MarkBass LittleMark IV?

[SJan3]

The LittleMark IV, does anyone have one?
I'm not seeing any reviews on this amp. And that surprises me considering how popular the LittleMark II/III was.
I'd really like to hear some thoughts on this amp.

 

[Sparky Mark]

The LittleMark IV, does anyone have one?
I'm not seeing any reviews on this amp. And that surprises me considering how popular the LittleMark II/III was.
I'd really like to hear some thoughts on this amp.

Agreed. I wonder if the 58R launch may have impacted take up of the LM4? Other than the majority of 58R connectivity being moved to the front panel and loss of the Tuner out I can see no difference between the two amps functionality. The 58R is a bit more expensive in the UK (£499 vs £469).
I know how robust Markbass aluminium chassis are so the 58R ABS might have lower manufacturing costs (once the cost of moulding tooling is recovered) because it removes 99% of machining and all of the painting costs but is mechically no better than ali, and perhaps inferior in some respects?
Also, I think I'd prefer to have the majority of connections at the rear not hanging out the front panel of my rig.
The increased cost of making a cheaper product in Italy may be responsible for the minor price difference, but if we're content that Indonesian products are of equal QC then the LM4 wins on all fronts for me.

 

[SJan3]

Agreed. I wonder if the 58R launch may have impacted take up of the LM4? Other than the majority of 58R connectivity being moved to the front panel and loss of the Tuner out I can see no difference between the two amps functionality. The 58R is a bit more expensive in the UK (£499 vs £469).
I know how robust Markbass aluminium chassis are so the 58R ABS might have lower manufacturing costs (once the cost of moulding tooling is recovered) because it removes 99% of machining and all of the painting costs but is mechically no better than ali, and perhaps inferior in some respects?
Also, I think I'd prefer to have the majority of connections at the rear not hanging out the front panel of my rig.
The increased cost of making a cheaper product in Italy may be responsible for the minor price difference, but if we're content that Indonesian products are of equal QC then the LM4 wins on all fronts for me.

My thoughts as well and I'd have one if they didn't eliminate the VPF filter in favor of a simple 2 way switch which, to my mind, dramatically limits tone shaping. I suppose you can get the same results working the 4 band EQ but the VPF seems much easier on the fly. I do love the addition of a MUTE and I'd like to see if the new bi-band limiter and refocused Low Band make a real audible difference. I had just hoped that someone here had hands on the LittleMark IV.

 

[Sparky Mark]

My thoughts as well and I'd have one if they didn't eliminate the VPF filter in favor of a simple 2 way switch which, to my mind, dramatically limits tone shaping. I suppose you can get the same results working the 4 band EQ but the VPF seems much easier on the fly. I do love the addition of a MUTE and I'd like to see if the new bi-band limiter and refocused Low Band make a real audible difference. I had just hoped that someone here had hands on the LittleMark IV.

I'm not convinced the change of the low EQ centre frequency would make any difference in the real world. I liked the LM3 XLR input too. If I was looking for a new Markbass head I'd be tempted to find a NOS LM3. I'd also recommend an SA450 if you can find one, they are like an upgraded LM3 and should be dirt cheap.

 

[SJan3]

I'm not convinced the change of the low EQ centre frequency would make any difference in the real world. I liked the LM3 XLR input too. If I was looking for a new Markbass head I'd be tempted to find a NOS LM3. I'd also recommend an SA450 if you can find one, they are like an upgraded LM3 and should be dirt cheap.

Maybe a LittleMark Tube. Still current according to the MarkBass website.

 

[Sparky Mark]

Maybe a LittleMark Tube. Still current according to the MarkBass website.

Good call.

 

[Phaidrus]

Maybe a LittleMark Tube. Still current according to the MarkBass website.

Why not a Little Mark Vintage?

 

[SJan3]

Why not a Little Mark Vintage?

Good choice too! I need to play one.

 

[Phaidrus]

Good choice too! I need to play one.

It's a good amp, I have one and like it a lot. Here's some review videos.

 

[Phaidrus]

In case you've missed it, here's a LMIV demo/review.

