Gallien-Krueger MB212 2x12 500W Ultralight Bass Combo Amp

[Denis]

Anyone tried one of these out? I know the Backline heads have a good reputation but haven't heard anything about these.

http://www.guitarcenter.com/Gallien-Krueger-MB212-2x12-500W-Ultralight-Bass-Combo-Amp-581054-i1474943.gc

[Pilgrim]

WOW!

500W and a 2x12 combo at 37 pounds?

Dang-o, dang-o.  That's remarkable!

[Hornisse]

I've got an MB115 combo that I bought in June.  I had tried the MB210 before and just did not like the tone as much as the 115.  I've not seen any MB212's in the stores yet.  I bought mine for $399 and had a 20% off coupon too.  I put it up on an amp stand and I can carry it with one hand while I carry my bass in the gig bag in the other.  This is the rig I use for local (Austin) gigs.  I have a road rig that is in a 4 space rack case while the 410 cab is also in a road case.  That stuff stays at our storage facility.

[rahock]

Never played one , but it certainly intrests me. I'm not a real big fan of combos but I'd give it a try. GK stuff is a good bang for the buck. It sounds like there is a tweeter in there too, based on reading the reviews. I was never a big fan of tweeter cabinets either, but I've got one. Once you get the hang of them and tweek in your sound while keeping  the tweeter on, but dialed  down to somewhere around 20-30% and do the rest with your EQ and tone control on the bass , they really give  a nice edge to your sound. I don't know what brand of speakers are in there , but Eminence 12" neos are great. They give you a very 15" type of depth , move a considerable amount of air and fart less than a 15". They also work very well with a tweeter ( once you do your tweeter tweeking). I will be on the lookout for one of these .
Rick

[cheyenne]

I have the GK MB500 head and love it. I would have gone with the combo, but already had a 112-II NEO cab. It sounds great like it is, but I do want to pick up a second cab to utilize the full 500 watt potential.

[Lightyear]

I agree with Pilgrim - wow!  500W and 37 lbs has my attention.  This sounds like the perfect bar gig amp though probably not the right amp if you're playing numetal

http://www.gallien-krueger.com/products_mbCombos.html

The manual mentions a tweeter and their schematics show a tweeter but the specs don't call it out.  From what I can tell the only control you have over the tweeter is to turn it on or off on the control panel.  I would probably have it off anyway.

[rahock]

I was a bit confused about the tweeter control too . On and off only means you're probably going to blow a tweeter pretty quick. You really need a separate control. I went from being very anti-tweeter to pro-tweeter once I did a little tweeking. I hope we're both wrong about the tweeter switch, because if that's what it is , I'd leave it off too .
One of the features they have on this amp is separate inputs for active and passive pickups , and that is a really nice thing, particularly if you are an ABG player.
Overall, I like GK stuff a lot. Very nice sound and  the controls make it pretty flexible to fit a lot of different tastes. I'm looking forward to getting my hands on one of these
Rick

[Hornisse]

I leave the tweeter and limiter on with my MB115 but keep the contour button off.  I love being able to carry it with one hand with my bass in the other.  Will be gigging it tonight and have a couple of more gigs it 2 weeks. 

[rahock]

I'm not familiar with the newer GK stuff, what the heck is a limiter?
Rick

[Hornisse]

My SWR Studio 220 head has the limiter as well.  Sort of like a compressor where it evens out the notes and limits sharp peaks that may damage the speaker.  At least that is my take on it.    I just know that it sounds great.  And the DI is wonderful too.  The sound guys have no problems getting a good sound out front.  My only gripe with the DI is they should have flipped it around the other direction.  I have to use my car key to push down the release because it is too close to the cabinet to fit your finger in there to push the release button in order to pull out the XLR cable.  Last night after picking it up our lead singer Tony said "I can't believe that is a bass amp!"

[dadagoboi]

I play a Demeter tube preamp (essentially a HiWatt front end with a Jensen DI) thru an SVP 1500 power amp into an assortment of crappy speakers depending on the need.  The SVP weighs 38 lbs.  This 9 lb. Peavey thingie has me intrigued, IPR 1600.  Not a Genz but the price, weight and 30 day return policy are tempting.  There, I said it.
It won a product of the year award, has had some good reviews and some horrible ones.  I can believe Peavey will get this sorted out.  Does look like it dropped off a spaceship...I'm thinking after Christmas or so I might try one.
http://pro-audio.musiciansfriend.com/product/Peavey-IPR-1600-Power-Amp?sku=476311

http://www.peavey.com/news/article.cfm/action/view/id/464/cat/1/Peavey%20IPR%201600%20Wins%20%27Best%20New%20Power%20Amp%27%20in%20Music%20&%20Sound%20Awards.cfm

[rahock]

Anyone play on one of these new GKs yet?
I'm really looking forward to learning more about this thing
Rick

[Hornisse]

I can't say enough good things about my MB115.  It is my local rig (I have a separate rig for road gigs) and has held up very well in the 3 months I've had it since purchasing it new.  We played at Cool River this past Saturday night and the soundman complimented my sound.  I think some of that has to do with the DR Heartfield 5 string bass but the GK got a great board mix sound when we played back the recording of the gig.  They have them for 15% off this weekend during the GC Labor Day sale. (I got mine for 20% off  ) 

[rahock]

I had to bring this thread back to life because I'm really curious about this thing. Has any had an opportunity to play one of these yet?  They haven't landed in my neck of the woods yet.
Rick

[Denis]

Haven't seen them in my neck of the woods either. I'd venture up to Sam Ash or GC, but today? Noooooo....