View other reviews for this product:
Audiofanzine FR
Published on 12/16/08 at 03:27
(Originally written by Böb/translated from Audiofanzine FR)
Hybrid amp using both available technologies: tube preamp and solid-state power amp. 1200 watts / 2 ohms via 4 x 1/4" jack outputs. Numerous settings: 2 input channels (clean and lead) which you can also mix together. Tone controls: low, high, +3-dB boost (deep/mid, notch/bright). Switchable 10-band EQ. Switchable and mixable dual high/low compressors. Input selector for active or passive bass (active = -6 dB). Input bypass for tuning. Switchable pre/post-preamp line output on XLR connector that allows you to assign (or not) the settings to the mixer. 3-button footswitch for channel selection and EQ and compression activation/deactivation.
UTILIZATION
Although it seems to be complex, setting the amp is logical, clear and effective. I recommend you to start with a basic sound: clean channel with no boost, EQ or compression, and all tone controls in the center position. If the bassist, the bass and the speaker cabinets are good, you'll immediately have a good tone and rank this amp among the best on the market. Afterwards if you need more options use each single section separately before using several at the same time, otherwise the interaction between the numerous settings will be confusing. The goal is to get a GOOD tone (that's for all FX maniacs) rather than a sound monster with no shape and no power... The user's manual is very professional and comprehensive. It provides a real block diagram of the device with test points. Very rare! It's very reassuring in case of faulty operation...
SOUNDS
Thanks to its numerous possibilities, this amp can match any music style. I use it with a Fender Precision without external effects. The sound possibilities provided by this amp are very good.
OVERALL OPINION
I've been using it for 5 years. What I like most of this Bassman is the tone (no sh**?) and it's compact size (2U and 33 lb.) compared to its huge output power. Before buying it, I compared it to a Marshall VBA400, an Ampeg SVT II and an Orange 200B... I choose this Fender Bassman 1200 because of its sound versatility/weight/price ratio. Above all it's very reliable. It has endured about 150 gigs and thousands of miles on the road with me without a hitch. If someone gave me the money to make a choice, I'm sure I would buy it again.
Böb (TOXIC KISS)
Hybrid amp using both available technologies: tube preamp and solid-state power amp. 1200 watts / 2 ohms via 4 x 1/4" jack outputs. Numerous settings: 2 input channels (clean and lead) which you can also mix together. Tone controls: low, high, +3-dB boost (deep/mid, notch/bright). Switchable 10-band EQ. Switchable and mixable dual high/low compressors. Input selector for active or passive bass (active = -6 dB). Input bypass for tuning. Switchable pre/post-preamp line output on XLR connector that allows you to assign (or not) the settings to the mixer. 3-button footswitch for channel selection and EQ and compression activation/deactivation.
UTILIZATION
Although it seems to be complex, setting the amp is logical, clear and effective. I recommend you to start with a basic sound: clean channel with no boost, EQ or compression, and all tone controls in the center position. If the bassist, the bass and the speaker cabinets are good, you'll immediately have a good tone and rank this amp among the best on the market. Afterwards if you need more options use each single section separately before using several at the same time, otherwise the interaction between the numerous settings will be confusing. The goal is to get a GOOD tone (that's for all FX maniacs) rather than a sound monster with no shape and no power... The user's manual is very professional and comprehensive. It provides a real block diagram of the device with test points. Very rare! It's very reassuring in case of faulty operation...
SOUNDS
Thanks to its numerous possibilities, this amp can match any music style. I use it with a Fender Precision without external effects. The sound possibilities provided by this amp are very good.
OVERALL OPINION
I've been using it for 5 years. What I like most of this Bassman is the tone (no sh**?) and it's compact size (2U and 33 lb.) compared to its huge output power. Before buying it, I compared it to a Marshall VBA400, an Ampeg SVT II and an Orange 200B... I choose this Fender Bassman 1200 because of its sound versatility/weight/price ratio. Above all it's very reliable. It has endured about 150 gigs and thousands of miles on the road with me without a hitch. If someone gave me the money to make a choice, I'm sure I would buy it again.
Böb (TOXIC KISS)