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Markbass' MoMark site is up
- Thread starter Sound Chaser
- Start date
Anybody actual have one? I see that all the modules are finally posted on the MF site and are all in stock and available to ship. I have a t.c. RH450 that I am going to send back and I need another head. Might just go ahead and order knowing I jave 30 days to review.
This concept is pretty cool. However, it's a trade-off.
The modules seem pretty identical to the current preamp sections in the current model line (although, of course, more stuff will be coming out, so I guess the swapping of modules is cool).
I just 'built' an F500 (solid state pre module with mute, 5 band EQ with semi-parametric, and 'post' module with filters and DI line level with the 600 watt class D power amp).
So, what you get is basically an F500 that is twice the size, with a little more power, at about $100 or so more cost. Of course, you also get the ability to swap in different pre's and EQ's for under $100 a pop, so again, pretty cool).
I guess my point is, if the swapping in and out of modules is not key to you, you are probably better off with one of the 'fixed' units.
Just something to think about. That being said, the look is very cool, and the idea is pretty cutting edge (some of the additional modules listed on the MOMark site look very interesting... graphic EQ's, super duper studio quality preamp, etc., etc.).
Ken, as you may remember, I have a LMT 800, that, for me, works extremely well. I thought the t.c. RH450 would be a good back up, but I just can't make it sound like I want it to. I am considering a MB F500, but with this I can build what I don't think I can get in the LM series, a 800 watt amp with a more flexible parametric eq section and a real mute button. It would also have the ability to have both a SS and tube pre, although not at the same time, obviously! The size and weight aren't a problem and the price would be $969, a little higher than the LMT 800 ($799), but still reasonable for what you get. I am sure I can get MF to come off the price a little!
That spec should give you, literally, the SD800 with a mute botton (or the LMTube800, as you say, with a better mute botton and semi-parametric EQ). So, +1 on that.
Looking forwards to getting my "home assembly kit" today and screwing it together. What I think I'll like about this is - I can swap about the S1M (LMII/III SS preamp, allegedly), for the T1M (tube PA). Theoretically I'd own (on the 500W A/B power chassis) an LMIII and LM Tube at this point with for only a small cost differential over just owning one amp.
- Aug 21, 2003
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Its very neat...
I went and built one via the interaction GUI and I basically just made a LMII
What would be cool is some like a pre/post XLR DI with a Jensen.
I went and built one via the interaction GUI and I basically just made a LMII
What would be cool is some like a pre/post XLR DI with a Jensen.
Some of these modules aren't available yet, but I like:
- 'Hi End' Tube pre with mute (I'm assuming the Tube pre is quite subtle on the MB heads).
- 7 Band Graphic EQ. I really don't feel the need to use much of the four band EQ on my current MB heads, since I love the way they sound with 'neutral' settings, but the 7 band would give you a bit more control if you use EQ more for 'room acoustics' IME.
- Full featured master module with filters and DI level out
- 600 watt class D power amp..... 'juiced up F1 maybe'
- 'Hi End' Tube pre with mute (I'm assuming the Tube pre is quite subtle on the MB heads).
- 7 Band Graphic EQ. I really don't feel the need to use much of the four band EQ on my current MB heads, since I love the way they sound with 'neutral' settings, but the 7 band would give you a bit more control if you use EQ more for 'room acoustics' IME.
- Full featured master module with filters and DI level out
- 600 watt class D power amp..... 'juiced up F1 maybe'
I'll get around to playing it later tonight, but I 'assembled my kit' in about 5 minutes.
A few observations:
It's ALL ABS plastic except the screws. Seems relatively sturdy, except the front end of the amp frame won't be stable without the modules in their bays.
That being said, the modules are color coded (Red, yellow, black) along the backs and sides, the face is shiny black ABS plastic; but their respective bays in the amp frame are not. I didn't try to put the wrong modules in the wrong bays, but I presume you could screw that up.
The amp frame's fan is on the side, not the rear. Odd. There are metal inserts for the three screwholes for rack ears.
There's a small plastic bag that comes with the amp frame - don't lose it (and don't throw away the box before you find it). It has the fixing screws to secure the modules in place; though they're hard to get out; really the screws keep the amp frame from flexing; the hex driver to fasten the screws and the odd coathanger tool to remove the module. Lose it, and you'll have to pull modules out by their knobs..not recommended.
