Markbass SA450

Has most of the usual amp controls... parametric 4 band eq, a couple of contour controls, tuner output, fx loop. It's strange but I've never really had to use the eq section. You can pretty much alter the contour VLF and VLE controls to suit your taste then if need be use the eq as a last resort. Seems to work quite well.

For an amp of this price I'd expect a mute switch :O( A very annoying ommision.

Play a Cort Funkmachine, Lakland 44-02 and Ibanez ATK. Amazing clarity from all basses but one thing bugs the living hell out of me... I spent ages wondering why I was getting terrible compression when playing slap stuff. Originally thought it was the behringer composer pro I was using, turned it off, still did it. Thought it was the cabs, changed cabs, moved to EBS from Markbass... still doing it :o( Eventually realised it was the input stage of the amp. Even though I would set the gain below the clip point, it would limit the signal without me knowing. For this single reason alone I'm selling it... I can't seem to get anywhere near the volume I would normally. It's a shame, it sounds fab but I find that feature unforgivable.

Faultless so far, 12 months old.

I'm tempted to get in touch with customer services to see what they say about my input stage... then again... I might just buy an EBS.

Sounds great, missing vital features though and weird input stage has made me dislike it.

Bought second hand a couple of years old. The head delivers (& it really delivers) 500W into 4 ohms, 300W with one 8 ohm speaker. Powerful 4 band eq with variable mid bands, as well as a couple of variable filters VLE & VPF which dial up a couple of different sound shapes. The manual says to set the main EQ to accommodate the characteristics of room & then leave it alone, using the other filters to change the sound, & that works perfectly for me. Rarely change the EQ much off 12 o'clock, small changes make a big difference. The VLE & VPF filters are also excelletn for adding more of an old school, or more of a brighter funkier feel very easily. Other controls are usual pre & post gain, effects loop selectable as pre or post gain, tuner out, balances XLR line out with variable output, ground lift, two speakon/jack sockets. No compressor built in, however I use a Trace compressor so don't mind that. No headphone out but I use a POD to practice quietly at home so don't miss it.

I use it with a Warwick $$ through a Trace Elliot dual compressor and a Line 6 Bass POD XT Pro most of the time, however I am not using any of the modelling of the POD live, just straight in & out using the tuner only (might get rid of the POD & replace with a rack tuner as I never use any features live, but like to have the effects available for the future). Speakers are both Mark Bass, a Traveller 15 which I use for most practices (to save my back) and a 2x15 HF which I add in live to tighten the high end. I play in a Concert Band and in a Rock band playing all sorts of music through it.
No unwanted noise whatsoever from the amp, and a very quiet/silent cooling fan. The sound is very clear, no mush or fuzz. previously had an Ashdown Mag 300 which I liked, however the difference in sound quality is marked, the Ashdown was much mushoer, the SA450 with these cabs is clear, bright when you want it to be, but also deep & powerful as well - whatever note/sound is fed in comes out with clarity & power. The Warwick $$ has a very versatile range of sounds and the Mark Bass gear really lets the different sounds come through. And as to volume, this thing is LOUD. Even outside I rarely go much over 10 O'clock with the gain controls (with 1 or both speakers) or I drown out the rest of the band - the sound really seems to travel as well (partly the front ported 2x10 cab) as no matter where you are in the room it is just as loud & clear.

Don't own a backup, would be stuffed if it failed. However never had any signs of problems at all. Have it rack mounted for protection so not too worried.

Emailed with questions about cab sizes prior to buying and had a quick reply, otherwise not needed to contact them. Small but good instructions with it.

Started 25 years ago, but stopped for 20 years of that. Playing again for last 4 years. Have had a Laney Hardcore Max and an Ashdown Mag 300 combo prior to this. Bought this partly to save my back as the Mark Bass head & cabs are much lighter, and as I had tried one in London & could not stop thinking how clear & powerful it was. The Mark Bass gear was much more expensive, but worth every penny & more as it is in a different class.
The sound is immense yet also clear & precise at the same time, I just love it. If it were stolen I would get another without hesitation.