Roland Micro Cube Bass RX vs. Phil Jones Double Four BG-75 vs. Markbass Minimark 801 vs. AER amp one
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- Опубликовано: 24 сен 2024
- Comparison of four Micro Bass Combos: First round with tone controls set flat, second round with my favorite sound. Volume always on the same level. What you hear is a small loop which I played on my Fretless Bass (Maruszczyk Mr. Tee) with Flatwound Strings (Thomastik) . Hope it helps you to find the right Combo for yourself :-)
PJB really is the real deal. His amps just sound so musical and resonant. The value is great too.
The Phil Jones sounds best by far.
Not so simple. The Phil Jones sounds better here because it has a much brighter sound which works great with the beat. On pure bass sound, things are not so clear cut.
I've had mine(double 4) for 3 weeks now and I must say it is an amazing bit of gear.I can't speak for the other ones in this shootout but the tone is A1 and it is louder than I expected. I could use this in a coffee house gig no problem.And it is definitely the most portable,I mean it's literally the size of a shoebox. At 63 my best gigging is behind me but if i were in my salad days I'd be looking to sell my vintage SWR stack and buy a larger PJB set up.Man I could've saved a lot of back pain on those 2 a.m. outs.
must agree Phill Jones sounds best, for what I am looking for good bass right up to highs for extended range electric violin.
PJ is hi-fi stuff it’s the “Hi-Watt of the bass amps”
@ctfalci This particular amp isn't a gigging amp it's made for practice. PJB has some of the best bass gear out there for any situation.
I would love to see this done again with a fretted bass and round wounds. The clarity on the PJB is awesome.
This is the most perfect amp shootout I've seen on YT. Bravo! I only wish you had an entire series of these comparisons.
The Phil Jones kicks the A of the Roland, and at it's price point, just might be the best. Thanks for a comprehensive comparison for a person looking for a lightweight bass combo.
the PJ is more directly facing the mic though, so not a fair comparison.
The Phil Jones (clarity) and the AER (bass) sound the best to my ears. The Phils Jones sounds waaay bigger than it's size!
PJB by a SUPER long shot! It's amazing how you suddenly hear everything when you switch to that
Can’t go wrong with Phil Jones! Thanks for this video. Last week I bought a used Roland micro cube, hoping to use it for practice and small rooms (classroom sized). No matter how I fiddled with the controls I didn’t like the tone. It may have effects and different amp emulations, but it still sounds like a practice amp. I returned it and ordered the Phil Jones.
The new amp arrived yesterday and was so overwhelmingly superior in tone to the Roland. I love it! Of course, it has a correspondingly high price, but it is worth it.
I took it to the music store today to try a low B on a five string, it came through loud and clear, no distortion.
Had the same experience - the Roland micro cube isn't a bad combo, but the sound isn't really great. The unique selling proposition is that you can use it with batteries. But you can do this with the Phil Jones too - I use an external laptop battery pack and it works perfect. And the sound is so much better! That's why I sold my Roland and kept the Phil Jones :-)
My pjb double 4 is on it's way to me and i can't wait to try my low b on my Spector
Good to hear your opinion. Thinking of going for one…
Victor Wooten's favorite practice amp is the PJB Double Four. He takes with him where ever he goes.
PJ21UK Good choice, I like my small PJB too. Incredible sound for that size :-)
@@marilisa_m_bass Yes I have tried that, and it's loud enough with an acoustic band. The only thing you need is a wall, because of the passive radiator on the rear side of the Phil Jones. It needs a wall to sound full and deep.
Phil Jones gets a lot of love over at talkbass. Now I see why.incredible sound in a small package. I think they’re the new forerunners in tiny but big sounding amps. Great review by the way. Wish all reviews were done in the same format
Thank you very much :-)
Thank you very much! I like videos like this, no needless talk, directly to the facts I need :-)
Thank you very much :-)
...and no slap ;-)
Wow, that Phil Jones one sounds amazing
All sound good but i think the reason the AER is so expensive is because here, it is presented as a practice amp but it can be used in any venue including stadiums since many pros use them with the line out or in a daisy chain to one or more AER bass amps. And to my ear it sounds the most articulate and fuller spectrum.
