Markbass CMB 121 Black Line Combo Bass Amplifier Demo

Hey there! Today we’re going to be talking about the Markbass CMB 121 Black Line Combo Bass Amplifier. This amp, created by the renowned Italian bass-amp innovators, Markbass, is the perfect entry-level amp for students and beginners. With 150 watts of power, a single 12″ speaker, and a 4-band EQ, this amp offers exquisite sound quality. It also features a Scooped switch for added brightness and a Boost switch for better solo showcases. Additionally, the amp includes an Aux input, headphone output, balanced XLR output, and an effects send/return, making it versatile for use with pedals and multi-effects devices. At just 35lbs, this amp is easy to transport and perfect for bass lessons, jam sessions, and band practices. So, if you’re looking for an affordable amp that delivers great performance, the Markbass CMB 121 Black Line Combo Bass Amplifier is definitely worth checking out!

Overview of Markbass CMB 121 Black Line Combo Bass Amplifier

The Markbass CMB 121 Black Line Combo Bass Amplifier is a highly versatile and feature-packed amp that is perfect for students, beginners, and even professionals. With 150 watts of power and a single 12″ speaker, this amp delivers a rich and powerful tone. It also boasts a range of features including a 4-band EQ, Scooped and Boost switches, an Aux input, headphone output, balanced XLR output, and an effects send/return. The CMB 121 aims to provide exceptional sound quality and performance at an affordable price point. Whether you’re playing in a band, practicing at home, or recording in the studio, this amp has you covered.

Features of the amp

The Markbass CMB 121 Black Line Combo Bass Amplifier is packed with a variety of features that enhance its functionality and versatility. Some of its notable features include:

1. Speaker size and wattage:

   • 150 watts of power with a single 12″ speaker.
   • Delivers a balanced and powerful sound with excellent projection.

2. 4-band EQ:

   • Allows you to shape your sound by adjusting the bass, low-mid, high-mid, and treble frequencies.
   • Provides a wide range of tonal possibilities to suit different playing styles and musical genres.

3. Scooped and Boost switches:

   • The Scooped switch brightens your tone, making it stand out in a mix.
   • The Boost switch adds gain and saturation, perfect for highlighting solos.

4. Aux input and headphone output:

   • The Aux input lets you connect external audio sources like a smartphone or MP3 player, allowing you to play along with your favorite tracks.
   • The headphone output provides privacy for practicing, making it ideal for late-night sessions or quiet practice.

5. Balanced XLR output:

   • Enables direct connection to a mixing console or audio interface for recording or live performances.
   • Delivers a clean and balanced signal, ensuring high-quality sound reproduction.

6. Effects send/return:

   • Allows you to integrate external effects pedals, pedalboards, or multi-effects devices into your signal chain.
   • Enhances your sonic possibilities and enables you to create unique sounds.

Demo and Playing Demonstration

To showcase the capabilities of the Markbass CMB 121 Black Line Combo Bass Amplifier, we have Allee Fütterer, a Los Angeles composer/producer and bass player for All Made Up, Weyes Blood, and Mayer Hawthrone. In this demonstration, Allee explores various features and settings of the amp.

Playing with no effects and EQ at 12:00

Allee starts by playing without any effects and sets all the EQ knobs at 12:00. This allows us to hear the natural tone of the amp and get a sense of its overall sound.

Using the 4-band EQ to shape the sound

Next, Allee demonstrates how to use the 4-band EQ to shape the sound. By adjusting the bass, low-mid, high-mid, and treble frequencies, he creates different tones and textures, showcasing the versatility of the amp.

Demonstrating the Scoop switch

One of the unique features of the Markbass CMB 121 is the Scoop switch. Allee demonstrates how this switch can brighten the tone and help the bass cut through the mix. This is especially useful when playing warm basses or using flatwound strings.

Demonstrating the Boost switch

Another handy feature of the amp is the Boost switch. Allee showcases how this switch adds gain and saturation, allowing for more sustain and a fuller sound. This is particularly useful when taking a solo or needing that extra punch and presence.

Using the amp as a pedal platform

Allee shows how the Markbass CMB 121 can be used as a pedal platform. He connects his JHS Emperor chorus pedal to the effects send/return loop, demonstrating how the amp can integrate with external effects pedals and create unique sounds.

I/O’s and Additional Features

Let’s take a closer look at the input/output options and additional features of the Markbass CMB 121 Black Line Combo Bass Amplifier.

