casters for the 210MBE so I can just roll it all in...
And covers...now that we are gigging again, I will want to protect my toys.
Hey tallbassboy...what covers did you get?
I bought my MB210 after driving to Tulsa and listening to Alan (tallbassboy) play at a gig. I loved his sound.
I have to agree that the MB210 does seem to have a fair amount of low end once the amp and speakers are broken in.
I use a MIM Fender P-bass with Fender round wound and typically used my tone pot with the EQ dialed for all the low end. I started my amp EQ settings with the same settings that tallbassboy shared with me that he uses...and then I had to dial in more highs and cut the lows on the amp AND on my bass guitar. But with some tweaking, I found a couple of settings that make me happy and that is about all I need for my personal sound.
I have not posted since my initial post on the previous thread simply because I had nothing of interest to report...my band was idle for a period of time due to the guitarist/band leader breaking a finger on his fret hand...but recently we have been getting back into the rehearsal mode and picked up a couple of low volume gigs.
We had an opportunity to record our rehearsal about 2 weeks ago and I used the DI XLR output on the MB210 for the first time since buying the amp. I discovered that I have a noise in that signal, so the amp will have to go to the shop when time permits. I don't see that as a "big deal" since I rarely play gigs where we go through the PA...and I will make sure I carry my own DI for those gigs. My friend doing the recording was able to EQ out the noise so the rehearsal CD was a success...we will probably chop it up for a demo...
We played an outdoor gig this past week at the Arts festival downtown. It rained. (Hey, it's Oklahoma in "tornado season"...it is supposed to rain every week end, especially if there is an outdoor event. It's a law.)
Anyway, they moved the music performances from the stage (no roof) to the front entrance to a bank. Now think about it...concrete sidewalk, concrete overhang/roof, polished granite back wall with glass doors. How do you think it sounded? You're right!
I had a terrible sound everytime I hit an A...the harmonics just R-O-A-R-E-D. The soundman (provided by the event...happened to be a good friend whom I TRUST with my sound, a fellow bass player) dialed it out on both the PA and later on my amp as well...(neither one by itself was enough, he had to adjust both the amp and the monitors EQ.)
I just looked at my amp...have not had a chance to change the levels. Lows were around 2 oclock. Highs, high-mid and low mid were all set at 100%. Gain, Boost and Master were all about midway between 9 and 12 oclock. Contour and Limiter were both ON and Horn was Off.
I had adequate volume from the amp to cover stage monitor duties for the entire band (2 vocals, harmonica and electric guitar...NO drums...guitarist used a Blues Junior) We only put vocal and harp in the monitors.
While I have an 8 Ohm 410, I have never had the urge to hook it up to the MB210 simply because I do not play with a drummer...yet. My classic rock band is getting some gigs (have not even rehearsed since August, no gigs for 12 months) so I will be getting back with that project soon.
I have not been lurking on TB for several weeks and thus was unaware that GK is coming out with the 210MBE cabinet. I will buy one when they get in. Alan, I will let you have first dibbs on any that come in the Tulsa GC...I do most my shopping at the OKC store. (Got a buddy there...if you know what I mean.)
OK, that pretty well covers my experience with the MB210...I have no intention of getting the MB212...I would prefer to drop the money for a 210MBE. Why?
I have been playing for the past 10 years with either a GK400RB or an SWR Workingmans 160. The MB210 has more power than either of those and I found them to be more than adequate for the gigs I play. Getting the 210MBE will let me get all the available power from the amp AND it will let me move more air from the extra cone...
By adding the extension cabinet, I can use the "stack" for the classic rock band with the loud drummer and loud guitarist...and I can use the combo alone for the blues/R&B/Motown ensemble. Why would I want anything more in life?
Well, maybe some 3 inch casters for the 210MBE so I can just roll it all in...
And covers...now that we are gigging again, I will want to protect my toys.
Hey tallbassboy...what covers did you get?
Why? People (me included) used to use 6x10 or more with 300w amps, no problems at all. My current rig is a Schroeder 6x10 and an Ashdown MK-500 (500w), I have yet to go past 10 o'clock on the volume knob.
