A WORD FROM MARCO DE VIRGILIIS Now almost 10 years into the 21st century, the world is a rapidly changing place. Although many of the changes are troubling or uncertain, we are also faced with incredible opportunity. In our continuing mission to apply ingenuity to top level technology, and listening carefully to the needs and desires of musicians around the world, I am finding that there is a lot to be done. There are many new ways that we can use new technology to help musicians make great music and be happy! In this catalog for 2009, you will notice that the Markworld is growing. The success of the Markbass line has inspired us to move into many new directions. The Markaudio brand builds on the technology we’ve developed for true-sounding, lightweight speaker cabinets and amplifiers, and is blossoming into an exciting full line of powered PA cabinets, line array systems, powered subwoofers and a state-of-the-art stereo EQ. Markacoustic is now reborn in a larger line of products for acoustic musicians that respond to the user feedback we received on our popular AC 101 and AC 601 combos. Inspired by my friendship and collaboration with the late, great Hiram Bullock, I am pleased to introduce some very special guitar amplification products under the Markguitar brand, including a signature head for Hiram that I developed with him and is now being released in his honor and memory. Last but certainly not least, Markbass is introducing a major innovation, not only to bass amp technology, but to the whole concept of buying a bass amp: the MoMark. This exciting modular amp system gives the customer complete control over what their amp should be. We’re most interested in satisfying the needs of our customers, and the MoMark takes this priority to a whole new level! We’re also evolving the Little Mark legacy with by adding some highly requested features for the Little Mark III (and Combo Head II) and producing some additional versions with tube preamps and extra power. We’re also introducing our most powerful head ever, the SD1200, the dynamic Studio Pre 500, the groundbreaking MarkStudio 1 plugin software, and an exciting lineup of effect pedals that include true bypass circuitry and integrated DIs. As always, our products are made with great care and passion in Italy, and we are very proud of our top-level quality standards. I believe that we are proving that high quality can be affordable! Now more than ever, musicians need to get as much value from their gear as possible. This doesn’t mean that they want the cheapest products available; they need affordable products that sound incredible, are practical and portable, and will perform reliably without fail. They also want responsive, friendly service and support. This is what value means to us; and this is what we commit to our customers. We invite you to connect with the Markworld in 2009! And as always, enjoy the music. Marco De Virgiliis
AH250 The new Markacoustic AH 250 head is a great choice for anyone who needs a small, light and portable amp head to amplify acoustic instruments. It can be connected to your preferred cabinet/s, or directly to a mixer via the line out (you can use it as a preamp without connecting it to a speaker—just set your master volume to zero). The head is powered by an analog amp (150W @ 8 ohms / 250W @ 4 ohms) and features our own custom-designed digital power supply circuitry. There are two preamp channels, with a 1⁄4” jack input for Channel 1, and an XLR/1/4” combo input for Channel 2, with switchable 48V phantom power. Anti-feedback and phase reverse controls allow you to easily manage feedback and phase problems and capture the true essence of your acoustic sound while giving you serious headroom. Amplifying your acoustic instrument with the AH 250 just makes you a much louder version of yourself!
AC601 In 2009 the AC 601 Markacoustic combo is born again. The new AC 601 houses the new Markacoustic AH 250 head (150W @ 8ohms / 250W @ 4 ohms), which includes several new features that are in high demand by acoustic musicians. Anyone who needs 48V phantom power (for use with condenser microphones, etc) now have it available on the improved XLR channel 2, switchable via push/pull control on the gain knob. Anti-feedback and phase reverse controls allow you to easily manage feedback and phase problems and capture the true essence of your acoustic sound while giving you serious headroom. The impressive volume and exceptionally clear, warm and defined tone of this portable little combo make it the ideal amp for acoustic instruments of all types: acoustic bass, acoustic and classical guitar, mandolin, violin, cello, banjo, and more.
AC101 Impressive musical clarity, tonal flexibility and satisfying bottom end are the reasons why many acoustic musicians choose the AC 101. The new updated version adds several great new features: • 48V phantom power on channel 2 for condenser microphones, switchable with push/pull control on the gain knob; • Anti-feedback and phase reverse controls for easily managing feedback and phase problems, so you can get great amplified sound from your acoustic instrument and get maximum power from the amp with great sound. The full-range sound reproduction of the AC 101, powering even the lowest frequencies with stunning definition, makes it appropriate for a wide range of acoustic instruments such double bass, acoustic bass, harp, cello, accordion, etc.
AC121 BASS This year we welcome a new member to the Markacoustic family: the AC 121 BASS! Double bass players have been asking for years to have a small, light, portable and powerful combo to amplify their valuable, complex-sounding instruments. No matter what type of bass pickup or transducer you have, the AC 121 BASS offers exceptional sound reproduction. This new combo was developed specifically for double bass and for use with piezo pickups and/or microphone, with the knowledge that getting a great stage sound with a pickup and microphone is not at all easy! The AC 121 BASS offers a two-channel preamp, with a 1⁄4” input jack on channel 1 and an XLR/1/4” combo input on channel 2, with switchable 48V phantom power. New anti-feedback and phase reverse controls allow you to easily manage feedback and phase problems, and get great sound from your instrument at any volume. Considering not only the sound but the combo’s astounding portability, we’re quite sure it will soon become a new standard for double bass! The internal Markacoustic AH 250 head is located with the controls on the top of the combo so you have easy access to them when playing in upright position. The AC 121 BASS features one custom neodymium 12” woofer that has been designed through collaboration between Markbass and B&C Speakers. It’s also a great option for ‘doublers’, since the two-channel design allows you to have different EQ and level settings for each channel.