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
The Evolution of a Legend Little Mark III The Little Mark II story began in 2005. This “big little amp” was extremely well received from the start, but hit its peak in April 2008, when it was voted Best Bass Head and All-Around Best New Product by the readers of Bass Player magazine. Inspired by this success, we decided to take the Little Mark II to the next level by updating it with some added features. Now the Little Mark III is born! The Little Mark III’s solid-state preamp has a warm and natural sound, and faithfully reproduces the true tone of your instrument. The 500-watt analog power amp supplies impeccable bass frequency reproduction thanks to our customdesigned digital power supply circuitry, and our new bi-band limiter, which provides incredible dynamic response and faster, gutsier attack than traditional limiters do. The new DI output features a pre-post EQ switch and output level control, so you can optimize the signal you send to the mixer or recording unit. All this in the same compact size of its famous predecessor!
Little Mark 800 This Little Mark has big power! It basically upgrades the Little Mark III with the addition of an 800W digital power amp. The Little Mark 800 is designed for those who prefer simple and intuitive controls, but need superior power and headroom. This potent amp is a great choice for large-stage applications and louder bands. Not only is its sound exceptionally warm and clear at both low and high volumes, but its digital power amp gives you ultra-fast response and impeccable reproduction of the most minute details of your playing. The amp’s robust sound is further enhanced by our new bi-band limiter, which enables faster attack and improved dynamic response. The new DI output features a pre/post EQ switch and output level control, so you can send a perfect signal to the mixing console or recording unit every time.
Little Mark Tube For 2009, Markbass introduces a new amp head that starts with the successful design of the innovative Little Mark II, and takes it a step further to solve one of the classic bass player dilemmas: “tube or solid state?” The Little Mark Tube gives you the warmth and richness of a tube preamp, or the clean attack of a solid state preamp ... or a mix of both! On the front panel there are two inputs with separate gain controls: one 1⁄4” jack, and one combo jack that accepts either a XLR or 1⁄4” cable. Additional features include switchable 48V phantom power for the XLR input, solid-state/tube mix control, four bands of equalization, VLE and VPF filters, line out level control, pre-post EQ switch for the XLR out (on rear panel), and mute control (push-pull on the master knob). This amp head features 500 watts of analog power, two blendable preamps (tube and solid state) and a state-of-the-art biband limiter that gives you super fast attack and incredible dynamic response!
Little Mark Tube 800 The Little Mark Tube solves the “tube or solid state” dilemma. The Little Mark Tube 800 goes a step further by also addressing that other perennial concern, “Will I have enough power?” Our cutting-edge 800W digital power amp is an exciting match for the double preamp (solid state and tube) of the Little Mark 800. Combined with the incredible dynamic response and faster attack of our state-of-the-art bi-band limiter, you get warm and clear sound with impeccable reproduction of every detail of your playing. On the front panel there are two inputs with separate gain controls: one 1⁄4” jack, and one combo jack that accepts either a XLR or 1⁄4” cable. Additional features include solid-state/tube mix control, switchable 48V phantom power for the XLR input, four bands of equalization, VLE and VPF filters, line out level control, pre-post EQ switch for the XLR out (on rear panel), and mute control (push-pull on the master knob). The 800 watts from this powerful amp will satisfy any thirst for power, and the two blendable preamps give you the warmth and richness of a tube preamp, the clean attack of a solid state preamp... or a mix of both!
SD 1200 For most, the 800 watts of our popular SD 800 head provide more than enough power. But we know that some bassists realistically need more than 1000 watts, so we created the SD 1200. Headroom is all about having more power than you normally need, and this mighty amplifier will allow any bass player in any band to hold their own, no matter how big the stage or how loud the band! The SD 1200’s new 1200W digital power amp wields a massive amount of power and performs flawlessly thanks to cuttingedge technology. The sound is exceptionally warm and clear even at full volume, providing ultra-fast response and unparalleled reproduction of the most minute details of your playing. SD 1200: superb sound even at extreme levels!
