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Double Bass MarkBass
- Thread starter macmrkt
- Start date
My name's not Tom, but ...luknfur said:
At the risk of sounding like I'm bashing a magazine I've subscribed to for 6 years or so (hey, I still keep renewing the subscription), the reviews in BP seemed like just another one of their gear reviews.
Maybe I've read too many of them, but it contained lots of the same set of overused descriptive adjectives. They didn't exactly proclaim any of the gear as the be all and end all. Real good review, no doubt, but not super stellar in any respect ... except maybe weight.
They kept mentioning how light all the MarkBass gear was, in particular the LM II head. They emphasized the weight thing several times.
The article will probably be available online at bassplayer.com eventually.
Most disappointing aspect of the article (to me) - they never even mentioned double bass.
[ Edit: Pros - I reread the article. Despite the grab from the bucket o' adjectives and adverbs, the article is extremely well written and informative. Cons - Except for the ads, there is no mention of DB that I could spot in the entire issue. ]
Well, there's a bunch of options available now at lower cost. I've been using the Mini CMD 121P with a moderately loud blues band on a fairly big stage - it cuts BG just fine, with or without PA support (OK, when there's a wall of guitarists, I'll take the PA). And the thing is tiny. It also runs DB great as does all Markbass I've tried. This could be your smallest answer - no extension cabinet required. Again, with Markbass, you have to throw out your past experience - the stuff just gets loud period with half the size, weight and drivers.Tbeers said:
For a better sound, the LMII head with the Traveler 102P cabinet or 121H cabinet would be the next slightly larger choice.
bolo said:
Sorry, apologize for the name assumption and thanks for the response.
Never subscribed to BP but their online site used to have a lot of useful basic information on it - like the J pup shootout. Seems they dropped that setup about a year ago and don't think I've been back since. At any rate, I can't say I found fault with their reviews of the same gear I've had.
But speaking of double bass, I was actually suprised to run across the Mark Bass thread in Double Bass. Seems this thread was started way before the BG Mark Bass thread. Plus the cab discussion has started a whole new interest, don't recall them being addressed in the BG thread.
The following is up for whoever to respond but I was going to post it anyway and I'm here now.
Read through all these posts but it was a generic read and, if I missed it, this is redundant - but Id still like a response.
I was wondering how the tone of the LM II is in relation to volume. Like does it put out decent tone at low volume, self-destruct when cranked, increase volume proportionally as volume is increased?
The LMII keeps its tone at all levels, low to high. I've never run the gain or master past the half position, generally more like a third on each, so I don't know what happens after that (the reason being it has so much volume, I didn't need it). A lot of my initial testing of it was with DB at the lowest voume levels I could set it - and that's where I first became convinced how good it sounds. The volume controls are very proportional.
I settled on a WW Ultra and an Epifani UL-210. I might buy a MarkBass cabinet, but I have already heard how good the Epifani 2x10 sounds, and they make a cover for it. Also, the MarkBass 102P is rear ported, which makes me uneasy about consistency from venue to venue. As for the head... well I don't think any justification is needed for WW.
Hopefully at some point in the future I can try out MarkBass gear, but for the moment I'm returning to proven industry standards.
Hopefully at some point in the future I can try out MarkBass gear, but for the moment I'm returning to proven industry standards.
Appeciate the volume info and sounds ideal cause I mostly play at low volume. On the other hand getting a little scary cause the amp is starting to sound too good to be real.
Not to poison the well, but on the Woods, I wonder what's going to happen to Walters amps when he's gone? He's been a one man band since day one and it's a bit hard to conceive of him selling out or turning it over to someone else. Although as conscientious as Walter is, I expect him to do something to at least pickup maintaining what he's brought into the world.
Not to poison the well, but on the Woods, I wonder what's going to happen to Walters amps when he's gone? He's been a one man band since day one and it's a bit hard to conceive of him selling out or turning it over to someone else. Although as conscientious as Walter is, I expect him to do something to at least pickup maintaining what he's brought into the world.
