GK MB150 or GKMB212 or?

IME/IMO the MB150 is a better choice for URB players and often usable/workable (but rarely optimal) for electric bass. I would go the 212 route and feel very comfortable that I was well covered.

I have no experience with running a drum machine and possibly keys through a bass amp/cab, and suggest you lay out all your requirements going forward and see what folks suggest. For instance, if a drum machine is part of your requirement set, I'm even less convinced the MB150 route would be your best bet.

You might even want to considered a powered speaker (like one of QSC's models) and use a tone shaping box (e.g. Tech 21 BDDI, PDDI, VT Bass, etc.) as your preamp. That set-up should do well for anything you feed it. While perhaps not the ultimate bass cab solution, it seems it might fit what you're looking for.

 

Have you considered an MB112 with a 112MBP?

 

Versatility and portability would be gained. With the MB212, you are always stuck with that size of combo, regardless of how small or large your gig is. With the 112 + 112 idea, you can just take the MB112 for small gigs and add in the 112MBP for larger gigs. If all of your gigs are medium to large, then you probably would not need this functionality and a MB212 would work fine. If, however, you play any smaller gigs, then you will appreciate only having to carry around a lightweight 112 that takes up almost no room.

Edit: For what it's worth, I recently picked up an MB112 (with no 112MBP). I used it at a full band rehearsal last night with great results. My drummer is quite loud, but we could all hear the bass just fine. That 200 watts goes pretty far!

 

I just purchased a mb212-ii today, and it's an amazing sounding amp.. I haven't tried the other options, but this is absolutely perfect- loud / punchy/ clean and can be soft / quiet / dirty ;-)

 

Yes I did this afternoon. He's a loud drummer, 2 guitar players (smaller type rehearsal studio) singer, which goes through multiple PA's...
I was only around 10 oclock and we had no problems hearing myself.. at times I had to even turn it down.

 

With the Mb212, it is a pure 500 watts.. most other combos that have a 500 watt rating, require an extension cab to reach it (they run 300-350 watts on their own)..
And with the 2x12" speakers, it moves just as much as in my opinion as a 4x10 cab. But I'm not sure if that's true -- it feels like it though.. (and sounds like it )

 

I would go for a Keyboard amp more than a bass amp for a drum machine... That's what a lot of Electric Drum players use for their amplification, so it would handle a drum machine much much better

 

I think the newer version QSC K12.2 would be worth a look. For a more credible voice on QSC products I would contact TB member Bob Lee (QSC)...IME he's a straight shooter and knows the QSC line better than anyone I know. As a minimum he will be able to guide you on where to look and what to look at as you comparison shop.

He may even have some informed ideas on full-up bass or keyboard rigs that could fill the bill. Agedhorse would also be a credible voice for general advice on a powered speaker/combo/amp and cab/etc. that he's run across or is aware of that could do what you're looking for. He has many years of designing gear for and running pro-sound, as well as designing bass gear.

It's not that I don't want to be helpful, it's just that my best help is to direct you towards folks with more experience and knowledge. IMO the perfect bass rig answer you may get from many folks might be far from the best approach to accomplishing what you want to do.

 

Both are highly respected designers and you can take their advice to the bank. Even though they work for big name, high end companies, they'll tell you if you should look somewhere else to meet your specific needs. Cheers!

 

Better to have "a bit more" than not enough.
GK MB212.
Bang.
Done.
I've have and have gigged the MB212 with ZERO issues.
Add the MBP212 extension and it's over. No, not just for volume either, the 500W self-contained is IMO one of, if not the sole, best sounding versatile amp out there.
MB212, well worth the $850 (USD) tag.
...and you can always turn her down if-if-you feel like it

 

I have been running a GKMB115 with matching extension cab as my main rig for 5 years now. It is a hard hitting,loud and light weight rig. I have no issues with any size room indoors or out. I barely turn it up and it roars. Best amp combo I have ever owned.