 

[Nebadon2000]

SJan3 you must have slowed way down or stopped Gigging; I know when I am not Gigging/Rehearsing or just rarely I start buying new stuff and not just Bass related

Let's see; in these pages recently you have Bought/Sold [to add to LM III] Big Bang, Nano, Quilter, Genzler 350,
Aguilar 500 and Mesa 350 and a couple Cabs [I may have missed some] You gave me a wealth of Info that saved me from following the same path so I am just buying stuff for House inside and out 'For Now'

But I am sure you are having more Fun with your purchases than I am with mine

 

[DWBass]

Agreed. I wonder if the 58R launch may have impacted take up of the LM4? Other than the majority of 58R connectivity being moved to the front panel and loss of the Tuner out I can see no difference between the two amps functionality. The 58R is a bit more expensive in the UK (£499 vs £469).
I know how robust Markbass aluminium chassis are so the 58R ABS might have lower manufacturing costs (once the cost of moulding tooling is recovered) because it removes 99% of machining and all of the painting costs but is mechically no better than ali, and perhaps inferior in some respects?
Also, I think I'd prefer to have the majority of connections at the rear not hanging out the front panel of my rig.
The increased cost of making a cheaper product in Italy may be responsible for the minor price difference, but if we're content that Indonesian products are of equal QC then the LM4 wins on all fronts for me.

Tuner out clearly on the rear.

 

[StayLow]

I’m a big MarkBass fan, and have many of their amps. Sorry OP, not the LM IV though.

I can stomach the yellow, and I’m partial to Italian design.

However I cannot imagine why they feel the need to cram absolutely. every. single. bit of free space with unnecessary graphics, labels and branding.

The super-cringe Marco silhouettes or “Italian Lifestyle”… are so self-evidently ridiculous I can only note that is the very antithesis of elegant, appealing design… and the visual antithesis to “bass” and its functional role in most music.

The best MarkBass products are the ones you can stand to look at and aren’t ashamed of, or can easily fix with a black sharpie.

 

[Jonny Reese]

These guys have released seemingly hundreds of amps. What's to differentiate one from another? Ok, hundreds is an exaggeration. I've had an F1 for about 15 years and it's a great amp.

 

[SJan3]

SJan3 you must have slowed way down or stopped Gigging; I know when I am not Gigging/Rehearsing or just rarely I start buying new stuff and not just Bass related

Let's see; in these pages recently you have Bought/Sold [to add to LM III] Big Bang, Nano, Quilter, Genzler 350,
Aguilar 500 and Mesa 350 and a couple Cabs [I may have missed some] You gave me a wealth of Info that saved me from following the same path so I am just buying stuff for House inside and out 'For Now'

But I am sure you are having more Fun with your purchases than I am with mine

Yes! I've been opening my wallet and having fun. I'm am not able to gig at the moment due to health issues but I'm on the mend and hoping to be back out for 2023!
If my profile is up to date, I currently have the Aguilar 350, Subway 350, Nanomark 300 and Quilter Bass Block 800. Still have 3 MarkBass cabs. That's about it for amplification. Oh, and an Ampeg BA110v2 combo. Down to 5 Basses. Pretty happy with what I have at the moment.
So, I hope you're enjoying your play time and Happy Holidays, my friend!
P.S. what's your current setup?

 

[jjbb123]

I’m a big MarkBass fan, and have many of their amps. Sorry OP, not the LM IV though.

I can stomach the yellow, and I’m partial to Italian design.

However I cannot imagine why they feel the need to cram absolutely. every. single. bit of free space with unnecessary graphics, labels and branding.

The super-cringe Marco silhouettes or “Italian Lifestyle”… are so self-evidently ridiculous I can only note that is the very antithesis of elegant, appealing design… and the visual antithesis to “bass” and its functional role in most music.

The best MarkBass products are the ones you can stand to look at and aren’t ashamed of, or can easily fix with a black sharpie.

I totally agree. I’ve had a LMII since they came out. Only markbass product I’ve owned but I love it and use it a ton. It’s now a backup but still love it.

the new stuff is getting super weird with the badges and phrases plastered all over everything! His silhouette with his arms crossed on gear on the front panel now?! It’s weird.

Also they need some sort of consistency in their products and marketing. Their naming schemes are terrible! MB58R? MB58R102XLP?!?! It’s the most complex product naming and marketing I’ve ever seen. Of course they are selling stuff but it’d be a lot easier for themselves if they simplified a few things. I have no idea what any of the new cabs mean, or what heads have what new innovation. They rolled out the whole new line and teased it forever and then it was released and all i saw was complicated names.

