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Markbass LMII Marco Limited Edition First Impression

PolkaHero

PolkaHero

Supporting Member
Jan 5, 2002
2,646
3,311
Michigan
#1
Just got this in the mail yesterday from MF as part of my amp consolidation project. Apparently these just came out and they're only producing 500 units. As my attached pictures show, it is tested and signed by Marco De Virgiliis himself!

Plugged this into my Bag End S15 w/Carvin speaker which doesn't exactly sound that great with my other amps. I couldn't believe how much open and hi-fi my bass sounded with this amp, even with all of the EQ and filters set flat. I was also surprised how far I could turn up the gain without clipping (this was with an active bass). Super loud with the master volume set at only 8:00! I like how the VLE filter rolls off the highs and makes the amp sound more like my SVT but with all the punch and transient attack of a solid-state setup.

I have the new Eden WTX500 on preorder which I'm going to compare with this amp. I have a gig in a couple of weeks that I'm going to A/B both of these amps and then send one of the two back. The bar has been set pretty high already with this Markbass; I know the Eden is more compact and lighter and has a few more features (mute, XLR output gain control, etc.). It will basically come down to which amp performs better in the mix.

Hopefully I can post a review soon of the Eden when that arrives. I'm definitely impressed with class D amplification already!:cool:
 

Attachments

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#2
I like the way those look! Nice! FYI, while the LM has a switching power supply, it's actually a traditional class A/B power amp like used in most larger SS amps. This is the reason many attribute to the very warm, musical, fat voicing of this amp. The 'class D' version of this head is called the F1.. same control layout, but much smaller and lighter, same power, more punchy tight tone than the warm and fat LM tone.

FYI, this model has been out for quite a while, and is basically the LMII with a different face plate. GREAT amp. The LMIII updated model just started arriving in the US. It's basically the same, but has a more fully featured DI and an improved power amp safety limiting circuit to goose a little more volume and punch out of the amp at high volumes.

They also just introduced the LMTube, with is basically the LMIII with a blendable tube pre, separate volume control for the XLR input, and a mute switch. That's mega sweet right there!

And!!!.... for a little more money, you can get the 800 watt class D version of the LMIII or LMTube (with a high powered class D power amp in the same box.. same size and weight).

From my experience with the Eden260, my guess is the Eden500 will be going back, but who knows!

Enjoy that very nice head!!!!!
 
#5
::::BASSIST:::: said:
The LE is certainly much better looking than the stock LMII. If I were a more vain person I'd sell mine and buy the fancy gold version.... hmmm maybe I am!

Anyone know how much the LMTube will be selling for??? :cool:
Click to expand...

I just ordered the LMTube800. It sells for $799. My understanding is that the LMIII will sell for the same price as the non-discounted LMII price, so $599. Just guessing, but that would probably put the LMTube and the LM800 at $699. Amazing price value IMO!
 
#9
PolkaHero said:
KJung said:
From my experience with the Eden260, my guess is the Eden500 will be going back, but who knows!
Thanks for the clarification on the power amp type.

Can you elaborate on your experience with the Eden? Reliability issues?
Click to expand...

I can't speak to reliability at all. There was a 260 up at Low Down Sound for a LONG time, so we all got to really try it out. First, it isn't nearly as small as you think, since the controls are on what would be the side of the LMII box. They were about the same size. The 260 was more expensive than the LMII, and the LMII literally buried it. The Eden had this HORRIBLE power amp limiter that would literally sound like a 'graaaaaack' when you reached its limits (and its limits were very low). Increasing the wattage will help, but Eden seems WAY behind the curve versus Markbass and some others regarding these small amps, and neo speakers.
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
 
#10
bhubb3rd said:
If you are getting a LMIII 800 Tube, where did you find it / get it?

Thanks!
Click to expand...

They are now in the system if you call or visit a GC (my guess is, the vast majority of GC staff don't realize that, so you need to make sure to know the exact product name so they can look it up). There is at least once GC somewhere (from a recent thread) that actually has them on the floor, but with most GC's, it will be a special order. At this point, I'm not sure if I am a week or three months away from delivery, but it is formally on order in the GC system.
 
#11
Here is the response I just recieved from Music 123 on the availability of the Little Mark Tube 800 -

__________________________________________________________

Message from Stefanie W at Music123:
Dear Musician,

Thank you for your recent inquiry. The item in question is new to our inventory and not yet available to order. However, once this item is available, it will be advertised online. We expect to receive our first shipment of this product on May 22, 2009

We appreciate you choosing Music123. If you'd like to place an order, please give us a call at 888-566-6123. Don't forget to ask about our unadvertised Weekly Specials!

