Newbie needs help with markbass amp choice

[pinto explode]

Hey All,

I need some input on finding the right bass amp for me. Been playin guitar for over 20 years, but only been playin bass for 5. I have a beginner amp which is a fender rumble 100 1x15. It's been ok but I'm ready to upgrade. I play a fender jaguar bass. I also practice through a crate or a peavey 100 watt 1x5 amp too. I can't seem to get away from that combo, I really don't think the 100 watt 1x15 is right for me. I see a lot of bassists rockin the 4x10 cabs. So I've pretty much decided I want to go with the markbass family of amps. I had a chance to try out an SD800 which was pretty nice. I went into the music store thinking I was going to walk out with a genz benz shuttle 6.0, but after trying that out I didn't think it would work for me. I know that amp has a lot of output, but for some reason no matter what cab I tried it through it always distorted. I decided to pass on the shuttle even though it seemed perfect for me because of the power and being so light. That's when I moved to the markbass SD800, but I also decided not to buy that because I had never heard of that name, so I wanted to do more research. I'm glad I did because there are so many damn choices between models that it just boggles the mind. Now I'm thinking I should try out the little mark 800 tube. Basically I'm looking for a high wattage head that will have the headroom I need and I want to pair it with a 2x10 ported cab to keep my rig small and portable, but I want it to really thump. Am I asking for the impossible? I tried the SD800 through a Bergantino 2x10 cab. Anyway, I know this post is getting long. It seems like a lot of guys play the LMKII also, popular choice. So, any help is appreciated, I need a small rig with lotsa power. I have a gig coming up in few weeks and really want to make an impression and actually be heard. I tend to distort the 100 watt amps I use right now, part of that is due to my aggressive playing style, which is because I can't usually hear myself over a loud drummer and guitars. So I want to be able to back off hitting the strings so hard and let the amp do the work. Thanks for any suggestions and lemme know if y'all need any other details. -Pinto

 

[millsbass5]

Let some opinions come in,and then check out this site's "Gear for Sale".
I'm a staunch supporter of buying used gear/basses.

 

[ga_edwards]

First question I would ask myself is how much power to I really neeed? Unless you're in a particularly loud band, with guitarists playing through stacks and mic'd drums, I would say the 500w models (LMII for instance) will be fine. I have one running at just 300w through a single 1x12 against a 100w marshall combo, and 50w Laney combo and a power drum kit and I have plenty of headroom. Only spend out on the more powerful 800w markbass heads if you really, really need that amount of power.

I believe the general rule of thumb of 3 to 4 times the power of the competing guitar amps is a good guide to the power you need.

Besides, I don't think you're really going to see much benefit of a hugely powerful amp if you want to keep it small. With single cab, I don't think you'd see much difference between the 500w and 800w models (running at 300w and 450w at 8ohms respectively with single cab). If you are struggling to be heard with a small rig, adding more speakers would be more beneficial than more power.

 

[pinto explode]

Thanks for the reply. I do think more speakers would be nice, but it's more stuff to pack up and haul, but I get what you're saying. Is the lmkIII anything like the lmkII? Looks like they don't make the lmkII anymore. Do you have any opinions on the tube heads, make any noticeable differences with the tube or is it just a novelty? Also, why do you prefer the 1x12 cab?

First question I would ask myself is how much power to I really neeed? Unless you're in a particularly loud band, with guitarists playing through stacks and mic'd drums, I would say the 500w models (LMII for instance) will be fine. I have one running at just 300w through a single 1x12 against a 100w marshall combo, and 50w Laney combo and a power drum kit and I have plenty of headroom. Only spend out on the more powerful 800w markbass heads if you really, really need that amount of power.

I believe the general rule of thumb of 3 to 4 times the power of the competing guitar amps is a good guide to the power you need.

Besides, I don't think you're really going to see much benefit of a hugely powerful amp if you want to keep it small. With single cab, I don't think you'd see much difference between the 500w and 800w models (running at 300w and 450w at 8ohms respectively with single cab). If you are struggling to be heard with a small rig, adding more speakers would be more beneficial than more power.

 

[ga_edwards]

There's not lot of difference between LMII and LMIII, just a limiter circuit, independent line out volume, and pre/post DI eq switch around the back. Oh, and some of the knobs are now yellow! Other than that it's the same amp, just a few small improvement.

I have no experience with the tube heads, but I've heard that there's not a lot of audible difference between tube and solid state versions of the same amp, LMII and LM Tube for instance. But the more definitive tube amps I have no idea. However, the LMII (or III now) is quite capable of sounding warm with a little judicious eqing and using the VLE filter, that you may find you don't need a tube.

Why the 1x12? Well firstly like you, portability! A lot easier to manage than my old 1x15 combo or a 4x10. But secondly, tone. I like the low end a 1x15 gives me, but dislike the lack of mids and the 'slowness'. Conversely, a portable 2x10 has wonderful mids and sounds incredibly tight and punchy, but it lacks deep low end, esp over a distance if you're not running through FOH (in my experience). A 1x12 is a great compromise between the two. Strong low end that carries through a room, whilst retaining punchy, tight mids and highs. Pretty much a 'do it all' speaker.

12s seem to be the new black lately.

 

[pringlw]

It's hard to go wrong with a LMII or LMIII head. Powerful. Light. Sounds great.

Personally I have a Markbass combo (CMD 102P) it's a LMII head with a 2X10 cab. I supplement that with a 1X12 markbass extension cab for gigs.

The cool thing about that rig is that it sounds amazing, has plenty of power, and I can literally carry the combo amp in one arm, and the 1X12 cab in the other arm. Try doing that with an Ampeg!

