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GK mb200 ultra light head?
- Thread starter pigdog
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I've owned an MB2-500 & after reading this thread, my curiousity was peaked on the MB-200. I went over to Bass NW & tried the mb200 through a GK 412 cab. WOW! I had to have it for tonight's gig. I brought it home to try through my Ampeg portobass 2x12 & ampeg pro neo 2x10. Bought sound fantastic. So much sound for such a little package. Tonight, I plan to take the 2x12 since it's 4 ohms along with the mb200 to the gig.
Stay tuned for a live report.
Stay tuned for a live report.
I've followed this thread but haven't read every single post. I bet an MB200 would go really well with my EA Wizzy 112.
I love my '87 400RB--I get my favorite sounds when cranking at least 2 of the 3 volume controls (gain/boost/master). How good is the MB200 at getting the classic GK growl with just the single volume control? Thanks!
I love my '87 400RB--I get my favorite sounds when cranking at least 2 of the 3 volume controls (gain/boost/master). How good is the MB200 at getting the classic GK growl with just the single volume control? Thanks!
Anyone compared this to a Shuttle 3.0? I have a 3.0-10t combo en route to cover small jazz gigs but am always looking for the smallest/lightest small gig/backup head that is still viable as a backup.
I got mine for $224.10 from MF(price beat GC)...less than $1 a watt(fully rated @4 ohms 240 watts)...it fits in my gigbag easy. So cool...worth the tryout. I did not compare to anything...I just wanted it! Love it!
Just bought a GK mb 500. Thought about it the mb 200, but reckoned I would regret passing on the extra watts.
You are getting more than just watts with the MB500. It is a much more flexible head that gives you a lot more options with tones. I own both. The MB200 gets a lot of use, but I am often using my ZOOM B9 with it to get different tones. When I use the MB500, if I use the ZOOM at all it is just for effects.
I hear what your saying about the extra control and watts with the mb500, but......I have lots of watts and control with my MarkBass rigs(MoMark LMK and F1).
I Just wanted because of its size and weight....I really did not NEED it! It's so cool!
I Just wanted because of its size and weight....I really did not NEED it! It's so cool!
So I used the following config for last night's gig.
Line 6 M13 > Tech 21 VT Bass Deluxe > GK MB200 > Ampeg Portobass 2x12.
Talk about a small, lightweight package that has a lot of versatility! I played on a cruise ship last night. The room was approx 60x120'. With the volume on the GK set about 11 o clock w/ the EQ set flat, I set well in the mix of a 6 piece band without being overbearing. Nice & full too. I DIed to the PA as well. I use 3 settings on my VTB to cover a variety of tones (SVT style rock, GK style slap tones & a deep raggae/motown style tone). In this instance, I guess I'm using the GK moreso as a tiny poweramp. If anything, it's kept me from take my Carvin DCM1500 & thus, saving me an extra 30 lbs.
At 2 lbs, it's an absolute steal not to snag one of these as a great backup amp, practice amp or for use in small & mid sized gigs. And when DIing out to the house, it works well for larger gigs too.
Line 6 M13 > Tech 21 VT Bass Deluxe > GK MB200 > Ampeg Portobass 2x12.
Talk about a small, lightweight package that has a lot of versatility! I played on a cruise ship last night. The room was approx 60x120'. With the volume on the GK set about 11 o clock w/ the EQ set flat, I set well in the mix of a 6 piece band without being overbearing. Nice & full too. I DIed to the PA as well. I use 3 settings on my VTB to cover a variety of tones (SVT style rock, GK style slap tones & a deep raggae/motown style tone). In this instance, I guess I'm using the GK moreso as a tiny poweramp. If anything, it's kept me from take my Carvin DCM1500 & thus, saving me an extra 30 lbs.
At 2 lbs, it's an absolute steal not to snag one of these as a great backup amp, practice amp or for use in small & mid sized gigs. And when DIing out to the house, it works well for larger gigs too.
- Apr 3, 2003
- 35,515
- 19,945
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- Editor-in-Chief, Bass Gear Magazine
+1 This is definitely one of those "every gigging bass player should have one" items, IME/IMHO.
+2!
That's essentially how I use it as well. With the gain 10-11 o'clock, it responds very well to preamps and produces some decent volume.
I couldn't resist this little thing so I have one on the way. 
It should round out my stable of amps nicely. I use a 1001RB-II and an SWR 115 for almost everything I do and I also have a vintage SVT with a Bergantino 610 for the biggest stuff. I really don't need it but theres no way I can let that rig go. Unfortunately it's not a super portable backup amp though. The MB 200 will be paired with my series 1 neo 112 for an on-the-go rig and as a portable backup for the 1001RB-II.
It should round out my stable of amps nicely. I use a 1001RB-II and an SWR 115 for almost everything I do and I also have a vintage SVT with a Bergantino 610 for the biggest stuff. I really don't need it but theres no way I can let that rig go. Unfortunately it's not a super portable backup amp though. The MB 200 will be paired with my series 1 neo 112 for an on-the-go rig and as a portable backup for the 1001RB-II.Would this head paired with a GK neo 112 make for a good first rig? Would it be able to play with a guitar and a drummer? It just seems that this pairing would fall into a price range that compares with an intermediate combo. Thoughts?
- Apr 3, 2003
- 35,515
- 19,945
- Disclosures
- Editor-in-Chief, Bass Gear Magazine
That would be enough rig, presuming that your drummer didn't beat the snot out of his drums, and the guitar player was reasonable with his volume. Adding a second Neo112-II when funds allowed would be a good idea, as this would double your cone area and also get the MB200 up to its full 200 watts into (4-ohms).
FWIW, I was able to keep up at practice using my MB200 with just one Genz-Benz 1x12, but I would have been happier with two 1x12's.
Tom.
In order to keep myself out of trouble, I'll vote "present" on whether the 1x12 will be enough, but I will say you're starting off the right way by going with separates rather than with a combo. Power-wise, the MB200 will be enough, and if it's not, then someone's playing way too loud or the room's just plain awful and nothing will sound good in it.
Have you considered buying a used and slightly more-capable cab? Even a 2x10 will eat a 1x12's lunch, all else being equal, and you'll take less of a hit when you're ready to upgrade. (And it'll push that date out further.)
Have you considered buying a used and slightly more-capable cab? Even a 2x10 will eat a 1x12's lunch, all else being equal, and you'll take less of a hit when you're ready to upgrade. (And it'll push that date out further.)
Couldn't resist the little guy for the $$. Quick audition in the garage tonight verified what a lot of folks have already said. For it's tiny size, it sounds really big! thr Even with the inefficiency of the Acme cab, I can see this working well at the small clubs we've been playing lately. It's no replacement for my M9, but so far I'm pleasantly surprised!
How much air movement space would this thing need
I am considering mounting one under my pedal board
T.
I am considering mounting one under my pedal board
T.
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