markbass single rack space power amp

The MB unit looks nice.

I could never figure out why someone just can't make a one space monoblock power amp that would put out 600-800 watts into 4ohms. They are always the 'bridge into 8ohm' sort of thing.

I wonder what the technical issue is in not being able to just put, for example, the 1200 watt class D power section from the SD1200 (or the 500 watt from the F1 or whatever) into a simple, single space rack mounted power amp that is the typical 10" deep or so.
 
Those of us using one of the single 3015LF executions are really digging anything offering substantial power at 8 ohms. This combined with your preamp of choice would be a great pairing for one of the 15/6 designs (fEarful, LDS, etc.).

+1 However, for the other 99.9% of bassists, it seems a 'bridge only into 8ohms' product would be a small idea.:).

I'm just kind of curious why a company wouldn't just put out a 5 pound 1 space, small front to back power amp that does 600-800 watts into a single 4ohm cab. My guess is, there would actually be a market for that. I know that there were a few small stereo one space power amps that could be bridged into 4ohms, but then you are into that 'each side running at 2ohms' heat and reliability issue/shut downs etc.

Again, more curious than anything else. I would think a small, 800 watt into 4ohms one space class D mono power amp for $600 or so would be quite a hit with the component guys in the bass category.
 
I'd like to see a small-format (say, the size of a WTX-500) mono-block power amp putting out 1,000 watts into 4 ohms. Then you could just set it on your cab and plug your favorite stomp-box preamp into it. SWR has got its foot in the door with the Amplite, but it's only 400 watts.
 
I'd like to see a small-format (say, the size of a WTX-500) mono-block power amp putting out 1,000 watts into 4 ohms. Then you could just set it on your cab and plug your favorite stomp-box preamp into it. SWR has got its foot in the door with the Amplite, but it's only 400 watts.

Acoustic Image had a model like that for a while... the FocusSA. It was a hammer. However, I think most of the 'separates' guys want to be able to put the power amp in a rack with their pre, etc. That unit just didn't sell and they eliminated it from their product line.

Yeah, the Amplite, my guess, will be gone soon also... low power by today's standards.
 
In the case of Amplite, I think it's the price tag that will make this product obsolete. You could get a whole amp with same power for less money (GK MB-200). You can just send your signal to effects return and keep the preamp part for backup/practice purposes and for better resale value.

The MB 1000 is deifinitely a step in the right direction though. The Omnitronic, if the price is really that low, sure does look appealing.

Of course, Markbass has invested great amount in marketing and customer support and they will be able to sell their poweramp for much more higher price. I think this is great that they are really using their current position on the market to come out with full range of bass products and really sell them all!

+1 on give the bass players a single channel 600W@4 Ohm poweramp (1U half-width with optional rack kit to fulfill the needs of both rack guys and the pedal preamp guys.
 
+1 However, for the other 99.9% of bassists, it seems a 'bridge only into 8ohms' product would be a small idea.:).

I'm just kind of curious why a company wouldn't just put out a 5 pound 1 space, small front to back power amp that does 600-800 watts into a single 4ohm cab. My guess is, there would actually be a market for that....

Have not heard one, but the Peavey IPR1600 would fit this requirement nicely except 2 rack space and 7 lbs.; the add copy does not mention the 4 ohm bridge possibility but a Peavey engineer has checked in at the mega thread and says it's OK. Can it be any good for $300?

http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/IPR1600
 
I really hope this doesn't cost a ridiculous amount of money, because I really want to buy it. I'm probably dreaming though. I mean if a LMIII is $600, this shouldn't be much more, right? =\
 
The MB unit looks nice.

I could never figure out why someone just can't make a one space monoblock power amp that would put out 600-800 watts into 4ohms. They are always the 'bridge into 8ohm' sort of thing.

I wonder what the technical issue is in not being able to just put, for example, the 1200 watt class D power section from the SD1200 (or the 500 watt from the F1 or whatever) into a simple, single space rack mounted power amp that is the typical 10" deep or so.


Agreed - this has been a pet peeve of mine for years. Obviously it's not because of any technical limitation because they could easily do as you suggested above. I believe it has to come down to marketing. Even though we bass players feel there would be a good market for a monoblock, the amp companies don't seem to feel that way (for right or wrong) and prefer marketing stereo power amps. While I love my QSC PLX1804 I would have much preferred to buy a one rack space amp equivalent to a single channel of the QSC, even if it "only" goes down to 4 ohms. I've never even used or needed the second channel.
 
You can't really blame companies for making general power amps with two channels (QSC, Peavey) since their main market is still PA applications. It would be too costly to develop another design just for bass players, especially if there is no sales price decrease to be foreseen (the 2x500W Peavey costs 300 USD as it is!).

But making a stereo bass power amp by a bass amp company today feels a little stupid.

The Amplite is the right thing, I just don't get the price tag. If the power amp module is essentially the same in most micros, how can G-K sell their micro head for lot cheaper than SWR sells micro poweramp without pre?