We are dedicated to your satisfaction with this and every purchase from us.

Please feel free to contact us if you have any other questions or concerns.

Link Removed

1-888-566-6123
__________________________________________________________
Looks like we have a little time to wait at this point.......
 
#13
bhubb3rd said:
Here is the response I just recieved from Music 123 on the availability of the Little Mark Tube 800 -

__________________________________________________________

Message from Stefanie W at Music123:
Dear Musician,

Thank you for your recent inquiry. The item in question is new to our inventory and not yet available to order. However, once this item is available, it will be advertised online. We expect to receive our first shipment of this product on May 22, 2009

We appreciate you choosing Music123. If you'd like to place an order, please give us a call at 888-566-6123. Don't forget to ask about our unadvertised Weekly Specials!

We are dedicated to your satisfaction with this and every purchase from us.

Please feel free to contact us if you have any other questions or concerns.

Link Removed

1-888-566-6123
__________________________________________________________
Looks like we have a little time to wait at this point.......
Click to expand...

+1 It's only available at this point at GC, not at their online outlets (MF and 123). However, even though some have obviously arrived at some GC's, since TBers have played them, I have a feeling I'll be waiting a while for mine. I do have an order number, and am waiting on estimated delivery from my sales person.
 
#14
BassmanPaul said:
Is that really the best that Marco can do? His amps normally have , shall we kindly say, unusual livery. Now this one looks like an Eden!

Paul
Click to expand...


This is a very limited run special edition for a limited time. It actually looks VERY cool in person. There's also a special edition bright red F1. It's just a little different flavor for those that want a different look.
 
#15
Looks like GC on line doesn't know about it (Little Mark Tube 800) either!
____________________________________________________________

Message from Tyler G at Guitar Center:
Dear Musician,

Thank you for your recent inquiry,

I do not show a ship date for this item, best thing to do is keep checking on our web site, and as soon as we get info on these we will post it. If you have any other questions please let me know.

We appreciate you choosing GuitarCenter.com

Please feel free to contact us if you have any other questions or concerns.

http://www.guitarcenter.com/

866-498-7882


Tyler.G
 
#16
bhubb3rd said:
Looks like GC on line doesn't know about it (Little Mark Tube 800) either!
____________________________________________________________

Message from Tyler G at Guitar Center:
Dear Musician,

Thank you for your recent inquiry,

I do not show a ship date for this item, best thing to do is keep checking on our web site, and as soon as we get info on these we will post it. If you have any other questions please let me know.

We appreciate you choosing GuitarCenter.com

Please feel free to contact us if you have any other questions or concerns.

http://www.guitarcenter.com/

866-498-7882


Tyler.G
Click to expand...


Correct. Only at GC at this time.

See this thread:

http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=534312
 
#17
I guess we are getting lost in the details here - this is from Guitar Center, not the store, but the on line store. I guess if the store knew about it, they would too.

As far as I can see, we only have one person that says they saw it and they were not really sure it was the LM Tube 800, just knew / though it had yellow knobs.

Anybody else actually see a LM Tube 800 in person somewhere? As much as I hate to do it, I may go down to a GC store and try to see if I can also get one on order like Ken was able to!

Thanks!
 
#18
KJung said:
This is a very limited run special edition for a limited time. It actually looks VERY cool in person. There's also a special edition bright red F1. It's just a little different flavor for those that want a different look.
Click to expand...

I know it's a limited run Ken and I do think it's a vast improvement over their regular fare. I guess I must be too old school as I insist on my backline being plain black. I feel that the stage should showcase MY performance not how weird my equipment looks. However to each his/her own.

Paul
 
#19
BassmanPaul said:
I know it's a limited run Ken and I do think it's a vast improvement over their regular fare. I guess I must be too old school as I insist on my backline being plain black. I feel that the stage should showcase MY performance not how weird my equipment looks. However to each his/her own.

Paul
Click to expand...

Zero issue to me. I can't imagine anyone but another bass player even noticing my backline gear.

Do you really think how your backline gear looks has anything to do with anything:smug:

I hear you though, some stuff looks better to me than other stuff, but it's all about the sound to me.
 
#20
KJung said:
Zero issue to me. I can't imagine anyone but another bass player even noticing my backline gear.

Do you really think how your backline gear looks has anything to do with anything:smug:

I hear you though, some stuff looks better to me than other stuff, but it's all about the sound to me.
Click to expand...

Plus one trillion. I could really give a crap what color my gear is. I don't think the MB stuff looks bad at all, and I wouldn't give a second thought to even using their yellow speakers.
 

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