Combo Head II New for 2009, all Markbass CMD and Mini CMD combos will be manufactured to include the Little Mark III. This means that these combos (Mini CMD 121P, Mini CMD 151P, CMD 121H, CMD 102P, CMD 103H and CMD 151 Jeff Berlin) will now include our new bi-band limiter and new DI output with line out level control and pre/post EQ switch!
Studio Pre / Studio Pre 500
After many years of experiments surrounded by a mess of amps, cabinets, cables, pedals and electronic gadgets, I feel that I finally have the solution for the perfect management of my bass sound in both studio and live situations. With the Studio Pre I can optimize a clean sound to appropriately represent all necessary frequencies from deep lows to sparkling highs; and with the parametric filter, I can further “sculpt” the sound by adding or removing specific frequencies with ease and precision. With the Amp channel, I can add three killer distortions (one at a time or in any combination) to the clean sound to add a more aggressive edge to the sound. This keeps my sound intelligible and exciting in any musical context, allowing me to cut through the mix even in very dense arrangements of instruments and sounds! One of the three “amp” distortions has one tube, one has two tubes and one is solid state. The back panel of the Studio Pre has three independent balanced outputs (clean, amp and mixed), making this gear a godsend for even the most hard-to-please sound engineers. Connecting all three outputs and having them available to blend gives total control to the soundman. This allows both you and the soundman to be happy! The original version of this preamp, the Studio Pre, would have required a power amp to use live, so we decided to produce a powered version called the Studio Pre 500. This versatile new amp includes all the features of the original preamp but adds a 500W analog power amp and speaker output. In live situations, the footswitch that turns the “amp” channel and parametric filter on and off becomes a practical tool for real-time tone shaping. Finally—the perfect interface between bass players and their audience!
Mark Studio 1 Plugin Have you ever wondered... what is the smallest yet most powerful bass amplifier in the world? We have the answer: it’s the Mark Studio 1! In fact, this software, which is small enough to fit on a CD, basically gives you three Markbass heads, six Markbass cabinets, six microphones and a tube compressor... and unlimited sound possibilities. You can’t get smaller or more powerful than that! With this plugin, from now on it will be child’s play to fine-tune the sound of a recorded bass track in any digital recording system (such as ProTools, Digital Performer, Logic, Cubase, Nuendo, etc.), and to mix and match heads, cabinets and microphones until you’ve found the perfect sound. Not only a plugin, the Mark Studio 1 also comes with a standalone version. This allows you enjoy the “real” sound of Markbass amplifiers and cabs with your computer and audio card connected to any PA, powered speakers or amplifier! In the Mark Studio 1 you will find 64 varied factory presets, and 64 more user presets where you can create your own combination of heads, cabinets, microphones, equalization, compression and room ambience. You can even use two microphones for the larger (6x10” and 8x10”) cabinets. When you’ve found the sound you like, you can make it subtle or strong depending on how you control your signal mix. In summary, the Mark Studio 1 allows you to shape your bass sound without limits! Paolo Costa
Freedom in a Bass Amp MoMark Powered by state-of-the-art technology, MoMark is a system based on a modular design, giving bassists the freedom to choose the specs and features they want and need. First you choose your power amp (250 to 800 watts, analog or digital), which is housed in a light, compact, black ABS chassis. Then you choose between various options of preamp, EQ and master modules. The three modules you choose slide into the front of the chassis and all you have to do is slide them in. The options and combinations are limited only by the imagination: possibilities range from bare-bones designs (with only Gain and Master controls, for example) to a wide range of elaborate features and however much tonal control you need! Best of all, if and when your needs ever change, you don’t need to buy a whole new amp: you simply buy a new module.
Preamp Module
EQ Module
Master Module
Amp Frame
MoMark Testing Tower The MoMark Testing Tower will be featured at all top Markbass Yellow Point Dealers worldwide. It allows you to quickly and easily compare all the available power and module options and hear the differences for yourself. Not only is it an educational process, which allows you to hear the difference between a tube preamp and a solid state preamp, for example, but it’s also likely to be the most fun you will ever have choosing an amp!
