))))))))GK MB Fusion 800!!(((((((

[Chef]

aye.

 

[locisbrelm]

Try running a di from the line out. It's after the effects loop and two volumes.

 

[GretschBassist]

Try running a di from the line out. It's after the effects loop and two volumes.

Oh thanks but I kinda got used to only having one channel on all the time now. Its less cables and less drama that way and the amp actually sounds like a bunch of tubes having sex inside of my head so I'm willing to forget the second gain setting altogether. It's just something they could (rather should) have thought of or may keep in mind for future models. Good to know though!

 

[locisbrelm]

Got mine! She slays! Gonna get a darkglass b3k for dirt and use channel b to volume boost. I think that'll solve the di/gain problem.

 

[GretschBassist]

Got mine! She slays! Gonna get a darkglass b3k for dirt and use channel b to volume boost. I think that'll solve the di/gain problem.

Aaaah, gotta love the look of that beauty. I'm sure the extra 300W shake earth. I gotta say I'm impressed with these B&O power amps, they sound really good. Using channel B as a volume boost with a bit'o extra grit is a good way to use it.

If I may make a suggestion, check out this pedal. As far as I'm concerned, this is where bass OD is at.

 

[GRoberts]

Well my friends, I've been demo'ing the GK MB Fusion 800 for a few weeks and about 4 gigs so far. I was struggling with the GK Voice and really was on the fence with the amp tonally. But nothing to do with power or performance.

Well ....I did a gig tonight and I believe I have come to a final decision. (Note: I also brought my familiar "Go-to" bass amp too. an Orange Bass Terror 500).

Decision?..... The MB Fusion 800 is a KEEPER! The real deal. What amaaazing tone and performance I got tonight from the MB Fusion 800 and a single Baer ML112. Punch, Articulate, clear, growl. ..Great tone!

I started on the A channel, but tried the B channel and played the entire night on the B Channel with my 4-piece band. (Guitar, bass, drums, acoustic-electric guitar and vocals)

I got accolades and compliments from my band mates tonight. They LOVED this rig. Another world class gigging Pro musician was in the house and loved the sound and said the bass sat perfect in the mix.

I am now much more confident and more familiar with the MBF800 and really love its headroom. The slam on the B string was all there. Stunning performance tonight.

I am giddy! I wanted to love this amp for it's many great features; DI out, Illuminated dials and mute switch, power rating, etc.

Sooooo happy! Makes me want to try a pair of Baer ML112's. But for most gigs, I won't need more than what I already have!

 

[5StringPocket]

So it seems the B channel gave that slightly darker tone you were looking for? Good to hear it worked well with the ML112. The MBF800 definitely rocks. Does it also sound good with the Berg CN212? I find it useful sometimes to set the B channel up for default tone and A channel gain for solo or when you want it to be a little more up front in the mix and use the foot switch.

 

[GRoberts]

So it seems the B channel gave that slightly darker tone you were looking for? Good to hear it worked well with the ML112. The MBF800 definitely rocks. Does it also sound good with the Berg CN212? I find it useful sometimes to set the B channel up for default tone and A channel gain for solo or when you want it to be a little more up front in the mix and use the foot switch.

I am also not opposed to making peace with the "A channel". I just happened to be experimenting with the B Channel before the band started and my guitarist was out in the house and told me "that sounds GREAT!" ...So I stopped there and left the MBF 800 on the B Channel for the evening. Very good match with the Baer ML112.

Very very happy because I really wanted to love this amp. Great features, power and form factor. ...and I got it with a 15% holiday discount. So a very good value!

 

[5StringPocket]

Nice. I got mine for a good price from RMC Audio. Have you had a chance to play the B channel into the Berg?

 

[GRoberts]

Nice. I got mine for a good price from RMC Audio. Have you had a chance to play the B channel into the Berg?

have not tried the B channel with the Berg CN212 yet. But the A Channel sounds GREAT into the Berg CN212. My first big gig, I used the Berg CN212 with the MB fusion 800. Biggest place we play, but have FOH support. Still, I get to bump the volume a bit more on the rather large stage and in the louder setting, I was extremely happy with the GK MB fusion 800 (A Channel) and the Bergantino CN212

 

[Chef]

I may be wrong; but:
I think the A and B channels are exactly the same,
other than your ability to set their gain structures differently from each other. And I think the MBF500 is the same.

Having said that;
I've always preferred the B channel on both.

ymmv, I'm probably wrong; etc.

 

[DLM]

...What amaaazing tone and performance I got tonight from the MB Fusion 800 and a single Baer ML112. Punch, Articulate, clear, growl. ..Great tone!

I currently run a pair of ML112s with a Markbass F500 and am considering an MB Fusion 800 (or MB800) for a change of pace. What style(s) do you play in your four-piece band--fingerstyle, slap, chords, solo? (trying to get a sense of the versatility of the amp)

 

[TomB]

I may be wrong; but:
I think the A and B channels are exactly the same,
other than your ability to set their gain structures differently from each other. And I think the MBF500 is the same.

Having said that;
I've always preferred the B channel on both.

ymmv, I'm probably wrong; etc.

No Chef, I think you're exactly right. By setting one channel's volume higher than the other with the gains matched you have a footswitchable boost. By setting the gain on one channel much higher than the other you can have footswitchable overdrive, with or without boost. If you set them identically, they should sound identical. At least that's my conclusion after 2 years with the MBF500.

