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

[floydman]

I didn't know about the deep switch. just double checked and there it is. I don't think I have used that since I first opened up my MBF. something to play with next rehearsal!

 

[Chef]

There's a bright function too.

 

[floydman]

yeah for some reason on the MBF I don't like playing with the treble anywhere north of 9:00 but maybe presence will be a different flavor for me to try

 

[2milehighspike]

Its plenty bright for me as is, and I don't roll with the deep on all the time, but there are times when It really adds the rumble to a funk/reggae/hiphoppy tune.

 

[Vic]

I've rarely needed to use much EQ on mine.

 

[Chef]

^^Concur

 

[JOE EDO]

Run my SVP CL or VTRM through the effects loop of MBF800. That power section is big, warm, and clean....much like a girl from Cleveland I once knew.

 

[Stoch]

Hey guys, sorry for bumping the thread, just wanted to confirm: if you plug in a set of headphones, you don't need to have a cab connected, right?

 

[TomB]

Right.

 

[Stoch]

The last few pages contained reports of some issues. Are they very much rare and isolated? Does the year of production matter? The one I'm looking at looks to have been made in 2013 (although it's new). Have there been any revisions since?

 

[steve_rolfeca]

No revisions that I'm aware of.

There were some issues with early-production models of the MB200 and 500, but that's all old news at this point. The Fusion series seem to have been very solid.

A few reported problems, but no obvious repetitive fault patterns or weak points.

 

[tycobb73]

I just got this thing used. I like it so far, but I've noticed that I can't switch to channel B by pushing the button. The footswitch works though. Is this normal?

 

[Chef]

No; that is not normal.

 

[svtb15]

I had the same thing happen to me on my TREBLE BOOST knob of my mbf800.. All i did was firmly but gently pull up on the knob since it was BOTTOMING out and would not allow the switch to click... The knob raised up off the shaft perhaps 1/16th of and inch. Ever so slightly.. Its been perfect ever since.

I just got this thing used. I like it so far, but I've noticed that I can't switch to channel B by pushing the button. The footswitch works though. Is this normal?

 

[jknoxdmd]

Been reading thread and going to pull the trigger on a fusion soon. Couple of questions. First is there any advantage of the 800 over the 500 other than output? I want an amp where I can have a second channel for a little dirt or volume and is foot switchable. Second on the fence for cabinet. Looking at 212 or 115 neo cabs. Play southern rock, blues, and occasionally like to get funky.

 

[TomB]

I've used an MBF500 as my main go-to work amp for 5 years now. It does indeed give you the foot-switchable boost/dirt option. I'd like to know myself about the 800 vs. the 500 - can only say that I've never maxed out the 500 or even close for the medium-volume club gigs (similar repertoire) that I do. I haven't found a cab these amps don't work well with - I use AudioKinesis cabs. I'd pick whatever cab matches your needs / tastes and be confident that the MB will sound great through it. Having said that, the only GK cab I've used it through was a 115 (sounded great), but others here have used it with a variety of GK cabs and may be able to help further with that question.

 

[jknoxdmd]

Thanks Tom

 

[steve_rolfeca]

...Couple of questions. First is there any advantage of the 800 over the 500 other than output? I want an amp where I can have a second channel for a little dirt or volume and is foot switchable. Second on the fence for cabinet. Looking at 212 or 115 neo cabs.

The 800 has the later control setup, first shown with the MB800. Toggle switches for the mute and pad functions, lighted indicators on the knobs, some knobs have pushswitches built-in, instead of the slide switches on the top of the Fusion 500.

Pro:

1. Better value on a $$$ per watt basis.
2. Toggle switches on the 800 should be more reliable in the long term, at least in theory. Of course, a good quality slide switch can outlast a bad toggle, so only time will tell.
3. Light-up controls are nice on a darkened stage.
4. All switches are still available when racked up.
5. 500w is more than enough for most gigs and cab setups, but there are times when the crushing headroom of the 800 is helpful, especially if you're using lower efficiency, extended range cabs, playing without PA support, running a single 8 ohm cab, or needing to put out massive Reggae bottom end.

Con:

1. Larger form factor. The 500 fits into more string pouches than the 800.
2. There's more action on the MBF800 at the moment, so there are some great deals going on used 500's at the moment.
3. The knobs that have a switching function have less "drag" than the other pots. Some users think they feel cheap. Also, they often get bumped off their previous settings more easily.
4. Output volume control at lower levels is very touchy, especially if you want to push the front end for some extra grit or harmonics. This is also a problem on the MBF500, which is where that backup MB200 comes in handy...

 

[TomB]

The 800 has the later control setup, first shown with the MB800. Toggle switches for the mute and pad functions, lighted indicators on the knobs, some knobs have pushswitches built-in, instead of the slide switches on the top of the Fusion 500.

Pro:

1. Better value on a $$$ per watt basis.
2. Toggle switches on the 800 should be more reliable in the long term, at least in theory. Of course, a good quality slide switch can outlast a bad toggle, so only time will tell.
3. Light-up controls are nice on a darkened stage.
4. All switches are still available when racked up.
5. 500w is more than enough for most gigs and cab setups, but there are times when the crushing headroom of the 800 is helpful, especially if you're using lower efficiency, extended range cabs, playing without PA support, running a single 8 ohm cab, or needing to put out massive Reggae bottom end.

Con:

1. Larger form factor. The 500 fits into more string pouches than the 800.
2. There's more action on the MBF800 at the moment, so there are some great deals going on used 500's at the moment.
3. The knobs that have a switching function have less "drag" than the other pots. Some users think they feel cheap. Also, they often get bumped off their previous settings more easily.
4. Output volume control at lower levels is very touchy, especially if you want to push the front end for some extra grit or harmonics. This is also a problem on the MBF500, which is where that backup MB200 comes in handy...

Nice summary! I never experienced con #4 with the MBF500, personally, and I'm in that lower volume situation a lot. The separate gain/master volume set-up for each channel helps, IMO. I have experienced some challenges dialing in my MB800 (non-fusion) for 2-channel operation at lower volumes. I find it a little trickier to dial in the B-channel as "extra grit" and still control overall volume, in my limited (non-gig) experience. Given the same layout, I'd expect the MBF800 would follow suit, but perhaps a full-time user can chime in on that. Still in all, I expect experience would lead to expertise with either model - the capability is all there!

 

[Stranger Danger]

My first GK MBF800 had a hi freq. digital Modem type noise at the output when i got it... i called GK and they immediately exchanged it out for a new one. I haven't had a problem since. Great sounding amp..

I just got mine and it's got that same "modem dialing up sound" too. I was thinking of a way to describe it and thats definitely it. It's worse with my wireless and worse still with one bass vs another but it's definitely not a good sound. It happens with headphones or with the cab attached so its not the cab or the speakon. Grrrrr. I didn't get a warranty card with the purchase because it was a floor model and they didn't have the box. I hope GK will exchange mine. Or maybe I should go through the store?