NAD! Markbass CMD 121p

[bigtone23]

Set the EQ how you like it, but to tame the tweeter, just use the VLE and back it up with small cuts with the treble knob. VLE does a pretty steep roll off of the highs. I use mine around 10 o' clock to keep the tweeter in line, but not so bright. Some guys have gone in and disconnected the tweeter, too. The 12" has pretty decent upper end on it's own.

 

[StatesideRambler]

I’ve found that a piece of audio foam in front of the tweeter tames it pretty effectively.

 

[Stan_da_man]

From my memory, I have my CMD121P set at:

Gain - 12 o'clock
Low - 11
Mid Low - 1
High Low - 12
High - 11.30
VLE - 8
VPF - Off

 

[henryjurstin13]

I’ve found that a piece of audio foam in front of the tweeter tames it pretty effectively.

I bought a CMD151/NY151 stack & that’s how they came to me. I’ve not changed them....

 

[CallMeAl]

Just got home from the gig! The Mark sounded SO GOOD!

This was my bluegrass/country band, and I wondered if the Mark would be warm and smooth enough for this band (I have every confidence this amp will excel with my blues/rock band.)

settings

The things I noticed:
-Articulation! Which I expected, but especially on the low notes on the E string (runs up to G.)
-Even volume across all frets and strings
-Dynamics! excellent control
-mid-forward grit, but balanced nicely with the band.
-the sound was so clear, I had to be extra careful with the clams!

So all in all a smashing success! I kept control of volume at the bass guitar’s volume pot, which was at about 5-6. So between the bass & amp, there’s plenty of volume on tap. Now I can’t wait to gig this bad boy in a rock n roll setting! I think all I would do differently is turn off the VLE.

Thanks everyone for the feedback and support!

Looking forward to a report from the front!

I'm excited to read about you experience with the amp!

Congrats! Can’t wait to hear the report on the gig.

Grats. Glad to hear you liking it. Looking forward to hear how it performs in the field!

where did you buy a cover from? I still need to buy covers for my MB amps. lol

As an owner/player, I’m still not crazy about the sound of my CMD 121. I dislike the non adjustable tweeter. Not sure about the rear firing port either. It is however a very portable solution that so far has been reliable.

I’d love to see some photos of how everyone sets their EQ and filters.

 

[bordinco90]

Just got home from the gig! The Mark sounded SO GOOD!

This was my bluegrass/country band, and I wondered if the Mark would be warm and smooth enough for this band (I have every confidence this amp will excel with my blues/rock band.)

settings
View attachment 3701279

The things I noticed:
-Articulation! Which I expected, but especially on the low notes on the E string (runs up to G.)
-Even volume across all frets and strings
-Dynamics! excellent control
-mid-forward grit, but balanced nicely with the band.
-the sound was so clear, I had to be extra careful with the clams!

So all in all a smashing success! I kept control of volume at the bass guitar’s volume pot, which was at about 5-6. So between the bass & amp, there’s plenty of volume on tap. Now I can’t wait to gig this bad boy in a rock n roll setting! I think all I would do differently is turn off the VLE.

Thanks everyone for the feedback and support!

That's great to hear! I've been messing around with my Little Mark III and now it sounds great with my P-basses. Very clean and clear with my Avatar 4x10.

 

[Phaidrus]

For unknown reasons people who decide to dislike the CMD121P (and Markbass in general) have an urge to spout off about their dislike. The “sterile sound” complaint comes from those who are unwilling to make any effort beyond plugging it in and plugging into it. The knobs are there for you to use, yah? That $1,000 eight square foot pedalboard you stumble over every night contributes what, exactly?

Here on TB and elsewhere, both online and in person, I’ve found that it’s considered a workhorse amp by most players. I use it for jazz standards, classic rock (garage bands), blues bands/jams, acoustic folk and just once for PA announcing. I will yield a bit on the jarring aesthetic of the yellow, though. Especially when that complaint comes from somebody playing a “relic’d” orange/purple sparkle bass half-covered with stickers while wearing store-bought designer torn-knee jeans.

The aesthetics of Markbass is a contemporary take on 60s and 70s Italian/European design - think of Lamborghini Miura and Courrèges apparel.