mcnach

[quote name='Lozz196' timestamp='1368030141' post='2072285'] Nice one, glad you like after my extensive recommendations. That`s me off the hook then [/quote] I looked you up online, I have a map on my wall showing how to get to your house, I have your schedule for the next two weeks on my desk, and a tank full of petrol in my car. I would have driven to your door and told you exactly why I didn't like it, if it turned out I didn't. Although... don't relax just yet. Wait until I come back from practice tonight Thank you for your extensive recommendations, even if it ends up falling short of the loudness expectations, which quite frankly I doubt it will seeing that I could barely turn it up a fraction before it was too loud at home... it's likely to be a lot louder than the Hartke, smaller and lighter... that's success already. What I'm thinking is that I *really* like its sound. The RH450 did not make me smile like this one has. It's a bit premature as I have not yet tried it with the band etc, but I can see myself building up my "bigger rig" around the Markbass. Either this combo, or getting a separate head. I have a Barefaced Compact ordered. That cab as an extension to the combo is probably similar in volume and depth to my existing TC rig... We will see.

[quote name='xgsjx' timestamp='1368024315' post='2072180'] Good to hear you like it. The VPF ([s]Very Pants[/s] Variable Preshape Filter) scoops the mids & boosts the lows & highs. MB say it's designed for slap players. THe VLE (Vintage Loudspeaker Emulator) rolls the tops off & boosts a little around the 300hz area. I always seem to end up with the VLE around 9-10 o'clock (even if I start with it off). Here's what MB say about them... [color=#020202][font=Georgia, Arial, Verdana][size=3]The VLE and VPF are useful EQ filters that help you adapt your sound for different styles of music.[/size][/font][/color] [color=#020202][font=Georgia, Arial, Verdana][size=3]The [/size][/font][/color][color=#020202][font=Georgia, Arial, Verdana][size=3][b]VLE [/b][/size][/font][/color][color=#020202][font=Georgia, Arial, Verdana][size=3]([/size][/font][/color][color=#020202][font=Georgia, Arial, Verdana][size=3][b]Vintage Loudspeaker Emulator[/b][/size][/font][/color][color=#020202][font=Georgia, Arial, Verdana][size=3]) is a shelf EQ that cuts a wider and wider range of high frequencies as you turn it up. Markbass amps are very clear-sounding, and this filter has the effect of drawing you into the mix more, making your sound less present. It's kind of like an "old school" knob![/size][/font][/color] [color=#020202][font=Georgia, Arial, Verdana][size=3]The [/size][/font][/color][color=#020202][font=Georgia, Arial, Verdana][size=3][b]VPF [/b][/size][/font][/color][color=#020202][font=Georgia, Arial, Verdana][size=3]([/size][/font][/color][color=#020202][font=Georgia, Arial, Verdana][size=3][b]Variable Preshape Filter[/b][/size][/font][/color][color=#020202][font=Georgia, Arial, Verdana][size=3]) boosts lows and highs, and cuts mids. Some call this kind of effect a scoop, a smiley-shape EQ, or an enhance knob. It's very effective for slap bass, pick playing, and driving eighth-note rock.[/size][/font][/color] [color=#020202][font=Georgia, Arial, Verdana][size=3]These two filters can be combined for interesting effects. But remember that they are off when they are all the way counterclockwise--we suggest you start in that position and turn the filters up gradually, one at a time, to hear and understand what they do.[/size][/font][/color] [/quote] That makes a lot of sense. Ah, so the VLE does boost some low mids as well as rolling off the treble, I knew there was something else going on, but could not put my finger on it exactly. The Jazz bass had never sounded better I can't yet tell how loud/full it can sound, but it has a lovely tone. Let's see how it behaves in the band mix, but I am already smiling, and it's not because I discovered it has a blue led (bonus! )

Oooh, me likes, a lot! And... it does do "loud" (sorry, neighbours ). I remembered I had a small amp stand, one of these foldable contraptions that allow you to take a small guitar combo and put it on the floor angled towards your head... so I found it and it's perfect for the MarkBass as a monitor. The VPF seems to be some kind of "contour" control, as it's called in other amps, and just like I do with other amps, I will not touch the thing. However, the VLE is very nice! I was trying it with my Jazz on the bridge pickup, and adding a bit of this VLE just adds a bit of... thickness... to the sound. Some kind of treble rolloff, but something else is going on. Maybe I should read the manual I know I cannot judge an amp like this at home practice volumes, but it's really very nice and it makes me wonder whether there will be a TC RH450 for sale soon.

