Markbass Big Bang

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2 Critic Reviews

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Page last updated May 23, 2026

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Price

Average Price: $407

Standard/Professional

$200

$801+

Price Tier

In the Bass Amplifier Heads category, Markbass Big Bang is priced in the Standard/Professional range. This is quality gear at a fair price point, suitable for beginners, hobbyists, and pros alike.

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Description

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The Markbass Big Bang is a testament to innovation in bass amplification, delivering a powerful punch in a remarkably compact package. This bass amplifier head redefines portability without compromising on sound quality, offering a warm, rich, and explosive tone that is sure to impress both on stage and in the studio. Designed for the discerning bassist, the Big Bang comes packed with features that cater to modern playing needs.

This amp head includes an auxiliary input and a headphone output with level control, perfect for late-night practice sessions or integrating backing tracks during live performances. Its VLE (Vintage Loudspeaker Emulator) and VPF (Variable Pre-shape Filter) filters can be controlled via footswitch, allowing for seamless sound sculpting on the fly. An easy-to-use 4-band EQ, effects loop, and the option to mute make it versatile for any performance setting. Additionally, the XLR DI output with pre/post EQ switch ensures you have the connectivity options needed for professional setups.

Whether you're a gigging musician or a hobbyist, the Markbass Big Bang offers unmatched versatility and quality, making it an essential tool for any bass player looking to elevate their sound.

Key Features:

Compact and lightweight design
Warm, rich, and powerful tone
Auxiliary input and headphone output with level control
VLE and VPF filters with footswitch control
4-band EQ for precise sound shaping
Effects loop for external effects integration
XLR DI output with pre/post EQ switch
Mute function for silent tuning and setup adjustments

Product specs

Brand	Markbass
Model	Big Bang 500-Watt Bass Amp Head
Finish	Red
Year	2010s
Made In	Italy
Categories	Bass Heads
Color Family	Red
Electronics	Solid State
Impedance	4 ohms, 8 ohms
Number of Channels	1 Channel
Number of Inputs	1 Input
Output Power (Watts)	500
Power Tube Type	None
Reverb	None

FAQs

What kind of tonal control does the Markbass Big Bang offer?: The Markbass Big Bang features a 4-band EQ, allowing you to precisely shape your tone. It also includes VLE and VPF filters, which can be controlled via a footswitch for added flexibility during performances.
Is the Markbass Big Bang suitable for live performances?: Yes, with 500 watts of power, the Markbass Big Bang is well-suited for live performances, providing ample volume and headroom for various venues.
Can I use headphones with the Markbass Big Bang for silent practice?: Yes, the Markbass Big Bang includes a headphone output with level control, making it ideal for silent practice sessions.
Does the Markbass Big Bang have a built-in effects loop?: Yes, the Markbass Big Bang is equipped with an effects loop, allowing you to integrate external effects pedals into your signal chain seamlessly.
What are the impedance options for the Markbass Big Bang?: The Markbass Big Bang supports both 4 ohm and 8 ohm impedance, offering flexibility in pairing with different speaker cabinets.
How does the DI output feature on the Markbass Big Bang enhance its functionality?: The DI output on the Markbass Big Bang includes a pre/post EQ switch, allowing you to send a balanced signal to a mixing console or recording interface, either with or without the amp's EQ settings.

Videos

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Guitar Center

MarkBass Big Bang Bass Amp Head Demo

Guitar Center

Mark Bass Big Bang - di Enrico Cosimi

ChitarreMagazine

Markbass Marcus1000、Little Mark iii、Bigbang Bass Amp Comparison

DogoHouse Instrument Gear

Markbass Big Bang Bass Amplifier Head at Soundsliveshop.com

SoundsLiveShop

ギタセレレビュー特集　Markbass "BigBang" 島村楽器限定カラー MAK-BB/B

島村楽器公式チャンネル

MarkBass Big Bang vs Ampeg pf-500

JeezyMcNuggles

Reviews

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PROS

Small and powerful, ideal for portability
Clear preamp and powerful grunt compared to others
More neutral starting sound, versatile for different tones
Durable main or backup for road and studio use
Offers unique features like headphone out and Aux in
Footswitch control for mute and EQ2 section
Attractive design with cool colors and LED indicators

CONS

Durability concerns with used units failing quickly
Difficult to repair, with limited service locations
Hard to source parts and communicate with the company for repairs

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Markbass Big Bang.

