Hartke HA3500 user reviews ( 8/10) - 29 user reviews

• 07/10/03

  MGR/Anonymous's review "Hartke 3500"

  Characteristics

  Utilization

  Sounds

  Overall Opinion

  I purchased this head in 1991 from Musicians Friend for around $480
  
  
  
  Sound, versatility, ease of use, and reliability is what makes me a Hartke fan. I play rock, from the classics right up to todays new music as well as some country and southern rock and this amp allowed me to dial in exactly the sound I wanted and quickly. This head has a solid state and tube preamp section. The solid state pre has a tremendous amount of mid bite. You can drive right through any guitar using this preamp. The tube preamp is smooth and warm with a characteristic scoop out of the mids. The compression works well to put a purcussion bite to each note. The bass and treble contours allow you make broad spectrum adjustments to your sound and the ten band graphic EQ allows you to fine tune tour tone. LOUD! This amp can handle it's own. Best make sure your speakers can handle the 350 watts this beast hammers out. Reliability can't be beat. If you take care of your gear, you'll get more than your monies worth from it.
  
  
  
  I honestly can't think of a down side to this amp outside of the compression. If you are really picky about the compression then buy a seperate compressor.
  
  
  
  I have gig'd hard with this amp for over 11 years and didn't have a single problem. This thing has run in every climatic environment you can think of and had never let me down. In fact, it still has the original tube in it and sounds as good as the day I bought it. Racking the head helps a great deal. It is important to isolate the head from cabinet vibrations a much as possible. I use a 2 inch thick piece of black foam.
  
  
  
  Dollar for dollar, pound for pound, watt for watt, this is one fantastic head. Great sound, versatility, reliability, this one of the best investments in your rig that you will ever make. I don't think you will be disappointed.
  
  
  
  This review was originally published on http://www.musicgearreview.com
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• 10/29/02

  MGR/Darrell Butler's review "Hartke 3500"

  Characteristics

  Utilization

  Sounds

  Overall Opinion

  I had been wanting a Hartke system for a couple of years. My father, (also a musician), found this nice deal where he lives, (Tenn.--I live near Chicago), at a place called Pot 'O Gold, in Paris, TN. I paid $900.00 for a Hartke 3500 amp, a 4-10 cab, and a 1-15 cab, all new, all Hartke. Not to shabby at all. Plus, they gave me a great deal on a 2-10 Hartke cab, that I put on an angled amp-stand and use as a monitor....real nice!
  
  
  
  I love just about everything on the Hartke 3500 amp. It has inputs for either active, or passive bass. Both tube and/or solid state pre-amp controls, (nice). Compression LED, (visual indicator of the status of compression. Compression control knob, (off-"oo"), Grapic EQ in/out switch, (your sound-man will love this feature), 10-band graphic EQ sliders, (with lights on each slider). A contour low control, a control high contol, and a master volume control to keep this beast under control. In the back, you have a fuse sled, an AC input, two speaker outputs, small fan, effect send jack, effect return jack, balence control knob (use this to adjust the relative amount of effect send (dry), versus effect return, (wet). A direct out post/pre switch, (again, your soundman will love this one), Direct out normal/ground lift switch, (for those anoying places with neon lights, dimmer lights, ect..). And, a direct out jack. This amp has just about everything you will need, to shake the dandruf off of everybody's hair. The reason your soundman/woman will love the EQ switches are in case your EQ on stage isn't sounding well thru the main's..you can have the sound-person EQ your bass sound while still keeping your EQ settings on stage. Very nice feature. Althou, my soundman loves my EQ settings anyway, it's nice to have. All in all, if you can't find a tone you like with this beauty, it doesn't exist!
  
  
  
  To be nit-picky, there is only two things about this amp, that could be better..1) the weight. If I had to guess, I'd say it weighs about 25 lbs. Now, that by itself doesn't sound bad, but you put this thing in a rack, along with two other items, (I have a Hartke 3500 amp, a Korg DTR-2 tuner, and a Furman RR power conditoner in my rack), it's a pretty heavey rack.
  
  2) the compression could be a tad better then it is. I usually either have it off, or real low. But, I still would trade my ex-wife for another one of these amps, so these two items can't bother me to much, huh? LOL Oh, and one more thing...this amp is not bi-ampable. It's the only feature missing, that I wish was on it...I should have bought the 5000, or 7000 for that.
  
  
  
  excellent construction. Perfect condition straight from the store, shipped 500 miles, to my door. I instantly slapped it in a rack. I got 'in to it' with a guy here recently over the quality of this amp...He said knobs are loose, slider tabs were missing, lights on 3 other sliders didn't work. I asked him how old his amp was....he said about 3 years old. Then, I asked him if it was ever racked...HE SAID NO! No cover, no nothing. This isn't rocket-science here, folks...if you take care of it, this amp will last you many, many years. But, if you just throw it around, don't rack it, don't even get a cover for it, in a short time, it's going to look it. Don't forget, there is a tube in this unit, so you can't just bang it around at will, (whose Will?) LOL.
  
