OT:More praise for the Mark

[MingusBASS]

Even if they are out in some parts of the world, they haven't been out for long. I haven't seen any threads on TB about anyone owning one of the new heads. The point: there's very few people in the grand scale of things that have first hand experience with the Classic 300. Maybe Peter Murray will jump in with some comments.

 

[JBFLA]

To be real, you just about never see anyone playing 20yr old solid state amps anyway. If that were the case, GK 400/800RB's and Peavy MKIV's would be on stages everywhere. SS amps always change and progress and come out with new models seems every 5-7yrs.

Be not so quick to denigrate the mighty 800RB, young Jedi!

Here in S FLA (for small Corporate/Society gigs) the 800RB is the standard. I use mine (a mid 80's model) with my '78 or '97 'Ray and a single ACME Low B-2. Granted, not much headroom, but it works fine and weighs next to nothing. I've had offers for more than twice what I paid... some things are better left off the trading block, despite advances in technology.

 

[Peter Murray]

I've considered it, but think I will eventually troubleshoot and fix it. As it was said...in 20 years, the micro processor may not work, but the old style tube amps will still be chuggin away. I just dont feel like spending $300 on tubes right now! Besides....there is nothing else as loud if you need it!

You're worried about 20 years from now?
What will you be doing in 20 years?
But even if you ARE right, think about the NEXT 20 years:

The Classic 300 rebiases your tubes every time the amp starts up, which means your tubes are kept perfectly biased at all times. No tube amp has ever done this before. This makes your tubes last much longer (saving you money and hassle) and also keeps your sound consistent!
There's even two bias modes, one that is "hi-fidelity" for top sound quality, and the other is "long-life" for getting more life out of your tubes.
If a tube is failing, the microprocessor tells you which one, and the other tubes compensate until you're able to get the tube replaced.
The microprocessor alerts you if the cabinet is unplugged, if your cab or cabs are the wrong impedance, if something's unplugged inside the amp, if the temperature's too high, if the voltage from the wall is too low or high... it even keeps track of how many hours the amp has been on in total. When you take it in for servicing, the technician plugs it into their computer for complete diagnostics.
The Classic 300 is in fact designed to make technology INCREASE the reliability of the amp, and make it easier and cheaper to repair.
The microprocessor shuts down the amp to protect it if there's any kind of condition (lack of cabinet, voltage problem, overheating, etc) that would blow up most other tube heads.

It's expected to hit the US this fall.

Any questions let me know!

Peter

 

[RMS]

Too cool!

Ballpark street price or MSRP on these?

 

[roburado]

How about a ballpark or MSRP on a Micro or Mini?

 

[Peter Murray]

Too cool!

Ballpark street price or MSRP on these?

Not yet, but I'll keep you posted.
Should have this in the next few weeks I hope.

PM

 

[Peter Murray]

How about a ballpark or MSRP on a Micro or Mini?

Minimark will be $829.99 (retail) at Guitar Center. The Micromark price hasn't been set and it will not arrive Stateside for a few more months.

PM

 

[DTG]

if for some reason you are not sure about Mark Bass gear do yourself a favor and take your bass with you to a store and plug it in,there is loads of hype and the web about these amp,but try it yourself........

unreal........amazing..............fvck me thats loud.............good goat that clear.....
I WANT ONE NOW

thats all i have to say,still trying to sell my SWR gear to get me a 4x10 and little mark II

 

[roburado]

Thanks, Peter.

 

[SLUGGO]

Peter...I have already converted to the belief that MarkBass is great product. The tube issue had to do with a traditional type of tube head. Therefore, I bought the LMII. No disrespect to the new 300 classic, I can't wait to get one! In the meantime, I have my dinosaur to deal with. Now....where can I find a Mark 410 double ported cab??

