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My First Markbass

#21
whacker said:
Got a question for all you MarkBass lovers:

Except for model availability, why aren't there more raves about the SA450 or R500 (the one with a tube in the pre)? They're all 500 watters. The SA450 has semi-para on the middle two EQ controls. Or is it just the size of the LMII? Just curious...
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I don't think the R500 is widely available at this point, so not a lot of triers yet.

Regarding the SA450, the spec's are almost identical to the LMII at a higher price and in a larger box. While the semi-parametric mids are nice, for many of us, the voicing of the fixed mids in the LMII is quite good. So, the question is, would the significantly higher price for this feature in a bigger box be worth it. For some, yes. For many, no.

Also, the Markbass amps are voiced quite nicely in the mids... many of us run the amp virtually flat, and just use a touch of the filters to match the head to various cabs and rooms. So, the semi-parametric mids don't result in a good 'price value' reason to pay more and get the same basic amp in a larger box.

However, not the case for everyone, and those with the 450 seem quite pleased (the DI volume and external pre/post switch is nice also).

Interestingly, on my SD800 (which has the same box and front end as the 450, but higher wattage and much more power due to the class D amp), I have the semi-parametric mids centered just about at the 'fixed' points of the LMII.

These Markbass designers seems to have it figured out:) IMO.
 
#22
KJung said:
Best sounding SS head I've ever heard!!!! However, I agree, if you like tube bloom or a significant 'tube' warmth or 'give' in your tone, they would not be for you!

Actually, per the above, the amazing thing to me is that it's the first small, lightweight micro type head (I've owned them all!) that doesn't sound at all like it's small. I would rebuy this amp if it was double the price and triple the weight. That's what has many of us so blown away. There is, IMO and IME, absolutely no indication in the tone that it is a 'micro'. The LMII has a unique combination of quickness and 'relatively transparency' while still having a surprising amount of warmth and character in the mids... a little growl to go with the very clean, deep low end extension, and crystal clear highs (if you want them). And, the power to weight ratio is stunning across the entire Markbass line.

And... the SD800 is TOTALLY off the page.... 7 pounds, and at least IME, true 'lead sled' oomph... first time I've ever experienced that kind of 'hit you in the chest' thump from an amp less than 35 pounds:bassist:
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Ken,

I'm wondering if, to get the same impression that you and others are getting, you need a growly bass to try with it. Perhaps that's why I don't see it the same? Second would be the cabinet choice. There are no Berg's or Epi's at most GC, so I couldn't try that out. The non-MB cabs did seem to sound much better with the LMII though.
 
#23
KJung said:
Regarding the SA450, the spec's are almost identical to the LMII at a higher price and in a larger box. While the semi-parametric mids are nice, for many of us, the voicing of the fixed mids in the LMII is quite good. So, the question is, would the significantly higher price for this feature in a bigger box be worth it. For some, yes. For many, no.

Also, the Markbass amps are voiced quite nicely in the mids... many of us run the amp virtually flat, and just use a touch of the filters to match the head to various cabs and rooms. So, the semi-parametric mids don't result in a good 'price value' reason to pay more and get the same basic amp in a larger box.
{...}
Interestingly, on my SD800 (which has the same box and front end as the 450, but higher wattage and much more power due to the class D amp), I have the semi-parametric mids centered just about at the 'fixed' points of the LMII.

These Markbass designers seems to have it figured out:) IMO.
Click to expand...

I think someone posted the response curve of the default Markbass voice here. It's pretty darn flat, unlike a lot of heads. So if you like the sound of your bass(es) it's going to amplify that - and any EQing is built on a flat foundation instead of being overlayed on a bumpy one. No funny stuff going on with midrange here!

Apparently Markbass engineering thinks that the sound of the bass without some built-in and hidden shaping is a pretty good place to start. The LMII EQing and filtering allows one to individualize that, and for many that's more than enough to sound great.
 
#25
KJung said:
Best sounding SS head I've ever heard!!!!
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Man, I thought you'd go for the TF when it comes to the best sounding solid state head.
What exactly are the differences in tone between the TF and the LMII??
From what I read the TF may be a bit more "vintage", rock-oriented and less hi-fi whereas the LMII is more hi-fi with more treble but less mid growl and warmth.

I definitely have to and will check out the LMII in the near future but the TF is simply not available over here - shame.
 
#26
caligula said:
Man, I thought you'd go for the TF when it comes to the best sounding solid state head.
What exactly are the differences in tone between the TF and the LMII??
From what I read the TF may be a bit more "vintage", rock-oriented and less hi-fi whereas the LMII is more hi-fi with more treble but less mid growl and warmth.

I definitely have to and will check out the LMII in the near future but the TF is simply not available over here - shame.
Click to expand...

I still love my TF. However, as I've posted before, I can get REALLY close to the TF tone with the LMII, but I cannot dial in the deep lows and crystal clear, hi fi type treble with the TF. If you are a 'clean tone' rocker, the TF is killer. However, if you like a little more 'funk' in your tone, the LMII just widens up the tone a touch... deep low end, and crystal clear 'Marcus Miller' type treble It's just totally got me (and I dig the SD800 also.. more modern, but still punchy as heck!).

