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Double Bass Input needed re: amplifier

Bonecat

Bonecat

Supporting Member
Oct 22, 2005
1,187
2,162
Michigan
#1
Looking for some input. I currently use a Series 1 AI Clarus through a EA VL-110 cab with my Englehart URB and my NS NXT EUB. It sounds amazing, but I find myself wanting a small combo to lighten the load and simplify my load-in. Thinking about the GK MB150S/112 or something similar. Whatever I go with will occasionally be used for EB in rehearsals and small gigs, but will principally be used for the URB/EUB. I'll be selling the AI and EA to help finance the buy. Both are in excellent condition.

So, what would you recommend and why?

Many thanks!

Phil
 
#2
I've been very happy with my Markacoustic AC 101 and you can read my review here. They still make this amp, but it's now called the DV Mark AC 101. This replaced my GK MB150S. That was a cool little amp, but I found that it didn't do a great job of getting my sound out into the room.

I'm also very pleased with the Markbass CMD 121P which works well with both electric or upright, although it's a bit bulkier and heavier. It can get really loud if you need it to though.

- Steve
 
#3
I'm very happy with my Genz Benz Shuttle 3.0-10T for double Bass and EUB.
Probably a bit limited for fusion and similar loud music, but otherwise very useable.
Unfortunately you cannot get them new any longer, but you might want to look for a used one. Only 9 kg and without an additional speaker 185 watts. Like it much better than the GK MB150S or the Markbass CMD121P.
3-band EQ with controllable mid frequency.
With a HPFpre you might get even a bit more useful power out of the amp by cutting the infrasonic lows a bit.
 
#6
I use an Aquilar ToneHammer 500 and a Barefaced One 10 cab. Very easy to carry, 20 or 21 pounds total, possibly the ultimate "combo", or at least a big step in the right direction. It is two pieces to carry but I value the flexibility of separates (I mix up two heads and three cabs). The TH Drive control helps a lot with my NXT4. It is a combination variable HPF and LPF. The NXT is not the easiest instrument to get good tone out of (IMHO) and this helps dramatically. First adjust the Drive, then the Bass and sweepable Mids. The One 10 has a really solid tone for its size and will take any amount of eq that you want to throw at it and will handle a lot more power than its rating as long as you run it clean.

I also have a Bergantino CN112 which is great but heavier and a bit bulky (closer to your EA). I got tired of hauling it up and down steps to rehearsals and jams and ordered the One 10. Glad I did because shortly after I found myself in a second band and very busy. I kept the Berg but for most of my gigs the Barefaced works just as well.

So you may want to consider just replacing the cab and keep your Clarus as that is going to be superior to most of the amp portions found in combos.
 
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#7
I've just picked up a Markbass NY 121 into which I have plugged my Markbass F1 and NS CR4M. Very nice; I imagine a slightly more hi-fi tone than the LM head in the combo version. Light and and easy to carry form with a recessed metal handle.
 
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