Markbass Combo 102

Concept:

Little Mark received two speakers Neodynium 10 "and a tweeter for high frequencies. It is equipped with a 450 Watt amplifier and distributes to 280 Watt built-in speakers. When it is connected to a second chamber, the load on the amp goes up to 4 Ohm 450 Watt and it will. It is a fairly compact combo that weighs only 2/3 of the weight of other comparable amps from other brands. In other words, the greatest possible power in a small box.

Chassis:

The rear face of this amp is over obliquely, so that one can tilt the amp at an angle of 40 °. Tilted or placed in a conventional manner, it is based on serious rubber lugs 38 mm wide. The large 18 mm multiplex nine layers makes this combo can withstand blows, so that you can win without a problem on the road. Since the amp built only 33 cm wide (a height of 2 rack units), one on the left and right two openings with hidden features. I'll come back later. In the lower part, four openings serve as bass reflex.

UTILIZATION

Commands:

Six buttons to adjust the sound: we do not need anything more on this amp. You set your gain and you wish to turn the EQ knobs to 4 bands. You also have the VLE button which means' Vintage Loudspeaker Emulator. And finally, you adjust the volume using the master.

Connections:

On the front panel, there is a balanced XLR and unbalanced jack. The first does not use the pre-amplification and therefore goes directly to the amp. Further to the right, we have the gain knob and a ground lift (for DI, which will delight the sound engineers). Next, we see a small clip LED that indicates whether the input is saturated. There is still a mix line (balanced DI out), a tuner out and effect send & return. Just below was the equalizing four buttons to form his own sound: low level, mid low, high low, high level. The fifth button is the VLE, ​​which I will discuss later. Of course we find here also the master volume and on / off switch. At the rear, there is the connection to current and two jack outputs. In one, embedded speakers are connected, and the other is used to connect a separate speaker.

Architecture:

The fact that you can tilt the amp is a great advantage. The sound is better projected into your ears, you hear better without stun other musicians. With two large handles, you can easily carry this amp 24 pounds. Can acquire the same amp version "tower." Here, the speakers are mounted vertically. They even have a version of the traveler with additional rollers at the base and a retractable handle to facilitate transport even better. But I still prefer the tilt model.

SOUNDS

Coloration:

You connect your bass, right now, you see the power that this little amp provides. You can choose a modern sound, or funky sound, soul, vintage, as you plug another bass. We get serious enough to see all the styles. If desired, you can get this squeaky sound for rock, for example. Similarly, for bass, this amp is for you.

Setting possibilities:

This amp, it should almost never find the sound you want to get. It reproduces well the sound of your own instrument. Small adjustments to make to the desired tone or the room in which you are playing easily with the EQ. Little info: If you really pumping, severe (low level) is certainly not to be sniffed at! If you open the VLE, ​​you get the sound you would expect from a high-end amp. In the opening advantage, you get a warmer and more natural which is reminiscent of vintage amps sound.


Job Opportunities:

I could not tell what kind of music can not be used. For bassists who just want a clean sound and high-end, there are probably other amps. But he who also likes the sound and in addition a more rounded tone, here is the right place.

OVERALL OPINION

This amp is really a gem. Ok, you pay more than € 1,400, but here we get a pro equipment. The sound is fantastic in all possible situations. It is easy to transport and it is more beautiful appearance. The last aspect that I could test (lack of time!): This amp is really solidly built and I think it may provide services 'on the road' for many years.