Nice presentation for comparison purposes - to the point. One comment I have regarding not just your video but many others as well that present bass instruments and amps. Play more low notes. I want to hear the bass end of the spectrum more. We all play in the middle and upper registers some, but I want to hear how a low bass groove comes across as well. Thanks for the video.
For playing music from my phone, certainly the Phil Jones is stellar. For running just a bass? I'm probably going to say the AER was my favourite closely followed by the Markbass. Those two had the warmest and best projection of the lowest frequencies.
You're right, the AER is the best amp for me too - it's the only one where you can "feel" the bass (10' speaker). But's a total different price league, and it's bigger and heavier than the other ones. The Markbass and the Phil Jones are playing in the same league, and both are really good. In my case, I selled the Markbass and kept only the Phil Jones for three reasons: The PJB has no fan noise (because there is no fan...), he's extremely portable and light, and you can use it outside with a laptop battery. If that doesn't matter for you, the Markbass is a very good choice too.
@@FretlessBassplayer
I agree. The aer is a regular small gig amp like my GK MBS 112, with or with the ext. cab. Not in the same league. That full bass feel is just expected.
@@bobstranzenbach4700the thumping bass feel of a stack of 4x10 and 1x15 at 1000W. Does PJB have a version of that? They do seem like a refined audiophile sort of brand. Jazz musicians would fit into that scene.
Best Comparison video I've ever seen! Really Helpful
Thank you very much :-)
The choice depends on what you intend to use the amp for. A small relaxed jam with a jazz drummer? Markbass probably. Solo practice? PJ probably. What people seem to miss, is that when played with other instruments, what matters at this size is clarity of midrange, ability to recognize the pitch, and loudness. Markbass are not good sounding amps played solo. But I'm always amazed by how they behave in a band context, and that goes to a lot of their stuff. The other musicians understand what you are playing.
I've seen a small 30 people gig with quiet drums, bass, guitar and vocals with this Mark 801 (using a Squier Classic Vibe '50s Precision Bass) and I can say it was clear, warm and sufficient bass to support very souly music. I doubt any other amp at the size, weight and price would deliver.
I also jammed with it myself with the same setting.
Watts are a scam, don't trust specs. There's much more to usability than watts.
In this test (which I thank for very much!), it is tempting to choose according to bass and treble extension and how hi-fi it sounds. If you need a practice amp for your modern bass and no drums are involved, sure PJ.
And this Roland is a joke, really. I had it for a while. It compresses before it plays. You'd do much better with a Street Cube EX, if battery is what you need. Yes, even with a bass.
the choice depends on what you intend to use the amp for.......end of your story the roland is a joke......thats funny....!!
just 2x2.5 watts, 4inch speakers is no comparison with the others.
dont puss the roland to hard....its the most handy one with the features on it....for practising.
Adam I have a chance to pick up a BG75 or MB801 used for €220 locally, which would you go for?
I play electric bass and it's mainly for living room rehearsals with piano and occasional sax. But for that money I'm hoping to get a bit of mileage out of the amp for small gigs too.
I'm after the tiny amps for portability reasons. The bigger amps need a car, these small ones I can take on public transport or my motorcycle.
I can also pick up an Ibanez P3110 Promethean for a similar price.
how does the roland compress before it plays the soumd?
I watched this video years ago when I was debating on which new amp to get! Thanks for posting🤟
Great test. The Phil Jones is totally the best !
The amps all sound good to me.
I’m frankly more excited about the playing itself. It really sounds amazing! Great job. Fretless bass is so cool....
Thank you very much :-)
I'm making some practice amp buying decisions and I've watched this video at least twenty times. Thanks very much for making it. I'm really struggling between the PJB and Markbass right now.
Thanks for your compliment - I‘m glad that it helped you to come closer to a decision buying a new practice combo. Both are great amps - I kept the Phil Jones and selled the Markbass. But at the end it‘s also a question of personal preferences. The Markbass can play louder and is a bit cheapter, the Phil Jones sounds more „Hifi“ and is really tiny. But which model you‘ll choose: Both will be a very good choice!
