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New Carvin Micro bass combo amps!

#22
CapnSev said:
Yeah, I understand that, but watts do measure power to a degree. Unless the wattage on these amps is severely underrated, then 200-250 watts is not going to get the job done in a lot of live situations, even if the cabs are super-efficient.

Also, I see no dedicated extension cabs for these things. Does anyone know if they are planning on making them? Carvin's other cabs weigh more than these combos, which kind of defeats the purpose IMO.
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I called about a matching extension cab. They told me to look into the neo line of cabs that they already produced. Disappointing. I would seriously consider a pair of compact, light, cheap 15s if they made them.
 
#25
Still, my Ampeg BA115 weighs 62 lbs. If this Carvin Microbass with the 15 had been available when I was amp shopping, I might have gotten it instead. More power, lighter and more features for only twenty dollars more than the Ampeg? Most definitely would have been a contender.
 
#27
Dammit. I'm hooked. Every once in a while something comes along that regardless of how much I don't need it something clicks inside that says I'm gonna eventually get it... and yes... I'm sunk. I've got amps all over the place here. But my new favorite head is my BX500 and now these things seem sooooooo sweet. I play so many gigs that I really don't need to be lugging my 6X10 to, or my 2X12 for that matter. I'll wait a bit for the reviews at least. Plugged in.
 
#30
I'm really impressed with what comes out of some of these tiny combos now.
However I think everyone has to take them with a pinch of reality, these kind of combos will always be a jack of all - master of none.
These are small lightweight solutions, they're never going to replace proper gigging gear for most folks, however for people on a budget who need one solution that will do at home, at rehearsals and for small(ish) gigs, they're incredible!

You know it's a great time to be a bass player when you can carry all your gear in one trip while you laugh at your guitarist struggling to pick up their overweight underpowered marshall combo :)

Just my 2p...
Eude
 
#32
Rick Auricchio said:
No, what you really want is decibels, which are a measure of loudness. Who cares how many watts it takes to get what you want?

And, the difference between 200w and 250w is under 1dB SPL, which isn't audible. You get 3dB just by doubling the speakers, which is equivalent to a doubling of power. Watts mean nothing in this case.
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Besides - the point of these "Micro Amps" isn't mondo loudness - it's volume for the size. I feel petty confident you just aren't gonna get the same sound out of even the best "micro" amp that you will with a good 4x10.

I'm interested in these sort of combos for small gigs and home practice (I don't much like firing up my normal amp at home unless I have to...).
 
#33
cnltb said:
There's a smaller mark bass combo.
The point I was making was less about this amp but more about the "micro" ...
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The EA Wizzy 10 is 18 Lbs. The Carvin MB10 is 23 Lbs. Add a micro head to the Wizzy and I'd say they're very comparable. Same with the Wizzy12 is actually heavier on it's own than the MB12, and the MB12 has an extra speaker in it.

Edit: Now that I'm looking at the Mini Mark I see that it weighs the same as the MB10, leaving me wondering just one thing: What the hell are you talking about?!?
 
#34
BassikLee said:
These look very cool! I have one of the BRX212 combo amps, and it has been rock solid. The little 10" combo seems like a great LITTLE amp. Probably not very loud, but tiny and cheap, and has the drive control, and a decent EQ. Another hit for the boys from San Diego?

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Yeah, but.... it's got some stiff competition against the Gallien Krueger MB212 that is 500W and 37lbs - and from everything I've been hearing - sounds great.
 
#35
phillipkregg said:
Yeah, but.... it's got some stiff competition against the Gallien Krueger MB212 that is 500W and 37lbs - and from everything I've been hearing - sounds great.
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Right. I suppose that's my point, is that I think that Carvin would have had a home run with more power to these amps. IMO, you are going to pay $400 for an at-home practice amp, which I really don't see the point of. My main gigging amp has a volume knob that works just great.

I would be all over one of these in a heartbeat if I thought there was some sort of practical application for them, but I don't see where they would fit into a situation outside of tiny gigs and practices. I really want to like them, but :hmm:.
 
#36
I think the amount of volume these micro amps are going to put out is going to have a lot more to do with the speaker/cabinet construction and design than the wattage. I Had the GK Neo 1001 2X12 combo (I believe it was 480 watts at 8 ohms) and it could only go about a quarter of the way before it started rattling and farting like crazy. And that had 2X12s in it. Have a Fender bassman 1X15. It's 250 watts yet puts out much more volume than the GK did.
 
#37
Joe Nerve said:
I think the amount of volume these micro amps are going to put out is going to have a lot more to do with the speaker/cabinet construction and design than the wattage. I Had the GK Neo 1001 2X12 combo (I believe it was 480 watts at 8 ohms) and it could only go about a quarter of the way before it started rattling and farting like crazy. And that had 2X12s in it. Have a Fender bassman 1X15. It's 250 watts yet puts out much more volume than the GK did.
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I certainly hope so. I'll have to wait for a guinea pig to buy and review one of them. (Specifically the MB12. Yeah- I'm talking to you, guinea pig.)
 
#38
If I hadn't lucked into a NOS Walkabout Scout 12 for $900*, I would have been that guinea pig. Had my GAS focused on the MB12. Now not so much. :p

* supposedly it had been hiding in a corner of my local Starving Musician since Feb 2006. Just registered it for the full 5 yr warranty.
 
#39
Captain_Arrrg said:
The EA Wizzy 10 is 18 Lbs. The Carvin MB10 is 23 Lbs. Add a micro head to the Wizzy and I'd say they're very comparable. Same with the Wizzy12 is actually heavier on it's own than the MB12, and the MB12 has an extra speaker in it.

Edit: Now that I'm looking at the Mini Mark I see that it weighs the same as the MB10, leaving me wondering just one thing: What the hell are you talking about?!?
Click to expand...

It was the micro mark I was talking about but was unsure of the name (indicated in the comments in brackets).
That one is "micro" I think and still useable fo rat least some applications.
 

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