I've owned other heads with the ability to get 'wide and hi fi', like the iAmp and EBS350, but I could never get the grindy punch out of them. Since the TF does the grindy punch SO well, and since that is IMO the key to a good pop/funk/modern country bass tone IMO and IME, it works great. However, it seems that I can get 'all that' out of the LMII. Just personal experience with my cabs, my bass, my tone goal, etc. (although I think my buddies Vic and Vision/Jason feel pretty similarly).

My TF isn't going anywhere, but it's also staying home quite a bit at this point.
 
#27
While I'm as 'giddy' as Brad is about the LMII, I have to say that while the amp is relatively transparent, it has its own subtle sound like any other amp. Some (and it seems, a lot) love this subtle, inherent tone, but others do not. NOTHING wrong with that:) We don't want to start a 'Stepford Amps' sort of thing, where everyone must sound the same:cool:

Even though they don't generate 'my tone' as well as the LMII or the TF, etc., I sure can understand the big love for the DB750, the Glock stuff, the EBS stuff, the Eden stuff, the Berg IP's, the Mesa stuff, the Ashdown stuff, etc., etc. All stunningly good stuff IMO and IME.

You are not an idiot if you don't like the LMII:D It's a GREAT head for those that like a reasonably clean, wide, relatively transparent tone in a small package. There's other GREAT stuff out there also.
 
#28
whacker said:
Got a question for all you MarkBass lovers:

Except for model availability, why aren't there more raves about the SA450 or R500 (the one with a tube in the pre)? They're all 500 watters. The SA450 has semi-para on the middle two EQ controls. Or is it just the size of the LMII? Just curious...
Click to expand...

I got the SA450 in stead of LM, because of the sa450's pre/post eq button on the back and the para eq :)
 
#33
Brad Johnson said:
I have a TFB420 and on a couple of gigs I have hit the wall as far as usable volume. That still hasn't come close to happening with my LMII.
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Plus One, I've also hit the wall on usable volume with my TF.
I really enjoy my TF550A and have no current plans to sell it.
It does a lot things and is one of the best made amps I've owned. I also love my DB750, well made, aint thaaaat heavy.
But.. both pretty much stay home right now since the LMII seems to do it all for me on the gig. I will be testing my LMII/410UL on another outside gig (no Pa support this time). From what I've heard it won't be a problem. :bassist:
 
#35
Brad Johnson said:
Outdoor gigs are the big test for me. I was able to easily get too loud while maintaining my tone with my Epifani NYC212 cab. I'm pretty sure my Shroeder 410R would've been even louder.
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I too was able to maintain plenty of volume with my lone Avatar 4x10, although I experienced my first microphonic feedback squeal when I got close to my cab. That sucked - but it was nothing to do with the amp at all!
And I had zero supporting walls. It was just the cab sitting on its own out in the open.
 
#36
bassbrock said:
Unfortunately the Markbass heads don't have enough power for me and my Acme cabs. Otherwise, I'd give 'em a go.
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I can't imagine that being the case. We play a lot of loud club and outdoor gigs and I have not had the master volume above about 30% yet. That is with two 2x10 cabs. I don't know how different manufacturers rate their power, but it's not the same as Markbass. Like I've said before, my former 500W SWR head would be turned up to about 75-80% volume on gigs that I have the LMII set on 25%. We will be playing outdoors this weekend at a Blue Angels airshow and I'm not worried about power at all.
 
#37
To follow up on my last post: When I bought my LMII it was only because I was in a pinch. My SWR had been stolen and I needed something fast. I wanted something rated at least around 800W because I felt my previous 500W wasn't enough. The LMII was the fastest thing I could purchase to do a gig that night, so I picked it up. I was completely surprised at the power of it, and still am. It's LOUD!
 
#38
maconbass said:
I can't imagine that being the case. We play a lot of loud club and outdoor gigs and I have not had the master volume above about 30% yet. That is with two 2x10 cabs. I don't know how different manufacturers rate their power, but it's not the same as Markbass. Like I've said before, my former 500W SWR head would be turned up to about 75-80% volume on gigs that I have the LMII set on 25%. We will be playing outdoors this weekend at a Blue Angels airshow and I'm not worried about power at all.
Click to expand...
Just taking a stab at this, but the Acme cabs have very low sensitivity, and really need some power to drive them.
 
#39
I used my LMII and my Schroeder 410L this weekend at an outdoor poolside gig. We were facing the pool and the 7-story Holiday Inn on the Seawall. There are some apartments behind the hotel, behind a wall, about a block away. We got told by the inside bar staff that people from the apartments were calling and complaining that we were too loud. I had my pre at 4, and my post at 5, EQ flat, a touch of VPF. It was kind of loud, but there were people sitting right next to us that had no problem with our volume. When one of the staff went over to the apartments to check the sound, he came back and reported that he could hear some guitar, but that the bass was very clear and punchy. No vocals were heard clearly that far away, and the drums weren't omnipresent either. We had people hanging out on their balconies listening to us, and hootin' & hollerin', having a great time. I asked several people if the bass was too loud, and they all said "Nope. Just right!" I wasn't going through the mains at all. I like this little rig, it's a keeper! :hyper:
 

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