BassManGraham

[quote name='Naetharu' timestamp='1447751743' post='2909923']
Hi folks,

Just picked myself up a Gallien Krueger MEB-410 cab (the cheaper one rated at 400-watts) for £140 on Thomann. I thought I would pop a link and give you folks the heads up on the deal as it seems a cracking price for what it is.

[url="http://www.thomann.de/gb/gallien_krueger_410mbe_ii_400_8_ohms.htm"]http://www.thomann.d..._400_8_ohms.htm[/url]
[/quote] Wow thanks for sharing! Got yourself an absolute bargain there! If I didn't have too many cabs I would buy one or two at that price! Now showing unavailable. Can't help wondering if Thomann made a mistake in their pricing. Love the GK sound. I recently bought an MB500 head, reckon it would sound great thru that 4x10.

[quote name='Tech21NYC' timestamp='1447690832' post='2909524']
Sorry but this is not correct. We have been through this numerous times on the Talk Bass forum years back. We even measured our RBI's output to duplicate Crown's test specs. These are the results:



:Part of the problem is that Crown makes power amps for sound reinforcement applications not musical instrument use. While a pro multi channel mixer with all its channels being driven to the max can put out a significant signal level and exceed the input level requirements of the Crown there is no extra output to be had. You would simply have to turn down the gains on the Crown to prevent the mixer from overloading the input of the power amp. You would have to do the same with the RBI.

The wattage rating of the power amp and your speaker system are only part of the equation. Typically many bass cabs that handle higher wattage ratings are also lower efficiency. You have to look at the SPL the cab is capable of reproducing and most bass cabs will not compete with high quality sound reinforcement speaker systems. With an amp like the Crown if you're looking for 1000 watts RMS, Crown will recommend a 2000 watt power amp. This is because music is not a steady sine wave. If you don't have the added headroom the power amp will clip at any sustained sounds that go beyond the RMS limit. They can handle small peaks but not continuous peaks.

I would recommend to the OP to try using the RBI into his amps EFX loop return (if provided) to bypass the preamp section of the amp. This will give you a good idea of the sound of the RBI on its own. There is also a way to use the RBI independently from your amp's preamp with certain models of amps.
[/quote] Many thanks for this. I will try my RBI into my Genz Benz Shuttle Max 9.2 & Streamer 9 FX loop returns. Ideally I want to take bass head out of rack and just use a power amp. Are there any power amps TECH 21 would recommend or endorse?

[quote name='Ed_S' timestamp='1447225421' post='2905865']
Nice.. and the right colour this time, too! Aside from the input sensitivity the old ones were/are great and, although I didn't rate the RBI/XLS combination, I still have two 1500s in a 4U rack for occasional PA duties. Might have to see about getting a v2 to try with bass preamps :-)
[/quote]
Hi Ed, Other than the RBIs lack of signal to drive the Crown XLS1500 was the sound quality OK?. Were you using the Crown XLS in Bridged or stereo mode? Would a active bass make a difference? I am thinking about the Crown XLS 1002 produces 1100W in to 4 ohms bridged which seems more than ample if the new higher sensitivity input allows the RBI to drive the power amp. Appreciate your feedback. Cheers

[quote name='dincz' timestamp='1447220527' post='2905859']
Crown's new Drivecore 2 series should solve this - switchable input sensitivity 1.4V/0.775V

[url="http://www.crownaudio.com/en-US/products/xls-1502"]http://www.crownaudi...oducts/xls-1502[/url]
[/quote] Now that looks more like it Dincz, thanks for bring it to my attention. The switchable input sensitivity is a great idea, I'll remember this one! Might try and acquire one always useful for PA/monitor duties!

[quote name='Ed_S' timestamp='1447198217' post='2905803']
That was my rig for a while...



Looked quite cool but, if I'm honest, the RBI wasn't such a great match with the XLS1500 as it didn't seem to put out a strong enough signal to really drive the power amp. It was alright, but nowhere near as loud as the XLS is actually capable of when used for PA and driven by a decent mixer.
[/quote] Hi Ed, many thanks for the really useful feedback, seems I will have to think again!!

