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Markbass LM II as preamp with no speaker load
- Thread starter JimmyM
- Start date
Most modern amps have open circuit protection for the power stage so I don't think this should be a problem - but can I suggest you PM Peter Murray to ask him to check this out for you, if you haven't done so already?
I think this can be safely done with most (if not all) solid state amps. Just keep the Master volume control all the way down. Even if it should become turned up accidentally it shouldn't be a problem. But keep it turned down ayway!
You probably would NOT want to risk doing this with an amplifier with a tube power amp!
You probably would NOT want to risk doing this with an amplifier with a tube power amp!
I don't believe you can use the LMII just as a preamp.
This was going to be used with a Bergantino IP112.
We tried going out of the tuner out and the effects send.
All we were able to use was the volume, no tone control
at all. Looks like you just can't use the LMII in that way.
This was going to be used with a Bergantino IP112.
We tried going out of the tuner out and the effects send.
All we were able to use was the volume, no tone control
at all. Looks like you just can't use the LMII in that way.
B String, you have to go out of the DI to get any tonal control. The tuner jack sends a flat signal to other stuff.
Thanks guys! In that case, it's also my new DI. I got offstage tonight, and the amp's sound actually translates to the DI out! Yippee! Almost total tonal control! Other than the soundman, that is.
Thanks guys! In that case, it's also my new DI. I got offstage tonight, and the amp's sound actually translates to the DI out! Yippee! Almost total tonal control! Other than the soundman, that is.
For info - the LM II can be configured to have the DI out as pre or post EQ with an internal jumper. I think early models left the factory with this switched to the "pre" setting, but this was changed later to "post" to reflect the wants of most users.
The original manual stated the DI was pre EQ by default, but my combo (same head) was configured post EQ when I bought it 19 months ago, so most of the units that reached the US when GC started selling them some time after that would be set this way, I imagine. Peter may be able to advise more about this.
BTW, at least one version of the manual says there's a switch on the rear panel for pre/post EQ settings - there isn't.
The original manual stated the DI was pre EQ by default, but my combo (same head) was configured post EQ when I bought it 19 months ago, so most of the units that reached the US when GC started selling them some time after that would be set this way, I imagine. Peter may be able to advise more about this.
BTW, at least one version of the manual says there's a switch on the rear panel for pre/post EQ settings - there isn't.
Why anyone would want to send that amp to the PA pre-EQ is beyond me. First off, it sounds best either flat or just slightly EQ'd at most. Second, it passes off the amp sound to the PA so everyone can hear it. It would be a total waste not to send it post-EQ. Glad they changed it.
I just ran the LMII thru my Mackie powered speaker, via the XLR DI. I had way too much fun doing that - suddenly Mackie had MOJO!! 
The input gain still worked but the master volume did not affect the DI level. The signal seemed pretty hot, i.e. line level. About the same as my Alembic tube pre in "post" mode - 9o'c = unity, 12o'c = loud. Could probably drive a power amp (didn't try that yet).
I'm not a tech but I assume it's fairly harmless to run a solid state power amp section like this without a load? Didn't seem to do any damage yesterday, though I don't currently plan on doing it on a regular basis. If you're really worried, you could plug in a speaker and keep the master volume all the way down.
Don't tell the guys at Markbass this, but for the sound, size, weight and price, I would have been delighted with the LMII even if it didn't have a power section!
The input gain still worked but the master volume did not affect the DI level. The signal seemed pretty hot, i.e. line level. About the same as my Alembic tube pre in "post" mode - 9o'c = unity, 12o'c = loud. Could probably drive a power amp (didn't try that yet).
I'm not a tech but I assume it's fairly harmless to run a solid state power amp section like this without a load? Didn't seem to do any damage yesterday, though I don't currently plan on doing it on a regular basis. If you're really worried, you could plug in a speaker and keep the master volume all the way down.
Don't tell the guys at Markbass this, but for the sound, size, weight and price, I would have been delighted with the LMII even if it didn't have a power section!
Just finished a recording session with it as a Preamp and DI.
Sounded gooooood, very good.
Bassybill, be careful no to crash those bikes, food is fragile.
Love the pythons.
Sounded gooooood, very good.
Bassybill, be careful no to crash those bikes, food is fragile.
Love the pythons.
I agree- I don't think anyone wants to, but I've had a soundguy or two gripe about it in the past, especially with tube amps. Heaven forbid they have to think a little more when mixing!
Hi JimmyM,
Add me to the list of LMII users who are very happy with it as a preamp, no speaker required.
I have recorded many many late night apartment sessions (ie: have to use a DI & headphones, no cab & rocking out allowed) with only my bass and the LMII. Absolutely no problems. I plug straight in, take the XLR DI out of the back, and it works like a charm for hours on end, time after time.
Sometimes I'll put a boss octaver in the chain (j-bass --> dimarzio model j pickups --> octaver --> LMII) and the results are satisfyingly deep and dark.
Add me to the list of LMII users who are very happy with it as a preamp, no speaker required.
I have recorded many many late night apartment sessions (ie: have to use a DI & headphones, no cab & rocking out allowed) with only my bass and the LMII. Absolutely no problems. I plug straight in, take the XLR DI out of the back, and it works like a charm for hours on end, time after time.
Sometimes I'll put a boss octaver in the chain (j-bass --> dimarzio model j pickups --> octaver --> LMII) and the results are satisfyingly deep and dark.
Yes I did. Tried all the possible outputs. Just not enough level to drive the IP. Didn't get any of the good tone of the LMII either. I have bass specific pres on hand and speaker cabs so I could try the LM with the cabs and also have a direct comparison pre to LM pre. Not enough level. These things like it right. Dedicated bass pres work as that was what IPs are designed to use.
I even tried the F1. No difference. I wanted them to work!
There is someone here who likes the combination. I know there are levels of performance, okay, adequate and outstanding. IPs start out in the outstanding category so I like using outstanding pres. Just me.
Oh yeah! One or two of the larger Markbass heads have a variable output on the DI that gets close to what poweramps want to see.
