GK MB200 owners: contour switch on or off?

[xroads]

Title says it all; for you GK MB200 owners: do you usually activate the contour switch or not?

I found that with my speaker/bass combination, I pretty much keep it on all the time.

Edit: I should add that I have a PJ Bass with Flats and GK MBE212 speakers

 

[jnewmark]

I never use a contour switch on any amp I've owned. It's just another word for " scoop ", a sound I don't care for.

 

[blmeier7]

I keep mine off. The scoop is too extreme for me with it on. Although I have played around with it on and then pulling the lows down and putting the miss back in, just provides some different sounds.

I'd prefer the adjustable contour knob.

 

[csanders]

I keep it off. The default EQ is already somewhat scooped, so I don't want any more. In fact, I push both of my mid knobs up into the 1:30-2:00 range to compensate for the innate mid-scoop.

 

[fdeck]

I used an analyzer to find settings that are very close to flat:

Contour = Off
Treble = 10:00
Hi Mid = 2:00
Lo Mid = 1:00
Bass = 10:00

Of course "flat" is not the be-all and end-all, but I find it useful to know how my amps work. Also, my speaker designs all assume a flat amp.

 

[csanders]

Similar to what I use for "flat".
Contour off
Treb 9:00
Hi Mid 2:00
Lo Mid 1:30
Bass 10:30

Then... I run my VT Bass into it for some growl.

 

[Exploiter8]

Interesting, I keep mine activated full time. Sounds GREAT and never get lost in the mix.

X8

 

[mystic38]

agreed, flat is a very overrated concept for musicality, but tbh i think the differences between amps may be way way less that we all here at TB think if A:B comparisions were used with the amps performing with a flat response, rather than 12,12,12,12

Hmm... an interesting thread idea.. post Analyser screenshots of amps with controls set for flat response?

I used an analyzer to find settings that are very close to flat:

Contour = Off
Treble = 10:00
Hi Mid = 2:00
Lo Mid = 1:00
Bass = 10:00

Of course "flat" is not the be-all and end-all, but I find it useful to know how my amps work. Also, my speaker designs all assume a flat amp.

 

[johnpbass]

Contour off.

 

[fishdreams]

Mine is off. I see the point of it, and would use it, for example if i were using the DI in a rock context; but in the sort of semi acoustic constellations i am currently playing in, it serves no purpose.

 

[SBassman]

Interesting, I keep mine activated full time. Sounds GREAT and never get lost in the mix.

X8

Same with me. I have seen a fair share of dislike of the GK Contour, but, I love it. Brings me very close to tone I like, and then I dial from there depending on room/situation.

 

[Hnz]

Depends on what bass I play. With my Fender Sting Signature the contour is usualy on. With my fretless I like more mids, so keep the contour off. Also with my jazz bass the contour is off most of the time...

 

[MoeTown1986]

if i'm playing my stingray with rounds, contour off. if i'm playing my P bass with flats, contour on.

 

[yodedude2]

a bit off topic: wouldn't it be nice if amps came with a 'flat' switch?

 

[MoeTown1986]

a bit off topic: wouldn't it be nice if amps came with a 'flat' switch?

Or just how to EQ to achieve flat written in the manual or something.

 

[xroads]

Or just how to EQ to achieve flat written in the manual or something.

One could just add a tone control bypass switch, which would make the amp flat if the preamp and power amp are that way.

 

[tombowlus]

I used an analyzer to find settings that are very close to flat:

Contour = Off
Treble = 10:00
Hi Mid = 2:00
Lo Mid = 1:00
Bass = 10:00

Of course "flat" is not the be-all and end-all, but I find it useful to know how my amps work. Also, my speaker designs all assume a flat amp.

That's about how I run mine.

 

[eban3]

always on ..................

 

[sanderic]

One could just add a tone control bypass switch, which would make the amp flat if the preamp and power amp are that way.

The old West Laboratories from the early 70 s did have a tone bypass switch. It was marked L.O.U.D, and when engaged would rearrange the neighbors china cabinet. Keep in mind that in those days, if you turned all the tone controls to zero, you would have no sound. Bypassing the tone controls was essentially "these go up to eleven".
BTW I leave the contour switch on with my MB200.

 

[Doug Parent]

contour switch = useless