[quote name='bassman7755' timestamp='1447162045' post='2905372']
Well given you already need a rack for the RBI I'd look at some lightweight rack PA power amp, something like this [url="http://www.gear4music.com/PA-DJ-and-Lighting/Crown-XLS1000-DriveCore-Class-D-Power-Amp/QB8?origin=product-ads&campaign=PLA+Shop+-+GENERIC&adgroup=GENERIC&medium=vertical_search&network=google&merchant_id=1279443&product_id=34100d1&product_country=GB&product_partition_id=127285164799&gclid=CKH46PL5hckCFY9uGwodkoAJ-A"]http://www.gear4musi...CFY9uGwodkoAJ-A[/url]
[/quote] Thanks. yes this is more within my budget. I will also consider the Crown XLS1500 which is a very good price on Thomann at the moment.

[quote name='Lw.' timestamp='1447156941' post='2905300']
Depends on budget but this may suit; [url="http://www.bassgear.co.uk/product/demeter-minnie-800d-power-amplifier/"]http://www.bassgear....ower-amplifier/[/url]

A lot of people on here rave about their retro-looking pre+power amp & I believe this is just the power section from there.
[/quote] Thanks, not seen these before, but bit on the pricey side and Ideally looking for a 1U or 2 U rack mount unit.

Have had a much under-used Sansamp RBI preamp kept rack-mounted as stand-by for gigs for a while.
Not really been used as my bass heads have had decent preamp and tone shaping capabilities and good DI outs, which didn't need any enhancement. Didn't see the point of running a preamp into another preamp?
I am now thinking of getting a class D power amp to give the RBI preamp the use it deserves.
Any players use these preamps with power amps?
Looking for around 350- 500W into 8ohms and 500-900 into 4 ohms respectively.
Welcome comments:

[quote name='colgraff' timestamp='1446639178' post='2900993']


I acquired this on a trade yesterday. Yum!
[/quote]

That is beautiful. Is that an East Jazz Retro active circuit that replaced the original?

I own a pair of C8s. I am very impressed. They are tight, punchy, articulate and produce a hifi sound (particularly powered by PJB amps). They are great with all my basses and even handle my 5 stringers really well.

I can't compare C8 to a GK210MBE. To my ears Phil Jones cabs seem quieter than equivalent wattage power rated traditional cabs, for example compared to Markbass, Vanderkley & Eden cabs I own. Speaker efficiency and dBs make loudness and volume not watts. [b]BUT that said at 800 watt at 4 ohm I find the C8 to be plenty loud and it's clarity and ability to cut through the mix reduces the need for deafening volume levels. [/b]

I don't think you will be disappointed, but you really need to give the C8 a listen.

[quote name='ezbass' timestamp='1446127388' post='2897141']
Stop it! Mind you a 14x5 rig would move some air
[/quote]

Ah Mr Ezra, I'd thought I'd find you here! Suits you sir, you know you want to. That flightcase was a very sweet deal.
Quite tempted by the PB300 myself, but as I have already one (and a pair of C8s) adding another PB300 would be completely OTT even for extravagant GAS problem!
As Mrs Doyle would say - Go wan, Go wan, Go wan!

PM sent

BUMP IT UP - YOU DON'T REALLY NEED IT!

GLWS

[quote name='ThePapabull' timestamp='1428187333' post='2739028']
Pm'd
[/quote]

Hi don't seem to have got your PM regarding whereabouts?

Lovely bass. Whereabouts are you based?

Just wondered if you've tried disconnecting the tweeter? I have a Markbass CMD Mini121P and recently disconnected the piezo tweeter, and I much prefer the tone. You might like to try it and save yourself a lot of hassle?? I also had a Markbass Mini CMD 102P combo and on reflection I wish had done the same with that as the piezo sounded a bit farty. I love Markbass gear, and after years of use I think their piezo tweeters are a bit of a weak point. I also use a Traveller 121H cab with controllable 1 inch compression driver and custom horn which I think is far superior.

