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Which cab?

Hey peeps, this is my first post. I'm on the hunt for 2x new 410 cabs to run with a Peavy MiniMega head (1000w @4ohms, 700w @8ohms) I've narrowed it down to either Fender rumble 410 (500w RMS) or Markbass 104 energy (800w RMS) both 8 ohms. My budget allows me to get both the fenders now, but only one Markbass, I can get the second one later. I currently play punk rock, but also plan to get into low B style rap metal. Main question is, is the Markbass worth the extra coin and wait to save up for the 2nd cab? And does anyone have any experience with either or both of these cabs and their tones and performance? The Markbass is heaps lighter too, and neo drivers. Thanks in advance
 
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Hey peeps, this is my first post. I'm on the hunt for 2x new 410 cabs to run with a Peavy MiniMega head (1000w @4ohms, 700w @8ohms) I've narrowed it down to either Fender rumble 410 (500w RMS) or Markbass 104 energy (800w RMS) both 8 ohms. My budget allows me to get both the fenders now, but only one Markbass, I can get the second one later. I currently play punk rock, but also plan to get into low B style rap metal. Main question is, is the Markbass worth the extra coin and wait to save up for the 2nd cab? And does anyone have any experience with either or both of these cabs and their tones and performance? The Markbass is heaps lighter too, and neo drivers. Thanks in advance
Welcome to Talkbass! In which part of the world are you located?...

One of the best ways to compare speakers is the sensitivity level - the sound pressure level (SPL) as measured in Decibels (dB), at one meter, when you power the speaker with one (1) Watt of power. Unfortunately, some manufacturers, such as Fender, do not publish that specification.

The question you have to answer is if the Markbass 104 is worth one-and-a-half Fender Rumble 410s (and if you like yellow)....
 
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I've owned 2 versions of both cabs in question.
I'll keep it simple.

Markbass 410 cab; loud, punchy, robust, sturdy cab.
Unfortunately, I never liked how I sounded through them.
Which is a bummer especially with such a price tag.
Would I own another one?
NOPE

Fender Rumble 410 cabs;
Smooth, warm, rich, versatile. I was amazed at how nice these cabs sounded and how inexpensive they were.
Both of these cabs I owned were a pleasure to play through.
Would I own another one?
Absolutely I would, if I didn't have everything I needed already.

Take your amp and bass and try them out.
 
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Do you have a chance to play through them?

I would lean markbass - also I have no reason to think one 410 well driven would not work for now. My punk rock rig was usually 2-300 watt heads into 215 cabs and it was always enough for my gigs.
Do you have a chance to play through them?

Yeah I agree, 1 x 800w markbass cab with 700w feeding it should be loud enough for any inside gig, especially feeding into FOH as well. And adding a second one might not boost the volume as much as Im thinking, considering they'd be running at 500w each as a pair vs 700w single but it would take a lot of heat off the speakers to get the same volume? Plus 2 might get me over the line if I get the chance to do a big outside gig. i dont have a chance to play through them as yet, but i will try and find a way. thanx for your reply
 
Welcome to Talkbass! In which part of the world are you located?...

One of the best ways to compare speakers is the sensitivity level - the sound pressure level (SPL) as measured in Decibels (dB), at one meter, when you power the speaker with one (1) Watt of power. Unfortunately, some manufacturers, such as Fender, do not publish that specification.

The question you have to answer is if the Markbass 104 is worth one-and-a-half Fender Rumble 410s (and if you like yellow)....

Thank you, I am located in northern rivers NSW, Australia. And yes, I found fender had a few less specs available on their website, they don't specify a frequency range either, the markbass is 35hz at the low end, which almost gets the fundamental of open low b. Not to say its better sounding low end than the fender in reality, but it would be nice to have a spec comparison. Here in AU, the price difference is huge, $1100 for the fender vs $1900 for the markbass. But i do like the yellow, I reckon the markbass looks sik. But so does the extra cash in my wallet lol
 
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Thank you, I am located in northern rivers NSW, Australia. And yes, I found fender had a few less specs available on their website, they don't specify a frequency range either, the markbass is 35hz at the low end, which almost gets the fundamental of open low b. Not to say its better sounding low end than the fender in reality, but it would be nice to have a spec comparison. Here in AU, the price difference is huge, $1100 for the fender vs $1900 for the markbass. But i do like the yellow, I reckon the markbass looks sik. But so does the extra cash in my wallet lol

Don't rely too heavily on published specs to forecast performance. You may want to run this thru both the Rumble and MarkBass clubs as you have a better chance of tagging someone who's A/B'd the enclosures in question.

Had to look-up Northern Rivers NSW.

Riis
 
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I've owned 2 versions of both cabs in question.
I'll keep it simple.

Markbass 410 cab; loud, punchy, robust, sturdy cab.
Unfortunately, I never liked how I sounded through them.
Which is a bummer especially with such a price tag.
Would I own another one?
NOPE

Fender Rumble 410 cabs;
Smooth, warm, rich, versatile. I was amazed at how nice these cabs sounded and how inexpensive they were.
Both of these cabs I owned were a pleasure to play through.
Would I own another one?
Absolutely I would, if I didn't have everything I needed already.

Take your amp and bass and try them out.

