GK MB200 as backup amp?

I have a MB200, it's a decent amp. A better backup to an SVT would be an Aguilar TH-350 which can cop the SVT sound and volume. I have all three actually .

 

I almost bought one of those as a back-up amp, but if you're into the SVT sound, I don't think the MB200 will be anything near close to what you like. I'd suggest it's almost the polar opposite.

It is incredibly small/light, and definitely fits the bill of 'emergency backup' well enough as a result, but if you have a little more cash to spare, I'd look elsewhere. TH350 is a solid suggestion, no doubt. I ended up grabbing a TC Electronic BH250 as my backup, and I'm quite satisfied. I use Ampeg and Orange amps for recording and gigs respectively, and I just couldn't bring myself to buy the GK... Granted, the TC doesn't quite get there either, but I easily prefer its sound over the GK, and the Toneprint is a really sweet function. I paid $200 for mine used, so it's priced similarly. And at 4lb, it may be double the weight of the MB, but whatever... it's still just 4lb!

 

The MB200 is a great choice and if you're only using it in an emergency as a true back up I wouldn't spend any more money than that since you'll probably never use it much.

 

Small, light, cheap, makes a bass noise, carry on.

I put my RedDragon in front for some tubeiness. When I have a bad load in it's tubey enough.

 

^^^^^^^ This ^^^^^^^^^

 

I bought an MB200 as a backup and ended up having to use it while waiting on an Aguilar to ship. It growled so nicely through my Ampeg cabs that I ended up gigging with it as my main amp a lot.

 

As a backup the MB200 is a great amp. Just put it in the pocket of your gig bag and it's always there. Not very expensive, small, and great performance.

You'll have a hard time finding a power amp as small as the MB200, and probably spend just as much if not more. Then you also have to carry the SansAmp. The MB200 is much easier.

 

Check out the Traynor SB200H. I recently compared this head-to-head with the MB200 and choose the Traynor as my backup and my at home practice amp. It's cheaper, a little lighter but slightly bigger than the GK. It has a couple of extra features - namely the mute switch and 1/4/speakon combo jack (vs speakon only on the MB) - plus I felt tonally it was a little more flexible than the GK. I think you'd be able to get closer to the SVT tone with it versus the GK - however YMMV

 

The MB200 is probably the best emergency backup ever made. Some are on the same scale, but for the cheap price these things can be had for used, and the utter ridiculous size they come in at, they are pretty much a no brainer. True it's no SVT, and you may never even have to fire it up, but it's nice to know it's there if you need it.

 

Go for it. You still have the 30 day return policy with GC.

 

I'd be concerned with volume. If you run an 8 ohm cab it's only going to push 140W

 

On second thought I think there may be a place to get a brand new with 20% off.

http://www.proaudioland.com

The save20 coupon is not working right now on anything, so I believe it is a problem with their site. Call tomorrow and you should be able to get it for $299 minus 20%. Free shipping and no tax.

 

Can the MB200 be used just as a headphone amp for practice?

As long as it's in "headphone" mode is it okay to use without a cab connected?

 

Yes

 

As an owner of an MB200 that I got used, I can say it gets a nice native tone, and responds well to my VT pedal as well. Its standard sound is gonna be different from an SVT, naturally, but the EQ stage is pretty musical and you can get pleasing results.

140W thru one 8-ohm cab isn't a lot on paper but it still surprises me how much juice the little thing puts out.

If you're seeing one for the right price ($200 is reasonable), I don't think you'll regret it at all.

 

#1 Both cabs in question are 4ohm.
#2 Volume comes from the amount of speakers, not really the wattage difference between 4 and 8ohms in this case. You aren't going to notice anything but a slight difference in clean headroom between 140w and 200w. Very slight. The MB200 stays strong cranked all the way up, never farts, so it's not an issue. I've gigged the MB200 through a 8ohm 410 cab before. It was pretty loud.

 

I run an MB200 through an 8 ohm GK NEO112 and it is plenty loud on a stage with a reasonable drummer, electric guitar, keyboard, Hammond organ and 5 vocals. Again, all at reasonable volumes.....works for my situation.