MoMark Amp Frames 250W Amp Frame
500W Amp Frame
This amp frame is a perfect, practical and affordable choice for any situation where 250 watts of power are sufficient. For example: small gigs, jazz players, double bassists, practicing and rehearsing. Features: - State-of-the-art technology - Compact, glossy and ultra-light ABS chassis - 2 rack-unit height and standard rack width (19”/ 48.3 cm with rack ears) - 250W RMS @ 4 ohms / 150W RMS @ 8 ohms - Custom-designed digital power supply - Two high-quality Neutrik speakon combo speaker outs - Balanced XLR line out, pre/post EQ switch, ground lift - Tuner out and effect loop send/return.
The power of this frame is suitable for all kinds of gigs, from small clubs to larger stages. The sound is clear, fast and warm. With this amp, you get the same power and sound that brought widespread international success to all the 500W analog Markbass heads, including the Little Mark II. For most players, it’s just the right amount of power! Features: - State-of-the-art technology - Compact, glossy and ultra-light ABS chassis - 2 rack-unit height and standard rack width (19”/ 48.3 cm with rack ears) - 500W RMS @ 4 ohms / 300W RMS @ 8 ohms - Custom-designed digital power supply circuitry - Two high-quality Neutrik speakon combo speaker outs - Balanced XLR line out, pre/post EQ switch, ground lift - Tuner out and effect loop send/return.
600W Amp Frame
800W Amp Frame
This compact, black ABS chassis houses a 250W A/B class analog power amp. Its ultra-light weight is largely due to the amp’s custom-designed digital power supply. On the rear panel: - Two high-quality Neutrik speakon combo output jacks, designed to accept either speakon or 1⁄4” speaker cables. - Balanced XLR line out for connecting the amplifier directly to a mixing console instead of through a DI box, with a pre/post EQ switch that allows you to choose whether the signal sent to the mixer is affected by the amplifier’s EQ and filter settings or not. - Ground lift switch that allows you to eliminate hum if and when you have grounding problems from your power source. - Tuner out, which sends the signal to a tuner, or to another amp, or to any kind of recording unit that doesn’t require a balanced signal. - Send/return effect loop to connect effect pedals or rack gear. This is wired in parallel.
This light and compact black ABS chassis houses a 500W A/B class analog power amp and features an ultra-light, custom-designed Markbass digital power supply. On the rear panel: - Two high-quality Neutrik speakon combo output jacks, designed to accept speakon or 1⁄4” speaker cables. - Balanced XLR line out for connecting the amplifier directly to a mixing console instead of through a DI box, with a pre/post EQ switch that allows you to choose whether the signal sent to the mixer is affected by the amplifier’s EQ and filter settings or not. - Ground lift switch that allows you to eliminate hum if and when you have grounding problems from your power source. - Tuner out, which allows you to send the signal to a tuner, another amp, or any kind of recording unit that doesn’t require a balanced signal. - Effect loop send/return for connecting effect pedals or rack gear. This is wired in parallel.
A new power amp option has been added to the Markbass range, offering 600 watts to those who play in loud bands, perform in bigger venues, or simply need more power and headroom. The digital power amp gives you super-fast response and exceptional clarity, but doesn’t sacrifice warmth of tone to get there. The chassis is made of black ABS: it’s light, compact and solid! The ultra-light Markbass custom-designed digital power supply allows for impeccable bass frequency reproduction. On the rear panel: - Two high-quality Neutrik speakon combo outputs jacks, designed to accept speakon or 1⁄4” speaker cables. - Balanced XLR line out for connecting the amplifier directly to a mixing console instead of through a DI box, with a pre/post EQ switch that allows you to choose whether the signal sent to the mixer is affected by the amplifier’s EQ and filter settings or not. - Ground lift switch that allows you to eliminate hum if and when you have grounding problems from your power source. - Tuner out, which allows you to send the signal to a tuner, another amp, or any kind of recording unit that doesn’t require a balanced signal. - Effect loop send/return for connecting effect pedals or rack gear. This is wired in parallel.