Thanx man, this is just what I was hoping for, a comparison from someone who has owned both. And thanx for keeping it simple haha. Its funny, coz what you've said is what I mostly imagined myself. Big bummer you weren't happy with your sound from the markbass, that is what most concerns me about it, spending the extra coin and bowling into the gutter. I'm currently surviving on a rumble 100 combo, being rescued by the drummer who feeds me to the FOH via a vocal mike hung down over the amp. I swear the speaker has almost caught fire a few times when I try to turn the volume to 11, but for what it is, its an absolute champion and it's still going strong. So i actually have a healthy respect for fender so far, and my gut is telling me to stick with them. And the way you describe the fender cab sound is much the same as how I feel this little amp sounds, which i mostly like. But when I hear you say the markbass is loud and punchy, that really gets my attention. I feel like thats whats missing in the fender tone and what would suit the style of music I play that bit better. Bottom line is tho, you're right about trying them both. Coz thats when you really know hey. I think I'm gunna call a bigger shop up the coast n plug in. Thanx again
 
Don't rely too heavily on published specs to forecast performance. You may want to run this thru both the Rumble and MarkBass clubs as you have a better chance of tagging someone who's A/B'd the enclosures in question.

Had to look-up Northern Rivers NSW.

Riis
Totally agree, specs are handy, but paper and reality don't always line up hey. And everyone's reality is different. So where would I find these clubs, are they chats outside this one? And A/B'd, does that mean run one of each in a stack?
 
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Totally agree, specs are handy, but paper and reality don't always line up hey. And everyone's reality is different. So where would I find these clubs, are they chats outside this one? And A/B'd, does that mean run one of each in a stack?

Yes, compared / contrasted. There are clubs embedded here in TB...I just can't recall where or how they're titled. Sounds like a fun project!

Riis
 
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Yes, compared / contrasted. There are clubs embedded here in TB...I just can't recall where or how they're titled. Sounds like a fun project!

Riis

Yeah ok, thanx for the pointers. I'll see how I go with that. This site is blowing my mind, I've only been a member here for 24 hours and I'm forgetting to eat haha. I was actually thinking about it today, getting one of each and stacking them and stumbling on the holy grail of dream tones that melt ya face lol.
 
Yeah ok, thanx for the pointers. I'll see how I go with that. This site is blowing my mind, I've only been a member here for 24 hours and I'm forgetting to eat haha. I was actually thinking about it today, getting one of each and stacking them and stumbling on the holy grail of dream tones that melt ya face lol.

Yep, it opens up some vistas. Just do a search under the "Amps" forum and the rather lengthy threads should appear.

Do you really need two 4x10's?

Riis
 
Hey peeps, this is my first post. I'm on the hunt for 2x new 410 cabs to run with a Peavy MiniMega head (1000w @4ohms, 700w @8ohms) I've narrowed it down to either Fender rumble 410 (500w RMS) or Markbass 104 energy (800w RMS) both 8 ohms. My budget allows me to get both the fenders now, but only one Markbass, I can get the second one later. I currently play punk rock, but also plan to get into low B style rap metal. Main question is, is the Markbass worth the extra coin and wait to save up for the 2nd cab? And does anyone have any experience with either or both of these cabs and their tones and performance? The Markbass is heaps lighter too, and neo drivers. Thanks in advance
I'd say buy one MB for its lightness and see if it's enough for your gigs. It is, keep with the one; if not, go for another.
 
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I'd say buy one MB for its lightness and see if it's enough for your gigs. It is, keep with the one; if not, go for another.

That was my first thought. Until the temptation of 2 fenders for an extra $300 crept into my mind, gives me the headroom of the full 1000w. The fenders are much heavier, but not stupid heavy. But you're right. If Im gunna run just 1 cab with this 1000w head, then the 800w markbass is the clear winner, I reckon 700w @8ohms will eventually fry a 500w cab if I push it, and I know I will. And even the 2 fenders at 1000w could be pushing it. i like the idea of having a safety margin and head room in the cab/s, the MB does in both cases, but especially with 2
 
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Thank you, I am located in northern rivers NSW, Australia. And yes, I found fender had a few less specs available on their website, they don't specify a frequency range either, the markbass is 35hz at the low end, which almost gets the fundamental of open low b. Not to say its better sounding low end than the fender in reality, but it would be nice to have a spec comparison. Here in AU, the price difference is huge, $1100 for the fender vs $1900 for the markbass. But i do like the yellow, I reckon the markbass looks sik. But so does the extra cash in my wallet lol
Appreciate the information, I was curious where you were located, because if you were close to St. Louis, MO, we could meet up and you could try the Rumble 410. But NSW is a little to far to work out a meeting!... :D
 
And even the 2 fenders at 1000w could be pushing it. i like the idea of having a safety margin and head room in the cab/s, the MB does in both cases, but especially with 2
That's my philosophy, as well- more power and speakers than I need, then when I reach my desired volume, nothing is stressed. It helps with the tone, as well as longevity of the parts.

Happens that my band isn't loud out front (older folks), so indoors, one 4x10 or 2x15 is plenty to achieve that.

But I definitely have larger, including two matching 4x10s to stack.

I like Peavey heads, as well. :thumbsup:
 
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