Thank you so much for this video. I'd been looking for a quality practice bass amp which could handle a small acoustic gig setting so have invested in the Phil Jones Double Four which I debuted at my local folk club last night. It sounds amazing with the other musicians being blown away by both the tone and volume considering it's size. So very portable to walk the amp from my home and back . Should mention I also tried out the Markbass 801 at my local guitar superstore which I wasn't so impressed with overall.
Sorry, I'm a few years late to the dance, but THANK YOU! That's the way it's done. No talk...we can read up about the on boards ourselves. We want to hear how the amps SOUND. Next to one another. The Phil Jones was the best overall, obviously. The reason I'm here is to check out the Roland. I've a chance to pick one up for 250 NZD. We have a blues busking trio. Couple of my guitar students and me. They switch up.playing bass. Totally sold on the Roland. I've heard about volume issues, but it'll do just fine. Thanks so much. Cheers from New Zealand. 👍 🇳🇿
Mannnnn!!!!Thank you so much for this! I wish others would do their reviews this way! That Pj BG-75 is killing those others ...I'm sorry!
Phil Jones BG-400- I have ordered the 4X5 combo with the 4x5 extension cab! Can't wait to get it!!!!! This comparison made me feel like I've made the right choice! I've been playing out of my Mark Bass 2X10 and I love it, but that PJ, Just hitting too sweet to pass it up!
This should be a model for how all bass amps should be tested. Well done!
Thank you very much :-)
@@FretlessBassplayer Considering how much smaller the PJB is it still sounds better than the other 3 combos.
IMHO Phil Jones & Roland sound similar. They all sound good.
Nice fair comparison - all amps on the same mic without editing.
Great comparison. I feel as though the Phil Jones had deeper & clearer Bass. I'd have loved to Hear-each-Amp (alone) . . . Without the Drum machine. I just bought a Fender Rumble 100 (absolutely love it). Looking now for Super-portable. Enjoyed the demo. oNe LovE from NYC
No contest PJB has more boootay! And the clarity is really superior over the others, great comparison
I think most people in here like the PJ because the drums sound good on it. The actual bass sound is much better on the Markbass and the AER. I think in a band situation the sound on the PJ would be in the wrong frequency range, it clashes with other instruments like piano/guitar/vocals/drums, so you would not be able to hear yourself then. Overall the AER would give you the best band situation bassguitar sound, its much fuller sounding.. More lows/low mids then the others and still enough clarity. The PJ lacks lows and low mids, but as a practice amp its ok because you don't want that full sound / you want more highs because its less exhausting. Btw please listen with studio headphones, not on laptop or phone speakers. :-)
small bass amps for practicing, I go with PJB. But when it comes to the bigger combo that you might use for the small gig, actually Markbass did pretty good job on CMD121 as well as other combo like Alain Caron and Jeff Berlin signature models.
ditto: I've been underwhelmed by the PJ combos I've tried (can't recall the exact models now), whereas I've used a MB CMD121 on many gigs (mostly jazz using fretless electric but occasionally DB with piezo) and it sounds very good in various band contexts, up to a 5 piece with drums where I'm sure the PB-75 wouldn't cut through. Don't rule out MB combos based on this demo. There's a reason they're popular.
@@gedeondeak8888 agree
I like the Mark Bass all around, but WHOA....that little Phil Jones, are you KIDDING me???
That wasn't the intention :-)
This is in line with my experience. Phil Jones delivers the best hifi sound. The AER is much more powerful but lacks clarity. Phil Jones is also the most quiet amp in regard to noise and hum. If I boost the treble on the AER to gain clarity, the noise becomes a nuisance.
I had watched this video before I became a Phil Jones owner. At the time I was impressed with the Phil Jones but thought the models that matched my needs were too expensive, and just put it out of my mind, thinking it's one of those companies with high-end products I can't afford. But then I saw a used Flightcase BG-150 at Guitar Center, and I tried it out on a whim (even though used, it was still too pricey for me). I was so blown away that I ended up getting it.
I've owned/tested a bunch of popular combo amps at different price points, including Fender, Hartke, Markbass, Peavey, Acoustic, Ampeg, etc., and none of them even came close to sounding as accurate, natural, articulate, and responsive as the Phil Jone Flightcase BG-150 I now use. I will never bother with the typical large driver speakers ever again--they're just too slow and colored compared to using multiple smaller speakers to achieve the same volume, frequency response, and move the same amount of air with the same visceral impact. I was a skeptic because it was hard to believe how little 5" speakers could do so much, but now I'm a believer, and I also understand the math behind it better.
