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Double Bass Markbass CMD 121P opinions sought

#21
So remember (and this is to me the only drawback) they are rear ported. So who cares? you do if you are playing on a stage with a heavy curtain behind you it totally changes the sound. Or if you are playing on such a large stage there is no real wall to bounce off of. I have run into this problem more than once. The amp really osunds great when in a perfect reflective spot, but if you life it and put it on a chair like other amps it losing bottom as there is no coupling effect.
 
#22
I've played a CMD121p for about 3 years and like it a little more for electric bass than upright; however, it seems to me that the full circle is a very good match for markbass amps. I've heard a few players sound great with this combinationand have noticed a lot of favorable comments from players who run a full circle into markbass like you.. I've got an underwood, and it doesn't do quite as well, but it's manageable with some extensive EQing.

I actually love that it's rear-ported. If you play w/ a drummer, drummers get a little bit of volume from the rear and the drummers I play with have all liked it.

Very easy to transport, and it's lasting pretty well. Just get some grill cloth to hide those horrible tennis-ball-yellow speakers!!
 
#24
"Markbass amps/combos are manufactured to be sold and used in the country of purchase, and they are factory preset to that country’s voltage.
Due to homologation issues, the voltage may not be changed." – from Markbass' website.

So I bought an EA Micro in Canada (110v) and used it there and gigged it here in Asia (240v)...
 
#25
Well, looks like the 1x12 combo is a keeper. I've had about a dozen jobs on it so far and it seems like a great match for my Lemur Romanian with Full Circle.

It's best with my Boss Bass EQ pedal - but sounds fine without a preamp on quiet, grab & go background gigs.

Pros - lightweight & loud - a near perfect little "cube" amp that is great for doubling - plus super clean DI out for recording.

Cons - it sho is ugly - but nobody really seems to care anyway!

I could see swapping the woofer at some point and removing the obnoxious logo - but I guess I'll wait at least two years till the warranty runs out before I start to booger it all up!

Next purchases will be the amp cover and a compact magna cart to wheel it around.
 
#28
For me,the secret is the VPF filter. Set flat, the amp sounds sort of boxy, but turning up this knob rounds it out nicely. The other EQ controls I set flat unless I need to compensate for room acoustics. I've never had to use a preamp with this combo and I use the Fishman Full Circle pickup. I also had a GK MB150S and I sold it recently as the CMD 121P and my recently acquired Markacoustic AC 101 fulfill my amplification needs.

- Steve
 
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#29
bassfiddlesteve said:
For me,the secret is the VPF filter. Set flat, the amp sounds sort of boxy, but turning up this knob rounds it out nicely. The other EQ controls I set flat unless I need to compensate for room acoustics. I've never had to use a preamp with this combo and I use the Fishman Full Circle pickup. I also had a GK MB150S and I sold it recently as the CMD 121P and my recently acquired Markacoustic AC 101 fulfill my amplification needs.

- Steve
Click to expand...

I've had my 121p for a number of years, using it for small electric gigs and smaller upright gigs. Almost always use some sort of preamp for the upright. I've never really fooled around with the VPF filter since I thought I didn't want to dip the frequency's that the upright "speaks" in. Just for kicks I tried using the VPF a little and found I liked it. As you said it took out some of the boxy and gave a more spacious sound. I still think for its size, the 121p is a fantastic combo. For me, using an outboard eq of some kind for both electric and upright bass make this amp twice as good.
 
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#30
I added the FDeck pre before my amp, and man I was pretty happy with the sound. I wouldn't say Iam totally there yet, but a well respected musician on the gig did complement my tone. Gig was trio w/keys, groovy/modern jazz.I was cutting this amp first because it didn't cut through like the gk 150- but I think the sound was over all more rich and filling- and bassy- than my last gig in same venue/same group w gk Amp. I am excited to play tonight with a gypsy jazz quartet, no drums, and sat night with jazz quintet & see how much the FDeck helps. I was really worried I wouldnt be happy with cmd121 + upright, but things are looking up :)
 
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#31
I really appreciate tappingtrance's comments on the cab being rear ported. I've had a few gigs where we're out in the middle of some ballroom - and the amp really loses something.

However, if you're on a stage, near a wall, or in a corner, the amp really thumps.

Any of you use the additional NYC 112? I'm thinking of picking one up for certain jobs.


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#32
Hey Jason, I picked up the ny121 ext., it is pretty great. The best part of it is the look on drummers faces when I load out electric bass + 600 watts, one 12" in each hand in one trip to the car! Oh yea and it sounds good, too. I think it handles my electric gigs well, I only really would want a 410 on 2% of actual gigs- outdoor big stage- but there's been a pa on those so who would even know. I haven't ever used it with upright, the cmd gets pretty loud alone- but I'd like to give the ny121 a go with the big band.
You have been using the cmd w upright? Are you using a preamp or other eq? Iam curious to know what has been successful for you.
 
#33
Yes, I primarily use the MB combo with my upright on background gigs.

If it's a mellow set, I don't use a preamp with my FC pup. If there's a drummer or a bigger room I'll use my trusty boss bass EQ - I've been cutting the super low slider a little to get that hi-pass filter on the cheap - plus it has a nice clean boost.

If the gig is going to be much louder - like an outdoor show with no PA support, or at a big dance reception - I'll use my GK rb700 / SWR 210 rig - which is what I regularly use on electric bass / blues clubs, etc.

I've been thinking of the NYC 121 for the reasons you just mentioned!


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#34
I got a good deal on a used Markbass Traveller 2×10 cabinet to use it as an extension with my CMD 121P. I never use it with the upright bass, but it sounds great for louder electric bass gigs.

- Steve
 
#36
After playing another gig with the cmd, Iam curious to know how the settings others are using with this amp. It wasn't until i cranked the treble that I started getting a better tone, better articulation and a bit of "air". Over all I think I could have used a bit more mids, but the low mid made it tubby and the high mid seemed a bit high. Not bAd, but not the "holy grail" yet for upright. Which preamps are successful? Thankyou for you input :)
(I was using an FDeck, set to 35hz and volume @ 100%. Amp on a chair to avoid boominess, bass @ 9, low mid @ 12, high mid @1, high @ 3, just a hair first filter, and 9-10 of slap filter.. The one suggested)
 

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