How do I extend Markbass combo?

Discussion in 'Amps and Cabs [BG]' started by CC23, Sep 10, 2021.

  1. CC23

    CC23

    Sep 10, 2021
    I recently purchased a Marcus Miller Markbass CMD 102 combo. I am trying to add a 410 extension but can't seem to find where to plug it in so both the 102 and the 410 cabs are putting out. I want to run 610s. I only see one speaker output on the back of the combo. Help!!! 20210909_170559.jpg
     
  2. abarson

    abarson

    Nov 6, 2003
    Santa Cruz
    Here's the owner's manual: 001054_e_markbass_little_marcus_series.pdf

    POWER AMP (MPT): 500W @ 4Ω / 300W @ 8Ω
    The combos speaker load is 8 ohms, so you can add one additional 8 ohms cabinet: minimum ohm load for all Markbass heads is 4 ohms.

    I agree that Markbass didn't make it easy to add an extension cabinet to this combo. If you don't mind voiding the warranty, I'd install a Speakon female connector on the combo instead of the 1/4" jack. This would allow you to run Speakon from the amp to the extension cabinet, then from the cab to the internal combo speakers.

    You could also do it with an adaptor like this one, but the more connections you use the greater the points of failure.
    Hosa GSK-116 1/4-inch Female TS to Neutrik speakON Speaker Adaptor Cable | Sweetwater
     
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  3. basscooker

    basscooker Commercial User

    Apr 11, 2010
    Northern KY
    Cab fan, hobbyist
    It looks like it's a bit more complicated than it should be. The combo speaker is hard wired to a plug with no female connection on the cab.

    To do it that way, one would need a cable extender or would need to add a connector to the cab.
     
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  4. CC23

    CC23

    Sep 10, 2021
    Abarson...thank you for your reply. May I ask another question? According to the MB support website, each combo has 2 speaker outputs built in. One defaults to the 102 leaving the other available for an extension. Does this imply that the 102 is somehow connected on the inside already? Screenshot_20210910-130544_Samsung Internet.jpg
     
  5. CC23

    CC23

    Sep 10, 2021
    So ... the 102 cab is already connected.
     
  6. abarson

    abarson

    Nov 6, 2003
    Santa Cruz
    As your photo clearly illustrates, there is only one speaker output on the back of the amp.
    There are several versions of the CMD 102, each with different speaker outputs.

    • CMD 102P - One Speakon combo, one 1/4" outputs
    • CMD 102P IV - One Speakon combo, one 1/4" outputs
    • Marcus Miller CMD 102 250 - One Speakon combo output
    • Marcus Miller CMD 102 500 - One Speakon combo output
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    Last edited: Sep 10, 2021
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