I've been searching on the internet for a good portable combo for my double bass. Markbass really seems to be the answer. Has anyone tried both the ac101 and the mini cmd 121p and is able to compare them? Where I live no chance of trying them. All I can compare is specs and both have pros and cons. The mini seems to have a very good power/weight ratio. I guess the ac101 might be "short" for some situations but being lighter, smaller and more versatile keeps me wondering... I have emailed markbass company a few days ago and I haven't got an answer (not good!). By the way, can the heads of the combos be easily removed and used seperately? On the owner's manual the ac101 is refered as an acoustic guitar amp but on the site there is a footnote saying that the amp is good for any acoustic, including bass. Isn't it stranged that this isn't refered in the manual?
I tried one of the 112 combos at guitar center--it was the 112 with the controls on top. I was extremely impressed--the sound was warm and defined, with a lot of body, but clear and precise and the "VLE" control did a great job of giivng it a quick old school tone. This was all with a bass guitar, but the fact that it has a mic (xlr) input as well as a 1/4 inch makes it interesting. i was VERY tempted to grab it and go
Honestly, the orange/yello graphics sort of creeped me out a little. Most double gigs the vibe is not "screaming yellow/bold type."
Honestly, the orange/yello graphics sort of creeped me out a little. Most double gigs the vibe is not "screaming yellow/bold type."
Peter Murray
Commercial User
- Dec 13, 2005
- 627
- 80
- Disclosures
- Marketing and artist relations for Xvive (ex-Markbass, ex-Supro, ex-Pigtronix)
David Santos said:
Hi David,
The Mark Acoustic amps are specifically voiced for acoustic instruments, and many bassists I've heard who have compared the Markbass combos to the Mark Acoustic combos prefer the latter slightly for acoustic bass. Depends a bit on what kind of acoustic sound you're going for--one that's more true to the acoustic sound, or one that's a bit more modern.
If you play both electric and acoustic, I think you're better off with a Markbass combo.
The heads cannot be removed from the combos.
I'm pretty sure the manual for the AC101 mentions that it's intended for any acoustic instrument. I wrote the manual myself and if I ommited that it was an oversight.
If you have any further questions please let me know.
Thanks,
Peter
Peter Murray
Commercial User
- Dec 13, 2005
- 627
- 80
- Disclosures
- Marketing and artist relations for Xvive (ex-Markbass, ex-Supro, ex-Pigtronix)
macmrkt said:
I'm afraid I can't give you a reliable answer to this. I don't have one, and I'm not a double bassist, so I have to rely on user feedback. Like all of the Markbass products, the volume is impressive for the size, but I've only heard this amp at trade shows without a band. Hopefully someone on here has some practical experience they can share with us.
PM
And of course, the usual question...when might MicroMarks or MarkAcoustics appear in Canada? Any updates?
Peter:
If the heads cannot be removed from the combos why is this written on the AC601/AC101 acoustic amplifier owner's manual:
quote -
Another thing:
This seems to be the ac601 on a speaker stand! Is it? If Yes why isn't this option refered on the manual? Can the AC101 also be used on a speaker stand?
Regarding the possibility of being used with bass on the manual the only "reference" is on the Marco De Virgiliis word:
quote -
Being Markbass a bass amp manufacter and the reproduction of the uprightbass very specific (and probably very different from other acoustic instruments due to the need of very accurate deep frequencies reproduction) I think the manual should refer that this amp can be used with the urb and not being called:
quote -
and so on...
Am I seing the right manual?
Invalid Link Removed
Sorry for the long post and for being such a pain in the a..! Is just that if I can't try it I want to be sure of I'm going to buy (or not)!
If the heads cannot be removed from the combos why is this written on the AC601/AC101 acoustic amplifier owner's manual:
quote -
OTHER SPECIFICATIONS
DIMENSIONS Heighth 2.8 in. - 710 mm. - Depth 10.1 in. - 256 mm Width 10.87 in. - 276mm
(can be extended to standard rack size with optional rack ears)
WEIGHT 4.63 lbs - 2,1 Kg
OUTPUT POWER 150W RMS @ 8ohm - 250W RMS @ 4ohm
This specifications refer to the amp part of the combo not the combo itself. On Markbass site the amp head is not sold separately. So why the rack ears for the head?!?!?!?!? DIMENSIONS Heighth 2.8 in. - 710 mm. - Depth 10.1 in. - 256 mm Width 10.87 in. - 276mm
(can be extended to standard rack size with optional rack ears)
WEIGHT 4.63 lbs - 2,1 Kg
OUTPUT POWER 150W RMS @ 8ohm - 250W RMS @ 4ohm
Another thing:
This seems to be the ac601 on a speaker stand! Is it? If Yes why isn't this option refered on the manual? Can the AC101 also be used on a speaker stand?