This is without a doubt the amp of choice for big-stage applications, and in any circumstance where you need serious headroom. Even at top volume, the sound is exceptionally clear. And, due to the digital power amp, you get ultra-fast response and unparalleled reproduction of every minute detail in your playing. The sleek black ABS chassis is light, compact and solid! The featherweight, custom-designed Markbass digital power supply enables impeccable bass frequency reproduction. On the rear panel: - Two high-quality Neutrik speakon combo outputs jacks, designed to accept speakon or 1⁄4” speaker cables. - Balanced XLR line out for connecting the amplifier directly to a mixing console instead of through a DI box, with a pre/post EQ switch that allows you to choose whether the signal sent to the mixer is affected by the amplifier’s EQ and filter settings or not. - Ground lift switch that allows you to eliminate hum if and when you have grounding problems from your power source. - Tuner out, which allows you to send the signal to a tuner, another amp, or any kind of recording unit that doesn’t require a balanced signal. - Effect loop send/return for connecting effect pedals or rack gear. This is wired in parallel.
The incredible-sounding 600W digital power amp housed in this frame takes full advantage of cutting-edge technology. To sum it up: this is one powerful and incredibly dynamic power amp! Features: - State-of-the-art technology - Compact, glossy and ultra-light ABS chassis - 2 rack-unit height and standard rack width (19”/ 48.3 cm with rack ears) - 600W RMS @ 4 ohms / 370W RMS @ 8 ohms - Custom-designed digital power supply circuitry - Two high-quality Neutrik speakon combo speaker outs - Balanced XLR line out, pre/post EQ switch, ground lift - Tuner out and effect loop send/return.
Whatever your headroom and power requirements, the 800 glorious watts from this powerful amp will satisfy your needs—even in the loudest of bands! Features: - State-of-the-art technology - Compact, glossy and ultra-light ABS chassis - 2 rack-unit height and standard rack width (19”/ 48.3 cm with rack ears) - 800W RMS @ 4 ohms / 450W RMS @ 8 ohms - Custom-designed digital power supply circuitry - Two high-quality Neutrik speakon combo speaker outs - Balanced XLR line out, pre/post EQ switch, ground lift - Tuner out and effect loop send/return.
MoMark Preamp Modules R1M
S1P
For everyone who loves a bit of crunch in their tone, the R1M preamp module reproduces the glorious sound of the R 500 head. It’s a solid state preamp but possesses a warm, harmonic-rich sound that we normally expect from tube preamps. However, it’s always tight and never out of control, and the fundamental tone of the instrument is preserved even when you crank the gain. The R1M preamp module also features a handy mute switch.
The S1P preamp module features a high-quality Neutrik combo input jack that accepts either a balanced XLR cable or a 1⁄4” instrument cable. It also features a phantom power on/off switch for the XLR input—allowing you to use a condenser microphone— and a handy mute switch. Great for double bass!
S2
S1FX
• Solid-state preamp • Warm and distortable sound • Mute switch • Inspired by the R 500 pre section
• Solid-state preamp • Ultra-linear frequency response • Inspired by the LMK preamp section Designed for flexibility, the S2 solid-state preamp module features two input channels with gain control and clip LED for each. Set separate levels for two basses (i.e. an electric and an acoustic) or use one of the inputs for your instrument and the other for a drum machine, laptop or sequencer!
• Solid-state preamp • Neutrik combo input jack (XLR/1/4”) • Phantom power (on/off) • Mute switch
• Solid-state preamp • Ultra-linear frequency response • Onboard digital effects • Blend control: dry/effect The S1FX solid-state preamp module is the perfect choice for anyone who likes to use onboard effects as a part of their sound. High-quality effects such as reverb and chorus are included. The effect mix knob allows you to control how much effected sound is mixed in with the clean sound of your instrument.