 

[Rick]

You're worried about 20 years from now?
What will you be doing in 20 years?
But even if you ARE right, think about the NEXT 20 years:

The Classic 300 rebiases your tubes every time the amp starts up, which means your tubes are kept perfectly biased at all times. No tube amp has ever done this before. This makes your tubes last much longer (saving you money and hassle) and also keeps your sound consistent!
There's even two bias modes, one that is "hi-fidelity" for top sound quality, and the other is "long-life" for getting more life out of your tubes.
If a tube is failing, the microprocessor tells you which one, and the other tubes compensate until you're able to get the tube replaced.
The microprocessor alerts you if the cabinet is unplugged, if your cab or cabs are the wrong impedance, if something's unplugged inside the amp, if the temperature's too high, if the voltage from the wall is too low or high... it even keeps track of how many hours the amp has been on in total. When you take it in for servicing, the technician plugs it into their computer for complete diagnostics.
The Classic 300 is in fact designed to make technology INCREASE the reliability of the amp, and make it easier and cheaper to repair.
The microprocessor shuts down the amp to protect it if there's any kind of condition (lack of cabinet, voltage problem, overheating, etc) that would blow up most other tube heads.

It's expected to hit the US this fall.

Any questions let me know!

Peter

And it looks cool to.

Can you get an overdriven sound out of it?

 

[Rick]

And it looks cool to.

Can you get an overdriven sound out of it?

 

[GassieBall]

where can I find a Mark 410 double ported cab??

From what I understand, you can order one at any GC and it will be shipped there. However, you are committed. If you want to try before you buy, that's trickier.

Correct me if I'm wrong, Peter.

I have the 104HF with the LMII and it's excellent. It really cuts through and packs a whallop. Using the VLE with it is really a unique experience. I will say that the tweet is a little less hi-fi than other cabs I've tried, but in a mix situation, that tends to drop out anyways. I've talked to some people who like the tone of the 151HF better, but I think if you're gonna get loud, you need the 410. Or get both (someday...she will be mine, someday...)

 

[SLUGGO]

Thanks for the input Gassie!! I got to use the LMII in rehearsal for the first time last night. I had it paired with a Portabass 212 cab. It was pretty amazing!! I must day that (sometimes) a small package has it's advantages!..

 

[GassieBall]

I must day that (sometimes) a small package has it's advantages!..

I woudn't know...

 

[SLUGGO]

...guess I walked into that one!!

 

[Peter Murray]

From what I understand, you can order one at any GC and it will be shipped there. However, you are committed. If you want to try before you buy, that's trickier.

Correct me if I'm wrong, Peter.

I have the 104HF with the LMII and it's excellent. It really cuts through and packs a whallop. Using the VLE with it is really a unique experience. I will say that the tweet is a little less hi-fi than other cabs I've tried, but in a mix situation, that tends to drop out anyways. I've talked to some people who like the tone of the 151HF better, but I think if you're gonna get loud, you need the 410. Or get both (someday...she will be mine, someday...)

That's why there's a 60-day return policy!
It's possible your local GC would order in a cab and let you try it in the store before buying, you'd have to ask them.

cheers,
Peter

 

[Caca de Kick]

Anyhow, I had always been leary of trusting the tubes for four hours, I usually do original, one set gigs, but I was standing in for the night.

Actually Sluggo,
Tubes are like light bulbs....they would rather be left on constantly running and never turned off. Just like a light bulb, it's the constant switching on and off of those short-hot heat cycles that is really hard on them.
I do alot of 1hr sets too, but I turn the amp on right at load-in and leave it on as long as possible, and during recording dates I leave it on all day or all weekend.

If your situation has changed and you want to unload that dinosour, then let me know.

 

[SLUGGO]

I do the exact same thing at load in too. I was taking to one of the BC guys, he suggested that it might be a heat issue. It was outside in a 4 space rack, the amp has a side fan port....not the rack case. So I have it out of the rack, I will check it out at the next practice when I feel like carrying it!

 

[Kirby]

Hello Peter,

Just got a call from my local GC and they told me that they can only get the 104HF in 8 ohm cabinets, yet the website says they are available in 4 ohm too. Any idea why all the GC cabinets are 8 ohm and they cannot get 4 ohm?

Thanks in advance!