Off Topic Mark bass tube

[DTG]

So my lmII died in the middle of a gig last week, the fan cut out and it over heated. I got it fixed but I would never trust it at a gig again so I went out and ordered a mark bass tube head.
It has some really nice gadgets like a mute, pre and post eq di, di level.... And a tube !
You can get some nice tones with the tube but it's only really at gig level that I could really hear it.

Less than impressed with their customr service however. Still waiting on an Email back from them. Still had about 4 years of more or less trouble free playing so it didn't hamper me in buying another product from them.

 

[keko]

Yeah, I'm seriously considering bas amp with tube pre amp too!

At this moment I have GAS for Mesa Walkabout combo, which allows to pull out the complete amp section from the combo cab, so it could be used with my EBS 210 cab for larger gigs and with original combo 112 cab for small gigs! Original combo cab also have 10" passive cone from below!
I think it's a great idea?

Anyway, this Mesa have 1 tube in pre amp section and second tube is driver for mosfet power amp section, very interesting design in very small compact package!

Unfortunately, I have no chance to try some MarkBass amps at the moment, so I can't reply You about that!

 

[five7]

I have a lmt 800 and have found the tube to add a small amount of tone but nothing like the tech 21 vt pedal I just picked up. The legendary F. Camardo recommended it highly and I now understand why. I can get a stingray tone on my bongo using it.

 

[jlepre]

Genz Benz Shuttle series amps are amazing as well. I've had the Shuttle 6, and the 9 series is awesome!

 

[Holdsg]

I have a lmt 800 and have found the tube to add a small amount of tone but nothing like the tech 21 vt pedal I just picked up.

+1, although I have the 500 watt version. the tube is subtle, not "in your face" as most pedals can be. But does add warmth, particularly when gain and tube both engaged past about 10-o'clock.

 

[Manfloozy]

The Genz and Markbass are both stellar amp choices IMHO. I'd like to replace my MoMark with tube pre at some point. It is subtle and nothing like a Walkabout or Genz pre (I.e. Doesn't change much based on gain).... But the overall sound is delicious.

I've heard the overall tone of the LMT and LMT800 is different based on the main power section (analog vs digital switching) though.

 

[Jim C]

To the OP; be thankful your LMIIA could be repaired for less than the cost of a used amp; something that all these super small amps have in common is expensive repair costs due to access and compexity.

As far as tube / hybrid heads I've had/owned/used:
SWR, Genze, MB, Trace, Ampeg 3Pro, and the Walkabout.
When compared to a real tube heads (SVT / V4B / Fender) the only one that comes close is the Walkabout.
I've bought and tried enough 12AX7's for a lifetime including real Mullards, GE's, Sylvania's, RCA's, etc.
I had high hopes for the 3Pro as it has something like 5 tubes with a tube driver stage for the MOSFETS just like the Mesa, but bottom line for me is the Walkabout will sound closer to an SVT than any other hybrid amp I've ever tried.
Have not spent much time with the VT pedal but those whose opinions I trust say it's decent and a bargain for the price.

 

[Aussie Mark]

I've heard the overall tone of the LMT and LMT800 is different based on the main power section (analog vs digital switching) though.

True, but any difference is barely noticeable at gig volume. A tweak of the VLE knob warms up the 800 enough to make it sound like an LM.

 

[DTG]

It's getting it's first gig tonight, a small set up in the corner of a local bar so I won't be able to push it to much. Doing a full show on the26th so will give it a bit of wellie then.

Btw I now have a cheap lmII head for sale !

 

[Jim C]

I wouldn't be so hard on the LMII; a fan can fail in any amp at any time. I'd say that if it just quit from thermal shut down without hurting any components that one is a keeper!

 

[DTG]

Sorry Jim I am not trying to be too hard on it but in the end the fan was fine it was a circuit board that had to be replaced ( don't ask me which or what board as I have proven here many times I know zip about that stuff)
I can't use it at a gig as I just won't trust any piece of gear that let's me down and that's just the way I am.

I play 3-5 nights a week and had this head around 4 years or something so it owes me nothing. I did go out any buy another mark bass head because I just love them to bits.

However I am deeply disappointed with their customer service as they still have not mailed me back.

 

[Jim C]

Totaly different situation now; I can see how you might not trust that particular amp but am surprised you stayed with the brand based on the amp failure as well as customer service issues.
Here's to hoping the next one runs forever!

 

[cyoungnashville]

the reason the markbass "tube" amps dont sound INSANELY WARM AND TUBEY!!! compared to their solid state amps.... is because their solid state amps sound INSANELY WARM AND TUBEY!!! already. thats some wizzard sh!t i dont understand. i might never know how marco got that little solid state power section to sound warmer and punchier than my old, crotchety, HEAVY , EXPENSIVE, ENDANGERED, tube amps.

 

[DTG]

Sr5 and a mark bass where meant to be together. Best sounding weight to amp ratio ever. If you do a few searches you will find very little problems with them I may have been unlucky. Maybe I should have sent my emails in Italian they might answer then ;-)

 

[DTG]

Got to push it A bit las night, it's a sweet wee head. The mute function is brilliant I really missed that on the LMII. I think I like it best with the tube at about 12 o clock it seems to have a nice balance there.

As always I set my eq flat and use the eq on my sr5 as it's killer.

Overall it's basically a little mark with some bells and whistles. The cost between it and the standard is less than100 euro so well worth it.