After much prevarication and diliberation in my search for a really small lightweight head, watching numerous Youtube review clips to arrive at a short list and finally a couple of showroom comparisons I bought a GK MB500 from GAK in Brighton. (the Eden WTX500 was a close runner up)

First gig last night. Very impressed with the great clean and punchy GK sound and plenty of headroom. Used through a tiny pair of 300W Eden 110s. The footswitch (included) is a very handy feature for switching channels.

A quality DI out was a key priority in my search and this has a really nice clean DI out (with ground lift switched in).

The MB500 is a really great value amp for under £400 designed and assembled in USA too, which is rare these days! Build quality is excellent, I suspect some components may be far eastern but most stuff is these days. So no issues there whatsoever.

I love the sleek design. Only one very minor niggle is the limiter switch on top of amp (as front panel space is at a premium), but this would only an be issue if mounted in a rack unit. I leave the limiter on to protect speakers so it's not an issue for me. Also to put an amp this small in a rack seems pointless as it outweighs the size and weight advantages, particularly as it fits in a standard laptop wallet or even a larger pocket of a decent bass gigbag.

This will be my first choice amp for rehearsal and all gigs with awkward load-ins and/or staircases to negotiate. Also an excellent back-up for bigger theatre and/or festival venues where my Genz Benz Shuttle Max and Vanderkley rig remains favourite.

If you looking for a compact light punchy 500W bass head look no further!

I put Badass II & III bridges on all my Jazzes (I have had 9 over the years) including 1 Squier, 3 Mex, 1 Jap, 2 American, American Deluxe and a Tony Thompson Quadra Jazz on which a Badass comes as standard (this bass plays better than all the Fenders). I even put a spare Badass II bridge I had on an SX Jazzbass, Not really recommended as the bridge is worth more than the bass.

To my ears they do greatly improve sustain (but less so on thru body strung American models that have heavier mass bridges). Badass bridges are far better engineered than standard Fender bridges and my main reason is to give greater stability as the saddles on my first American Precision in the late 70s kept collapsing due to poor thread on the grub screws, and I've never liked or trusted cheap Fender bridges since.

I have also put Hipshot Supertune bridges on Gibson EB3 and Thunderbirds as they are more easily adjustable than the standard 3 bolt bridges. BUT always keep original parts when retrofitting and upgrading.

The single biggest change to sound and best retrofit if you want to "activate" a Fender is a John East active circuit.

Great punchy little combo. Regret selling mine. Good Luck With Sale.

[quote name='UglyDog' timestamp='1414494752' post='2589756']
Tragedy? Bloody criminal more like. Just like they did with SWR. Both moves ensured that I will never buy a single new Fender product again.
[/quote]

Too right. I don't think I will ever buy a new Fender product again either. Maybe we should start a relaunch Genz Benz campaign!

Wonder if Jeff Genzler is ever likely to produce a new range of amps under another guise, but after nearly 30 years of amp production and building such a superb range of products, he's probably had enough? I expect there were restrictions written into the sale of Genz Benz too?

Can't Agree. TC Electronic are well designed with some very user friendly funtionality and innovations. But for me live gig sound is the top priority and I subjectively prefer the sound and tone of Markbass. TC electronic always sounds a little compressed and synthetic compared to Markbass. (If only Markbass amps had mute switches). I have used Markbass for several years and they are very reliable. I recently bought a TC electronic BG250/208 which is a brilliant great value little combo for practicing etc, but I am awaiting a replacement (due to a DI out fault).

I own Genz Benz 9.2 Shuttle Max & Streamliner 900. Both quite different and I think they were some of the best bass amps ever made and a lot of bang for the buck. Really light, plenty of power and headroom, loads of tone shaping facilities, great D.I. out. They look damn funky too! (I like the blue lights!)

