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moosers
Published on 09/08/10 at 14:44
The Ashdown ABM 500 EVO III is a bass guitar amplifier head that can be used in any setting desired. I've personally only used this head in the recording studio that I work at, as a client brought this in to use for the session. The amp delivers 575 RMS watts and has both on board compression and equalization. It has a single 1/4" input and two 1/4" outputs in the front, as well as speaker cable output in the back and an XLR direct output in the front as well. This amp head is pretty compact and isn't as heavy as some other heads out there.
UTILIZATION
Using the Ashdown ABM 500 EVO III isn't too hard, but it will most likely take some time to learn all the quirks, as the case will be with any amplifier. I've only had the chance to use this amp on a single session, but everything is pretty self explanatory if you're familiar with the signal processing at hand. In addition to the three band EQ and the super simple compression (single knob), you've also got parameters for valve drive, sub-harmonics, and both input and output levels. This isn't your typical bass head, so if you're new to amps it might be a good idea to have a manual around.
SOUNDS
The sound of the Ashdown ABM 500 EVO III absolutely rips. It's got a super deep sound to it that's perfect for recording or any other application. We used the amp with a matching Ashdown USA 115 speaker cabinet, and it certainly sounded like a good fit even though we didn't and didn't need to try another cabinet. I'm a huge fan of the way this amp sound without any of the processing even on, as it's really round and fat. I should also mention that the bass guitar that was being played was a Fender Jazz Bass. The EQ is more than helpful and the compression is great for getting a bit tighter of a sound, although we didn't end up using the on board compression. The sub harmonic parameter is probably my favorite thing on here, as you won't see it very many other places and is awesome for adding a little depth and color to your sound.
OVERALL OPINION
The Ashdown ABM 500 EVO III seems to be a little known company, but for bass players they certainly have a lot to offer. I don't know what kind of price this amp commands, but I would be surprised if it was on the cheaper side at all, as it really sounds great and seems to be built extremely well. I'd highly recommend checking out the ABM 500 series and the Ashdown brand in general if you're looking for a top of the line bass amplifier.
UTILIZATION
Using the Ashdown ABM 500 EVO III isn't too hard, but it will most likely take some time to learn all the quirks, as the case will be with any amplifier. I've only had the chance to use this amp on a single session, but everything is pretty self explanatory if you're familiar with the signal processing at hand. In addition to the three band EQ and the super simple compression (single knob), you've also got parameters for valve drive, sub-harmonics, and both input and output levels. This isn't your typical bass head, so if you're new to amps it might be a good idea to have a manual around.
SOUNDS
The sound of the Ashdown ABM 500 EVO III absolutely rips. It's got a super deep sound to it that's perfect for recording or any other application. We used the amp with a matching Ashdown USA 115 speaker cabinet, and it certainly sounded like a good fit even though we didn't and didn't need to try another cabinet. I'm a huge fan of the way this amp sound without any of the processing even on, as it's really round and fat. I should also mention that the bass guitar that was being played was a Fender Jazz Bass. The EQ is more than helpful and the compression is great for getting a bit tighter of a sound, although we didn't end up using the on board compression. The sub harmonic parameter is probably my favorite thing on here, as you won't see it very many other places and is awesome for adding a little depth and color to your sound.
OVERALL OPINION
The Ashdown ABM 500 EVO III seems to be a little known company, but for bass players they certainly have a lot to offer. I don't know what kind of price this amp commands, but I would be surprised if it was on the cheaper side at all, as it really sounds great and seems to be built extremely well. I'd highly recommend checking out the ABM 500 series and the Ashdown brand in general if you're looking for a top of the line bass amplifier.