New Markbass combo versions

[oren]

Markbass has released new versions of their combo amps, featuring the Little Mark IV head. Main differences I see are the long overdue addition of a mute switch, changing the VPF control to just a mid-scoop switch, and renaming the VLE control to “Old School.” Not different enough to make me want to replace my combo, but I do wish I had the mute switch!

 

[SJan3]

• Agree on the mute button but wish they kept the VPF filter. The 3 way switch seems so limited in comparison..

 

[Al Kraft]

• Agree on the mute button but wish they kept the VPF filter. The 3 way switch seems so limited in comparison..

I was always impressed by the Markbass tone stack and voicing filters...they had a very nice set-up there IMO. This was also something I sort of considered a kind of Markbass signature trait.

 

[SJan3]

I was always impressed by the Markbass tone stack and voicing filters...they had a very nice set-up there IMO. This was also something I sort of considered a kind of Markbass signature trait.

Me too. I am surprised they didn't stick with the Variable Preshape which made it very easy to approach your tone with a twist.
In truth it was simply a contour knob but it works well. Not necessary but convenient.

 

[arbiterusa]

changing the VPF control to just a mid-scoop switch

That is a travesty. The VPF and VLE controls are the two most useful tone shaping tools I’ve ever used on any amp. You also usually don’t need much of them, which is why the switch is a crap replacement for the control.

 

[TN WOODMAN]

My Jeff Berlin Combo and NY151 Extension Cab is one of my most satisfying gear purchases to this day.

I have other amps but as long of mine keeps working as well as it has (since 2008 I think) I’m good.

 

[Al Kraft]

That is a travesty. The VPF and VLE controls are the two most useful tone shaping tools I’ve ever used on any amp. You also usually don’t need much of them, which is why the switch is a crap replacement for the control.

They were the big attraction for me along with what I think was a nice tone stack that made those two filters very usable. I actually seem to remember some small combos that they used to make that only had two controls, the VPF and a volume knob. They were surprisingly capable in a sort of Quilter Bass Block minimal/unique EQ kind of way.

 

[SJan3]

They were the big attraction for me along with what I think was a nice tone stack that made those two filters very usable. I actually seem to remember some small combos that they used to make that only had two controls, the VPF and a volume knob. They were surprisingly capable in a sort of Quilter Bass Block minimal/unique EQ kind of way.

Volume and VPF only.

 

[seamonkey]

How do you like that? ~ 5:00 They go through all the tone settings with the master at "0"

 

[SJan3]

How do you like that? ~ 5:00 They go through all the tone settings with the master at "0"

D.I.? Looks like line out is set a noon.

 

[seamonkey]

D.I.? Looks like line out is set a noon.

Should be a OK for DI out to the FOH then. Except FOH may not like you changing the level on your own.

Don't know about the sound amps speaker itself. Nothing, even on yourtube, to to listen to.

 

[SJan3]

Should be a OK for DI out to the FOH then. Except FOH may not like you changing the level on your own.

Don't know about the sound amps speaker itself. Nothing, even on yourtube, to to listen to.

Agree that the demo audio is not good.
But line level adjustment on the amp can be useful. I've had FOH ask me to boost or turn down my signal. Yes, they wouldn't appreciate me doing it without their say so.

 

[jeff7bass]

They messed up the description of the last amp which appears to be a vertical 210.

 

[Turlu]

My Jeff Berlin Combo and NY151 Extension Cab is one of my most satisfying gear purchases to this day.

I have other amps but as long of mine keeps working as well as it has (since 2008 I think) I’m good.

I have the same setup and never looked back to replace it!!! So true!!!

 

[leonard]

I wish they had combos without the orange color.

 

[themickster]

I wish they had combos without the orange color.

They have a few with a dash of yellow

 

[themickster]

I do wish I had the mute switch!

Boss TU-3 mutes when tuning. Would that be any good to you?

 

[FronTowardEnemy]

Never owned MarkBass, but played through them enough to know I like them. Still have the rat fur?

 

[Zarcsby]

Oof the volume levels in that video... lol. I crank the volume on my speakers to actually hear the damn EQ controls and out of nowhere comes HISSSSS.... THE LOW CONTROL CUTS OR BOOSTS 16db...

Thanks Mr. Narrator with the pleasant voice, but I'd rather hear the amp than your voice at three times the volume.

 

[oren]

Boss TU-3 mutes when tuning. Would that be any good to you?

Thanks! Mostly I just like a mute switch to turn the amp to standby during breaks. If I’m playing upright, then there is no volume control on the instrument. When I double on upright and electric then I use a preamp (Grace Felix) that has a mute. When it’s one or the other I like to keep things as simple as possible with just the instrument, a cord, and the amp - that’s when the mute on the amp would be handy.