I would definitely adjust those EQs. It's no wonder you were having issues with your sound (IMHO).
I would dial the bass and the boost knobs back some (to about 12 o'clock or maybe even 11 o'clock), pull the trebles and mids from 100% to maybe 3 o'clock (I assume by 100% you mean like 5 o'clock), and turn off the contour.
See how that helps you.
Please let me know as soon as you can how your MB210 does with a 410 attached to it. I'm dying to hear reviews from that setup.
I would dial the bass and the boost knobs back some (to about 12 o'clock or maybe even 11 o'clock), pull the trebles and mids from 100% to maybe 3 o'clock (I assume by 100% you mean like 5 o'clock), and turn off the contour.
See how that helps you.
Please let me know as soon as you can how your MB210 does with a 410 attached to it. I'm dying to hear reviews from that setup.
yeah see, I just don't see how that is. As it was mentioned before (by 4-string and others), plenty of 610 setups are run by 300, 400, or 500 watt amps.
I do understand that the 210 in the MB210 combo would be getting twice as many watts to each speaker as the speakers in the 410. So in that line of thought I could see how maybe adding just another 210 might accomplish similar results to adding a 410 in this particular situation... making the 210MBE really appealing.
I want to know for sure somehow though. Because if adding a 410 to the MB210 will really turn it into a monster, then I'm willing to go that route and sacrifice some portability (with a 70+lbs 410 cab) for that boost. However, if the 210MBE + MB210 is almost just as loud as, for example, the 410MBX + MB210, then I'll take the 210MBE
My Ashdown Mag 300 has pushed 810s for years with no problem!
My GK 800RB pushed my SVT cab for years with no problem!
My 200RCB pushed the same SVT cab with no problem!
and I am further perplexed.
I guess I just need to try to plug my cab into a 410 cab and see for myself. Though I won't know what it sounds like with just a 210 added to it.
Don't know when I'll have occasion to do that but it's so light that bringing it around with me is no big deal.
Can anybody provide some thoughts on this deal? (including whether or not you think it's a bass or guitar cab... looks like a guitar cab to me)
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed] <--- can't beat that price, that's for damn sure
keeping in mind that I'm looking to pair it with an MB210.
I don't have any more details on this cab than what's on the add. What I do know is that I love the sound of Hartke speakers.
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed] <--- can't beat that price, that's for damn sure
keeping in mind that I'm looking to pair it with an MB210.
I don't have any more details on this cab than what's on the add. What I do know is that I love the sound of Hartke speakers.
Tony, Tony, Tony...good to hear from you!!!
I'm getting ready to call Larry at 'LeCover'....they make great stuff. Sadly, I never got a cover for the MB210, but it still looks good.
The MB210 + MBE210 sounds like a good way to go for sure. I'm just a "one trip guy" even though with a dolly or casters you could do the stack in one trip. We still don't know WHEN GK is going to finally produce those MBE210s....
If you're happy with the settings you're using, FINE, but if not we need to talk. They seem a bit extreme and I think we could get you a better sound with some tweeking....just sayin'.
Thanks for bringing up the DI situation. I need to try it out at home just so I'll know whether to bring a DI box on a loud gig.
Glad you're digging your MB210 Tony!!
So Ive played though my MB212 for a few days and Im not pleased.
My settings are:
Gain : 12:00
Treble : 2:00
Low/Mid High: 12:00
Bass: 2:00
Boost 9:00
Master: 12:00
It sounds crisp and perfect on every string but my E string. My open E farts and rattles. Ive had a blown speaker before and its not as bad as a blown speaker, but its not as clean as my ampeg ba115hpt.
I have a gig this friday so I was hoping to take it. The lightweight, power, portability and tone are fantastic on everything but the E string.
I have an active bass and Im playing through the active input. I tried turning down the gain and every knob on the EQ and it was still farting and rattling. Its not the bottom speaker, only the top speaker.
I started off with the suggested setting in the manual, master knob at 3, EQs around 12-1:00, and slowly raised the gain and used it as a volume control and its still farty.