Best review out there... by FAR!!! 👍
I wish you could do exactly the same with the Phil Jones bass cub 100 and the Phil Jones briefcase amps...
Thank you very much :-) I don't have a PJB bass cub and a briefcase, but I have a PJB Flightcase BG-150. I'll try to do a new comparison when I have some time.
Fredi2457 hi man, don't hassle around with that...at least not for me :-)
The thing was to compare high grade stuff which is actually comparable in size,and maybe features... cheers
Fredi2457 but hey, the best comparison video by miles and miles 4sure... let that be said, bro
Fredi2457 ...and the little groove is awesome!
The more my wife starts to hate it, the more I love it, lololol
Impressed by PJB, but I fell that might get tiring after a while, which happens when I plug into Markbass. ... I expected more from the AER and the Boss sounds like every Boss on the planet. ... But, this is a great way to do a comparison, good work.
Love my Phil Jones Double Four BG-75 🙌🎸🧡
This is my kind of videos. Strait to the point. No clickbait. Thanks for posting. Imho I go for 1.phil jones. 2.mark bass. 3.roland.
Thank you - and it's my choice too :-)
I don’t have yet but the Phil Jones sound amazing I fell to get one
Phil Jones for sure !
Adding the Yamaha thr would be great too.
Our bassist uses it outside, which carries enough, and it has a wireless feature.
Pjb is the only one that's pointed directly at the camera... That's probably why it sounds
Fred Hadley Hi Fred, the Mic was placed in the middle of the four amps, (between PJB and Markbass). All amps in a row, distance to the mic around 2 meters.
AER for the win. Amazing piece of German engineering.
Waiting for my PJB double for to arrive! Can’t wait
Thanks a lot for this great video. I will choose Roland Microcube
Nice and interesting comparison -- thank you for sharing it. Unless I am missing something, though, the AER combo on the right only got one "round" of playing -- at least, I didn't see you adjust the EQ on it and give it a second play, as with the other amps.
UnequalTemperament That‘s right, but the AER is playing in another league - I used it just as a reference. None of the smaller combos can produce that amount of low bass. Which isn‘t that astonishing, because the AER has a 10‘ speaker.
Thank you -- on listening through with headphones (which I should have done the first time) I can hear exactly what you're talking about. Using it as a reference makes sense, though it might not hurt to make a quick mention of that in the description for, ah... detail-oriented types (trying to think of a flattering way to put it :)) like me.
As far as the three smaller combos go, the Phil Jones strikes me the the most open (least boxy) and most natural sounding overall, though, for fretless, I wouldn't mind if it could combine that with a bit of the pokey mids-to-upper mids of the Markbass.
Thanks again for posting this.
Thanks for the amazing comparison, man! :) What chord progression do you play here, by the way? It sounds so cool!
Thanks - would have to play it again to find out what cord progression it is and then write it down. Did it without thinking too much when I recorded it...
That's how it done. I would like to hear some more bottom, though. I'm shopping for a battery-powered bass amp and the Phil Jones is for me.
The Phil Jones has the best placement in front of the microphone, so it seems to have the best sound.
KUDOS!! The Most Use full comparison YET!! (HIP little Groove too!!)
Thank you :-)
AER seemed to have the best low end. It is larger than all the others.
I would be interested in the prices of each.
