• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Micro Head Suggestions

PolkaHero

PolkaHero

Supporting Member
Jan 5, 2002
2,645
3,298
Michigan
#1
I'm in the market for a tiny bass head that I can pair up with either my Mesa Subway 212 or Bergantino CN212 cabs for a pit orchestra gig. I have a Mesa D-350 which is great but not small enough to put in my bass gig bag pockets. Trying to eliminate multiple trip from my vehicle to the theater which is "buried" in the school. Here's my requirements:

  • Tiny footprint to fit in a gig bag pocket
  • Very little to no fan noise (this is a musical theater gig with a lot of dialogue)
  • Speakon output ideal but TS not a dealbreaker
  • DI output for the PA system
  • Don't need a lot of wattage as the orchestra is all acoustic instruments
Looks like a Warwick Gnome may work. Any other suggestions?
 
  • Like
Reactions: Rev_Slinky, ahbradot, Chris Chong and 2 others
#6
ProbablyTooLoud said:
Is the gk mb200 small enough?
Click to expand...
I was going to suggest that, too, except my MB200's fan can tend to run pretty fast and somewhat loud with 4 ohm loads. Unless the volume is very low, of course. Also if the OP decides to go with an MB200, he should understand how its tone controls work. Flat is not everything at noon. Everything at noon is a huge mid-scoop.
 
#7
I've had my Elf for quite a while. Been bounced around a bit and it never fails me. Primarily used for a pactice/backup amp. My guess is that technology has improved and there are better amps, but I'd never sell the elf.
1759002230285.png
1759002354247.png
 
  • Like
  • Love
Reactions: Rev_Slinky, shadven, murphy and 5 others
#8
PolkaHero said:
I'm in the market for a tiny bass head that I can pair up with either my Mesa Subway 212 or Bergantino CN212 cabs for a pit orchestra gig. I have a Mesa D-350 which is great but not small enough to put in my bass gig bag pockets. Trying to eliminate multiple trip from my vehicle to the theater which is "buried" in the school. Here's my requirements:

  • Tiny footprint to fit in a gig bag pocket
  • Very little to no fan noise (this is a musical theater gig with a lot of dialogue)
  • Speakon output ideal but TS not a dealbreaker
  • DI output for the PA system
  • Don't need a lot of wattage as the orchestra is all acoustic instruments
Looks like a Warwick Gnome may work. Any other suggestions?
Click to expand...
I know there's no DI out (only a line out, so you need an adaptor).
But it's super small, completely silent (no fan), and… it sounds great

1759003552600.png
 
  • Like
  • Love
Reactions: Rev_Slinky, pisces_bass, Hnz and 7 others
#9
PolkaHero said:
I'm in the market for a tiny bass head that I can pair up with either my Mesa Subway 212 or Bergantino CN212 cabs for a pit orchestra gig. I have a Mesa D-350 which is great but not small enough to put in my bass gig bag pockets. Trying to eliminate multiple trip from my vehicle to the theater which is "buried" in the school. Here's my requirements:

  • Tiny footprint to fit in a gig bag pocket
  • Very little to no fan noise (this is a musical theater gig with a lot of dialogue)
  • Speakon output ideal but TS not a dealbreaker
  • DI output for the PA system
  • Don't need a lot of wattage as the orchestra is all acoustic instruments
Looks like a Warwick Gnome may work. Any other suggestions?
Click to expand...
This is what I use for my jazz gigs:

https://www.sweetwater.com/store/de...c14f1ac440782b90a5&_index=production_products
 
  • Like
  • Love
Reactions: Rev_Slinky, bassbrad, murphy and 1 other person
#13
Owning both the GK MB200 and the Trace Elliot Elf, I can say that they’re both really good, but neither is perfect.

Once upon a time I had 2 of the GKs, and the US-made one gave out years ago, so the MIC one carries on.

My TE Elf actually gave out at a gig earlier this year. I’m still looking for a repair place I can trust, but I think I’ll end up taking it to the local behemoth music retailer and hope for the best.

But the MB200 that remains is great.

EDIT: Both of these fit, with no trouble, in an average bass gig bag pocket, which is one of the original parameters of the discussion. Fan noise is a non-issue with either of them.
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: Rev_Slinky
#15
I'd advocate that you get a gig bag with a bigger pocket and stay with the Mesa D-350. It's a higher quality head than any of the options presented here so far, although Quilter did well with the Interbass. The D-350 most definitely has a better DI interface and better EQ than the others.

I bought the Mesa several years ago when they first came out, and have used it for a number of theatre productions. I have been impressed.
 
  • Like
  • Love
Reactions: Rev_Slinky, SJan3, Matt Power and 12 others
#20
eniac said:
I was going to suggest that, too, except my MB200's fan can tend to run pretty fast and somewhat loud with 4 ohm loads. Unless the volume is very low, of course. Also if the OP decides to go with an MB200, he should understand how its tone controls work. Flat is not everything at noon. Everything at noon is a huge mid-scoop.
Click to expand...
Came here to say this. Great little amp in spite of a very pronounced baked-in sound. You just gotta not be afraid to turn some knobs.
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back