Using an amp head without the cab

[eukatheude]

Hi there, this probably has already been discussed, but I couldn't find anything useful by searching. I just bought used a Markbass CMD 103H, which has a Little Mark II as head, and it's supposedly detachable (I'll go pick it up Sunday) and usable as a separate head. Since it has a DI out, i'd like to know if I can take it out of the combo when i want to record to my 'puter without risking damage, rather than hauling 30 KG over two flights of stairs. Thanks!

 

[arai]

Tube power amps need a load. Solid state do not, you will be fine

 

[JxBass]

Correct, you can run the Markbass amp without a load. Not sure how easily detachable it will be though, it's not a feature of Markbass combo heads. It might be quicker and easier to haul the CMD or the computer over the two flights of stairs.

 

[eukatheude]

Four screws and a cable. Easier and quicker to haul it once, not everytime I want to record.
By the way, can I plug my headphones in the tuner/FX send without risking ruining them, or should I always go through computer?
Thanks

 

[schecter5string]

You can, but you will probably only hear them bass in one ear.
I use either my computer or headphone out on my interface.

 

[eukatheude]

Well, that ****er decided to sell it to some other guy despite he had agreed to sell it to me yesterday. Well, thanks for the answers anyway.

 

[BassmanPaul]

Tube power amps need a load. Solid state do not, you will be fine

Not quite.

Amplifiers that have an output transformer NEED a load whether tube or SS.

 

[eukatheude]

Good news is i found another MB combo for the same price, except it's a 1x15. But that's better IMO, even if it doesn't look as cool. Hope this other guy is still selling it and is willing to ship.

What is an output transformer? What happens if i use it without load?

 

[Jools4001]

Don't worry. The markbass is a class D amp and doesn't have one.

 

[RattleSnack]

I used my Little Mark III head dosen times this way - bass guitar in and DI out (to mixer), without cab. Sounded great!

 

[JxBass]

From the Markbass site:

"Can I use my Markbass amp without connecting to a speaker cabinet?

Yes, any Markbass amp can be used as a preamp only. We recommend that when doing so, you turn off the master volume (not essential, but it's better for the amp). The gain control and/or the Line Out level control will regulate the output from the amp."

 

[JimmyM]

Not quite.

Amplifiers that have an output transformer NEED a load whether tube or SS.

And there is a current SS power amp built with an OT...the Warwick Hellborg power amps. The expensive one. Only one I know of in MI, though.

 

[arai]

Not quite.

Amplifiers that have an output transformer NEED a load whether tube or SS.

Very helpful post is not what it seems

 

[BassmanPaul]

Very helpful post is not what it seems

?

 

[eukatheude]

In the end i got an Ashdown Mag 300 combo. Anyone knows if it has an output transformer?