I don't quite get it. The Roland is meant one 5 w but the Phil Jones is about 70w. The sound quality difference I can hear but would have thought the Roland would be much quieter than the Phil Jones
Reading the comments... So not many people noticed how the PJB would have the most high (regardless of the amp's color) because it's the only amp pointed directly towards the camera and assuming the microphone is also at that location? AND you are feeding/judging a full ranged sound going into a bass amp to determine if it sounds good for you to play bass with? AND you are feeding a LINE level signal to the input while you would be using it for INSTRUMENT level signals? OK... Still a cool video tho
Hi, the mic was placed two metres away from the combos - between PJB and Markbass and exactly where the camera is. Anyhow: In that distance there shouldn't be a big difference regarding the highs. And in the end it's the bass sound that counts, and you can hear the differences quite clear. The source was a looper, which got the bass signals directly from the beautiful instrument standing next to the combos and is always connected through the normal input. Every bass combo changes the tone of an instrument certainly more than a good looper :-)
@@FretlessBassplayer Hey~ Thanks for the info! However I strongly believe the projection of the high end would be strongly affected by the direction of the amps and the mic. It's something quite essential in microphone techniques. It's the same reason why amps sound clearer when you tilt it so it points towards your ears. (exactly why the double four has a level you can adjust the angle) With a room of this size, the difference in the high frequencies would be significant enough, that I personally would not consider it to be a fair comparison to the other amps. I have owned the Double Four, and I still own a markbass; I know they both do sound different when it's "off axis".
Regarding the looper - great idea. I agree the tone does not get impacted too much by it. However its the tone of the drum loop I am more concerned about - When you run a full ranged sound into an amp that's not designed for it, it would sound off; on top of that, when you run that through the bass amp, the drum loop sounds different. the tone of the "other instruments" would affect the perception of how you hear the bass. So when the drum loop sounds different, it does not give you an accurate picture of how the bass sounds through those different amps. I would personally suggest to have the drum loop being played back on a separate device/amp/setup that remains unchanged/constant, while you have the looper playing back only the bass loop, and switched between amps - that would have the benefit of the bass tone being true, and it demonstrates the ability of how well the amp cuts through other instruments. (as opposed to changing the sound of the "other instruments" at the same time). Just my 2 cents. Love to see more videos that could show us more about those gear.
At this size battery operation is a must for me, the Roland is the winner.
Nice video
I use my Phil Jones with an external small laptop battery - works perfect, but only with older PJ Double Four models. The newer ones have a built in power supply and therefore no 19 Volt plug in for the battery (and the external power adaptor).
PJB by far the winner here
If you can afford one it's worth it pjb sounds the best by far!!!
Have the AER , great amp. But. Can belive that Phil Jones can go that low , great. Almost can feel the notes. And nice video also..
Great Job Man.❤❤❤
Thanks ✌
PJB is making magic here
The demo is great, thank you!
Phil Jones best sounding in Drum machine, AER best on bass sound
Thanks for the nice video.
I’m wondering if it’s not an unfair comparison though. The little Roland isn’t intended for much more than practice and maybe a little bit of a possible soft coffeehouse type gig without drums I think? The others sound fuller at higher volume but they seem like they are more powerful and intended for playing louder and ALSO are small enough to use as a practice amp right? Thanks for the comparison video.
The volume is the same on all the amps, but you are right that the comparison isn't totally fair. The Roland costs half of the Phil Jones and the Markbass - but you can really hear that ... I kept the Phil Jones and sold the Roland and the Markbass Micro, but at the end you have to decide what's more important to you: price or sound!
@@FretlessBassplayerI’m seriously considering the Phil Jones even though it costs a bit more than I’d like. Thanks for the video and your keeping the Phil Jones is evidence. I’m hoping to possibly use this with a Hofner at Bluegrass jams that are dominated by un - amplified Double basses. Being able to add the computer battery and discreetly have a small amp at your feet might help acceptance?
@@bobstranzenbach4700 Hi Bob, the PJB is a good choice, I‘m playing in a Folk and Bluegrass band too and the little amp works well in that context. But there is one thing to be aware of: The new PJB amps don‘t have an external power adapter and therefore no 19 V plug in for a laptop battery. If you want to use it with a battery you have to look out for an older model - that‘s at least what I know. So check that out before you buy a new one. Hope that helps!
@@FretlessBassplayerh no! Just ordered one with the Black Friday sale! I had no idea. Thanks. It may go back when it arrives.😬
So you’re saying the new ones would just have a regular plug like your typical amp and no little brick that plugs into the amp itself?
Love the PJB overall. The Roiland is pretty nice s well. What I really want to know is what make is that bass in the video, and is it fretless. Not the one being played.
Hi, the Bass you see is the Bass you hear in the video. It‘s a Maruszczyk Mr. Tee.
very effective comparison, cheers.
