Genz Benz ML200-115T 115 Combo

2004 Model, shipped directly from the factory. I find it to be incredibly versatile, as I play both electric and upright. Both of them 5-Stringers. I play both live, and in the studio. This puts me across the entire sound spectrum of bass audio reproduction, which in turn makes me very demanding of my amps. Even though it only has one channel, it has a 4-band parametric equalizer that works incredibly well. It also has ways to emphasize certain shapes ofthe sound wave you dial in via Bass Boost/Mid Scoop/ and Signal Attack push buttons. These three buttons actually work quite well, allowing me to add punch to my electric, and smooth things out for the electric. It seems to have plenty of power, and I love that you can split the signal from 200 bridged, to 100 watts per cab via extension speakers. Set the extension on the other side of the stage, and you've got instant stereo. The DI is so clean it's almost scary.

Both of my electrics are Washburn Custom Shop XB-925's loaded w/huge honkin' Bartolini Soap Bar Humbuckers and Bartolini Pre-amp. They are exceptionally versatile and serve me well whether I'm playing country, or Jazz. My upright is also a five stringer that I had put together to act as a workhorse for anything from Orchestral Music to Country and Jazz. Because the amp is so clean it allows me to engage any of my instruments w/in any style. My basses sound great, like---"MY BASSES." No phony mids, cheese box phony grind, or any of those other tone colorations used by inexpensive amps in order to make you think that the cheese box you're playing through has more balls than it actually does. W/the Genz Benz you can get a genuine Ampeg like grind by using more Gain and less Master Volume. If you want a clean Polytone Hi-Fi like sound, then use very little Gain and lean on the
Master Volume. If you want that fully overloaded SVT Sound just throw a Sans Amp Bass Driver on the front end, crank up the Gain, and back off of the Master Volume. I went w/the 1 15" speaker, because my Low "B" is often de-tuned to Low "A". This forced the 10" speakers to break up at higher volumes, especially under the Thunderously Low Strain of a boed Low "A" on the upright. The 15" speaker handles this stuff w/ease.

Only had a few weeks, but comes w/a three year warranty. These amps have a reputation as being work horses as reliable as those old middling sounding Peavey's that never break down.

Genzler himself often answers the phone. Combine that w/the aforementioned three year warranty, and you're talking superior customer support.

I've been playing for roughly 30 years. I have many direct boxes which serve as my back up amps at live gigs, or parallel signal runners when I have a chance to use my amps as monitors. I prefer the Sans Amp for Electric, and the Paracoustic for the upright. If it were lost I might buy the 400 watt version just to give myself more headroom for bowing the upright, though this amp hs yet to let me down in the sound category. It is crystal clear sound at Peavey prices.

Dual ouput design, 200 Watt power amp, Active/Passive input switch, Active 3 band EQ with parametric mid, XLR direct output with ground lift, pre EQ effects loop, Ported cabinet, Cabinet design can be used standing up or in a monitor position. You can split the power amp into 100 watts each for adding extension cab.

I'm using this with a US Master's EP5. Very clean, powerful, and deep. I haven't had a problem filling any room with it. In the smaller rooms at lower volumes I use it alone and EQ to the room, in larger rooms I add a 2-10's cabinet for more distinct mid's and high.
That way the 15 gets to be the 15 and add that monsterous low end.
I haven't been able to play out and make this thing distort. If anything I'm told to turn down.
I get the sound I want from the bass guitar. I don't rely on the amp to make up for short comings of tone. I use the amp to enhance my sound and make it louder and softer. Tweak but not replace.
I use this for rock, funk, jazz,
I've also used it with a cheap 5 string Brice fretless. It sounds great without alot of tweaking. I add a chorus, turn down the neck pickup a little, keep the bridge pickup full and MWAH!!!
This combo is a deal

I've used this every week for the last year and a half with no problems

I haven't had to deal with them

This Combo is great for what is is. I've been playing for over thirty years, owned SVT's, Acoustic 360, Fender Dual Showman, Guild Thunderbass, and alot inbetween. This a a very good combo for the money. No it doesn't distort, it's not a punk amp. But it's clean and loud and reliable.

You already know. It's a nice looking amp. The tiltback feature is very nice. I find the 3 band EQ very lacking though. It has lows, semi-parametric mids, and highs. A 4 or 5 band EQ would have been much better and provided much more flexibility. A really big problem I have is that the tweeter is unvariable and can't be turned off. This makes my head steam.

The twin power amps is a nice touch though.

This amp sounds like crap with a 5-string. I play an Ibanez SRX705 and I quickly became tired of having to EQ everything around the B-string. It was either the B string sounded good and the other strings sounded like thin bright crap or the B string sounded like pure unaudible mud and the other strings sounded nice and dark. I remember many practice sessions where I spent like 2+ hours just fiddling with the EQ. At first I thought this was a bass issue, but several very experienced bassists told me it was an amp issue with how the manufacturers had the EQ shelving setup.

Like I said above the unvariable tweeter is a HUGE drawback. I hate the tone of this amp. Just too clean. This was a X-mas present and it was between the Ampeg BA-210, Peavey Combo 115, Yorkville XM200T, and this amp. Everyday I wish I would have got the Ampeg. I prefer a darker, rawer sound, this amp is clean with icepick on a chalkboard highs. Ug. It's my own fault though. I took a gamble when I bought this amp and I lost. I also had to find out the hardway that a 2X10 sound way better than a 1X15.

I just traded in my SRX705 for a Fender Standard P because of this POS. Thanks Genz Benz.

I 've only had it a couple months now and it's been OK.

I've never dealt with them, But I hear they have decent customer support.

I would maybe consider a Genz cab, but I'll never buy a Genz amp again. I have recently been diagnosed with cancer and that is eating up all my money so I'm gonna be stuck with this amp for a long time. Oh well, live and learn.

The ML 200 combos are among the most elite in their class of bass amplification systems. The unique monitor shape allows these powerful combos to be ideally suited for the tightest of stages or by using them in the upright position, can be used like any conventional combo.


The Dual Output Design pushes 200 watts into each combo or with the flick of a switch, splits the amp for use with an extension cabinet. This flexible design operates the power amp in bridged mode (200 watts @ 8 ohms) or two separate amps (each 100 watts @ 4 ohms).ML 200-115T
The combination of the powerful 15? speaker and bullet tweeter guarantees big output, full-rounded lows with crisp highs.

I Play a P bass set up on a custom bass and I also have a Schecter Studio 5 string. Wow this kick back model amp handles the low B with ease. This amp is very quiet even under neon light you do hear the fan blowing at lower volumes when I am practicing at home. I acn thump on this all day long.

It is 8 months old an everything is running well.Seems very well made the Only thing I would have done is put a better handel on it maybe two spring loaded handels one on each side.

NA

If you like Jazz you will love it. If you like thumping the funk out of it, you will love it. If you like rocking the church in worship with it, you'll love. Great for the Studio and a setting were direct out is used, but not so mush for an out door concert. DA