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NAD

whitespikebass

whitespikebass

Boy Orbision
Feb 19, 2013
205
37
Austin, TX
#1
I've been in need of a lightweight combo and today bought a Jeff Berlin Player's School combo. I tried a bunch of combos in the same price range and thought this one sounded best, although I am skeptical that 150 watts will be enough. Anyone gig with this thing?

Also after I got it home, I am experiencing a little remorse bc its definitely more modern sounding than I am used to (Ampeg guy). I just really didnt like the New Ampeg BA combos. To me they werent thum[y and full enough. I have 60 days to return it so no big deal.

Anyway, it seems decievingly loud for 150 watts. Think itll be enough?
 
#3
Bump. Sorry.

Anyway, Just recently played to 1K people. And before that another show with around 400 people. This thing seems loud as hell for 150 watts but I am skeptical. At the same time, I see some of you using B-100rs live. DO you think 150 watt Markbass combo will be suitable with PA support?
 
#7
whitespikebass said:
Bump. Sorry.

Anyway, Just recently played to 1K people. And before that another show with around 400 people. This thing seems loud as hell for 150 watts but I am skeptical. At the same time, I see some of you using B-100rs live. DO you think 150 watt Markbass combo will be suitable with PA support?
Click to expand...

I think you may have answered your own question ;)
how exciting ! It's a real joy to find a sound that works for you and that gig of 1k people sounds like a fair test.

Congrats and enjoy !

Is this the manual ?

Invalid Link Removed
 
Last edited:
#8
whitespikebass said:
Thanks! that does sound a lot better. I didnt get a manual and didnt know what those are for. what to they stand for?
Click to expand...

Variable Pass Filter (i think): it's basically a mid scoop; if you need volume, use it in restraint.
Vintage Loudspeaker Emulator: cuts highs to mellow out the sound. If you are going for a "classic" sound it's a good way to get there. Personally I only use it do dial out the unpleasant highs.
 
#9
Pimmsley said:
I think you may have answered your own question ;)
how exciting ! It's a real joy to find a sound that works for you and that gig of 1k people sounds like a fair test.

Congrats and enjoy !

Is this the manual ?

Invalid Link Removed
Click to expand...
I'll check and see thanks!

I didn't use this amp for that big gig. I just bought it after. I had been looking foward to getting the Ampeg pf-500 and the matching 210 cab. I used that at the show (belonged to a friend) and it made some pretty weird loud distorted noises a couple times. Gave me cold feet.
 
#12
whitespikebass said:
Thank for your help though! Sometimes I really wonder how much wattage means. This thing seems as loud if not louder than the 300ish watts from the Ampeg.
Click to expand...

Wattage is not the end all for volume, just part of the puzzle. You also have things like speaker sensitivity, box deign, gain staging, to name a few. Example: For a classic rock gig I do I use '05 series Fender Bassman SS head from a 112 combo. I pair it with a 70's Acoustic 2X15 at it is more than plenty loud enough for bar & club gigs. If you have PA support for big gigs then how loud your band is will determine what you need on stage.
 
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#14
whitespikebass said:
Can any MB owners tell me if its ok to dime out the output? I like the tone a lot better but the clip light definitely stays on more this way.
Click to expand...

The head that's in that combo is fairly robust, and assuming your input gain isn't too high, diming the output isn't a big deal. The clip lights tend to not matter that much, but they are usually triggered by the gain control and not the master volume, which would mean your gain actually is fairly high if the light is staying on. All of that indicates it's time to get an extension cab for more volume (and headroom).
 
#15
jumblemind said:
The head that's in that combo is fairly robust, and assuming your input gain isn't too high, diming the output isn't a big deal. The clip lights tend to not matter that much, but they are usually triggered by the gain control and not the master volume, which would mean your gain actually is fairly high if the light is staying on. All of that indicates it's time to get an extension cab for more volume (and headroom).
Click to expand...
That's what I meant. I am turning up the gain all the way. It sounds much better to me this way. Doesnt seem to be stressing it out or anything.
 
#16
eukatheude said:
Variable Pass Filter (i think): it's basically a mid scoop; if you need volume, use it in restraint.
Vintage Loudspeaker Emulator: cuts highs to mellow out the sound. If you are going for a "classic" sound it's a good way to get there. Personally I only use it do dial out the unpleasant highs.
Click to expand...

"Variable Preshape Filter", but the rest is right on. The VPF gives you a more modern sound (slap, modern rock), and the VFE gives you a more classic vintage sound. The other thing to remember is that they basically do the opposite as far as tone control, so it's usually better to use one or the other starting out.
 
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