Markbass users, how to use the XLR input of the Little Mark amp heads?

Are you sure those are inputs?
Many amps have an XLR output for connecting the amp to the input of a mixer or FOH system.
What is the model number of the amp?

 

Yes. A dynamic mic is needed as in a sm58 or 57. Condenser will not work: you need a seperate power source for it.

 

My little Mark 3 has an xlr input and one for output

 

You don’t have any PA support? Sounds like a recipe for feedback. You’d be better off with mic’d sound projecting away from the instrument and a pickup for your amp I should think. I wonder if you’d have phase issues....

 

Do a search of the Little Mark Bass amp.
Here I will help you out.
Click>Markbass Little Mark amp - Google Search:

 

XLR inputs and output jacks are different "genders", so it's hard to confuse them.

 

You could get a separate phantom pwr supply box.
ART Phantom 1 - $55.00 U.S. - or the Behringer PS400 - $25.00 U.S.

 

Yes, the simple and best answer imo

 

You can buy a battery powered phantom device at any p.a. shop. Then you can use a condenser mic.

 

Markbass user here. I have no idea why that input is there.

 

So you can have a short lead to a DI box on the floor and have a long lead with no noise and no losses to your amp. Or to feed your GAS for a Wal Custom with balanced output.
I don't know, and the manual doesn't say, but my intuition would be that plugging into the 1/4" would cut off the XLR input, so only one can be used at a time...

 

Some upright basses include a mic, a pick-up or a combination of mic & pickup, the balanced input allows for the use of a mic without needing to add a mic preamp (for the additional ~20 to 30dB of gain necessary with a mic). If it's a condenser mic and there's no on-board phantom power, an external phantom power supply is needed.

 

To the original question, you will need an external power supply to use a condenser mike with the Little Mark. There are a few good rec's here. As common as condensers are I'm surprised and a bit disappointed that Marco chose to leave that feature out on that series of amps.

I've made good use of my CMD121P at a few non-music events as a portable P.A., using it with my dynamic Shure SM-57. The Markbass owner manual doesn't address that input beyond telling you it exists. Given the controls on the amp it's surely intended by Markbass that you use one input or the other, not both. I'll throw in with agedhorse that the XLR input is aimed at DB players.

 

Correct answer.

However, this is the best option:

Denecke PS-1A 48 Volt Phantom Power Supply

 

Nice! At that price it's a match for Markbass! At that price it had better improve my singing, too!

 

Why is this the "best" option?

 

When I got my Little Mark II and I saw the XLR connector I thought " I wonder if you can use a mic with this?" I put a wind screen over a SM57 connected it to the LMII dropped the mic down inside my upright bass and it actually sounded pretty good. If my Realist pickup ever goes bad this is a good backup.

 

Your assertion may be correct, if I interpreted it correctly: Avoid Markbass.