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MarkBass Amp Settings?

Discount Saint

Discount Saint

Bassist for the music in my head
Jan 26, 2007
1,613
1,055
Victoria, BC, Canada
#1
I've been using a MarkBass SA450 head for awhile (running through a Mesa Powerhouse 1X15 cab .. REALLY pining for a 2x10 to put on top.. hopefully this year).

My bass is an ATK305 and I'm playing mostly alternative / progressive / heavy rock with a little metal leaning at times. I play with a lot of effects, mostly of the distortion / fuzz variety as well. I'm just looking for some hints on getting a punchier more distinct sound out of my SA450 that will cut through and still have some beef to it. I've never been particular sure about the VLE and VPF filters on the amp, but I have seen how they can make a big difference in the sound.. just not sure how they are best designed to interact with each other. I generally EQ fairly flat across the board at 12 o'clock, with a slight boost to the mids, but I know some amps are tricky in where exactly the sweet spot for their EQ is (for instance, some guitar amps are best when you set your EQ is set flat at 10 instead of 5 and then rolling off the frequencies that you want less of).

So - any advice for me on how to get the most of my MarkBass? I'd be open to advice regarding my bass and pedals too.. pedal-wise I use an Opto-Stomp running into an LS-2 with 2 loops - one has an SB-7 into a Blowtorch and the other has a PD-7 into a BassBalls into a Bass Big Muff. Thinking of getting rid of the BassBalls and getting BSW instead though...

Thanks in advance!
 
#3
The VLE and VPF work best if you use them separately. One is a treble cut, the other is a mid scoop. Frankly, I have no use for the VPF. I use the VLE to roll off everything past 5k. Otherwise I leave it flat. Markbass stuff is designed to work best set flat, IMHO.
 
#5
JimmyM said:
Markbass stuff is designed to work best set flat, IMHO.
Click to expand...

+1 here. I have the F1 and LMII and run these flat for the most part.
Maybe a boost of low and a cut of High Mid.
But, for that punchy sound, flat settings deliver!

Gearhead43 said:
If you want a "punchier more distinct sound", then stop using the distortion and fuzz.
Click to expand...

:D LOL, That's another way! :D
 
#7
jimmy rocket said:
Interesting. I've got a LMII and I've found that I need to cut the low to 11 o'clock or so. Everything else flat. VLE and VPF at 9 o'clock. Running through an Aggie GS112.
Click to expand...

I run mine through a Epi UL2-410. Those setting I described are more on the F1. The LMII is my backup amp.
 
#9
I use an SA450 into a SWR Goliath3 410 often. i have never had any reouble with punch and run everything flat except for the VLE at 9 or 10 o'clock when I am playing blues. Maybe you partially answered your own question and tens are more the sound you hear in your own head??
 
#12
jimmy rocket said:
Interesting. I've got a LMII and I've found that I need to cut the low to 11 o'clock or so. Everything else flat. VLE and VPF at 9 o'clock. Running through an Aggie GS112.
Click to expand...
Hey Jimmy,
I know this thread is ancient but I recently got a used LM II which I'm playing through my Avatar B112 cab. Active J Bass 5 string , contemporary Jazz Latin music. I have been fiddling around with the settings, not really getting the sound I was hoping for. I just found your post and that was it. Perfect. Thanks a lot ! Seems like flat is not really flat on the LMII
 

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