I recently bought the newest version of this Markbass combo, have played it on two gigs now and can give it an honest review. For many gigs I do these days, a "grab and go" combo is a very convenient option. My "go to" combo's for the past several years have been my GK MB212-ii and 112-ii. However I find the 212 has become "to much amp" on many occasions, a bit large and needs a stand when it pointed at the back of your knees, while the 112 by itself isn't really enough. Both are difficult to hear when you have to stand right in front of them and I dont like having to carrying around the extra amp stand. That had led me to look at "kickback" options like the the MB CMD 102P, and while on GC's site I noticed a new version had just arrived, was a great price(cheaper than the older model), so I snagged it.
First OOB impression:
My initial response is that it has a low profile, and super lightweight. Also all the controls are on the front, with the exception of the per cord.
Controls: Im a "few knobs as possible" guy and had no issues with the fairly standard eq layout. While I dislike cutesy terms like "Old School" for control knobs, I found this knob to be super easy and helpful to vary the tone on the fly or between tunes. Having all the controls on the front is a lot more convenient for amps like this, no more bending way over while on stage and fumbling around behind the box. Also, a mute switch is always a plus.
Tone: My initial impressions is that it has a very mid forward tonal character(not unlike the MB112), tight lows and really crisp mid. Excels at that clean, tight, dry funk tone. By comparison the GK MB212 of course has a "bigger" tone, more open lows, can get a lot louder, but is also larger and heavier to carry. However the Markbass seems to weigh almost nothing, the crisp mid really help cut through a bit better, and the "Old School" knob a quick way to round out and thicken the tone. Also, having the amp tilted back, I found it was much easier to hear myself and I no longer need to use a stand.
Overall it's defiantly a great combo for smaller stages with limited space, and has enough power most low to moderate volume gigs. While I dont think it will "fill a room" on its own like the MB212 can, for larger rooms it's best used as more of a stage monitor with FOH, and imo is perfect for that. Its a very practical design and layout for an easy carry grab and go combo.
First OOB impression:
My initial response is that it has a low profile, and super lightweight. Also all the controls are on the front, with the exception of the per cord.
Controls: Im a "few knobs as possible" guy and had no issues with the fairly standard eq layout. While I dislike cutesy terms like "Old School" for control knobs, I found this knob to be super easy and helpful to vary the tone on the fly or between tunes. Having all the controls on the front is a lot more convenient for amps like this, no more bending way over while on stage and fumbling around behind the box. Also, a mute switch is always a plus.
Tone: My initial impressions is that it has a very mid forward tonal character(not unlike the MB112), tight lows and really crisp mid. Excels at that clean, tight, dry funk tone. By comparison the GK MB212 of course has a "bigger" tone, more open lows, can get a lot louder, but is also larger and heavier to carry. However the Markbass seems to weigh almost nothing, the crisp mid really help cut through a bit better, and the "Old School" knob a quick way to round out and thicken the tone. Also, having the amp tilted back, I found it was much easier to hear myself and I no longer need to use a stand.
Overall it's defiantly a great combo for smaller stages with limited space, and has enough power most low to moderate volume gigs. While I dont think it will "fill a room" on its own like the MB212 can, for larger rooms it's best used as more of a stage monitor with FOH, and imo is perfect for that. Its a very practical design and layout for an easy carry grab and go combo.
