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MicroMark Help

This is a discussion on MicroMark Help within the Music Man Basses forums, part of the Gear Talk category; I've ordered a MicroMark to be a secondary combo for my Sterling and StingRay. My primary combo is a Mesa ...

  1. #1
    Boogie.Man is offline Registered User Junior Member
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    MicroMark Help

    I've ordered a MicroMark to be a secondary combo for my Sterling and StingRay. My primary combo is a Mesa Boogie WalkAbout Scout. I ordered the MicroMark because I wanted a very small combo that I could carry anywhere. It won't be used for performance.

    Now I'm second guessing myself. The frequency range of a four-string bass goes down to around 40 Hz. The MarkBass MicroMark only goes down to 70 Hz. That leads me to believe that it will not reproduce sounds in the first octive of my bass. But surely, MarkBass wouldn't design a bass product that won't work with a 4 string bass. What am I missing? Isn't this simple physics? Help.

    Thanks,
    Classic StingRay - Surf Green / Rosewood / White
    Warwick Corvette Standard Passive - Bubinga
    Mesa-Boogie 12" Walkabout Scout

  2. #2
    shakinbacon is offline Registered User Senior Member
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    You really have to try it and see. You'd be surprised how little energy is in the fundamental notes for most bass guitars. The overtones are often a huge part of the sound.

    On paper I agree that 70Hz seems iffy, but you may find it works just fine.
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  3. #3
    Jimmyb's Avatar
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    Amp companies (and almost all audio products) quote freqency response within a certain range, maybe +/- 3dB for example.

    If it's rated at 70Hz, it doesn't mean that all frequencies below are cut off (ok, they may use a cut-off filter, but it's highly unlikely) just that the response is less than 3dB of the reference frequency.
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    jlepre's Avatar
    jlepre is online now Registered User Senior Member
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    I would contact the manufacturer...JMHO
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    There are not much PA Systems or Basscabinets that reach down to 30,9 Hz, where the Low B is. It´s all a Matter of Overtones...

    Try and see.
    2002 Stingray 5H Translucent Red

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  6. #6
    Boogie.Man is offline Registered User Junior Member
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    Thanks for the responses

    It's on the truck for delivery today. So I will known soon.

    Ken
    Classic StingRay - Surf Green / Rosewood / White
    Warwick Corvette Standard Passive - Bubinga
    Mesa-Boogie 12" Walkabout Scout

  7. #7
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    Quote Originally Posted by Jimmyb View Post
    Amp companies (and almost all audio products) quote freqency response within a certain range, maybe +/- 3dB for example.

    If it's rated at 70Hz, it doesn't mean that all frequencies below are cut off (ok, they may use a cut-off filter, but it's highly unlikely) just that the response is less than 3dB of the reference frequency.
    Jummyb nailed it!

    The frequencies are usually there but probably not as prominent as the midrange frequencies. Midrange is far more important for a focused tone than Ultra Low frequencies that just make the floor shake but are not really audible.

    Don't let you put off by a few overrated numbers on a spec-sheet. Just listen...
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  8. #8
    Jimmyb's Avatar
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    Jummy?

    Pah!

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    Basscake's Avatar
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    Sorry, mate! Typo...

    Or do you like it when I call you that?
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  10. #10
    Boogie.Man is offline Registered User Junior Member
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    Review on my Micromark

    I unboxed it with great anticipation when I got home last night. There it was in its factory box untouched by humans since leaving the magic factory in Italy. I carefully unboxed it and plugged in my new Slo Special StingRay ... in black magic crystal ... I might add.

    Well to say I was disappointed was an understatement. The volume was okay for home use, but the speaker was very farty. It just didn't sound good. In addition, I noticed the that flip up handle was not straight on the top of the cabinet. The routing for the handle to drop into was not lined up with the sides of the amp. I'm sure the sloppiness on the handle was a one off because I've had a couple of Markbass in the past with fit and finish on par with my Music Man basses and guitar. I had ordered the Micromark based upon my positive experience with Markbass.

    I'm afraid that I'm going to have to ship it back to the retailer.
    Classic StingRay - Surf Green / Rosewood / White
    Warwick Corvette Standard Passive - Bubinga
    Mesa-Boogie 12" Walkabout Scout

  11. #11
    MadMatt's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Boogie.Man View Post
    I'm afraid that I'm going to have to ship it back to the retailer.
    You might want to have a look at the Genz-Benz Shuttle 3.0-10T as a practice rig. It also does a good job as a stage monitor.

    It is a bit more expensive than the Minimark and does not positivly color the sound as as the Markbasse does. (did that last sentance make sense?)

    -Matt
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  12. #12
    oli@bass's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Boogie.Man View Post
    I ordered the MicroMark because I wanted a very small combo that I could carry anywhere. It won't be used for performance.
    If practising is the main focus, then maybe better have a look at headphone amps?

    BTW, I use a Minimark at home for practice, which I can also use for very small gigs. The great thing about it is, that it's a full blown bass amp if you add an extension cab.
    Have bass. Will play.
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