Sparky Mark

IME GK heads are totally different to Markbass. GK are much more aggressive.

Sounds like the pre amp valve is on the way out. Do you still get the crackling when you turn the pre amp to solid state only? If not then the valve needs replacing. Although pre valves last much much longer than output valves they can fail prematurely.

If you don't need the extra facilities that the big bang has over the LM3, then the LM3 is considerably cheaper.

Start with both volume pots full up then pluck a string and turn the neck volume pot down very slightly until you hear the mids becoming more present. Turning the tone back a little might sound okay too. Both volumes full up scoops the mids a lot.

I think 2x 212s would rarely be needed. One 212 would probably be loud enough for most situations and you will most likely have PA available at larger venues. If you like markbass (and I do! ) then 2 x 210 or 2 x 121H would make a flexible and loud rig. I just prefer schlepping smaller cabs.

I have found that using large cabs like my 410 in small venues sometimes doesn't work as well as smaller cabs driven a bit harder. Don't know why?

Unless you are a committed ceramic magnet fan I would definitely recommend going for neo loaded cabs, especially if considering 212 or 410 as they are much lighter to move around.

Having two 1x12 or 2x10 cabs would sound the same and give you flexibility (and easier to carry). I have gone to that arrangement and only use the 410 for marquee gigs where only vocals are going through the pa.

I own several markbass 500w heads and use a 4 ohm std104hf which delivers any tone you want it to. MB gear tends to be fairly transparent so if you want SVT tones you will need something like a tech21 vt pedal. I have a pair of ae112 which are great but for more power the 104hf is the best IMO. (Not for small pub gigs unless you want to blow the windows out though! )

True, but I never needed more than the 410, it's a monster! 2 x 210 is the most flexible, but the STD102HF is a more beefy alternative to the traveller.

The best cab by far that I have used with my LM3 is a 4 ohm STD104HF. Massive SPL!!!!

Current LM3 has the same class D power amp as the Big Bang. This was confirmed to me by Markbass.

I gigged hartke xl cabs for 15 years and loved that powerful delivery but got tired of the weight. The hydrive 410s are great light weight cabs and are cheap second hand. Don't see many for sale on here though.