I called musiciansfriend and got an RMA. Has anyone else had any problems with these or did I just get a lemon? The OP said the 212 makes his low B string sound fantastic, so OP, does your amp distort at all or is it clean on every string?
Luckily I still have my BA115hpt for the gig Friday...... although Im debating returning it and getting a 210 or trying another 212......
Also, the MB210 I played at GC had a VERY hissy tweeter. The tweeter on this one wasnt as noisy as the one on the 210 that I played, but it was still noisier than anything I have played through. Luckily, I can get a good tone with the EQ so playing without the tweeter wasnt a problem for me.
My settings are:
Gain : 12:00
Treble : 2:00
Low/Mid High: 12:00
Bass: 2:00
Boost 9:00
Master: 12:00
It sounds crisp and perfect on every string but my E string. My open E farts and rattles. Ive had a blown speaker before and its not as bad as a blown speaker, but its not as clean as my ampeg ba115hpt.
I have a gig this friday so I was hoping to take it. The lightweight, power, portability and tone are fantastic on everything but the E string.
I have an active bass and Im playing through the active input. I tried turning down the gain and every knob on the EQ and it was still farting and rattling. Its not the bottom speaker, only the top speaker.
I started off with the suggested setting in the manual, master knob at 3, EQs around 12-1:00, and slowly raised the gain and used it as a volume control and its still farty.
I called musiciansfriend and got an RMA. Has anyone else had any problems with these or did I just get a lemon? The OP said the 212 makes his low B string sound fantastic, so OP, does your amp distort at all or is it clean on every string?
Luckily I still have my BA115hpt for the gig Friday...... although Im debating returning it and getting a 210 or trying another 212......
Also, the MB210 I played at GC had a VERY hissy tweeter. The tweeter on this one wasnt as noisy as the one on the 210 that I played, but it was still noisier than anything I have played through. Luckily, I can get a good tone with the EQ so playing without the tweeter wasnt a problem for me.
Honestly, it sounds like the top speaker is bad. Your settings are cool....no doubt you made sure the battery was good on the bass. So hard to troubleshoot on the inferwebz...
Looks like I was wrong about 300w not enough for 6 x 10. (Honey, got any humble pie in the fridge?)
Anyways, Mr Gallien (or is it Mr. Krueger?) has been a regular contributor to this thread. Maybe he can tell us if a 4 x 10 would be an appropriate extension cab for the MB212.
Anyways, Mr Gallien (or is it Mr. Krueger?) has been a regular contributor to this thread. Maybe he can tell us if a 4 x 10 would be an appropriate extension cab for the MB212.
It's Mr.Gallien...and the MB212 has no ext. speaker jack, that's the MB210.
Here's my new 'Golden Rule' for amps:
"If it sounds good, is loud enough, and you can lift it....it IS good!"
Looks like I was wrong about 300w not enough for 6 x 10. (Honey, got any humble pie in the fridge?)
Anyways, Mr Gallien (or is it Mr. Krueger?) has been a regular contributor to this thread. Maybe he can tell us if a 4 x 10 would be an appropriate extension cab for the MB212.
Dude,
really can't keep those MB212s and MB210s straight can ya?
I love it.....good logic there! I think it's easy to get lost in the stuff like "How much 'growl' is enough, but not too much?" or "How much low end is full and robust, yet not TOO bass-y" etc, etc...... I've certainly been guilty of over-analyzing.
It's all so subjective, PLUS when you've got some drummer that plays songs louder than a 4 minute long building demolition, the nuances of one's tone can completely go unnoticed. (says the guy who spent years with a basher drummer who played with sticks the size of baseball bats...)
That being said, I'm STILL in search for the perfect tone.....can't help myself!
-mark
Its that Jamaican stuff man, I really need to stay off it.
Only kidding. Seroiusly though, I have numbers dyslexia - I transpose numbers. I think or see 210, but I type 212 or vice versa. I did not discover this until I was over 50 years old. Its why I always did poorly in math in school and have made some diastourous mistakes in entering numbers in my checkbook. About 10 years ago I had a monthly credit card payment of $119.00. One month I screwed up and sent them a check for $911.00. This problem took so long to discover becuase it only happens like 10% of the time.