PeachCatHill Thank you very much :-)
Définitly Aer amps the best.
Markbass 801 is the best for me
Markbass the best🤟
I hear the same problem with the PJ that I and other bassists have mentioned. It feels and sounds like there is a compression circuit squashing it a bit. It's a beautiful amp and has great characteristics but when you go to dig in, it starts to pull back. My Mark Bass does none of that, just pure clarity and tone.
I had the Micromark 801, sold it and now I'm using the PJB. To me, the PJB is superior in all aspects, but sheer volume.
Just an observation, the PJ was the only one aimed directly at the camera. If the mic was with the camera, it would naturally pick up fuller sound from the PJ as it is the only one aimed directly at it... Cool video, by the way
Markbass also not bad
Phil Jones 1st, Mark Bass 2nd and Rolland 3rd
Excellent le Phil Jones est monstrueux
Phil Jones!!!Thanks for this review
Torn between the Markbass, cuz Ive.tried a few.of them, and that AER.
The markbass easily sounds the most focused and so will hold its own in a mix ....the pjb is the best hifi sounding but will that in reality make it a better bass amp?
I'm playing in an acoustic folk band and I chose the PJB and sold the Markbass (and the Roland) - I liked the sound better.
@@FretlessBassplayer do you play acoustic or electric bass in the folk band?
@@stateofblitz I play an electric fretless bass. Kind regards.
Is this Phil Jones amp still holding up against other small amps in 2020??
Features?
Sound?
Price?
Hi, I think so, because there are still not many really small new combos with very good sound available (exept cheap practice combos). The only new ones I know is the 108 from Trace Elliot and the Phil Jones Micro 7 and BG 110 - but I hadn't the chance to test them.
I wonder how he plugged the amp with the drums included, looks like you are playing it from your computer and plugging it to the amp. Imagine plugging the microphone and singing it through it. I would get a small amp for the individual practice. I currently own a hartke Hd500 for my group practice and gigs
Hi Cris, I used a little looper pedal (TC Electronic Ditto) and plugged it in.
@@FretlessBassplayer that is really cool!
Hi! Quick question. I have a double four, but now I need smth batery powered. Does the roland micro gets loud enough? Or would I be better of fi ding a battery solution for the double four?
You can easily power your double four with an external laptop battery (19 V) and the right plugins. There is a video on youtube where Phil Jones shows how it works: Look for "phil jones bass product demo part 4". I use my amp quite often with the battery and it works fine!
@@FretlessBassplayer yeah, I got my double four after watching your video and that one, but mine came with a normal power cord, not with the laptop style power suply :/
@@nicholasbtorretta Oh, just realised the new PJB Double Bass amps have a built in transformer and therefore a normal power supply cord. Checked it on the website of a music dealer and don‘t know when they changed that. That prevents of course the trick with the laptop battery. Three possibilities: Write a mail direct to PJB and ask if there‘s still a workaround. If not: Try to find a older and used PJB with the 19V connector. Then you can use the two PJB at home „stacked“ and you have a „four four“ rig. Or buy a Roland. I used the Roland together with an acoustic folk band (guitar, fiddle, mandolin, banjo) and for music like that it‘s loud enough. Good luck and kind regards!
I have a question for you....
How do you think a Phil Jones compact 4 speaker cab and an Ampeg portaflex 350 head will sound?
I only ask cause you have the double 4 and videos do the sound no justice.
Thanks for the video.
StuQinThe80z I had a bigger Phil Jones Flightcase for a while, and what I can say: The PJB sound is less boomy than the sound of „normal“ cabinets, it‘s more kind of a Hifi sound. If you want large amounts of bass, I would take another cabinet, if you like clarity then it‘s a good choice.
Phil Jones by far
Amazing test bro! 👏👏👏👏
Have you tried the Schertler b10? Just curious how it stacks up against the AER. I’ve tried the b10 and it’s truly great, and costs quite a bit less than the AER. They’re both longstanding items on my “bass amps I don’t need” list :)
Sorry, never had the opportunity to play a Schertler b10 - but I thinki it's really a great amp too.
