What is the power rating of the Markbass MB58R 121 PURE?

The cabinet is capable of handling up to 400 Watts (RMS). This provides ample headroom for high-volume situations and clean signal reproduction.

What size is the main speaker in this cabinet?

The MB58R 121 PURE features a single 12-inch custom-designed neodymium speaker. This size is chosen for its balance between low-end depth and mid-range punch.

What type of tweeter is used in the 121 PURE model?

This model utilizes a built-in Hi-Fi tweeter. Unlike standard compression drivers, the Hi-Fi tweeter is designed for a smoother and more natural high-frequency response.

What is the impedance of this specific cabinet?

The MB58R 121 PURE is an 8 Ohm cabinet. This allows it to be used individually or paired with another 8 Ohm cabinet to create a 4 Ohm total load.

Why is the MB58R series considered innovative?

It uses an innovative material for the frame and enclosure construction. This results in a cabinet that is significantly lighter than traditional plywood designs while remaining robust.

Is the speaker magnet neodymium or ferrite?

The speaker uses a neodymium magnet. Neodymium is preferred in high-end portable gear because it provides high magnetic flux at a fraction of the weight of ferrite.

Can I use this cabinet for large venue gigs?

Yes, it can handle 400 Watts, which is sufficient for many venues. For very large stages, it is often paired with another cabinet or used with a DI signal to the PA system.

How does the sound of a 1x12" cabinet compare to a 4x10"?

A 1x12" cabinet like the 121 PURE is generally more portable and has a different mid-range character. A 4x10", such as the Standard 104HF, will typically move more air and offer more physical presence.

What does the 'PURE' designation mean in the Markbass range?

The 'PURE' designation indicates the inclusion of a Hi-Fi tweeter. This is intended to provide a more transparent and articulate high-end compared to the 'P' (Classic) series.

How much does the MB58R 121 PURE typically cost?

The typical price for this cabinet is approximately £541. This reflects its position as a high-performance, lightweight professional speaker.

Is this cabinet easy to transport?

Yes, one of its primary design goals is portability. The use of lightweight enclosure materials and a neodymium speaker makes it one of the easiest 1x12" cabs to carry.

What are some comparable alternatives from other brands?

Notable alternatives include the Darkglass DG-210N, the Eden NovaTone 212, and the Ampeg Venture series like the VB-410. These vary in speaker configuration and tonal voicing.

Gear article

Markbass MB58R 121 PURE Bass Cab (8 Ohm)

The Markbass MB58R 121 PURE is an exceptionally portable and powerful 1x12" bass speaker cabinet designed for high-fidelity performance. It features a custom neodymium speaker and a built-in Hi-Fi tweeter to deliver 400 Watts of articulate, full-range sound while maintaining an incredibly light construction.

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Overview and History

The MB58R 121 PURE is part of the Markbass 'MB58R' series, which represents the brand's commitment to reducing weight without sacrificing sonic integrity. Markbass has long been a pioneer in the use of neodymium speakers, and this specific model utilises innovative materials for its frame and enclosure. This approach allows the cabinet to be highly portable, catering to the needs of gigging musicians who require a 'one-hand carry' solution for rehearsals and club dates.

Design and Key Features

At the heart of the 121 PURE is a single 12-inch custom-designed neodymium speaker. Neodymium is used for its superior strength-to-weight ratio compared to traditional ferrite magnets. The cabinet is rated for 400 Watts of power handling, providing significant headroom for a unit of its size.

A defining feature of the 'PURE' sub-series is the inclusion of a dedicated Hi-Fi tweeter. This differs from standard horn-loaded tweeters by offering a smoother, more transparent high-end response that is better suited for bassists who require a natural, full-range sound. The enclosure itself is built from an innovative, lightweight material that contributes to its portability while remaining rigid enough to handle high volume levels.

Sound Character

The sound profile of the MB58R 121 PURE is characterised by articulate tones and a 'glorious depth' in the low-end. Because it uses a 12-inch driver, it sits sonically between the punchy, fast response of a 10-inch speaker and the deep, slower response of a 15-inch speaker. The Hi-Fi tweeter ensures that the upper harmonics are clear and crisp, making it an excellent choice for players who use techniques like slapping or for those playing six-string basses where high-end clarity is essential.

Target Audience

This cabinet is primarily aimed at the professional gigging bassist who prioritises ease of transport. Its 8-ohm impedance makes it an ideal component for a modular rig; it can be used alone for smaller venues or paired with a second 8-ohm cabinet to draw maximum power from a bass head. It is particularly well-suited for jazz, fusion, and session players who value a 'pure' and uncoloured representation of their instrument's tone.

Market Comparison

Within the Markbass range, the 121 PURE offers a more hi-fi response than the 'P' (Classic) series models like the MB58R 102 P. When compared to the larger MB58R 122 P-4, it offers better portability but less overall air displacement.

Against external competitors like the Darkglass DG-210N or the Eden NovaTone 212, the Markbass stands out for its specific focus on weight reduction and the inclusion of the Hi-Fi tweeter. While Ampeg's Venture series, such as the VB-410, offers a more traditional 'rock' voicing, the 121 PURE focuses on transparency and modern clarity.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the power rating of the Markbass MB58R 121 PURE?: The cabinet is capable of handling up to 400 Watts (RMS). This provides ample headroom for high-volume situations and clean signal reproduction.
What size is the main speaker in this cabinet?: The MB58R 121 PURE features a single 12-inch custom-designed neodymium speaker. This size is chosen for its balance between low-end depth and mid-range punch.
What type of tweeter is used in the 121 PURE model?: This model utilizes a built-in Hi-Fi tweeter. Unlike standard compression drivers, the Hi-Fi tweeter is designed for a smoother and more natural high-frequency response.
What is the impedance of this specific cabinet?: The MB58R 121 PURE is an 8 Ohm cabinet. This allows it to be used individually or paired with another 8 Ohm cabinet to create a 4 Ohm total load.
Why is the MB58R series considered innovative?: It uses an innovative material for the frame and enclosure construction. This results in a cabinet that is significantly lighter than traditional plywood designs while remaining robust.
Is the speaker magnet neodymium or ferrite?: The speaker uses a neodymium magnet. Neodymium is preferred in high-end portable gear because it provides high magnetic flux at a fraction of the weight of ferrite.
Can I use this cabinet for large venue gigs?: Yes, it can handle 400 Watts, which is sufficient for many venues. For very large stages, it is often paired with another cabinet or used with a DI signal to the PA system.
How does the sound of a 1x12" cabinet compare to a 4x10"?: A 1x12" cabinet like the 121 PURE is generally more portable and has a different mid-range character. A 4x10", such as the Standard 104HF, will typically move more air and offer more physical presence.
What does the 'PURE' designation mean in the Markbass range?: The 'PURE' designation indicates the inclusion of a Hi-Fi tweeter. This is intended to provide a more transparent and articulate high-end compared to the 'P' (Classic) series.
How much does the MB58R 121 PURE typically cost?: The typical price for this cabinet is approximately £541. This reflects its position as a high-performance, lightweight professional speaker.
Is this cabinet easy to transport?: Yes, one of its primary design goals is portability. The use of lightweight enclosure materials and a neodymium speaker makes it one of the easiest 1x12" cabs to carry.
What are some comparable alternatives from other brands?: Notable alternatives include the Darkglass DG-210N, the Eden NovaTone 212, and the Ampeg Venture series like the VB-410. These vary in speaker configuration and tonal voicing.