Long before he was shouting
“You’re going to Hollywood!” to would-be
pop stars on American Idol, Randy Jackson
was busy building a bass resume longer
than an Idol audition line. Though his gigs
and sessions have slowed since his days
with Journey, Aretha, Springsteen, Mariah
Carey, and Stryper (yes, that Stryper), you
can bet this dawg still takes tone seriously.
A few years back, Randy paired up with
Dean Markley to design a signature Alchemy
string, which we praised for their pliability
and mellow tone [Soundroom, September
2007]. Jackson’s latest partnership is with
Markbass, who recently released the TTE
500 Randy Jackson signature head. The
TTE (“Tube Technology Emulator”) 500
aims to capture a vintage look and sound
using modern technology, and is designed
for optimal use with Markbass’s New York
151 RJ cabinet.
Adriatic Glee
The Italian-made TTE/151 rig cuts a striking
silhouette; the cabinet’s gold piping and
the head’s chic script are all class, and the
rhino-reminiscent vinyl covering lends the rig
a certain brawniness. Aside from the tweeter’s
prominent placement (which I find a
bit too bold), I dig most things about the
cabinet, from its top-mounted handle to its
side-mounted tweeter attenuator. This is the
kind of rig that’s easily carried with a piece
in each hand and a gig bag on your back,
which wins major style points in my book.
Both the head and the cab feel solidly built.
Markbass has attracted quite a cadre of
artists and amateur endorsers with its ability
to blend power, tonal flexibility, and portability.
All three of these hallmarks are present
in the TTE 500. Rated at 500 watts through
4Ω, the TTE 500 pumps a beefy 300 watts
through the 8Ω New York 151 cab. Though
I wouldn’t mind adding an extension cabinet
for larger rooms, the 1x15 cab kicked out
more than ample air for any club/theater
gig I might play, and kept up at high volumes
without getting flatulent. The subtle,
musical compressor and 3-band passive
tone stack give the TTE a classic vibe, and
the colour control (those familiar with the
Markbass Little Mark might recognize this
as the VLE filter) does a praiseworthy job
of nicking the dark, guttural grunt of some
prized old bass cabs.
Around back, the Markbass has the
essential fixings you’d need on a gig: a balanced
XLR out, two Speakon combo jacks,
and a GROUND/LIFT switch. (Note: If the lack
of an effects loop or a TUNER out is a dealbreaker,
you might want to check out the
also-new Markbass Big Bang.)
The Randy Jackson rig, along with a big
batch of other new gear from Markbass,
signals that 2012 is a big year for the company.
Those looking to find the future of
tone might check out their other offerings.
Those who feel that the best tone is oldschool
should think long and hard about
the TTE 500. Already sold on its charms
and ready to lay down some lira? Now
that’s amore.
TTE 500
Street $800
Pros Meaty passive preamp with tube
compression
Cons None
NEW YORK 151 RJ
Street $700
Pros Compact, ergonomic design
Cons Unusual tweeter placement
Contact markbass.it
TECH SPECS
TTE 500
Preamp Tube
Tube complement 3 x ECC83, 1 x ECC81
(for compressor)
Power amp Class AB
Power rating 300 watts @ 8Ω
Controls active/passive switch (-10dB), gain,
compressor level, low, mid, high, colour (filter,
500Hz–20kHz range at max), master
Rear panel 2 x Speakon combo jacks,
XLR line out, ground/lift switch
Dimensions 17.7" x 6.7" x 9.65"
Weight 13.2 lbs
Made in Italy
NEW YORK 151 RJ
Cabinet type 1 x 15 plus compression
driver horn
Cabinet construction Rear ported
Power handling 400 watts
Impedance 8Ω
Dimensions 17.7" x 23.25" x 17.8"
Weight 37.7 lbs
Made in Italy