Can anyone give me a recommendation on a combo with a good XLR out, that is not affected my the master volume?
At the moment I’m looking at the Markbass CMD121h, which I know has a separate pot for DI level. I’m curious about the Fender Stage 800, as I know the Rumble 500 XLR is post everything.
I’m moving away from my Helix Stomp>The mixing desk setup, as I’ve picked up a few gigs where I won’t always have the luxury of a really good PA. so I’m after a portable but capable combo that can be my stage monitor for my main band and cover small gigs for side projects.
I use a 5 string P bass, playing weddings and functions, or country/Americana. Thanks guys
Hey Matt, nice to meet ya, and thanks for stopping by with your question. I saw it earlier today but couldn't get to the computer due to my all-afternoon nap. I'm a little surprised no one else gave input. Another great place to go is the Rumble Club and maybe you already have checked in there. I'll give ya my two cents worth tot your query though.
First, it's a great question. Congrats on your new gigs, and yes, you'd like to be able to DI when possible, but also have a competent combo when you can't. The two options you wrote about are both excellent, and it all depends on which avenue, modeling or not, you wish to take.
I currently own the Stage 800 and owned (and gigged with) a Markbass CMD121P along with the NY ext cab. Sweet combo but couldn't stand the piezo tweeter. I personally love the idea that MB added a separate line out control for the DI. Simple, yet very effective. The 300-watt amp is plenty to get you the monitoring you'll need, so there's no argument there. It's a bit higher in price than the Fender, but at this price point, get what you want!
Now for the Stage 800. This is a brute, IMHO. 400 watts on its own and trust me, the Eminence tens can handle the power. Add another cab, either 210, 115, or 410, and your listeners will hear you. I have a Rumble 115 that I use with other amps and it's sonic mayhem when you start cranking it up. If you don't need all that firepower, using it as a single combo monitor works perfectly. I've used it for just that and sat at 9:00 on the volume throughout the gig and everyone in the group could hear me fine.
So both will get you the power you need to do what you want with it. The question comes down to, are you interested in all of the modeling features the Stage offers? If so, buy the 800, save a few bucks, and don't look back. On the other hand, if you don't feel like messing with it, knowing you're a Helix Stomp owner and may rather use that one instead, then stick with the Markbass and enjoy the love it'll give you.
If, as you put, you're moving away from the Helix but still want the modeling and effects options, then again, the Stage 800 is your choice. Under 40 lbs, easy to haul, you can get a nice cover for it...what's not to love? Honestly., you can't lose here unless you choose the wrong one for both your wants and needs.
If ya have any other questions, please fire away. We don't work on commission and will help ya all we can. If you end up buying one of the two, post a pic here and we'll add you to our esteemed list of members. Also, don't forget to check out the Rumble Club. We share members and it's a knowledgeable group. Thanks!
FL
Still sounds pretty thumpy, and it's positively shocking to me even now how much bass comes out of four five-inch speakers. Well, eight. I keep the extension cab plugged in for no good reason beyond the fun quotient. The DI on this combo is pristine (insofar as I can hear) and the amp is fanless.
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