Markbass TTE 500 Randy Jackson model - some yellow, but no polkadots

Aussie Mark · November 07, 2011, 03:05:26 PM

I finally found a decent video review of this head. It does sound nice ....

http://licklibrary.ceros.com/iguitarmag/issue5/page/178

Psycho Bass Guy · November 07, 2011, 05:23:22 PM

His old signature Peavey bass is really nice, very versatile within the modern r'n'b sound vernacular. I'm curious if this amp is any good or more Markbass hype. Even without their reliability issues, the LM amps sound like crap to me.

Dave W · November 07, 2011, 07:45:32 PM

Maybe it's my browser, but where's the video review? I just see an article.

I wouldn't put too much stock in what comes through the computer's speakers, though. I sure don't like the tone of the Markbass heads I've heard in person. Maybe this one is different.

Aussie Mark · November 07, 2011, 10:50:42 PM

Quote from: Dave W on November 07, 2011, 07:45:32 PM
Maybe it's my browser, but where's the video review? I just see an article.

The video is about 3 pages into the article.

Dave W · November 08, 2011, 08:50:36 AM

Quote from: Aussie Mark on November 07, 2011, 10:50:42 PM
The video is about 3 pages into the article.

Found it, last night the header wasn't displaying and only the first page was accessible.

Aussie Mark · December 01, 2011, 03:51:25 PM

So far so good, have gigged this 3 times and am very impressed by the tone and power through my Epi UL610. I'm liking the tone more than my Genz Benz Streamliner as a "small" amp option. Sounded great on Wednesday night at this gig ...

Psycho Bass Guy · December 02, 2011, 03:31:24 AM

Since I like the Streamliner, where would you say the difference lies between the two?

Aussie Mark · December 04, 2011, 03:32:33 AM

Quote from: Psycho Bass Guy on December 02, 2011, 03:31:24 AM
Since I like the Streamliner, where would you say the difference lies between the two?

The TTE is more "defined" than the Streamliner and seems to have a more dynamic response. I still like my Streamliner a lot, and it's a far more practical choice for gigs where the risk of liquid ingress exists, but I think the overall tone of the TTE is more "tube like".

bassvirtuoso · January 01, 2012, 04:57:26 PM

Finally, someone has actually tried one of these!

I love my TA501, very interested in this new amp.

Thanks Mark!

Blackbird · July 19, 2013, 01:39:50 PM

Quote from: Psycho Bass Guy on November 07, 2011, 05:23:22 PM
His old signature Peavey bass is really nice, very versatile within the modern r'n'b sound vernacular. I'm curious if this amp is any good or more Markbass hype. Even without their reliability issues, the LM amps sound like crap to me.

I have one of those Peavey's still, done in natural Koa. Might be the only one they ever made, the rest were bursts in silver, pink, and purple..

ack1961 · July 19, 2013, 06:30:43 PM

Quote from: Blackbird on July 19, 2013, 01:39:50 PM
I have one of those Peavey's still, done in natural Koa. Might be the only one they ever made, the rest were bursts in silver, pink, and purple..

Cool find. I have the Silverburst RJ-IV and have never heard of one done in Koa. My Dyna Unity is Koa and it's a gorgeous chunk of wood.

Aussie Mark · July 21, 2013, 06:17:37 PM

After 18 months, the TTE-500 is still my main gigging amp, and it hasn't missed a beat.

It records well too, this rough mix is recorded direct from the balanced DI, with no effects or post production at all ....

https://soundcloud.com/mdeayton/cold-heart-shaker-rough-mix

Basvarken · July 22, 2013, 08:57:02 AM

I tested the TTE800 the other day. That is a monster. Very powerful and versatile amp.

Aussie Mark · July 22, 2013, 05:27:59 PM

Quote from: Basvarken on July 22, 2013, 08:57:02 AM
I tested the TTE800 the other day. That is a monster. Very powerful and versatile amp.

I'm vary of the 800 watt Markbass models, as the power module is digital - I find them very sterile sounding compared to the warmer 500 watt models, which have an analogue power amp. A few years ago I "upgraded" from a Little Mark II to a LM800 and was very disappointed, tonally.

The 500 watts of the TTE-500 is a very conservative spec. Markbass seem very honest with their specs - 500 Markbass watts, for example, is as loud as the alleged 1000 watts Ampeg claims for the SVT7-Pro.