MarkBass CMD121 combo is in my possession. First impression was at low volume, ok but a little too coloured. Then I noticed all EQ knobs were at -16. Ah. OK, set them all at 0 then. It opened up much more nicely. Only low volume in the house... but it looks good, sounds good, and I finally got to try the curious VLE and VPF knobs, which I'll have to read about soon. The VPF I am not sure about (it seems to scoop out the mids?), but the VLE looks like something I'm more likely to use. It's subtle but very effective... Practice tonight. I'm taking this little thing with me, and one of my cabs to try. Exciting times.

The G30 is great, I love mine... but if toughness was your concern, I'd have imagined the Sony would have been a better contender! The G30 is all plastic and not particularly tough (although for the likes of myself, it's tough enough).

[quote name='bassman344' timestamp='1367955174' post='2071609'] I maybe just got a bad 'un. Sorry if i sounded bit harsh....... [/quote] No need to apologise... if that's your experience/opinion, that's fine. I was just merely offering a very different experience.

[quote name='bassman344' timestamp='1367876596' post='2070631'] I had a tribute series 5 string and was glad to see the back of it. Felt cheap, sounded rough and was just not nice. I maybe just got a bad one but i wont buy any cheap eastern models again unless i play it first. [/quote] I'm surprised. I have owned two Tribute series (and L2500 and an L2000) and both were really really good.

[quote name='neepheid' timestamp='1367916661' post='2070841'] I use the edge of an old t-shirt - slip the edge under the knob then wrap it round, grip the two sides together and pull up. Knob comes off and doesn't fly across the room because it's contained within the t-shirt. [/quote] That's what I do too.

[quote name='ikay' timestamp='1367918568' post='2070880'] [attachment=134289:Stingray5-EQchart.jpg] [/quote] yeah, something like this, thanks!

[quote name='Matt P' timestamp='1367917237' post='2070850'] i waited an agonising 4 and a half months for my midgets, it was painful but as soon as they arrived all the pain and agony was forgotton, these are fantastic cabs and definately worth the wait. i get to try them properly at a band practice tonight, i've packed spare earplugs for my bandmates! (and i'm only going to take one cab along) Matt [/quote] I'd be very interested to hear what your impressions were! We need a Barefaced Waiting Room Support Group

Yeah, I had the impression it's typically around 3 months. I'm ok with that, it states clearly on the site that these cabs are pretty much made to order. Exciting

[quote name='BILL POSTERS' timestamp='1367913250' post='2070806'] tbh, thats a bit offensive. I didnt misunderstand, nor miss the context. It was even demonstrated. For some reason that particular lecture stuck in my mind while most of the course was forgotten years ago. [/quote] I'm sorry, I did not mean to sound offensive at all. By context I meant that although polarity matters [u]not one single bit for a single speaker by itself[/u], it may be important to take into account *[b]if[/b]* it's likely to be used as a part of a multiple speaker system. That's the kind of context I meant, the context in which a speaker was going to be used. A practice combo is not typically used with an extension cab, and the OP's amp is not fitted with an extension speaker connector unless he added one himself. If he added one himself, then as long as he used the same polarity it does not matter which way around he wires the speakers. A single speaker does not care about the polarity. If you saw it "demonstrated" then it would be more useful if you explain to us how it was demonstrated, because its rather odd... I really don't mean to offend you But what you were saying was incorrect (at least in the way you said it, that's why "context" may be relevant). Please don't take it personally. Just trying to correct misinformation, that's all, without making personal judgement calls.

[quote name='Dad3353' timestamp='1367862980' post='2070385'] It could [i]become [/i]important in a mono system if, later on, one added an extension cab (combos quite often have this option....). It's just a matter of convention, otherwise (early JBLs used the opposite cone movement convention, and can be a trap for the unwary...). For a home practice amp, no real matter, but I'd take the white to be the 'hot', or positive wire just the same. [/quote] Absolutely. That's why I was making the point about missing the "context" earlier, when I replied to BP.

