Micro bass amp heads

[(chrisdski)]

Interested in what everyone has tried/used.

So far I've had a MB LM2, and currently use the SWR Headlite. Running the same cabs (MB 12"s) I prefer the SWR tone. I mainly play Americana music, and use an electric bass or EUB as needed. One issue with the SWR is the fan is loud compared to the MB. When you're gigging you won't notice it, but in a practice room it's very noticeable. I have been able to get very nice tone out of the SWR. While I liked the MB, it seems lifeless after using the SWR for awhile.

Anyone use the Genz Benz Shuttle? GH MB200? Others?

[(jps)]

I have been using Walter Woods amps since the early '80s, I am on my third, an Electacoustic Super (650 watts @ 4 Ω), that I took delivery of new from Walter in April 2001. I have had an Eden WT400 and Ampeg PortaBass 250, neither were really what could be called micro however. I have had MarkBass LM II and F1 amps in the recent past and currently, in addition to the WW Super, have an Aguilar Tone Hammer 500, a killer amp, IMHO.

I use either amp into one of two different Low Down Sound (LDS) speaker cabinets custom made by Don Oatman; the 286 has 2 Ciare NDC8-3 8" drivers and an 18Sound 6ND410 6½" mid driver, the 2126 has two Eminence 3012LF 12" drivers and the same mid driver as the 286. Each cabinet has a 4Ω load impedance.

[(T28)]

I use to use the GB Streamliner 900 with a variety of cabs and it always sounded good.

About 6 months ago I switched to the Tecamp PUMA 900 and my quest for a micro amp is over.
The size is small, weighs less than 3 pounds and the tone is sonic nirvana.
Sounds fantastic straight out of the box with all the controls set flat and if a venue does dictate tweaking, it is quick and simple.
There are some good threads on TB about it that are actually factual and non-fanatical.


The GB is a really good amp but it makes a great backup that hasn't been turned on since the PUMA took over.

[(woodyng)]

I have the markbass LM II,in the form of the cmd121p 12" combo,and recently picked up a markbass minimark as a 2nd amp,to try out a multi amp rig. The markbass has a great warm clean sound to it,which you can get slightly more edgy by turning up the gain control.(on the LM II),but i didn't really get the tone i wanted until i preamped with a VT pedal. Does the swr have a 12ax7 preamp tube? I practice through a 1-15" swr amp,but always end up setting the controls flat and using the VT for it as well,as i can't seem to get a sound i like out of it otherwise. Out of the newer amp lines i am interested in hearing the Orange Bass Terror. And Tech 21 is making a solid state 2 channel SVT amp clone,that sounds really interesting if 300 watts will cut it for ya.....
Ps most of these are small amps,maybe not "micro".

[(chrisdski)]

Does the swr have a 12ax7 preamp tube?

Yes

[(Happyface)]

Next time we meet, try my Orange Bass Terror 500. Just for reference.

[(Kopfjaeger)]

Next time we meet, try my Orange Bass Terror 500. Just for reference.

Love my Orange TB500 paired with my Glasstone Lil G 2x12 cab. Light and kick in the chest powerful!

Sepp

[(T28)]

After almost a year I still love my Glasstone LiL'G!
Just an amazing cab.