S1M-HE
T1M-HE
The S1M-HE preamp module features the standard-setting sound characteristics that have driven the international success of our top-selling Little Mark II and SA 450 amplifiers—but upgrades the components to the highest level, including gold-plated circuits. This is the choice for those who are discriminating about extreme sound fidelity! It’s a solid-state preamp with a warm and natural sound that faithfully reproduces the tone of whatever instrument you play through it, without adding coloration. The S1M preamp features an unbalanced input (usable for both passive and active basses), gain control, clip LED, and a mute switch. This last function is useful for when you need to change instruments during a performance, or tune in silence when using a tuner connected to the tuner output.
The awesome high-end components and gold-plated circuits of the T1M-HE tube preamp module give it an exceptional sound fidelity. Its tube glorifies the harmonics, reproducing every detail of the instrument’s tone with exceptional defi nition, offering tube warmth without distortion. This module features a mute switch as well, allowing you to tune in silence with a tuner connected to the tuner output, or to change instruments without disconnecting your cable.
• Solid-state preamp • Ultra-linear frequency response • High-end components • Mute switch • Pre section inspired by the Little Mark II and the SA 450
• Tube preamp • Ultra-linear frequency response • High-end components • Mute switch • Pre section inspired by the Little Mark II and SA 450
MoMark EQ Modules EQ4VV
• 4-band equalizer • EQ section inspired by the Little Mark II • VLE filter • VPF filter The EQ4VV features the same (four band) EQ and filters as our top-selling Little Mark II head. The two filters VLE (Vintage Loudspeaker Emulator) and VPF (Variable Preshape Filter) allow you to easily and quickly access a wide range of tones ranging from old-school to ultra-modern. This simple but versatile set of tone controls will allow you to adapt your sound to suit pretty much any style of music.
EQS4
• Two channels of four-band EQ • Channel selector switch: CH1, CH2, CH1+CH2 • Inspired by the two-channel EQ section of the LMK The EQS4 features two 4-band EQ sections. This means you can set up two different settings for one instrument, different settings for two separate sound sources (if used with the 2-channel S2 preamp module), or a tonal mix of both channels. It’s the way to go if you need two different sound settings during your performance, or use more than one instrument on your gigs!
EQ3
EQ44S
• 4-band semi-parametric equalizer • EQ section inspired by the TA 503 • Super-flexible EQ control The EQ44S module provides you with a great deal of tonal control thanks to its four bands of semi-parametric EQ. With ease and precision, you can fine-tune your tone, compensate for bad venue acoustics, carve out your place in the mix with the other instruments, or control feedback from acoustic instruments like double bass.
EQVV
•VLE filter •VPF filter The EQVV leaves out EQ controls in favour of the practical Markbass VLE and VPF filters, which were designed to give bassists quick access to two very commonly used tonal characters. The VLE (Vintage Loudspeaker Emulator) filters out high frequencies to give you a mellower, less modern sound, especially useful for acoustic and older styles of music. The VPF (Variable Pre-shape Filter) boosts lows and highs, and cuts mids. This filter has very powerful uses for rock music and is also a favorite of many slap bass players. Using them separately or in combination can lead to very appealing and musical results.
• 3-band equalizer • Simple and effective EQ control The old-school EQ3 module features three bands of EQ: low, mid and high. The controls are basic and effective, and allow you to change the sound of your instrument in simple, broad strokes, or leave it unaltered when set flat.
MoMark Master Modules MVLF
M2VLF
The MVLF module features the VLE filter (Vintage Loudspeaker Emulator), line out level control, a footswitch input for mute and EQ bypass functions, and the new bi-band limiter. The VLE (Vintage Loudspeaker Emulator) filters out high frequencies to give you a mellower, less modern sound, especially useful for acoustic and older styles of music. The line out level control is useful for managing the amount of signal that you send to the mixer or a recording device through the balanced XLR line out. The new bi-band limiter responds faster and more dynamically to your playing than traditional limiters do. It will make this module popular among slap players and anyone who enjoys a quick, punchy attack.