Comparisons

0 0

Larger Markbass HR and HF cabinets offer superior bass response compared to smaller New York and Traveller series, as noted by experienced users.
Source
0 0

Users note that Markbass amps have a midrange focus, making them suitable for modern bass sounds but less ideal for classic tones.
Source

User experience

0 0

Owners report that mixing different speaker sizes like the 410hr and 151hr does not result in noticeable phase issues, contrary to some beliefs.
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The Markbass Big Bang is praised as a reliable workhorse by owners with years of use.
Source

Use cases and applications

0 0

For future expansion, consider an 8-ohm cabinet to allow for adding another cab, whereas a 4-ohm cab maximizes current power output if no expansion is planned.
Source

Build quality

0 0

Markbass amps have been criticized for using MDF (particleboard) instead of plywood, potentially impacting stability and resonance.
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Features and functionality

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Owners highlight the importance of checking XLR DI placement in the signal chain; some amps offer pre- or post-EQ options.
Source

Critic Reviews

Markbass Big Bang Bass Amplifier Review - Premier Guitar

premierguitar.com

Markbass' Big Bang amp impresses with its lightweight, compact design and powerful 500-watt output, offering a warm and full bass tone that's highly portable. The preamp's versatility shines with VLE and VPF controls surpassing mere EQ adjustments, making them standout features. However, achieving grittier tones requires external pedals, as the amp's built-in gain provides limited overdrive. While the Big Bang delivers impressive clarity and warmth, especially in small to medium settings, pairing with larger cabs might be necessary for high-volume performances. Overall, it's a stellar choice for bassists seeking power and portability without compromising sound quality.

positive

Full Review

Markbass Big Bang Bass Amplifier Head - Mixdown Magazine

mixdownmag.com.au

The Markbass Big Bang Bass Amplifier Head impresses with its potent 500 watts of power, ensuring coverage for most gig scenarios while remaining portable. Its dynamic EQ, combined with the versatile VLE and VPF filters, allows for a wide range of tones, from vintage warmth to mid-range scoops. The inclusion of user-friendly features like a headphone jack and Aux In port for backing tracks adds to its appeal. Markbass' commitment to innovation is evident in its thoughtful design updates based on customer feedback. Overall, the Big Bang offers clean headroom, dynamic range, and practical enhancements, making it a standout choice for bassists seeking versatility and portability.

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Artist usage

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Marcus Miller

Bassist, Composer

Scritti Politti

Verified via MARKBASS | Bass Amplification

“I'm excited to announce that I'm joining forces with Markbass Amps, we're looking forward to doing some very cool things together this year. Keep an eye on us!” An album entitled Renaissance is long overdue for the widely acclaimed Renaissance Man Marcus Miller. In among the most enviable careers in music, Miller is a two-time Grammy-winner and the composer/producer of ten critically acclaimed and genre-defying albums (seven studio and three live). Even the most devoted follower may be astonished to realize that Renaissance is only his eighth studio project since his 1983 debut, Suddenly, considering the abundance of occasions Miller’s name has appeared within album credits and that he has dazzled with performances, compositions and productions – in the company of some of the world’s most respected and accomplished players and superstars - from the mid-`70s to the present.

Tetsuo Sakurai

Bassist

Casiopea

Verified via MARKBASS | Bass Amplification

"The sound from Markbass Amp is absolutely natural yet punchy."—says Tetsuo—"And all the controls are very useful to get my favorite tuning. With the cool design and the right weight!! This is the best!!