I use my Shuttle more often, as I Iove the clarity and definition, particularly with Dingwall 5 String basses. That said, I have used a wide range of basses including Jazzes, MM Sterling, T'birds, Aria SB1000, etc through this rig and they all sound superb. The twin channels and EQ give an almost infinite range of tonal possibilities, they sound great straight out of the box with everything set flat, but I initially spent a couple of hours tinkering with EQ to get my perfect tone. I rarely if ever use the foot control switch which is great, but once I've set up a nice tone, I leave well alone.

The Streamliner is a really great amp too. Warmer than the Shuttle (3 preamp valves) and great for vintage tone stuff with a jazz bass etc. Simpler tone controls and very easy/quick to dial in a great tone. I will not be parting with either.

I use my Genz Benz amps with Vanderkley cabs and these are probably the best combination I have found over many years playing most of the top brands.

Buy one or more if you get the chance!

Very sad day indeed. Jack Bruce was a genuine legend and a huge ground breaking influence from the golden era of rock. Four of my all time favourite players have now sadly passed (Jamerson, Edwards, Entwistle, and now Bruce). Sadly no-one in the last few decades has come close to the bass playing talent that emerged in the 60s & 70s.

[quote name='Guinness21' timestamp='1413908048' post='2583465']
Thanks BassManGraham, all of this is really helpful That's very interesting about the hybrid amps - I play a stingray, so unsurprisingly there's a lot of top end sparkle and a bit of clank. Briefly looked at the gk mb fusion, but even with the tube there was a brightness baked into the tone. I guess I thought, in principle at least, the warmth from a hybrid amp with my bright stingray would equal a great, balanced sound. Do you think that would be the case? Atm I cut through plenty.

I'd forgotten about the vle and vpf features of Markbass heads - that kind of makes the warmth from a tube redundant. Maybe I'd be better off looking at a regular Little Mark III.
[/quote]

No doubt that a Sterling would sound great through a hybrid amp, but the LMIII is definitely worth a serious listen too. I have found Markbass gear to be very reliable. I have always a bit wary about the relative fragility of valve amps. I like hybrid amps and modern cool running preamp tubes are probably less fragile than hot running power amp tubes, but I would struggle to transport an all tube head these days.

Yeah the VLE & VPF are great features for vinatge tones, but I wouldn't say they completely replace that classic valve amp warmth. Music Man basses Stingrays & Sterlings tend to be quite punchy and to my ears have more mids than Jazzes and Precisions. My MM Sterling sounded great through my various Markbass rigs & combos and the mids definitely helped it cut thru the mix very nicely.

[quote name='Guinness21' timestamp='1413895669' post='2583225']
Yeah that's a shame about genz benz Even if the bh550 puts out 550 watts, I'm not sure how I'd feel giving my money to a company that gets so 'creative' with their power ratings, it all stinks a bit to me. Even though they make great heads, I decided GK produced too clanky a sound for my liking, taking my bass' sound into consideration. I think the front runners for me are the Ampeg pf800, the Aguilar th500, the Orange terror bass and the little mark tube. Then again, the only reason the LM tube is a contender, is because I thought the addition of the tube would warm the sound up a little, but from the sound of things it doesn't really do that. I mean what does the LM iii sound like?
[/quote]

I like the sound of the LMIII head which with EQ set flat is transparent so you hear your bass without colouration. The EQ controls are straightforward and easy to dial a good range of tones. The VLE (vintage loud speaker emulator) control is great for dialling in vintage Motown type bass sounds. I like the warmth of tube and hybrid amps heard in isolation, but tend to find that in practice those vintage type tones do not cut through the mix in a live band situation, so I have always erred towards cleaner clanky type tones hence my interest in the GK MB500.

A few years ago I tried the Markbass LM tube head to head with a Markbass SA450 in GAK which both sounded better than Ampeg heads to me. I chose the SA450 analogue solid state head.
I also had a Markbass Blackline 250 which was really great value and sounded just like the LMIII (though with obviously less headroom), but a 500W amp theorectically only sounds about 10% louder to the human ear than a 250W amp.

But your own ears will be your best guide.