Regarding the possibility of being used with bass on the manual the only "reference" is on the Marco De Virgiliis word:
quote -
The Acoustic lines amplifier circuitry is designed specifically to not color the sound, but to faithfully reproduce the unique tonal qualities of whatever instrument is played through it. I have worked very closely with many high-profile professional musicians around the world to fine-tune the Mark Acoustic product line.
Being Markbass a bass amp manufacter and the reproduction of the uprightbass very specific (and probably very different from other acoustic instruments due to the need of very accurate deep frequencies reproduction) I think the manual should refer that this amp can be used with the urb and not being called:
quote -
- one of the worlds best acoustic guitar amplifiers!
- The AC601/AC101 acoustic amp is a high-quality acoustic guitar amplifier
- The AC601/AC101 acoustic amp is a high-quality acoustic guitar amplifier
and so on...
Am I seing the right manual?
Invalid Link Removed
Sorry for the long post and for being such a pain in the a..! Is just that if I can't try it I want to be sure of I'm going to buy (or not)!
Peter Murray
Commercial User
- Dec 13, 2005
- 627
- 80
- Disclosures
- Marketing and artist relations for Xvive (ex-Markbass, ex-Supro, ex-Pigtronix)
David Santos said:
Wow, we should hire you as a proofreader. I'll have to check on those things but it looks like you've found some errors.
The Mark Acoustic head is not sold separately and rack ears are not relevant to it. The manual is the same for both Mark Acoustic combos so the manual specifically talks about the specs of the head, since it's applicable to both combos. (The only difference really is the speaker configuraion, size and weight).That might make it seem like the head is "separate".
We also talk about the "combo head" because it's the same in all the Markbass combos. When you buy a combo, you don't get a manual for the combo, you get a manual for the "head" that is contained in the combo. That's really what you need to know about.
There is indeed a hole in the bottom of the amp which it allows it to be mounted on a pole, and yes, we should have mentioned that in the manual.
I guess it was originally assumed that people would try the amps and buy them based on their experience with whatever they play (acoustic guitar, acoustic bass, acoustic bass guitar, whatever), ans THEN read the manual.
But since the manual is on the site, I guess that process is sometimes being reversed. You really should try the amp for yourself, ideally with your instrument! It's intended for any acoustic instrument, and there are more and more double bassists, acoustic guitarists and more using it. I know a keyboardist who has been using one and raves about it.
Thanks for spotting that stuff. I will make some revisions to avoid this kind of confusion in the future.
Best,
Peter
Peter Murray
Commercial User
- Dec 13, 2005
- 627
- 80
- Disclosures
- Marketing and artist relations for Xvive (ex-Markbass, ex-Supro, ex-Pigtronix)
macmrkt said:
There was a delay related to CA approval for North America, but I think they're on their way! I'll try to get more detail for you.
thanks,
Peter
Ive been using the 12 combo for about two months now. I really like it, it so true sounding that it takes a bit to get used to. I was used to the GK, which has a definite bump in the middle tones. So when I first started using the MarkBass it didnt sound like I was louder it sounded like everyone else was quieter. The full tonal range, which I identify with as the non-amplified personality of my bass was there.
Like I stated I really like it, powerful, Ive never had the volume pass halfway even for noisy rooms and outside.
Its not perfect, somewhat dry but I still need to work with it to find the best knob config for me. And I took the yellow logo off the front grill. But all in all its a definite step up from the GK, good value.
Like I stated I really like it, powerful, Ive never had the volume pass halfway even for noisy rooms and outside.
Its not perfect, somewhat dry but I still need to work with it to find the best knob config for me. And I took the yellow logo off the front grill. But all in all its a definite step up from the GK, good value.
Actually, it's a pretty widespread trend. Nowadays, a lot of us download owners manuals to do some advance research about products before trying them out. It helps us narrow the field down to a few products before we go out on the shopping trip.Peter Murray said:
In fact, I consider a downloadable owners manual to be a minimum indication that a gear maker is interesting in doing business with me. Of course typos happen, and I have found that the MarkBass manuals are quite informative.
In some cases, I can get enough info from a manual that I don't mind ordering a product without a listening test. That's helpful for those of us who don't live in the big cities.
