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Markbass MB58R 122 Energy - 4
Warranty from the manufacturer: 12 months.
Markbass MB58R 122 Energy - 4
Sometimes you want a compact, lightweight cab that still sounds properly grown-up, and that’s exactly where the Markbass MB58R 122 Energy - 4 comes into its own. It comfortably covers everything from home practice to confident performances on big stages – without you having to haul around a wardrobe-sized cab that weighs as much as a fridge.
To give you a feel for it: this is one of those cabs you pick up and instinctively check whether it’s actually got anything inside. The enclosure is made from modern composite materials, which cuts the weight dramatically compared to traditional ply boxes. Yet the sound stays tight, punchy and articulate. That’s a real quality-of-life upgrade if you’re regularly heading to rehearsals with a bass in a gig bag, a pedalboard, and a cab that still needs to be dragged along somehow.
At the same time, this is not a toy for bedroom use – it’s a serious tool for the stage. The two 12" speakers strike a solid balance between punch, low end and a clearly defined midrange. The overall voice is more versatile than classic 10" stacks or a single 15". You can comfortably cover modern funk, hefty rock, laid-back jazz or more aggressive styles. The cab holds its own in dense mixes where guitars and drums don’t leave much sonic space.
Another pleasing point: even at relatively modest volumes the sound doesn’t fall apart. The lows stay controlled, without turning into a woolly blur. That makes it very practical for home practice and rehearsals in smaller rooms. Pair it with a decent head and the cab really opens up, and you immediately understand why the current MB58R series has so many fans. The Italians have clearly worked not only on weight but also on the feel and response of the sound.
Why choose this model?
- Ultra-light enclosure made from modern materials – significantly easier to transport than classic wooden cabs
- Two 12" speakers provide a versatile character that suits different styles and EQ approaches
- High power handling and sensitivity let you play larger venues without losing volume, punch or attack
- Italian build quality and the brand’s signature voice deliver reliability and a recognisable, musical sound
- A convenient format both for fixed studio setups and for mobile players who are regularly on the move to rehearsals and gigs
Model description
The entire MB58R series is built around the idea of an enclosure that’s as light as possible while remaining robust. Instead of heavy plywood, a special polymer material is used. This gives you a cab that can be comfortably lifted with one hand, without sacrificing sound quality. For frequent load-ins, hired shows, rehearsal rooms and studios, that’s a huge advantage. The enclosure is reinforced and designed to withstand the demands of regular stage use.
The Markbass MB58R 122 Energy - 4 is built around a pair of proprietary 12" speakers. This is the sweet spot for bass drivers. They deliver a fast response and a powerful low end without getting bloomy or vague. The mids come through clearly, so your lines are easy to pick out both in a trio and in a dense band with two guitars. The built-in high-frequency driver with level control lets you add brightness, attack and pick click, or, conversely, smooth things out. That’s handy if you like to switch between pick and fingerstyle, slap and a more traditional approach.
The cab pairs easily with most Markbass heads as well as amps from other brands. The 4 Ohm configuration lets you squeeze maximum power out of most standard solid-state heads. For some, this will be the main gigging cab. Others might combine it with a second identical cab to build a full-on stage rig for large venues. Even on its own, though, it delivers a seriously authoritative sound.
In use, it’s clear the designers focused not only on frequency response but also on the physical feel of the attack. Notes are not only audible – you can actually feel them. This is especially satisfying on the lower strings and in down-tuned setups. At the same time, the low end stays tight, without excessive boom. That’s crucial both for players and for sound engineers. It’s much easier to slot this cab into a mix without spending hours fighting a muddy low range.
Construction-wise, it’s a classic rectangular box that stacks easily either side-by-side or on top of another cab. A metal grille protects the speakers on the road and in cramped rehearsal spaces. The handles are properly thought out so carrying it doesn’t turn into torture, even for one person. If you’ve ever dragged around old-school heavyweight bass cabs, you’ll notice the difference immediately.
Who is this model for?
This cab is a great fit for any bassist who wants a serious stage sound without unnecessary weight, and who expects real versatility from their rig. Younger players will appreciate that you can get it to rehearsal in public transport or in an ordinary car without drama. For those just starting out, the Markbass MB58R 122 Energy - 4 is a cab you won’t outgrow in a year once the first gigs start coming in. There’s plenty of power and headroom to last you a long time.
Self-taught players and hobbyists who mainly play at home but occasionally get together with a band will get a convenient, predictable tool. The same cab can be used both for practising parts in your room and for club gigs. You simply adjust the volume and play. The sound stays clear even at low levels, so your neighbours will thank you – and you won’t feel like you’re playing through a plastic box.
Professionals, session players and musicians juggling several projects need reliability and a versatile tonal character. Here, the cab lets you confidently handle both jazz sets and heavy programmes. You can dial in a smoother, slightly compressed tone or go for a bright, attacking sound for prog, funk or metal. The cab doesn’t impose an overly aggressive colour on your signal, but that trademark Markbass musicality is still very much recognisable. Sound engineers and producers will appreciate the predictability and control in the low end – systems like this are much easier and more pleasant to sit in a mix, especially in smaller venues where extra boom quickly turns into a mess.
For studios and rehearsal spaces, it’s a practical option. Easy to move around, easy to position in the room, and happy with a variety of amp heads. Treated with basic care, this cab will comfortably cope with a packed schedule of daily rehearsals by different bands. And musicians will be glad to see a modern, lightweight but genuinely gig-ready tool instead of some ancient box with mysterious internals.
Specifications
- Type: bass cabinet / speaker system
- Power handling: 800 W RMS
- Impedance: 4 Ohm
- Configuration: 2 × 12" speakers
- High-frequency driver: piezo tweeter with level control
- Enclosure material: lightweight polymer composite (MB58R series)
- Design: bass reflex cabinet
- Frequency response: approximately 40 Hz – 20 kHz
- Sensitivity: around 103 dB SPL
- Connections: Speakon / jack combo socket
- Dimensions (approx.): 60 × 60 × 47 cm
- Weight: about 15 kg
- Finish: black enclosure with contrasting signature accents
- Country of origin: Italy