At this point my bass player is looking for something larger (SVT)pro3 , but thank you for your reply KC
Confusing with that drum machine, it takes away the attention of the deep bass. The Phil Jones has the best treble sound (or maybe because of the microphone pointing directly towards it). But that don't really matter, its a bass amp!
And I do not like so much that the Pjb needs "the room/ wall" to resonate well. How will it sound up on a table? And will the neighbors be more annoyed because of the room is fuller all around with bass 🤔. Maybe the Pjb Cub might be a better option in a practise/ studio situation?
If you are interested you can find a direct comparison of the Double Four and the Cub in my channel.
Roland has such definition
Markbass rules in real situations on stage!
I have the Double Four! :-)
BJ-75 WON... they sound is increrible
Markbass blew these others out of the water. So clean & punchy. The other 3 were quite muffled.
The Roland puts a lesser degree of compression on the input jack even when the compression switch isn't engaged
I own the Roland, which I bought primarily for outdoors (battery operation). It works fine for that purpose, or for light practice at home, but the sound quality is mediocre at best. Even the cleanest setting (the only one I use) has a noticeably compressed, flat quality. I just ordered the MB 801, but now I think I will also test out the PJ before the return period expires!
Christian Burke It‘s really worth a try, especially because you can use the PJB with a small external laptop battery - so you have both opportunities. I sold my Markbass and the Roland after this test and kept the PJB. Especially if you play soft the fan noise of the Markbass can be a bit annoying - the PJB has none. And the sound is on an equal level (both are much better than the Roland).
@@FretlessBassplayer Already in the works! I received the MB today and I should have the PJ tomorrow. I'll play with them over the weekend.
Sounds good - I‘m curious which choice you will make :-)
@@FretlessBassplayer Okay, I've only had the PJB for about an hour, but I think it's a keeper. My Roland sounds like total shit compared to the other two and will be sold. The MB 801 and the PJB DF both have pretty decent sound to my ear, though different. The MB is a bit boomier, while the PJB has a cleaner and more refined sound. I don't like the I/O ports and controls on the MB; they are inconveniently located and not user-friendly (volume and a VPF knob???). The PJB has everything you need, right where you need it - and it's half the size! The MB is definitely going back to GC. For most of my playing, I think the PJB will be perfect. Thanks for the video - that brand was totally off my radar before.
So you will make the same choice like I did. And there is one more thing: You can power this PJB with an external laptop battery (19 V) and the right plugins. There is a video on youtube where Phil Jones shows how it works: Look for "phil jones bass product demo part 4". I did buy such a battery and it works perfect. So enjoy your little new companion (as I do)!
Mark Bass is the better imho
excellent test!!
yt hu Thank you :-)
In this comparison pjb sounds like a PA system compared to shoe boxes. Even the AER brings a nazal colour to the bass which in my case with 10 different basses is not good. Pjb is hifi so that every bass should sound equally "bad" and that's the quality I need. Own a roland cube 1x12, SWR la15 1x15, TC bg250 2x10 and a bassman 135 silverface 70'ties tube with two additional boxes 1x12ATC and 1x15 EV. Want to sell cube and swr to buy pjb. 😁
Rei Mass You won‘t regret it - the PJB is really an excellent little combo.
@@FretlessBassplayer thank you man!
Hi, thanks for the comparison. I have a question: how loud can the PJB be compared to the MB801?
Hi Jean, can't tell you this, because I sold the Markbass. But I'm pretty sure that the MB was louder than the PJB, but for me the PJB sounds better :-) The Phil Jones is perfect for acoustic gigs or for rehearsing, it's not made for playing in a rock band. If you want to hear how the PJB sounds with an acoustic band: ruclips.net/video/DYc9ffpjkXw/видео.html
What about the Markbass 121P?
I’m tossing between the Pjb and 121P.
121p is $500 more in Australia, but it’s Watts!! I feel it would keep me happy into the distant future. Any thoughts? Love the size of the Pjb though as we are currently travelling and I fear the 121P may pull too many Amps for our inverter/Phoenix 12/500, well may be ok if not turned up.
Cool
bg75 sounds warm and has more low end.
Tone Maniac not sure about the "more" low end, but it certainly delivers like a horny pit Bull! :)
It was also the only one pointing at the camera...
To really compare them they should all be facing the mic.