Markbass 102 Black Line | CMC Music | RRP $1395
We’ve reviewed a lot of Markbass equipment in the past, and the CMB 102 Black Line represents one of the latest offerings from their Black Line range, now including two 10” speakers in a robust enclosure, great for smaller gigs and more. Grit and drive is available, and high headroom makes it a perfect option for clean sounds as well, the dual speakers pushing out plenty of sound across the entire frequency spectrum.
The Markbass CMB 102 Black Line stands as an amazingly accessible 2×10″ combo for players of all creeds, which complements other combos in the Italian manufacturer’s acclaimed Black Line series. This solid-state combo amplifier represents an excellent bridge between practice and performance applications, offering professional Markbass tone in a format that’s both accessible to beginners and practical for gigging musicians.
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At the heart of the CMB 102 Black Line is 150 watts and 2 x 10″ speakers that delivers enough power for the rehearsal room or smaller gigs. This power rating strikes an ideal balance – providing sufficient volume for band rehearsals and intimate venues while remaining manageable for home practice sessions. With 150 watts of power driving the two 10-inch speakers, the CMB 102 Black Line provides a full, rich tone that’s ideal for practice, rehearsal and gigs.
CMB 102 Black Line
The CMB 102 Black Line excels in multiple scenarios. For home practice, its headphone output and aux input create an ideal learning environment. In rehearsal settings, the 150-watt power rating provides ample volume to compete with drums and amplified guitars. For smaller venues, coffee shops, and acoustic sets, the combo delivers professional sound quality without overwhelming the space.
The balanced output also makes this amplifier recording-friendly, allowing direct connection to audio interfaces for home recording projects. This versatility makes the CMB 102 Black Line a comprehensive solution that can grow with a player’s developing needs.
The speaker configuration offers several advantages over single-speaker designs. Firstly, this setup provides better frequency response, increased projection, and more even sound dispersion throughout a room. Secondly, the speakers work together to produce the punchy, articulate tone that Markbass amplifiers are renowned for, delivering clarity across the entire frequency spectrum from deep lows to crisp highs.
The CMB 102 Black Line features 4-band EQ with Low Mid and High Mid controls, a Scooped switch for removing a nice amount of mids, the BOOST switch to add nice saturation to your sound. This comprehensive control section allows bassists to sculpt their tone with precision. The four-band EQ overall includes separate bass, two midrange frequencies, and treble controls, providing exceptional tonal flexibility.
The two midrange controls allows for precise tonal adjustments. The Scooped switch creates that sought-after “smile curve” EQ setting that enhances both bass and treble while reducing midrange frequencies – perfect for cutting through a dense mix. The Boost switch adds harmonic saturation and compression, ideal for achieving that warm, driven tone that works beautifully for rock and funk styles.
Modern bassists need versatility for both gigging and practice, the CMB 102 Black Line delivering on connectivity options. It features a headphone out and an Aux In for connecting your favourite media players to mix with your bass, the headphone jack silencing the speaker and allowing you to practice anywhere, anytime. This combination makes it perfect for silent practice sessions, whether you’re working on technique late at night or playing along to backing tracks and songs.
Balanced XLR
The CMB comes with a handy Balanced XLR Out for when 150W of raw bass power isn’t cutting the mustard and you need to connect to a larger PA system or recording interface at home or in the studio! Balanced signal output maintains signal integrity over long or messy cable runs and provides a professional connection option for live performance and studio work. This connection also features a Ground Lift if needed!
The Black Line series specifically targets aspiring bassists, making professional-grade tone accessible to players at all levels. The perfect choice for those who want to start with the right sound and have enough power for both rehearsals and gigs, it delivers a sound superior to any other practice amp at this price, thanks to Markbass tone and quality.
The Markbass CMB 102 Black Line represents exceptional value in the bass amplifier market. By combining 150 watts of clean, punchy power with intuitive controls, professional connectivity, and the renowned Markbass sound quality, it serves as both an excellent entry point for new players and a reliable workhorse for experienced bassists. Its thoughtful feature set and practical design make it a compelling choice for anyone seeking a versatile, high-quality bass combo amplifier that can handle everything from bedroom practice to small venue performances.
For local Markbass enquiries, keep reading at CMC Music.
