Gallien-Krueger MB200 - can I use it with headphones only?

thedovewarlord

thedovewarlord

Dec 29, 2010
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#1
Will the MB200 operate with just headphones & aux in, and not connected to a speaker cabinet?

Silly question I'm sure, hoping someone with experience knows for sure and doesnt mind responding please.

Looking to use this amp mainly for quiet practice, such as sitting on the couch while family is watching TV?

Thoughts are welcome too.

Thank you.
 
#3
Yes
It's more of a tube amp thing that you have to have a speaker connected. The MB200 is solid state; no worries. There are exceptions to both (for instance the smaller PF tube amps by Ampeg) but generally tube amps need a speaker and solid state amps don't.
 
#4
Thank you both for the fast reply. They already hear the clanking sound unfortunately :)

I was also interested in the ELF, but apparently doesnt have an aux input and not sure if the TC Electronic is a better choice.

I have a GK700RBII so leaning toward the MB200 but more money.


Anyhow thanks again for the replies.
 
#5
Wait, what? The ELF doesn't have aux in? That would be kind of a huge oversight. If this is true I'm a bit embarrassed I hadn't seen or read that.... I totally want an ELF, but that would be a deal breaker.
 
#6
basscooker said:
Wait, what? The ELF doesn't have aux in? That would be kind of a huge oversight. If this is true I'm a bit embarrassed I hadn't seen or read that.... I totally want an ELF, but that would be a deal breaker.
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Nope.

TRC%20ELF_m2-Large.jpg

Trace-Elliot-Elf-Micro-Amplifier-Amp-Head_800x.jpg
 
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#7
Any idea how the MB200 sounds via headphones? Quality? Can I control the volume?

I see other options in the same price range, but as I continue to research, the MB200 seems to get favorable reviews for reliability, if there's any opinions that are contrary, it would be nice to know.

Mentioned before, but I'm already covered w/main head 700RBII so I'm trying to avoid my tendency (instinct, GAS) towards a higher wattage rated amp....

How's the Ampeg PF-350 or the Ampeg SVT Micro VR 200, sseing a lot of complaints on Ampeg gear especially the PF-500. I play with a pick, and do tend to dig in and hit hard so should I be leary of them?

Might be veering off topic slightly, hope that's aok.
 
#8
Have you looked at a vox plug in Ampule? I have an extension 1/4 that goes from the bass to the module, so its not connected to the bass (I can put it in front of me that way) and it has an aux in.

A lot cheaper and more portable. It sounds pretty good and with a good set of earphones it rocks pretty good. It what I use for silent practice.
 
#9
thedovewarlord said:
Any idea how the MB200 sounds via headphones? Quality? Can I control the volume?

I see other options in the same price range, but as I continue to research, the MB200 seems to get favorable reviews for reliability, if there's any opinions that are contrary, it would be nice to know.

Mentioned before, but I'm already covered w/main head 700RBII so I'm trying to avoid my tendency (instinct, GAS) towards a higher wattage rated amp....

How's the Ampeg PF-350 or the Ampeg SVT Micro VR 200, sseing a lot of complaints on Ampeg gear especially the PF-500. I play with a pick, and do tend to dig in and hit hard so should I be leary of them?

Might be veering off topic slightly, hope that's aok.
Click to expand...
Some of the earliest PF 500s had problems but they have long been fixed.
 
#10
JimmyM said:
Some of the earliest PF 500s had problems but they have long been fixed.
Click to expand...
Thank you @JimmyM, I read so many post replies by you, you always seem to have solid info. What do you think of the VR tone vs the PF350. Though I intend to use as a headphone type practice, I have a SWR 410 that is gathering dust these days since I got my Aguilar DB412 and 700RB rig. Unreal sounding, perfect for me, works so well amongst my band, two high-gain guitars rocking and my drummer is a heavy hitter mofo too. Do you think either will pair well? I do not slap.

Also saw the Magellan 350 seems like there are so many choices, I'm getting carred away here.

JGbassman said:
Have you looked at a vox plug in Ampule?
Click to expand...
@JGbassman yes, thank you, I have tried and that's an excellent option, I have one. It's a bit crakly these days, I rarely use it anymore, looking for a bit higher quality not to sound snobbish, I'm not Marcus Miller level great or anything.
 
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#11
thedovewarlord said:
Thank you @JimmyM, I read so many post replies by you, you always seem to have solid info. What do you think of the VR tone vs the PF350. Though I intend to use as a headphone type practice, I have a SWR 410 that is gathering dust these days since I got my Aguilar DB412 and 700RB rig. Unreal sounding, perfect for me, works so well amongst my band, two high-gain guitars rocking and my drummer is a heavy hitter mofo too. Do you think either will pair well? I do not slap.
Click to expand...
The Micro VR and PF350 sound about the same to me. They both use the same preamp. I think I'd probably go for the 350 just because if you use it for the band, you will probably appreciate the extra power.
 
#12
I have the MB200 and have used it several times with headphones so I wouldn't bother my wife when she's asleep. It's everything you'll want! I really wanted an Elf, too because I love Trace stuff, but no aux in or Speakon outs were the deal breaker.
 
#13
Thank you guys. Apreciate the responses. I'll look for a store where I can side by side the MB200 & PF350. I never notice Genz Benz gear in the stores around me, intriqued by the Magellan 350 too. Seems like it has some serious ptential also. Would love to try it too.
 
#15
I used to have an early non-US MB200. I remember that the aux in either summed to mono or only used the L or R signal (I don’t remember which, but it always bugged me).
Can anyone with a newer version comment if this is still the case?
 
#16
Stevorebob said:
The MB200 is excellent as a headphone practice amp. Great sound. It’s my primary way to practice. And it doubles as a backup amp/DI easily stowed in a gig bag.
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I used one as a dedicated headphone amp for a couple of years until a lightning storm took it out. Great for guitar with an outboard reverb as well as bass. By the time it died, I had picked up a Mesa D800, which I now use. However, PITA to disconnect when I want to use it as a bass amp, so always on the lookout for another MB200 on the cheap to use solely as headphone amp.
 
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