DV Mark Micro 50 Jazz Amp

[RationalAlan]

Hi Jazz Guitar Afflicted!

Dores anyone have knowledge of this tantalizing little amp?
I am looking for something that can be more portable than my Fender Deluxe Reverb.
And perhaps can be used directly into my recording console as a preamp.

Thanks. Alan

[Gitterbug]

...consider the Mk II (blue) or M (black) as more versatile options for the same weight and even less price. All share the same clean channel, which I find one of the best for straight-ahead jazz. The Jazz has no gain channel, whereas the MkII has a moderate one and the M is meant for shredders. For demo purposes, I chose the M. The models differ also in that the Jazz and M have an Aux in and FX loop, while the MK II doesn't have Aux. The original 2016 Micro 50, still available from some sources, does not have an FX loop but features an XLR line in instead of the 3.5 mm jack in the newer versions. Confused? So am I.

[rmpmcdermott]

...consider the Mk II (blue) or M (black) as more versatile options for the same weight and even less price. All share the same clean channel, which I find one of the best for straight-ahead jazz. The Jazz has no gain channel, whereas the MkII has a moderate one and the M is meant for shredders. For demo purposes, I chose the M. The models differ also in that the Jazz and M have an Aux in and FX loop, while the MK II doesn't have Aux. The original 2016 Micro 50, still available from some sources, does not have an FX loop but features an XLR line in instead of the 3.5 mm jack in the newer versions. Confused? So am I.

It's funny, I actually got the DV Mark Micro 50 M by accident when I meant to get the MK II. I just don't ever use the crunch channel and it effectively functions like the MK II but with an aux in.

I dig it a lot! It's a great clean platform with a ton of headroom. It's very clear and lets the guitar do most of the tone work. Also, the onboard reverb is pretty decent.

[lawson-stone]

this amp has gotten a lot of attention on this forum. Search for it and you'l find several threads, all very helpful.

[Bob P.]

...consider the Mk II (blue) or M (black) as more versatile options for the same weight and even less price. All share the same clean channel, which I find one of the best for straight-ahead jazz. The Jazz has no gain channel, whereas the MkII has a moderate one and the M is meant for shredders. For demo purposes, I chose the M. The models differ also in that the Jazz and M have an Aux in and FX loop, while the MK II doesn't have Aux. The original 2016 Micro 50, still available from some sources, does not have an FX loop but features an XLR line in instead of the 3.5 mm jack in the newer versions. Confused? So am I.

What kind of speaker cabinet are you blowing this through ? Thanks.

[Jim Soloway]

I have one and I like it a lot. I play mine through a Buscarino Chameleon but I also tried it through a really basic home made 1x8 cab with an Alpha 8 and it sounded good through that as well.

[Gitterbug]

What kind of speaker cabinet are you blowing this through ? Thanks.

Thanks for the serve - happy to return! I'm using the TOOB 12J ultra-light speaker exclusively, for the simple reason that my little enterprise makes and sells them. (TOOB) We have tested at least 12 micro-amps and some tubesaurs. The DV Mark remains my favorite for jazz, although there are lighter alternatives, such as Quilter's 101R and Interblock 45, plus Vox's MV 50 series. A few clients are using the BluGuitar Amp1; an utterly weight-conscious pro jazz guitarist in NY relies on the Orange Black Terror, and a recent TOOB convert in Canada opted for the Seymour Duncan Powerstage 170. A Japanese ex-pro pro is vacillating between Quilter and DV Mark.

New micro-amps keep pouring to the market, yet no-one else is offering a matching pro level 10" or 12" cab in the sub 10 lb category. Our current development work aims at a 6.5" Baby TOOB, with enough tone and volume for club gigs.

[RationalAlan]

This is the one, I think for me. The other alternative I have since discovered is the Le Clean Preamp pedal for DI into my recording board. Has anyone tried this? Might make senase for my home studio. Thanks. Alan

[gmek]

No experience with the Little but folks on the forum seem to really like it. I think the only negative comments I've read about it are an older version with a loud fan.

Some other options I've used for smaller amps

ZT Lunchbox: really loud and small and light. Not much as far as tone shaping goes and no reverb. Cuts through great in a mix but does lack bass. Over time I found it to be kind of shrill, and like it better with an extension speaker.

Quilter 101R - fender voiced solid state head that weighs only 2lbs. I have a Fender Deluxe as well and while not exact, I think this amp does a great Fender impression. I'm really happy with it and I'm well past the honeymoon stage.

Lots of threads on these amps here so search around!

[Bob P.]

Thanks for the serve - happy to return! I'm using the TOOB 12J ultra-light speaker exclusively, for the simple reason that my little enterprise makes and sells them. (TOOB) We have tested at least 12 micro-amps and some tubesaurs. The DV Mark remains my favorite for jazz, although there are lighter alternatives, such as Quilter's 101R and Interblock 45, plus Vox's MV 50 series. A few clients are using the BluGuitar Amp1; an utterly weight-conscious pro jazz guitarist in NY relies on the Orange Black Terror, and a recent TOOB convert in Canada opted for the Seymour Duncan Powerstage 170. A Japanese ex-pro pro is vacillating between Quilter and DV Mark.

New micro-amps keep pouring to the market, yet no-one else is offering a matching pro level 10" or 12" cab in the sub 10 lb category. Our current development work aims at a 6.5" Baby TOOB, with enough tone and volume for club gigs.

Didn't realize you were selling. What's your or anyone's experience with cabinets like Quilter, DV Mark, etc., etc.?

[lawson-stone]

Didn't realize you were selling. What's your or anyone's experience with cabinets like Quilter, DV Mark, etc., etc.?

I've enjoyed purchasing a fairly cheap 10" cabinet and swapping out the speaker for something to my liking. The result is usually very pleasing and not very expensive.

[Gitterbug]

Didn't realize you were selling. What's your or anyone's experience with cabinets like Quilter, DV Mark, etc., etc.?

Bob, we have been focusing on making and selling our own TOOBs for the past few years. Some 140 made, over 100 sold to 13 countries, mainly to working musicians relying on public transit. A dozen on the NY club scene alone. They do sound different - more separating, less directional, bass end never muddy - but we have done little systematic A/B testing for practical reasons. Our clients obviously have. The guitar versions have been tested with at least a dozen different amps, and the bass models with a half-dozen. That current users include Dumble and Carr owners speaks for itself.

The German blogger Henning Pauly (EytschPI42) will release an extensive TOOB review on April 10 on his YouTube channel. It's not going to be all praise, as his domain is high-gain rock and ours obviously not. In fact, we are about to launch a 6.5" Baby TOOB loud enough for intimate club gigs (most places can mike anything to PA anyway), with a bass version eventually to follow.

TOOB
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