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Markbass combo query?

Baker69

Baker69

Mar 24, 2008
2,048
1,149
UK
#1
Hi guys, I’ve just bought a Markbass Mini CMD 121P IV Combo, I’m a bit confused on the 3 way switch on the control panel?

The Manual states that the 3 positions are FLAT / SCOOP / FSW (Footswitch). I think the (optional) footswitch possibly selects between the Flat or Scoop modes (if the switch is in the FSW position), however in the FSW position it is a different sound to the Flat or Scoop? I prefer the FSW position sound-wise but what is going on here?

I don’t want a Flat setting (which I assume is all tone controls at 12 O’Clock), or a Scooped setting (which I assume is for slapping), so is the FSW setting the default setting based on the 4 tone knob settings selected by the user thus making the 3 position knob actually a 3 way EQ switching selector?
 
#2
I would assume that the FSW toggles between the preset scoop and flat setting. The EQs are likely in series which would make the 4-band active regardless of FSW. To me, otherwise would be poor design practice.
 
#3
YourGuitarist said:
I would assume that the FSW toggles between the preset scoop and flat setting. The EQs are likely in series which would make the 4-band active regardless of FSW. To me, otherwise would be poor design practice.
Click to expand...

As I said the FSW setting (to me) appears to be the selection for using all of the EQ, otherwise you can only switch between the Flat EQ setting or the Scooped EQ setting? The sound is definitely different on the FSW setting.

I’ve just been reading that the footswitch (which I don’t have) just toggles between Mute and Flat? I imagined it would at least toggle between Flat and Scooped. I think it is a 2 button footswitch so it could be Mute/Flat or Mute/Scooped on or off?
 
#8
Nebadon2000 said:
from link
lastly the 'FSW' option to control both mute and the Scooped EQ on demand by connecting an optional dual footswitch.

It is a Dual footswitch; 1 is for in/ out of Mute the other switches between Flat and Scoop

Having it set at FSW with no FSW who knows and why?
Click to expand...

As I said the FSW sounds different and I’m assuming this is due to it utilising the full 4 band EQ, otherwise all you are doing is toggling between the Flat and the Scooped setting?
 
#9
Baker69 said:
As I said the FSW sounds different and I’m assuming this is due to it utilising the full 4 band EQ, otherwise all you are doing is toggling between the Flat and the Scooped setting?
Click to expand...

Maybe in FSW with no connected footswitch it is doing nothing/bypass so yes all eq works ALSO all EQ should work when set to flat or scoop to customize

If I am wrong hopefully someone else who has IV will set it straight:)

PS; To clarify Flat setting says it is not adding or subtracting anything in that position only on board EQ in FSW position with no footswitch it is the same as flat and [no mute]

EQ is always active in any position of switch[4 Bands + old school knob]
 
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#13
Nebadon2000 said:
Maybe in FSW with no connected footswitch it is doing nothing/bypass so yes all eq works ALSO all EQ should work when set to flat or scoop to customize

If I am wrong hopefully someone else who has IV will set it straight:)

PS; To clarify Flat setting says it is not adding or subtracting anything in that position only on board EQ in FSW position with no footswitch it is the same as flat and [no mute]

EQ is always active in any position of switch[4 Bands + old school knob]
Click to expand...

Yes, as you say we need someone who owns a Mk IV combo or head to chirp in with hopefully some clarification.
 
#16
YourGuitarist said:
If you don't have the footswitch, I wouldn't be using the FSW setting.

Are you saying that the scoop associated with the scoop setting is tonally different from the scoop using the FSW setting?
Click to expand...
Recently bought that model. I can confirm the FSW setting is much brighter than the other two. Which was pointed out as a good thing in the shop. And the EQ works as expected from the starting points of all 3 settings. I have no idea if the foot switch can access the FSW sound or not. TBH I can't imagine a situation where I'd need a foot switch to change that setting mid song, anyway.
 
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