[quote name='woodyratm' timestamp='1367857456' post='2070295'] How long have you been waiting so far? I ask because I still not to sort some finances around [/quote] oh, just a few hours. I only paid my deposit today. I emailed Alex last week as I was not quite sure whether to try a Compact or Midget, and he emailed back suggesting the Compact based on the info I gave him. I was already leaning towards that one... so I read his reply last night... and this morning placed the order. I haven't heard yet back so I have no clue how long it's going to take. It would be nice to receive it by my birthday in September, so I can say it was my present to myself

[quote name='stingrayPete1977' timestamp='1367855598' post='2070270'] Who wants to hear the rest of the band! [/quote] This is proof that this man sometimes makes sense

[quote name='Roland Rock' timestamp='1367853590' post='2070238'] This was my error when I had a ray, I think I boosted both eqs too much and ended up with a scooped tone that I disliked and vanished in the mix. If only basschat had existed back then :-) [/quote] I don't need Basschat for that, I have a pair of ears Now seriously, I seem to recall a thread with a bunch of EQ curves at various positions of the knobs, and that illustrated the "mid-poor" situation you get by boosting both tone controls. But whatever works for you. I know I'm right

A quick look in google can confirm the Earth is flat if you look for it Seriously, don't take my word or anybody's word for it. I don't know a whole lot about electronics or speakers... but I do know about what changing the polarity on a speaker does and why. It's simple, I am sure you can find a simple explanation too (I can't be bothered to google it for you, sorry). It makes no difference in a single speaker system. If they taught you it mattered, I suspect that either you misunderstood, or that there is something missing in the context. In our case: combo with a single speaker: it doesn't matter one bit how you wire it. For those who remain unconvinced and can't be bothered to figure out why, just try it.

Hey!!! Stop ordering cabs! I just placed an order for a Compact and all your orders are just going to delay mine!

[quote name='BILL POSTERS' timestamp='1367833249' post='2069855'] If you say so. Cant say I ever bothered to try it. [/quote] bremen is right. think about it: polarity just dictates when the speaker is moving forward or backwards. It's only when you have multiple speakers that it can be an issue when you have one moving forward and another backwards, resulting in some cancellations. It's important for wiring the speakers in your stereo. It does not matter whatsoever in a single speaker combo.

same here, in order of preference for me: Octamizer > OC-2 > MXR I had briefly an OC-3 but I don't recall liking it.

[quote name='drTStingray' timestamp='1367684774' post='2068410'] I'd suggest you put it into series, try the EQ with the mids flat, the bass boosted a tiny bit and the treble boosted a tiny bit. [/quote] That would be my suggestion too. Tiny bass boost. Tiny. Don't listen to Pete In 2-band Stingrays especially boosting too much the bass can sound a bit muddy, and if you boost treble much, your mids will fall off the edge. Small bass boost.

[quote name='MiltyG565' timestamp='1367806750' post='2069679'] Yes, but your demeanour more than makes up for it [/quote] I'm not that scary, come on... only if they piss me off!

[quote name='MiltyG565' timestamp='1367768556' post='2069215'] Evil Dr. Nacho. How's that? [/quote] That doesn't sound nearly as intimidating...

I guess I did not do so bad... I was just told I made their shortlist and want to have another jam before they can decide among the various people they've met.

[quote name='chris_b' timestamp='1367747314' post='2068906'] My story is the same. I have been playing for years professionally and semi professionally, and I reckon 99% of the bands I've played with I've joined after they've seen me play. I don't think I'm bad at auditions but I just never seem to get many of them. That's why I think [i]networking[/i] is a critical skill for a musician. On the other hand I was never nervous at job interviews and I can't remember being turned down for any job the I went for and really wanted. I always used to get those. [/quote] INdeed!!! Networking is the best way. KNow people, get people to know you... saves hassle, and when you call someone to join you you have an idea of what he is like... unlike a guy who answers your gumtree advert. Some people are psychos but hide it very well at audition! I'm like you. I have never been turned down at any job I really wanted/needed, and my current job... I got it without an interview: my contract was ending in my lab, my then boss knew my current boss and he just showed up one day "I hear you might be looking for a new job soon and that you have experience about x, y and z, your boss said to me"... so I joined him for a short 4-month project and now I have a much longer contract. CV is important, but networking is just as important. Same with music, so far I have never been turned down at an audition. I haven't been to many, but got them all. Ok, one of them... they took a while to get back to me, so I think I may not have been their first choice but they never told me that. The one yesterday... it was a style a bit out of my usual thing, so I am not sure they'd see me as a suitable fit, and I know there are many really good bassists around that may be seen as a better fit. I'm not worried either way. I went to audition because I really like the band and I figured at least I get to meet them all and... "network". Knowing people is important. I would like to get them and my originals band to play the same shows at some point, as it's a different yet very compatible style, oddly enough. Now they know me, know my face... even if they did not like me as their bass player, it's already positive