 

[maestrovert]

Basically I'm looking for a high wattage head that will have the headroom I need and I want to pair it with a 2x10 ported cab to keep my rig small and portable, but I want it to really thump. Am I asking for the impossible?

i will echo pringlw's post(just above), as i recently purchased the Markbass CMD 121P combo, figuring that it would be more than enough to practice and/or record with, and it has plenty of power if and when i decide to add a cab for increased output....

As you've stated you'd want a 2-10" cab, you might want to look into the [Invalid or Expired Link Removed]....
i can highly recommend their wares....

 

[TheNightLife]

i will echo pringlw's post(just above), as i recently purchased the Markbass CMD 121P combo, figuring that it would be more than enough to practice and/or record with, and it has plenty of power if and when i decide to add a cab for increased output....

As you've stated you'd want a 2-10" cab, you might want to look into the Markbass CMD 102P (2-10") combo....
i can highly recommend their wares....

i agree with the combo reccomendation. and if you need a lil more ompf so to speak you can pick up there 2-10 extension cab. i have an lm3 as a back up incase something happens to my svtcl and i use the lm3 at home alot on my 70's svt flatback and man is it loud. your honestly not going to need more then 4-10's if you go with markbass.

 

[JimmyM]

Thump comes from the speakers. A Berg 210 will sound really good, but if you're looking for THUMP you'll need two. With bass cabs, bigger is always better, and that's why people use extension cabs with their small combos. If you're only going to run one Berg 210, I wouldn't give it more than 300w because you'll hit its mechanical limit long before its thermal limit (mechanical: full excursion of the cone, thermal: burning up the voice coil and the number that's usually quoted for power handling). It would be a waste to get an 800w amp for it.

 

[ga_edwards]

Thump comes from the speakers. A Berg 210 will sound really good, but if you're looking for THUMP you'll need two. With bass cabs, bigger is always better, and that's why people use extension cabs with their small combos. If you're only going to run one Berg 210, I wouldn't give it more than 300w because you'll hit its mechanical limit long before its thermal limit (mechanical: full excursion of the cone, thermal: burning up the voice coil and the number that's usually quoted for power handling). It would be a waste to get an 800w amp for it.

Kind of what I was trying to say, but you put it so much more eloquently!

To the OP - FYI, the LMII/LMIII outputs 300w with a single 8ohm cab and 'most' of their single speaker cabs are rated at 400w. So no probs with over doing it with this head. This also means with 2 cabs, you'll be putting out 250w per cab, so they'll still handle the power with ease.

 

[SlingBass4]

+1 on the idea of two single 12 cabs (it's what *I* use). One cab is usually sufficient enough for rehearsal, and two cabs ideal for gigs. You may find the MarkIII ample on power - but the MBT800 would leave no doubt. You didn't indicate what your 'budget' was...but the classified section of this site is certainly worth your investigation

 

[pinto explode]

wow, thanks for the quick responses guys. My budget is pretty much 800-1500 for a head and cab(s). I am liking the idea of the 1x12. Two would be super but I think I should start with one. I don't really know much about the markbass cabs except I think they're fugly, haha. But that's just me. I definitely need the thump. The band is a dance/electronic mix so it's important to have the bass hittin. I've played the venue before, it's small and has a good PA. I ran a line out of my rumble last time and it was good, but I still want good stage volume too. So I'm thinking I'll try a LMKIII into a 1x12 cab of some sort, maybe a berg and see what happens. I'll probably go to guitar center, I like to support the little guys but the 30 day return policy is hard to beat.

 

[jmattbassplaya]

LMII if you don`t need to worry about very loud guitarists and drummers.

SD800 if you do have to worry about very loud guitarists and drummers.

Both are amazing heads.

 

[electracoyote]

All I got to say is: I just played my first gig with a Markbass product over the weekend (Jeff Berlin CMD 151P) and I could not possibly be more pleased and satisfied. Stage volume was excellent without even pushing it hard, I could hear myself over a loud drummer all night (we had PA support too). Excellent clear transparent tone actually inspires better playing. I was so stoked I bought a Standard 151HR cab for the upcoming outdoor and no-PA support gigs. I think I'm set for a long time.

 

[JimmyM]

wow, thanks for the quick responses guys. My budget is pretty much 800-1500 for a head and cab(s). I am liking the idea of the 1x12. Two would be super but I think I should start with one. I don't really know much about the markbass cabs except I think they're fugly, haha. But that's just me. I definitely need the thump. The band is a dance/electronic mix so it's important to have the bass hittin.

You'll need at least two 12"s to have the bass hittin'. Sorry. A 112 cab can sound good and thump to a certain degree, but for electronica, I really think you'll want two of them or a 212 cab. Just my opinion.

 

[alexofc69]

+1 on the idea of two single 12 cabs (it's what *I* use). One cab is usually sufficient enough for rehearsal, and two cabs ideal for gigs. You may find the MarkIII ample on power - but the MBT800 would leave no doubt. You didn't indicate what your 'budget' was...but the classified section of this site is certainly worth your investigation

I run an LMII and two Markbass 121H Traveler cabs. Its perfect and replaces my former rig with two 4x10 cabs. And the best thing is my whole rig weighs 75lbs now!

 

[maestrovert]

A Markbass [Invalid or Expired Link Removed] -their LMII powered Combo- paired up with their [Invalid or Expired Link Removed] would appear to be your best bet $ for $ wise....

I'm doing exactly the same thing....i already have the combo, and will soon be taking delivery of the cab....

 

[Son of Bovril]

I dunno where you stand on the volume issue... was the fender rumble giving you enough? if not, I would definitely suggest at least a 410 or 212 no matter which head you choose.

no point in going and buying a more powerful head and a lighter smaller cab if you're not gonna get any more volume out of the combination (although a MB800 and 210 will definitely be louder than the rumble)