Markbass LMKII vs. Thunderfunk 550B Shootout

[Lakebass]

Why isn't my Thunderfunk autographed by Dave Funk?

Good question. Mine wasn't either. What makes Demon so special?

 

[tombowlus]

Good question. Mine wasn't either. What makes Demon so special?

I think it's the horns.

 

[rok51]

I think it's the horns.

Turn 'em down...too much hissing!

Kim

 

[wdinc01]

I'm sorry for resurrecting a zombie, but I'm basically looking for the same comparison.

I was wondering if the TF BH-420 is similar to the 550B? Are they essentially the same, only one with more power?

I'm also trying to pick between a BH-420 and a Little Mark III. I currently play in a post-rock band, and also plan on playing jazz in college. I have an AMP BH-420, but its since died on me and I'm just looking for something newer.

I can get both of these for around the same price. Which do you guys think would be a better choice? Particularly, I'm going through two Bag End S15 and S15LX-D.

 

[KJung]

I'm sorry for resurrecting a zombie, but I'm basically looking for the same comparison.

I was wondering if the TF BH-420 is similar to the 550B? Are they essentially the same, only one with more power?

I'm also trying to pick between a BH-420 and a Little Mark III. I currently play in a post-rock band, and also plan on playing jazz in college. I have an AMP BH-420, but its since died on me and I'm just looking for something newer.

I can get both of these for around the same price. Which do you guys think would be a better choice? Particularly, I'm going through two Bag End S15 and S15LX-D.

Old thread, but near and dear to my heart, since Vision and I and a few others went through the same decision process when we moved from our TF's to LM's a couple/few years ago.

Yes, the 420 is very similar to the 550b (which is no longer in production). The primary difference is the 'switch', which allows the 550b to 'brighten up' just a touch, and some addition features like a pre EQ DI and mute switch (and, of course, a smidge more power).

IMO, using that Bag End stack (I used the same stack for years), either the LMIII or a used 550b would sound great. The volume is very similar, with the edge going to the LMII/III. The 550b is a little darker and warmer in its inherent tone, but you can dial that in pretty well with the LM. The big advantage of the LM with that stack is the passive treble roll-off to control the tweeter, since the Bag's don't have tweeter attenuators.

So, if you like it warm, punchy, and somewhat old school all the time, the TF is a very nice option. If you like to 'brighten and sizzle it up' on occasion, the LM is a little more even from the deep lows to the upper treble IMO.

 

[jokerjkny]

Well I know alot of you would be interested in this so here it goes. I picked up a Markbass LMKII a few weeks ago and Also just picked up a Thunderfunk TFB-550B and have finally got to spend some time with both of them. I tried out each one with a Berg HT210 4ohm (not the S series cab) and a Berg NV610. I used a Fender P bass (newer one with S-1 switch), A fretless 6, and one of mty King uprights ( with gut strings and Rev solo pick up) for testing. Here are some specs for both amps.


Markbass Little Mark II

500w into 4ohm , 300w into 8ohm
6 1/2 pounds
10" x 10 3/4" x 2 3/4"
4 band EQ
-Bass +/- 16dB @ 40 Hz
-Low Mid +/- 16 dB @360 Hz
-High Mid +/- 16dB @800 Hz
-Treble +/- 16dB @5kHz

VLE (Vintage Loudspeaker Emulator)
VLP (Variable Pre-shape Filter) 380Hz (cut)

Effects Loop (Parallel , but can be modified for series)
Tuner out (No mute)
Balanced XLR out (Post-EQ, but can be modified to Pre-EQ)
Ground lift switch
Speakon combo jack and 1/4" speaker outs
XLR balanced input on front



Thunderfunk TFB-550B

500w @ 4ohm
15lbs
Bass and treble controls
4 Band parametric EQ
Enhance and Timber controls
Tube/S.S. Switch
Tuner out with mute
Pre and Post XLR outs with level controls
2 Speakon and 2 1/4" speaker outs
Limiter with defeat switch
effects loop pre and post


Here are some pics


The amps

Amps with cabs

Back view

Some of the test basses

Well first off with everything set flat these amps sound pretty similar, With the TF being a little warmer sounding( in Tube mode and SS) and just a little fuller sounding. Also both are very close in volume. It's hard to really tell which is louder, and they are loud. Once you start playing around with the EQ's is where the difference starts. With leaving everything flat and just using the VLE and VPF on the Markbass and the Timber and Enhance on the TF I found the VPF and enhance to be similar (they're both basically a mid cut with slight bass and treble boosts) just centered slighty different. The MB cutting alot of mids at its extreme and bringing out alot of high end while the TF seems to be a little more musical (personally I'm not a huge fan of cutting the mids I find that you dissapear in the mix and have no force behind the note). The Timber knob and the VLE are quit different though not drastically. The timber seems to just voice the amp differently while still retaining the sound, the VLE seems to just roll off the high end going all the way into super deep dub territory(basically like a passive tone control on a bass).
Both amps have alot of usable tones in them and the EQ's on both are very usable, with the TF being more flexable because of the 4 Band parametric. You can leave both of these amps flat and just use the "magic knobs" to get your sound unless you are a crazy tweek freak ( in which case I would recomend the TF). So to sum it up for now


Markbass LMKII
Pros
- Really light weight (6 1/2 lbs!)
- Not sterile sounding
- Can do Hi-fi to B-15 tones
- Loud
-Affordable ($599)

Cons
-No D.I. level control
- Eq limited (but useful)
-Can't do 2 ohms
-Doesn't come with rack ears


Thunderfunk TFB550B

Pros
-Loud
-Very flexible Eq
-Lots of D.I. and connectivity options
-Lightweight (though more than twice the weight of LMKII)
-Tube / SS switch (subtle but noticable seems to tighten up the lows when in SS

Cons
- Not sure if it can do 2 ohms



Both amps are very well constructed and seem very durable and have a quality feel to them. The MB being easier to carry (you could fit it in a gigbag or case compartment). I'de say the TF has a little bit better tone while the MB is slightly less coloured then the TF. If your looking for a small lightweight head thats loud you really can't go wrong with either of them. If your on a budget or want something really small and can do without the added features and more flexible eq I'de suggest the MB. If you need alot of Eq options or flexibility and want a do it all head I'de go with the TF. I'll post more findings as I get more time with each head.

nice little review, and similar to my own ears. the TFB's timbre & enhance are ridiculously well engineered/designed/developed/facerocking.

and SWEET king.

 

[David Jayne]

I really miss Kjung. He was so great and just kind of disappeared a couple of years ago. I know he talked of retiring and such but to just disappear? Miss you Ken!

 

[David Jayne]

To Ken: I know you've retired from the constant pro-level gigging grind and just aren't that keen on buying and testing whatever new thing that comes along. I totally get it. You've found Other Things. They are important, better, and more fun. Cool.
I thank you for the HUGE effort that you've made over all those years, to present us with the most gig-worthy, well-tested and unbiased opinions you had to give, on amps and cabs particularly. And your extensive experience will always translate well to wherever we find ourselves. PLEASE chime in once in awhile! We'd be better for it. Your Pal, David