 

[GretschBassist]

I agree. I think the MB500 and MB800 have that GIVE thing going on in channel B but the MBFusion models have the Fusion 550 preamp and that "only" features two identical channels.

 

[steve_rolfeca]

I agree. I think the MB500 and MB800 have that GIVE thing going on in channel B but the MBFusion models have the Fusion 550 preamp and that "only" features two identical channels.

Interesting. When I dime the channel B attenuator on my MB800 so the levels are matched, they sound identical to me.

The only advantage the B channel offers on the MB800 (this is all IME/IMO), is more linear volume control on quiet gigs, and a very solid-state-sounding mild overdrive when the gain is pushed.

The MB800 has so much power amp headroom, that I can't imagine running it into the rails on any normal gig. I haven't experimented with it, but from what I've read, I get the impression that the GIVE circuit on the MB500 may give a more manageable variation in harmonic content.

 

[bassclef04]

I thought the same with my MB fusion 500 didn't hear much of a difference between the two channels for me i just set channel B gain and volume slightly higher than channel A

 

[GRoberts]

For the record, I didn't know whether there was a difference or not between the A Channel or B channel. I was simply trying the B Channel when my guitarist was out in the house and he loved the sound from where he was sitting. So I stopped adjusting and left it alone.

I'm good with one channel. Don't typically need a boost for solo's when they occur. My band is fairly dynamic with seasoned musicians. So they know how to break it down.

Bottom line, I found the "tone" I wanted and needed with the MBF 800 through a single Baer ML112 and that is gonna work VERY well for me for 90% of my gigs!

 

[GRoberts]

Sorry the cross posting, but I am now a believer after several gigs with the MB Fusion 800. LOVE it!! Read on .....

Another weekend of gigs with the GK MG Fusion 800 under my belt with a single Baer ML112 cab.

Color me .....HAPPPY! ..VERY! I am dialed in. Set the Low and Hi mid knobs to 1 o'clock, Bass at noon, Treble at 10 o'clock. Input gain around 10 O'clock to 11 o'clock and Master to set overall volume. (Contour off)

My band mate tonight complimented how clear my bass tone was and how it blended so wonderfully in the mix. He could hear every note. So could I! TONE CITY. I put a fresh set of DR Lo-Rider Stainles steel strings on my Nordy VJ5C. Everything came to life! OMG, the tone is just AMAZING. Growls, punches, clarity ...All there. i love the slightly deeper low end that the GK MBF800 has versus the Orange BT500. The Orange is a bit more old school and just a bit more 'rock' ...although I can funk it up big time and never disappoints. But I am really enjoying the user friendliness of the MB Fusion 800.

Those Iluminated knobs and illuminated power switch on the MBF 800 are wonderful! They are extremely gig friendly giving a quick visual reference. And the Mute switch illuminates in a red ring around the switch when engaged. NICE!

Love that the amp has Tuner out, DI Out, DI Ground lift, Pre-post DI switch, ...tons of power, what else? Great tone, Headroom, Powerful, tight B String performance. ....What is NOT to love? Sounds great, easy to carry, loaded with features. Dang!

Now the question will be whether I play the Orange anymore ..and it really was working wonderfully. So it's not a bad amp.

I am VERY happy with the MBF800!

 

[Dominic D]

I may be wrong; but:
I think the A and B channels are exactly the same,
other than your ability to set their gain structures differently from each other. And I think the MBF500 is the same.

Having said that;
I've always preferred the B channel on both.

ymmv, I'm probably wrong; etc.

The MBF500 and MBF800 have just one preamp section. All the channel selector does is switch between two sets of pots. You shouldn't hear any difference between the two "channels" when set at the same levels.

EDIT:
Here's the schematic from the manual...

 

[tombowlus]

Sorry the cross posting, but I am now a believer after several gigs with the MB Fusion 800. LOVE it!! Read on .....

Another weekend of gigs with the GK MG Fusion 800 under my belt with a single Baer ML112 cab.

Color me .....HAPPPY! ..VERY! I am dialed in. Set the Low and Hi mid knobs to 1 o'clock, Bass at noon, Treble at 10 o'clock. Input gain around 10 O'clock to 11 o'clock and Master to set overall volume. (Contour off)

My band mate tonight complimented how clear my bass tone was and how it blended so wonderfully in the mix. He could hear every note. So could I! TONE CITY. I put a fresh set of DR Lo-Rider Stainles steel strings on my Nordy VJ5C. Everything came to life! OMG, the tone is just AMAZING. Growls, punches, clarity ...All there. i love the slightly deeper low end that the GK MBF800 has versus the Orange BT500. The Orange is a bit more old school and just a bit more 'rock' ...although I can funk it up big time and never disappoints. But I am really enjoying the user friendliness of the MB Fusion 800.

Those Iluminated knobs and illuminated power switch on the MBF 800 are wonderful! They are extremely gig friendly giving a quick visual reference. And the Mute switch illuminates in a red ring around the switch when engaged. NICE!

Love that the amp has Tuner out, DI Out, DI Ground lift, Pre-post DI switch, ...tons of power, what else? Great tone, Headroom, Powerful, tight B String performance. ....What is NOT to love? Sounds great, easy to carry, loaded with features. Dang!

Now the question will be whether I play the Orange anymore ..and it really was working wonderfully. So it's not a bad amp.

I am VERY happy with the MBF800!

Thought you might like it. Congrats, and enjoy!