The M2VLF module, equipped with our new bi-band limiter, also features the VLE filter, line out level control, and a footswitch input for turning channels 1 and 2 on or off (when used with the S2 preamp module and/or EQS4 EQ module). The VLE (Vintage Loudspeaker Emulator) filters out high frequencies to give you a mellower, less modern sound, especially useful for acoustic and older styles of music. The line out level control is useful for managing the amount of signal that you send to the mixer or a recording device through the balanced XLR line out. The new biband limiter responds faster and more dynamically to your playing than traditional limiters do. It will make this module popular among slap players and anyone who enjoys a quick, punchy attack.
• Master level control • VLE filter • Line out level control • Footswitch (mute-to-tune / EQ bypass) • Revolutionary new high-tech bi-band limiter
• Master level control • VLE filter • Line out level control • Footswitch (CH1, CH2, CH1+CH2) • Revolutionary new high-tech bi-band limiter
M2VLMF
• Master level control • VLE filter • Line out level control • Footswitch (CH1, CH2, mute) • Revolutionary new high-tech bi-band limiter The M2VLMF module features the VLE filter, line out level control, a footswitch input for changing channels and muting your signal, and the new bi-band limiter. The VLE (Vintage Loudspeaker Emulator) filters out high frequencies to give you a mellower, less modern sound, especially useful for acoustic and older styles of music. The line out level control is useful for managing the amount of signal that you send to the mixer or a recording device through the balanced XLR line out. The footswitch input allows you to change the channel (if used with the S2 preamp module and/or EQS4 EQ module) or mute both channels, a very useful function when you need to change instruments during a performance, or tune in silence when you have a tuner connected to the tuner output. The new bi-band limiter responds faster and more dynamically to your playing than traditional limiters do. It will make this module popular among slap players and anyone who enjoys a quick, punchy attack.
Compressore
Distorsore
COMPRESSORE is no mere stomp box... it’s a state-of-the-art compression tool. Although it’s very easy and practical to use, it may just be the finest tube compressor pedal ever created! It features the individual controls you would normally find on outboard studio compressors: - clean (instrument input level control) - threshold (input level at which the sound becomes compressed) - ratio (how intense the compression is) - attack (how quickly the sound is compressed) - release (how quickly the sound decompresses) While some compressor pedals offer individual control of nearly all of these parameters, the controls on most comp boxes adjust two or more parameters simultaneously; some have only a single compression knob. This pedal gives you full control. COMPRESSORE also features a direct balanced XLR output and ground switch which allows you to use it simultaneously as a DI box, sending your signal (post-compression) direct to a mixer, recording unit, or audio interface. Like all our pedals, this unit features true bypass, which means that when the compressor is ‘off’, your signal goes directly from the input jack to the output jack without any degradation of audio quality.
This exciting new tube distortion pedal gives you the warm tube crunch that you can only get from tubes! Although it gives you access to a wide range of tones, it always honors the basic character of your instrument by adding tube distortion to the clean sound of your bass. Clean controls your input level; Tube controls the intensity of the distortion; and Mix lets you choose the balance between the clean and the distorted signals. Since distorting bass frequencies can seriously muddy your low end sound, DISTORSORE features a very practical filter for bass, the High Pass! It allows you to only distort the high frequencies. This keeps your sound tight and focused, no matter how distorted you get. As you turn this knob up, a wider and wider range of low frequencies is kept clean, so you are only distorting the high frequencies and keeping your bottom end full and tight. This produces rich harmonics and exciting distortion, but every note remains distinct and focused and the natural tone of your instrument still shines through. DISTORSORE features a direct balanced XLR output (with ground lift) that allows you to also use the pedal as a DI box, sending your (post effect) signal straight to a mixing board or balanced XLR soundcard input. Great for recording! Like all our pedals, this unit features true bypass, which means that when the distortion is ‘off’, your signal goes directly from the input jack to the output jack without any degradation of audio quality.
