I may have an opportunity to trade my Ampeg SVT-CL/810E rig for a Markbass rig. The Markbass rig consists of a Little Mark Tube 800 and a Standard 104HF (8ohm). For those that have some experience with this head and/or cab, is the 500W @ 8ohm Markbass rig going to provide me with the same general stage volume that I am used to with the Ampeg rig? I know that there this is probably not a cut-and-dry answer to that question, but I'd appreciate any input.
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Markbass - Need input
- Thread starter Warpeg
- Start date
Not even close. If stage volume is a concern, keep your rig.
+1 to the other posts. That would be a very nice sounding rig, but the LMT800 is very 'non tubey' and 'modern' sounding. Deep down low, relaxed low mids, very bright/forward upper treble, and lots of top end. Combine that with a ported cab with tweeter and you have pretty much the opposite end of the tone spectrum from what you have. You will lose some maximum volume also, primarily due to the more extended low end that eats up more juice, and of course, losing 4 drivers.
If you are looking for a lightweight and/or more modular rig, there is some stuff out there that would make you happy tonally and volume-wise. For example, two Bergantino NV115's and a Monique/Minnie head (or even a GK MBFusion800) would get you some of that sealed cab vibe and tube complexity in a much smaller rig. It will cost you though!
Split the difference... keep your SVT and buy a used Bergantino NV610!
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8 x 10 SVT cab v Markbass 4 x10 - already you have twice as much surface area moving air. If you had 2 Standard 104HFs running at 4 ohms, you would certainly increase the sound pressure level as the head is now operating at 800w
If you need that kind of SPL, you are probably playing too friggin loud, you will lose your hearing. Quality, beautiful sound beats loud... for loud sake. Markbass stuff has a sound as does Ampeg. Both good.
Over the years my rig continues to shrink. 2x10 at ear level and let the PA fill the room.... makes the soundman's life easier too.
If you need that kind of SPL, you are probably playing too friggin loud, you will lose your hearing. Quality, beautiful sound beats loud... for loud sake. Markbass stuff has a sound as does Ampeg. Both good.
Over the years my rig continues to shrink. 2x10 at ear level and let the PA fill the room.... makes the soundman's life easier too.
Bullspit.
I play a lot louder than that cab is capable of, and I have not lost hearing (ear plugs), and it sounds great. You may not appreciate the genre of music, but I cant account for your poor tastes.
If his volume needs are reasonable, one of the smaller Ampeg 410's with an SVT7pro would probably do the trick tonally.
It's a great rig, I'd actually prefer the Markbass would it only be for portability and versatility.
However, they sound very different and the Markbass won't be the best at producing the signature creamy Ampeg tone.
Volumewise, you'd need a 2nd cab to get in the same range.
However, they sound very different and the Markbass won't be the best at producing the signature creamy Ampeg tone.
Volumewise, you'd need a 2nd cab to get in the same range.
The concept that my current Ampeg rig and this Markbass rig have different tones is actually the main reason that I am considering the trade. I've had hi-fi/modern rigs in the past and loved them. The Ampeg tone is great, but I'm kind of wanting to get back to that full-frequency sound again.
Some of my band's gigs have little or no PA support for bass; it's not that I need to "bring the thunder" in terms of volume. I just want to make sure I have enough power if needed.
Some of my band's gigs have little or no PA support for bass; it's not that I need to "bring the thunder" in terms of volume. I just want to make sure I have enough power if needed.
I have both + a 115 to go with the Markbass rig... totally different animals. I love the Ampeg sound, however it stays in our rehearsal studio. The Markbass is way easier to transport to gigs and does the job!
Here here.
Not everyone is playing in genres where a micro head and a 1x12 are the appropriate rig.
I love my LM2 and LM3 heads. Plenty loud with either my swr goliath 3 4X10 (4 0hm) cab, or with my tiny 4 0hm BW equipped Bag End 1x15.
And thats with a LOUD guitar player, a hard hitting drummer and a keyboardist. Just get a decent 4 0hm cab and you will be good for anything.
I play about 80 gigs per year, big stages and small. Never needed more.
And thats with a LOUD guitar player, a hard hitting drummer and a keyboardist. Just get a decent 4 0hm cab and you will be good for anything.
I play about 80 gigs per year, big stages and small. Never needed more.
I *strongly* suggest you play some MB before you make the deal; These rigs have a very distinct character - and, to my ear, not so much "hi fi" as "very mid-rangy". If that's what you are looking for, great. But listen before you commit. Markbass is not the only amp out there if you are looking to downsize.
I'll be honest...while it's definitely not the same as an SVT, the LMII I used to have did have some qualities to the sound that I found rather tubey. Other micros have come out since then that I like a lot better now, but at the time (early 2008) I thought it was quite good. The LMT800, though, less so IMHO. And though at the time I really wanted to like their cabs, I grew to dislike their upper mid hump and it's very difficult to get rid of it, especially with the tone controls on the LM series amps. If you want to downsize from an SVT, I'd do it with a PF800 and a 410he. Or maybe a V4B and a 410he if you don't want to get rid of tubes altogether and don't mind a 41 lb tube amp.
+1 by a long, long shot. Also it's so much easier (at least for me) to hear a 610 or an 810 if you are not relying on in-ear or stage monitors. 410 hit you in the knees. I also prefer sealed cabs, they fit better in a busy mix. I play a Berg NV610 and Ampeg SVT-CL.
I like Markbass and own one of their head and cab but if it's going to be even slightly loud, (a drummer or a loud guitar player) I take the heavy equipment.
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I have the exact Markbass rig you are considering. But in a 4 OHM cab. I have to say I love it. The HF can put out full sounding low end. Although it can get a bit woofy at times. But there are a lot of EQ options on the LMT 800 to dial in the sound you want. The rig has plenty of head room when it comes to volume.
I had an Eden rig before this and I have to say the Markbass has a much better sound for my taste. One good thing about Markbass is you can walk into GC and try out a lot of different heads and cabs.
I had an Eden rig before this and I have to say the Markbass has a much better sound for my taste. One good thing about Markbass is you can walk into GC and try out a lot of different heads and cabs.