  
  
  To make a long story short, (to late for that now, huh?), I'd buy another one of this babies in a heart-beat. The first night I played it out, it took me less then 5 minutes to get the tone, seperation/tightness I wanted with the kick drum, and the volume just right. It's all right here, on this unit. Very highly recommended.
  
  
  
  This review was originally published on http://www.musicgearreview.com
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• 04/21/13

  Otenko's review ( translated ) Improve this translation " Great amp!"

  Characteristics

  It is a hybrid amp
  
  Pre-amp lamp transistor transistor power amp.
  
  
  
  2 knobs for the pre-amp (lamp and transistor)
  
  1 knob compressur
  
  1 10-band equalizer with on / off switch
  
  2 contour knobs (Low and High Pass)
  
  1 knob Master / Volume
  
  1 Effects loop
  
  1 DI output with switch Pre / Post amplification
  
  2 speaker outputs 6.3mm Jack

  Utilization

  The manual is provided in English, but the settings are simple and intuitive.
  
  One can find examples in the manual settings for the amp, it is convenient to start and get a decent sound, and then refines itself and is easily found the desired sound.
  
  The 10 band eq is not very obvious at first (I used a 3-band) and the bands are very sensitive but you get used to it.
  
  It is very easily sound you search!

  Sounds

  This amp suits all styles of music.
  
  I play more rock / punk. With a Fender Precision, the sound is very slamming, this is exactly what I wanted.
  
  On concerts, this amp has had the opportunity to be characterized by other bassists playing other style, all are very satisfied, no matter the style, this amp fits perfectly!
  
  
  
  I was disappointed by one thing: the built-in compressor is not great compared to the rest of the amp. Up to 2/3, almost no effect, the past three, almost out of his amp. It is an accessory (not necessarily essential) but considering the quality as not to put. I preferred to buy a compressor pedal really suitable.

  Overall Opinion

  It must be 8 months I use this amp and I'm not disappointed at all on the contrary. It adapts as small as large scenes. For now, I have not had the opportunity to live beyond Volume 2 (beyond it is usually transplanted to the sound).
  
  Tested in my high volume, I could see a blast from the volume 5/6 but for now, it does good to me to play as hard!
  
  Before buying it, I had the opportunity to test several brands such as Ashdown, Ampeg or Markbass and Hartke other models, my choice fell on this one because it's my most versatile for its price range taste. This is for me the best price / quality ratio, although it was not totally the sound of an Ampeg all-tube.
  
  
  
  Now I used to play on it, I do it again without hesitation choosing this amp, the power is there, the price is decent, it is to choose the closed eyes!
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• 02/24/13

  vinsaw's review ( translated ) Improve this translation " accurate, robust, practical and powerful"

  Characteristics

  everything has already been said so I quickly summarized: in frontage: entree act / passive - 2 amp lamp / transistor - compressor - 10 band eq - low / hi pass and master and back: 2 speakers Output - Effect send - return ( with a balance) DI output
  
  this amp delivers 240 watts under me 8Ω (4Ω 350w max sub) amp rack

  Utilization

  super easy to use, I bought him a box Hartke VX410 (eg think to add a Hartke VX115 for good sub. I have the manual in English but I've never opened, very versatile amp at the sound enough power to play with drummers very powerful. robust, he was carted in all directions, bcp has been used outside in extreme conditions and dusty, played background volume with a slap metalcore for hours it still works as well in part 2 or 3 knobs a little creaky despite a large cleaning last year, but nothing serious

  Sounds

  simple and versatile

  Overall Opinion

  I use it for 10 years, I have played or still play) on amps more powerful, better etc but this one suits me better, I know my regalges. if I were to buy an amp today I repeat the same, new or used, taken from the differance is not huge but it is so robust that it does not fear to buy occas after some tests of course
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• 03/14/12

  ferrisL's review ( translated ) Improve this translation " an amp very faithful"

  Characteristics

  hybrid lamp preamp (12AX7 for the lamp)
  
  and transistor
  
  
  
  amplification transistors 350 W into 4 Ohms and 250 into 8 ohms
  
  
  
  for the rest of the connector, while deeja has been said in previous posts

  Utilization

  the manual is well done but it is in English, therefore a negative

  Sounds

  the highlight of this amp is that it leaves perfectly express your bass and faithfully amplifies the sound of it
  
  therefore no miracle, if you do not have good bass and fingers it takes ... but I am fortunate to have a Warwick Thumb bass preamp with parametric, which can be put in passive mode, so I have the sound I want: ^)
  
  
  
  My favorite sound is the preamp tube to bottom, the pr & transistor and at least the compressor to the bottom, giving a warm grain, a bit distorted and compressed

  Overall Opinion

  I use it for just one month on a daily basis at home because I could not stand the noise of its fan. but it is set recently (see Tips section) suddenly the peavey TKO 75 that I used before is shelved.
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• 12/20/11

  Rastacouenne's review ( translated ) Improve this translation " A price / performance ratio excllent!"