VLE VPF Booster
Octaver
For many Markbass amp users, the VLE and VPF filters are the only EQ knobs they turn! This pedal allows everyone to add these two magic Markbass filters to their sound, giving them quick access to a wide range of timbres, from vintage tones to modern hi-fi sound. The VLE (Vintage Loudspeaker Emulator) filters out high frequencies to give you a mellower, less modern sound: especially useful for acoustic and older styles of music. The VPF (Variable Pre-shape Filter) boosts lows and highs, and cuts mids; this filter has very powerful uses for rock music and is also a favorite of many slap bass players. Using the filters separately or in combination can lead to very appealing and musical results. The VLE VPF BOOSTER pedal also gives you a clean Boost, very handy for helping you stand out when taking a solo! This highly practical pedal also acts as a DI, and you can connect it directly to a mixer, recording unit or audio interface via the balanced XLR output (with ground switch). Like all our pedals, this unit features true bypass, which means that when the filters are ‘off’, your signal goes directly from the input jack to the output jack without any degradation of audio quality.
The Markbass OCTAVER boasts incredible range and ultra-funky sounds, and is dead simple to use. Add thickness to your sound by mixing in doubles of your playing pitched either one or two octaves down. This stompbox always sounds musical even when you’re playing double stops and chords! The pedal features separate controls, switches and outputs for each octave. The low notes are focused and perfectly in tune, and the sound is super clean! Like all our pedals, this unit features true bypass, which means that when the octaver is ‘off’, your signal goes directly from the input jack to the output jack without any degradation of audio quality.
Yellow Box
Riverbero
Markbass has a keen understanding of the needs of recording and live sound engineers, and has worked long and hard to design a state-of-theart direct box that fully meets these professional needs. Phase distortion and harmonic distortion are most prevalent at lower frequencies, but through the Yellow Box, the sound of your bass comes through nice and clear with smooth, transparent low end. This unit is extremely quiet and clean, and has been optimized to give full, rich, linear sound at all frequencies, handling extreme transients without introducing any distortion or color to your sound. The Yellow Box performs beautifully with any source you put through it... not just bass. No matter what type of signal you use it for, the Yellow Box always sounds full and natural! It’s great for acoustic and electric guitars, electronic drums, high-output electronic instruments and digital keyboards.
RIVERBERO’s digital signal processing gives you incredible control over the placement of your instrument’s sound in different “spaces”, giving you very natural, adjustable reverb that can be fine-tuned with pre-delay and decay control. RIVERBERO offers many stereo presets including spring, plate, and room reverbs... all identified on the display and modifiable in real-time. The USB connection allows you to modify the parameters on your computer using the supplied Markbass software, and then store your favourite settings in the pedal to have them at your disposal whenever you need them! Like all our pedals, this unit features true bypass, which means that when the reverb is ‘off’, your signal goes directly from the input jack to the output jack without any degradation of audio quality.
Chorus/Flanger
Synth
The Markbass stereo CHORUS/FLANGER pedal offers lush chorusing and psychedelic flanging, modifiable in real time with the speed and width controls. The mix control allows you to carefully blend your dry and effected sounds. The display is easy to read and always identifies what effect is being applied. The preset parameters can be modified using the supplied Markbass software, and downloaded back to the pedal from your computer via the USB connection. Like all our pedals, this unit features true bypass, which means that when the effect is ‘off’, your signal goes directly from the input jack to the output jack without any degradation of audio quality.
The Markbass SYNTH pedal offers seriously cool sounds with no tracking delay! Set the sensitivity level to perfectly match how hard or soft you play, and the SYNTH pedal tracks your playing quickly and accurately to create a wide range of bass synth tones. The sounds are crunchy but also smooth and deep, and include wavetable, analog, and FM-style synth bass sounds as well as envelope filters and more... all sensitive to the intensity of your attack. You can either use the synth output on its own, or mix in your dry bass sound and use the mix output. Synth presets are selected using the up/down footswitches. The effect can be completely bypassed using the ‘true bypass’ feature which allows you to send the signal directly from the input jack to the output jack without any degradation of the audio quality. The preset parameters can be modified using the supplied Markbass software, and downloaded back to the pedal from your computer via the USB connection.