A closer look at the input/output options

The amp features various input and output options that provide flexibility and convenience. It includes an input jack for connecting your bass guitar, a send/return loop for integrating external effects pedals, and a balanced XLR output for direct connection to a mixing console or audio interface.

Balanced XLR line out output

The balanced XLR output allows you to connect the amp directly to a mixing console or audio interface. This is particularly useful for recording sessions or live performances where you need a clean and balanced signal to ensure high-quality sound reproduction.

AUX input for practicing with music

The amp also includes an AUX input, enabling you to connect your smartphone, MP3 player, or other audio devices. This allows you to play along with your favorite tracks, making practice sessions more enjoyable and engaging.

Headphone output for privacy

For those times when you want to practice in privacy, the Markbass CMB 121 provides a headphone output. Simply connect your headphones, and you’ll be able to practice without disturbing others or being disturbed.

Allee Fütterer’s Thoughts on the Markbass CMB 121 Black Line

Now, let’s hear what Allee Fütterer, a professional bass player and composer, has to say about the Markbass CMB 121 Black Line Combo Bass Amplifier.

Opinions on the amp’s tone and features

Allee is impressed with the amp’s tone, especially considering its size. He finds the sound to be excellent and believes that the amp offers a wide range of tonal possibilities. Allee appreciates the 4-band EQ, Scooped switch, and Boost switch, as they allow for further refinement and customization of his sound.

Benefits of using the amp for touring and recording

As a touring musician, Allee highlights the portability of the Markbass CMB 121. Weighing only 35lbs, it’s reasonably easy to transport to bass lessons, jam sessions, and band practices. He also mentions the amp’s Gain and Master Volume controls, which enable him to play hard-hitting, gritty bass lines at low volumes without sacrificing tone or dynamics. Additionally, the balanced XLR output is valuable for both recording and live performances, as it ensures a high-quality signal for the front of house.

Introduction to the Markbass CMB 101 Black Line Combo Bass Amplifier

In addition to the Markbass CMB 121, Markbass also offers the CMB 101 Black Line Combo Bass Amplifier. This slightly smaller amp features a 40W power output and a 10″ speaker. It offers similar features to the CMB 121, including a 4-band EQ, effects send/return, and a balanced XLR output. The CMB 101 is a reliable and compact option for bass players looking for a more portable solution without compromising on sound quality.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Markbass CMB 121 Black Line Combo Bass Amplifier is an excellent choice for students, beginners, and professionals alike. Its powerful 150W output, combined with the versatile 4-band EQ and additional features such as the Scoop and Boost switches, make it a highly flexible amp that can adapt to different playing styles and musical genres. The amp’s portability, balanced XLR output, and ability to integrate with external effects pedals further enhance its versatility and usefulness in various settings, whether practicing at home, performing on stage, or recording in the studio. For those looking for a more compact option, the CMB 101 Black Line Combo Bass Amplifier provides similar features in a smaller package. To learn more about the Markbass CMB 121 and CMB 101, we recommend visiting a Guitar Center store or checking out their website for more information. The knowledgeable staff at Guitar Center will be able to assist you in finding the perfect Markbass amp to suit your needs and help you achieve your desired sound.

You can get your own Markbass CMB 121 from Guitar Center today. Just visit the Markbass collection at Guitar Center to check it out.

The Markbass CMB 121 Black Line combo is an entry-level amp that offers exceptional sound for students and beginners. It has 150 watts, a single 12″ speaker, a 4-band EQ, Scooped and Boost switches, an Aux input, headphone output, balanced XLR output, and an effects send/return for pedals, pedalboards, and multi-effects devices.

According to Fütterer, a Los Angeles composer/producer who makes music as All Made Up and also tours with Weyes Blood and Mayer Hawthrone, this amp has a great tone for its size. He particularly likes the Scooped switch, which adds brightness and helps the bass cut through the mix, especially when playing a warm bass or using flatwound strings. The Boost switch is also useful for showcasing solos.

Weighing in at 35lbs., the Markbass CMB 121 is easy to transport to bass lessons, jam sessions, and band practices. It also features Gain and Master Volume controls, allowing you to play hard-hitting, gritty bass lines at low volumes without disturbing your home practice.

To learn more about Markbass Amps, visit their website. And don’t forget to follow Fütterer’s All Made Up for more music updates.