That's interesting. I guess a "saving grace" with this combo is that the head is removable. Theoretically, if the amp were to blow, couldn't you put another amp head there? I guess finding one that would fit well would be the issue.
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Markbass CMD 102p vs other combos
- Thread starter Axious
- Start date
I gigged with a Fender Rumble 100 for a couple of years and then, when it suddenly died at a gig (and was found to be completely irreparable) I decided to gamble and try a Markbass 112 combo as a replacement.
The Markbass has a higher wattage rating but is so much louder! I get louder, cleaner volume out of my 112 with an extension 112 cab than I did with a 1000+ watt class-D setup and two 1x12 Bergantino cabs.
Personally I find the Markbass to be much higher quality with far better tone and response, I can't imagine ever going back to a Rumble.
As others mentioned, EQ, location, and even your proximity to the speakers might change how well you are hearing it. You might even try testing it out set up right next to it as opposed to 10+ feet away and see if that changes your perspective.
In the end, if the bulk of the volume is coming through the PA anyway, then it's even less of an issue. Nobody across the floor is hearing your speakers anyway.
The Markbass has a higher wattage rating but is so much louder! I get louder, cleaner volume out of my 112 with an extension 112 cab than I did with a 1000+ watt class-D setup and two 1x12 Bergantino cabs.
Personally I find the Markbass to be much higher quality with far better tone and response, I can't imagine ever going back to a Rumble.
As others mentioned, EQ, location, and even your proximity to the speakers might change how well you are hearing it. You might even try testing it out set up right next to it as opposed to 10+ feet away and see if that changes your perspective.
In the end, if the bulk of the volume is coming through the PA anyway, then it's even less of an issue. Nobody across the floor is hearing your speakers anyway.
Depends on whether the head unit is mounted using rack ears into the cab. Most/all MB heads have the option for rack mounting, but I seem to recall the smaller combos are mounted a little differently (with the cab somewhat covering where the rack ears would normally be).
I've not heard of the smaller (LM3, etc) amps going south, mainly the larger ones - my bands play loud and i've always put a lot of heft through my gear so probably (over time) the power amp finally couldn't keep up.
Check out my review after my first gig with my CMD102P back in 2006! Post #425 in this thread.
Mark Bass??
I gigged with a Fender Rumble 100 for a couple of years and then, when it suddenly died at a gig (and was found to be completely irreparable) I decided to gamble and try a Markbass 112 combo as a replacement.
The Markbass has a higher wattage rating but is so much louder! I get louder, cleaner volume out of my 112 with an extension 112 cab than I did with a 1000+ watt class-D setup and two 1x12 Bergantino cabs.
Personally I find the Markbass to be much higher quality with far better tone and response, I can't imagine ever going back to a Rumble.
As others mentioned, EQ, location, and even your proximity to the speakers might change how well you are hearing it. You might even try testing it out set up right next to it as opposed to 10+ feet away and see if that changes your perspective.
In the end, if the bulk of the volume is coming through the PA anyway, then it's even less of an issue. Nobody across the floor is hearing your speakers anyway.
I've seen a lot of praise for those 1x12 combos. I'd imagine if you can get that kind of performance of that and an extension 1x12, I'm sure an extension on mine could be pretty mean. That being said, I was not far away from the amp. In fact, it was within an arms reach right next to me on a bleacher seat. However, there were a of people in the arena(more than normal), a guitar player, a drummer, and about 30 brass players behind me.
On a seat !!! no transfer of energy to the floor = DEAD sound ! , I have the 2x10 and 112 MB amps in open air I always go thru the PA , your issue is the bleacher seats.,
IMO
I
P.S. if the amp fails, it can be removed and sent to VST. Shipping on a 5 lb head is cheap!
I'd put it next to a new one and compare output, tone etc. And the Indonesia claim is overblown. My LittleMark3 was an Italian unit and it quit after 12+ years. Most owners say there's no discernable difference between Italian and Indonesian built amps.
P.S. if the amp fails, it can be removed and sent to VST. Shipping on a 5 lb head is cheap!
The bleacher seat is the issue right there! Put it on the floor and you'll hear a massive difference.
Also, the bass often sounds different right next to you than it does 10+ feet in front. If you had the opportunity to experiment with different amp placement I think you'd hear a big difference. Depending on how high up you sit, even under the bleachers might give you a better tone!
I play a Rumble 500 as a back line combo at one of the clubs we often play at. Sounds a bit soft to me but I don’t get a lot of time to dial in tone in detail. The main thing that bothers me is that it sounds like it has compression that kicks in when I want to dig in?
Gigged cmd 102p for like 11 years no with issues. Brought 2x10 extension for larger gigs. Anything that wouldn't cover, into the PA. Usually into the PA anyway.
I used to own fender rumble 100, tc electronics, own multiple mesa heads now, but that markbass is still one of my favs all around for live, recording, etc..
I used to own fender rumble 100, tc electronics, own multiple mesa heads now, but that markbass is still one of my favs all around for live, recording, etc..
I use a Mark Bass 121P combo, sometimes with extension speaker. I used to have the 102p. No problems with either. I had the opportunity to try Rumbles at a rehearsal venue my big band was using and I just can't seem to get a good sound of them, always too muddy. There was also an old Yorkville there and that worked better for me.
Yes you are correct, I was thinking of the 112 I owned.
Pretty sure that MarkBass (at least the in 102p and 121P and similar amps) uses a switching power supply and a Class A/B power amp. Not D. And I don't know why the quality would decrease by moving the production. It just depends on the specifications and outgoing AQL. It could even be better as they can pend more time checking the production.
Just FYI - My 121P has been worked hard for 15 years and still keep pounding out the low end. Would never change it.
GK Combos go LOUD. A proper HPF will be your friend and keep it clean when driving hard.
GK Demo stock: Demo Stock
Maybe try adding an external 15", that'll displace air... but dunno what your MB supports.
GK Demo stock: Demo Stock
Maybe try adding an external 15", that'll displace air... but dunno what your MB supports.