A few observations:
It's ALL ABS plastic except the screws. Seems relatively sturdy, except the front end of the amp frame won't be stable without the modules in their bays.
That being said, the modules are color coded (Red, yellow, black) along the backs and sides, the face is shiny black ABS plastic; but their respective bays in the amp frame are not. I didn't try to put the wrong modules in the wrong bays, but I presume you could screw that up.
The amp frame's fan is on the side, not the rear. Odd. There are metal inserts for the three screwholes for rack ears.
There's a small plastic bag that comes with the amp frame - don't lose it (and don't throw away the box before you find it). It has the fixing screws to secure the modules in place; though they're hard to get out; really the screws keep the amp frame from flexing; the hex driver to fasten the screws and the odd coathanger tool to remove the module. Lose it, and you'll have to pull modules out by their knobs..not recommended.
I kind of dig the ABS plastic thing, like the lightweight racks. I've found that stuff very heavy duty and lightweight... a good combination. The F1/F500 have a side mounted fan also. As long as you aren't rack mounting, that's a moot point.
I'm getting a bit more excited about this whole idea actually!
I hate to talk about what it sounds like, as I haven't tried a host of other MB products or cabs, but a few observations:
- Visually it's very nice. The ABS plastic interior "bay walls" glow yellow when it's turned on - so you've got these 4 subtle vertical lines. The outer two BLINK when you engage the mute - "good safety tip" for shows ...should be obvious but not garish that you're muted. Yes, I've done that...gone into a firefight and left the safety on...ooops.
- Fan noise is about the same as the LMII.
- Since I've tried to emulate/improve on my MB LMII, I selected the SS preamp; and I'll say if anything it seems to be a tad warmer than the LMII. I'll eventually get the tube preamp (because the incremental additional cost is less then $100) to see how that works out.
- Probably went too far with the Eq42S module; but again, the incremental cost over just the regular 4 band Eq was only $10, so now I can really confuse myself with the semi-parametric eqs as well. All I can after horsing around with it (using an EBMM Bongo through an Avatar 2x12) is that I seemingly can get any tonal characteristics I want with minimal fuss.
It's very high quality; looks very professional. Granted if you want the feel of aluminum knobs, detents, etc., that's not there, but neither is the weight. I ususally play active basses and do most of my adjusting on the instrument so I'm fine with the control feel.
- Visually it's very nice. The ABS plastic interior "bay walls" glow yellow when it's turned on - so you've got these 4 subtle vertical lines. The outer two BLINK when you engage the mute - "good safety tip" for shows ...should be obvious but not garish that you're muted. Yes, I've done that...gone into a firefight and left the safety on...ooops.
- Fan noise is about the same as the LMII.
- Since I've tried to emulate/improve on my MB LMII, I selected the SS preamp; and I'll say if anything it seems to be a tad warmer than the LMII. I'll eventually get the tube preamp (because the incremental additional cost is less then $100) to see how that works out.
- Probably went too far with the Eq42S module; but again, the incremental cost over just the regular 4 band Eq was only $10, so now I can really confuse myself with the semi-parametric eqs as well. All I can after horsing around with it (using an EBMM Bongo through an Avatar 2x12) is that I seemingly can get any tonal characteristics I want with minimal fuss.
It's very high quality; looks very professional. Granted if you want the feel of aluminum knobs, detents, etc., that's not there, but neither is the weight. I ususally play active basses and do most of my adjusting on the instrument so I'm fine with the control feel.
Not much of a review, just filling in information missing from the sales literature, but thanks.
Chassis is:
13" W x 10 1/2" D x 3" tall. The knobs on the modules stick out another 1/2" past the front of the chassis, so you'd have to allow at least 11" (and another 1/2" minimum in the rear for the cord) if you wanted to rack it.
Chassis is:
13" W x 10 1/2" D x 3" tall. The knobs on the modules stick out another 1/2" past the front of the chassis, so you'd have to allow at least 11" (and another 1/2" minimum in the rear for the cord) if you wanted to rack it.