I’d still play the heads for sure. If the cabs sound amazing i still wouldn’t use them on stage unless they had options that didn’t have all the bright obnoxious yellow. What not?! I love the LMII. Just give us a line that line doesn’t have your face all over the front and maybe all black? Or black and silver?

 

[SJan3]

I’m a big MarkBass fan, and have many of their amps. Sorry OP, not the LM IV though.

I can stomach the yellow, and I’m partial to Italian design.

However I cannot imagine why they feel the need to cram absolutely. every. single. bit of free space with unnecessary graphics, labels and branding.

The super-cringe Marco silhouettes or “Italian Lifestyle”… are so self-evidently ridiculous I can only note that is the very antithesis of elegant, appealing design… and the visual antithesis to “bass” and its functional role in most music.

The best MarkBass products are the ones you can stand to look at and aren’t ashamed of, or can easily fix with a black sharpie.

Yea, they went overboard with their current crop of amps but I still like the way they sound, the ones I've played to date.

 

[SJan3]

I totally agree. I’ve had a LMII since they came out. Only markbass product I’ve owned but I love it and use it a ton. It’s now a backup but still love it.

the new stuff is getting super weird with the badges and phrases plastered all over everything! His silhouette with his arms crossed on gear on the front panel now?! It’s weird.

Also they need some sort of consistency in their products and marketing. Their naming schemes are terrible! MB58R? MB58R102XLP?!?! It’s the most complex product naming and marketing I’ve ever seen. Of course they are selling stuff but it’d be a lot easier for themselves if they simplified a few things. I have no idea what any of the new cabs mean, or what heads have what new innovation. They rolled out the whole new line and teased it forever and then it was released and all i saw was complicated names.

I’d still play the heads for sure. If the cabs sound amazing i still wouldn’t use them on stage unless they had options that didn’t have all the bright obnoxious yellow. What not?! I love the LMII. Just give us a line that line doesn’t have your face all over the front and maybe all black? Or black and silver?

I had a LittleMarcus 800 for a few days,
(I hated it). And having Marcus Miller all over the front was a turn off to me. Not criticizing Marcus but I thought it was a bit tacky.
My LittleMark3 was my favorite amp and I still rue the day of it's demise. I tried to order another but no longer available.

 

[StayLow]

Decided to check out the new line.
https://www.premierguitar.com/news/markbass-mb58r

Indistinguishable from an April 1st troll. Demos above sound great, and in the spirit of good cheer it’s about damn time someone deployed proper-sized Gain and Master knobs. That’s very helpful for such sensitive adjustments and differentiates those from the visual violence on the front.

Dig the stout, wide power switch too. Those feel solid and make a satisfying sound when switched. “BASS AMP” with a dinky little soft power switch doesn’t look or feel very “BASS”.

Seriously though, these are crossing the line where some bassists, or their bandmates and band leaders, might experience legit anxiety looking at these. Same with the retina-piercing blue lasers some brands use. Absolutely clueless.

I’d start a business making replacement skins, but MB releases new amps too fast to keep up with.

 

[CP63]

The LittleMark IV, does anyone have one?
I'm not seeing any reviews on this amp. And that surprises me considering how popular the LittleMark II/III was.
I'd really like to hear some thoughts on this amp.

I have a LittleMark IV. I picked one up Nov 2021. I really like it. The dial with 3 settings works great. I keep the dial set taking the mids out. I like it set that way all the time. The amp set Flat is to middy for me. MarkBass notched it taking out the right mids. Never run it flat. I was concerned as well not having the VLE/VPF knobs. But it's not an issue at all. If I want the old school tone I use the Old School dial to take off the highs. I still leave the mid cut dial set though. Really like the mute switch gigging. The amp is warm and even. Really like the Bi band limiter. I have tried it with a 112 cab and 210 by themselves, not together at the same time. I like the amp with the 210 cab best. The amp cuts through the live band mix great.
Years ago I had a Little Mark II when they first came out. Used the amp with 2 Aguilar GS112 cabs. I think the amp works better for me with the 210 cab. In a blues band I got along fine with just a single 112( 3pc blues band though, so not loud). Last year I went back and forth between Ampeg, Fender, and Markbass. Markbass just works for me. Lastly, the fit and finish on the Little Mark IV is great! Oh, I play a Fender Jazz American Original 60's.