MarkBass CL 810, Review

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MARKBASS
2008
CLASSIC 300
Bass
Head
:
G E N E R A L
Company Parsek Srl Via Po, 52
66020 San Giovanni Teatino
Chieti Italy www.markbass.it
Country of Origin Italy
Warranty 3 Year
Listed Price $2,599.00
Street Price $2,599.00
Test Unit Options None
Accessories None
Price as Tested $2,599.00
Available colors Black
Available options Footswitch to control mute
in­hand on­bench
TEST SUMMARY
1-5 (unacceptable to impeccable)
Features 4
Tonal Flexibility 3.5
Ease of Use 4
Aesthetics 3.5
Ergonomics 4
Tone 4
Value 4
SONIC PROFILE
Lows – taut, controlled, warm; not
overly big
Mids – focused, punchy; aggressive;
nice complexity and texture
Highs – average brightness, but
cranking the pre-gain adds high-
end excitement
Chassis 4
Vents and cooling 3
Knobs / Lights 4
Finish / Handles 4
Jacks / Sockets 4
Pots / Switches 3.5
Chassis Layout 3
Components Resistor/Cap 3
PCB / Power Transformer 3.5
Solder / Dress
4
Internal / Overall Build 3
Output Power Rating 4.5
Portability
3
Roadworthiness 4
Ease of Repair 3
Warranty 3
Quality per price 4
C O N D I T I O N S
Acquired from Markbass
Dates August through November, 2008
Locales Ohio
Test gear Nordy vJ5, Celinder VP4, LeCompte
CBSC-4, Fender Roscoe Beck V, Dingwall Z3, Dingwall SJ4,
Markbass CL108, Bergantino NV610 & NV215, Sadowsky SA410,
Ampeg SVT-VR, Mesa/Boogie Bass 400, Sadowsky SA200, Reeves
Custom 225, Elixir & Planet Waves cables.
The Classic 300 delivers vintage
midrange punch, and a hint of
grit, with more control and
wider range of tones than
vintage counterparts
TONE-O-METER
In-Hand Score
3.9
average
On-Bench Score
3.5
average
E N C L O S U R E
Material Wooden head cabinet
Getting inside 4 bolts, 9 screws, 7 cable connectors
Time to assemble 5 minute
Time to disassemble 5 minute
Dimensions 19 5/8” w x 12 3/8” d x 11 9/16”h
Weight 50.8 lbs
Rackable No
P R E A M P
Inputs 1/4” jack
Mode Tube preamp, solid state EQ
Tubes 2 Ecc083, 2 Ecc099
Input Impedance 340 kOhm
EQ Type / Features 4-band / Bandpass EQ
Compressor/Limiter Non-user adjustable limiter
Potentiometers PC mount
DI Output Switchable pre/post EQ, level
control on front panel, ground lift
Effects Loop Pre-EQ send
Additional Features Footswitchable mute
P O W E R A M P
Mode Tube
Tubes 6 KT-88
Power Supply Toroidal transformer
Outputs 1 Speakon for 8/- ohm, 1 for 2-ohm
Impedance Options 8/4, 2-ohms
Pre/Power PCBs 4 printed circuit boards
Power Transformer Toroidal
Output Transformer Taps for 2-ohm and a 4/8-ohm tap
Cooling System Fan
Line Voltage Options 120VAC
Line Voltage Setting User-variable
M E A S U R E M E N T S
Freq Resp - Preamp from DI post EQ 20 Hz - 20 KHz +/- 9.9
Freq Resp - Preamp & Power Amp 20 Hz - 20 KHz +/- 11.8
EQ Controls Down, Idle Hum 60 Hz -71 dB
120 Hz -80 dB
180 Hz -84 dB
EQ Controls Down, Idle Noise 200 Hz - 1 KHz -99 dB
1.1 KHz - 20 KHz -100 dB
EQ Controls Flat, Idle Hum 60 Hz -74 dB
120 Hz -87 dB
180 Hz -78 dB
EQ Controls Flat, Idle Noise 200 Hz - 1 KHz -74 dB
1.1 KHz - 20 KHz -87 dB
EQ Controls Up, Idle Hum 60 Hz -94 dB
120 Hz -81 dB
180 Hz -75 dB
EQ Controls Up, Idle Noise 200 Hz - 1 KHz -89 dB
1.1 KHz - 20 KHz -97 dB