Small power amp...am considering GK's MB200

A Genz Benz Shuttle 3.0?

Only one channel but semi-parametric mids. I like it for my double bass. 185W/8Ohms or 300W/4Ohms (minimum load).

An EA Doubler (2 channels)?

 

I have an MB200 that I use with an Eden 10" cabinet. I am happy with the convenience and sound. The thread title implies you want something to use as a power amp, perhaps using your Headway exclusively for tone shaping. The MB200 doesn't have a preamp bypass input. If you're really want something like that, you might be happier with the SWR lightweight power amp. That would allow you to leverage your Headway's tone shaping.

I like simple and the MB200 suits me just fine for now. Many might find it's EQ section to be inadequate. As always, YRMV.

 

There is an AUX IN on the MB200 which should bypass the pre amp.
Unfortunately it is for a 3.5mm, not a 6.3mm plug. So not the best connection, but it might do the job.

The Genz Benz Shuttle 3.0 has a effect loop, the effect return can be used to bypass the built-in preamp, but then the regular input could not be used in parallel. There is a line in too, and that can be used (with a low impedance output device in front like a preamp) like a second parallel channel. This works fine for my active bass guitar, but I have to turn down the volume at the bass guitar if I don't use it because the mute switch is for the internal preamp only.
It also has a line/mic and a ground lift switch for the direct out, a tuner output and an autoswitching power supply that the MB200 misses and deliver 100W more.
It is also more expensive of course. I'm still happy that I bought it.

 

You describe the MB200 to a T!!

 

You might check Demeter's Minnie 800. Small, light, 800 watts. Great fidelity. Fits in my bass bag.

 

I used my GKMB200 with a Markbass Traveler 210P cab & the Fishman PPEQ-Underwood PU
for a major concert with a BB & Sym.Orch -Sinatra tribute.
Also a Jazz trio, & quintet concert.
Great sound.
Needed the Fishman for my Bass.

 

If you want to get an idea what the MB200 will sound like into your Crazy 8, disengage the internal speaker on your MBS and plug the 8 into the external jack. Should give you a pretty good idea. Not as much power but quite similar tonally I believe. I think you will be pleasantly surprised.

 

And? What do you think?

 

My thoughts as well. The GK sounds nice enough but sounds small.

 

Frankly, you should look for something with more power/headroom than the GK. If size is the issue, then maybe you wouldn't be interested in a stand alone lightweight power amp such as a light weight QSC, ect. Lots of great lightweight power amps these days, but again if size is the deciding factor, your choices might be limited to bass heads.

 

The MB200 has a "scooped" voicing that might be problematic for upright bass use, especially with a Crazy 8. It might be worth trying it again, dialed flat:

http://www.talkbass.com/forum/f4/gk-mb200-flat-settings-769404/

While flat voicing isn't the be-all and end-all, I think it represents a better starting point when getting a new rig going for DB use. The loud infrasonic thump produced by the piezo, compounded by the scooped voicing, may be driving the MB200 into limiting mode before producing a lot of volume.

In theory, the MB200 should be able to push a Crazy8 pretty darn close to its practical limits.

 

Not sure why I made this assumption but I was so off on this comparison. I tried the MB500 with my Big E and was horrified at the sound. It is voiced very differently than the amp in the MB150S.

 

I used the MB200 with the metal extension cabinet and thought it sounded better than the MB150S. However, I haven't liked it driving any other cabinet and only keep it around as a backup; not sure why. The Clarus, although rated the same sounds like at least twice the amp.

One thing the Crazy 8 needs is a HPF to cut the low end which is one reason I use the Clarus. The Fdeck wonderbox is mandatory when using the GK with that cabinet.

 

Since Walter's amps are rated at 8 ohms, they're more powerful than almost all of the micro amps, especially if you own an Ultra. All the newer amps use 4 ohms to show their rated power.

I tried one out at Guitar Center here in St. Louis. It sure is small, personally I thought it would only work for really intimate gigs with a duo, maybe a quite trio. I liked how it sounded, and the EQ is very easy to use.

The older 200MB's sounded the best with upright, but the MBS sounds pretty good, I had a MBE and didn't care for the midrange voicing of the pre amp. Part of the MB150's sound is the result of it's unusual cabinet and different kind of 12" speaker. But for what it is it works pretty well.

Ric

 

I didn't see that you already have a Walter Woods amp. Why aren't you using the WW? Doesn't that have a power amp in that you could use with the Headway? Have you tried that yet?