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Darkglass Analog and Digital Combo Bass Amps | New from NAMM 2024play button

Darkglass Analog and Digital Combo Bass Amps | New from NAMM 2024

collapse expand iconDescription

The Darkglass M 500 bass combo amp brings you 500W of thunderous analog tone in an ultraportable 1x12" combo. This powerhouse combo is engineered for bassists who need pro-level flexibility for gigs, rehearsals and studio work. With the M 500, you get a premium all-analog preamp section loaded with Darkglass's iconic overdrive tones, allowing you to seamlessly shift from vintage grit to modern distortion. The four-band EQ gives you surgical tone-shaping control, while the optical compressor adds polish and dynamics management. All this tonal goodness is pumped through a custom-tuned 1x12" Eminence ceramic speaker that handles the full 500 watts of power. Weighing only 26 lb., the M 500 combo gives you massive bass tone in a highly portable design.

Shift Between Vintage and Modern Overdrive Tones

The M 500's preamp gives you the best of both worlds for dirt tones. The Vintage Microtubes emulates the warm, tube-like overdrive of the Darkglass B7K pedal. With the Microtubes B3K mode, you get the modern high-gain distortion that made Darkglass famous. The intuitive Blend, Drive and Level controls make it easy to mix and match the two circuits to craft your ultimate gritty bass sound. Whether you need a smooth, bluesy growl or an aggressive metal crunch, the M 500 has you covered.

Sculpt Your Sound With the Four-Band EQ

Having advanced EQ at your fingertips is crucial for honing the perfect bass tone. The M 500's four-band EQ gives you immense precision for tweaking your lows, mids and highs. Two sweepable midrange bands let you target 500Hz, 1kHz, 1.5kHz or 3kHz with pinpoint accuracy. Cutting or boosting frequencies in these ranges helps your bass sit perfectly in a live mix or recording. The low and high bands offer +/- 15dB of boost/cut for broad tonal shaping. No matter what tones you're chasing, the M 500's EQ has the flexibility to get you there.

Optical Compressor Adds Dynamics Control

The M 500's optical compressor circuit is key for balancing your dynamics and adding polish. Optical compressors have a very natural and musical response, perfect for bass. You get simple threshold and ratio controls to fine-tune compression depth and intensity. No need to fuss with attack and release times. The optical design responds perfectly to the bass signal for transparent leveling and smoothing. Engage the compressor to even out inconsistencies in your playing, fatten up sustain or add punch to your lines. It's an invaluable tool for controlling your dynamics.

Built-in D.I. Out and AUX In for Recording and Practice

In addition to its killer analog tone, the M 500 comes equipped with features that make it ideal both in the studio and for practice. The balanced D.I. out lets you plug straight into the PA or interface for recording, with a pre/post EQ switch to optimize your signal. The AUX input is perfect for jamming along with backing tracks or a drum machine. And the headphone jack lets you practice silently anytime. On stage or in the studio, the M 500 provides the great tone and flexibility bassists need.

Open Box Darkglass M 500 Bass Combo 1x12 Analog Amp Level 1 Blue
Open Box Darkglass M 500 Bass Combo 1x12 Analog Amp Level 1 Blue
Open Box Darkglass M 500 Bass Combo 1x12 Analog Amp Level 1 Blue

collapse expand iconFeatures

  • 500-watt analog power amp
  • Eminence 1x12 speaker
  • Darkglass analog preamp
  • 4-band EQ with push potentiometers
  • Vintage Microtubes and Microtubes B3K overdrive
  • Compression with auto gain adjustment
  • Master volume and mute switch
  • Headphone output
  • D.I. output with pre/post EQ switch
  • Ground lift
  • AUX input
  • Effects loop
  • Footswitch control
  • External speaker out
  • 110/220V power

collapse expand iconSpecs

Power
  • Power: Class-D ICEpower Module
  • Wattage: 500W
  • Speakers: 1x12 Eminence ceramic speakers
  • Voltage Selector: 110/220V
Front Panel Features
  • Active/Passive: Attenuates input signal for active instruments
  • Preamp: Darkglass Analog Preamp
  • Four-Band Ultra Quiet Equalizer: Fine-tune equalization with accuracy, featuring push potentiometers for low-mid (500Hz/1kHz) and high-mid (1.5kHz/3kHz) adjustment
  • Drive (Vintage Microtubes & Microtubes B3K): Seamlessly push between two distortions using the Blend, Level, & Drive controls 
  • Compression: With automatic gain adjustment, allowing dynamics shaping
  • Master with Mute: Controls overall volume while providing instant silence with a push
  • Headphone Output: Allows for private listening and practice sessions without disturbing others
Back Panel Features
  • D.I. Output with Pre/Post Switch: Choose between pre or post-EQ signal for the D.I. XLR output
  • Ground Lift for D.I. XLR Output: Minimize unwanted noise by lifting the ground of the D.I. output
  • Auxiliary Input for Backing Tracks: Conveniently play with backing tracks or external audio sources
  • Effect Loop (Send/Return): Connect external effects pedals or processors seamlessly
  • Footswitch: Enable hands-free control with an external footswitch
  • External Speaker Combo: Connect to an additional external speaker setup

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