  Characteristics

  Bass Amplifier head:
  
  
  
  - 350W into 4 Ohms
  
  - 250W into 8 ohms
  
  
  
  - Mixed Prampli lamp / transistors
  
  - Power amplifier transistors
  
  - Compressor intgrbr /> - 10-Band Equalizer
  
  - Two knobs to "contour"
  
  
  
  - Between a passive, one active between
  
  - Effects loop on the rear of the head
  
  - DI output with the possibility to choose pre or post pramplification
  
  
  
  - Two 19-inch rack units
  
  - Weight: 14 kg (!)

  Utilization

  No need to manually ring the bte, the rglages are intuitive.
  
  
  
  Playing on DIFFERENT knobs get the sound you get DSIR. The qualizer is not easy to use (many bands) but you get Tatouille obtain the desired sound, because the buttons are really sensitive ...
  
  
  
  The compressor, however, is not terrible, it is better to use it sparingly (scale 2 or 3 max)

  Sounds

  I play all styles of music with a Jazz Bass Squier VM, and gives me an ultra versatile configuration.
  
  
  
  The choice, I plug in the head on a 2x10 or 1x15, or two couples. With two speakers in the ass is really the power to go, you will have a good margin before reaching the limits of the head. This is one of the big strengths of the HA3500!
  
  
  
  I would describe the sound of modern and straight enough (typ Hifi), without staining particulire, contributing its great versatility.
  
  
  
  Mine is in a SKB for flycase being protected during transport

  Overall Opinion

  I use it for over 2 years now and I am fully satisfied. I wanted to head a powerful and fairly neutral, so I'm delighted.
  
  
  
  The HA3500 is a bestseller in Hartke and it's not for nothing. Of course, fans will wish typs sounds move into the most prestigious brands, but it will bring a much consquent budget.
  
  
  
  If you have less than 300 budget (for the occasion), you are looking for a versatile head, strong and powerful, I did not see any equivalent!
  
  
  
  Only default:
  
  - Weight, 14kg is not really anything!
  
  - The fan is noisy ... trs Gnant not when playing but can be a problem in the studio
  
  - The DI is to fool quality rpute
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• 06/05/11

  ooo_stephane_ooo's review ( translated ) Improve this translation " Very versatile amp head"

  Characteristics

  lamp and transistor preamp flavor according to the desired sound
  
  robust transistor amp
  
  compressor (FRO)
  
  Equalizer not bad at all
  
  all sources with 350W 4 Ohm (or 240 Watts into 8 ohms), which provides a comfortable cushion for quite a situation

  Utilization

  adjustment very easy because everything is found on the facade

  Sounds

  sound quite versatile including measurements lamps and trasistor level preamp

  Overall Opinion

  plus it's sturdy
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• 02/21/11

  Dedol Bass's review ( translated ) Improve this translation

  Characteristics

  Hello AFiens,
  
  
  
  The Bottom Line: HA3500 350 Wts. Lamp and transistors. Input line with Ground Lift. 2 contours output (I leave at noon, in all cases).
  
  Inst 0 and 2 entry-20Db.
  
  10-band graphic EQ.

  Utilization

  Since I play on Hartke since the inception of the brand in France (1991 env / I had 3 to date) and I must say that this combo is foolproof and is usable in many situations! The proof is found in all Backline festival, with respect to the application of course but also for its reliability and versatility.
  
  
  
  For the 3500 is a quality amp and the only fault I had during all these years and the breakdown of a cold junction at the input line (panel AR) easy to repair and cheap, and worries or level of a capacitor (unwanted noises) but it is resolved without intervention (?).
  
  
  
  Finally the HP, the Transporter has avoided for reasons of reliability. Sf if you made little use intensive semi pro eg. If you exceed the entry has more than 5 and vs. play a low B a little too violently, HP pass through (the magnet is upwind, in fact). Saving on the size of the magnets and simple case for the weight do not mix with the big sound repeats itself ...
  
  
  
  Stuart Hamm as saying on a pub of the mark in the 90 "I put the entry is under a quarter and a third volume. Yes, well provided you have the reservation behind Watts ... Genre HA 7000 and under 4ohms 800W ...

  Sounds

  Adjustment side, disable input signal for my passive bass 0db and-20db for active. EQ very sensitive, I cut a bit for the 100Hz turned a little nasty, a little boost 600Hz to blackmail the fretless. The rest is depending on location.
  
  
  
  Depending on the style played, we change some details on the EQ but overall, I prefer the low net round, 100 Hz below the midrange slightly forward, below 800Hz and treble without excess. I actually sinusoidal shape, the EQ.
  
  
  
  I play all styles, from punk to jazz through the Latin. The amp goes everywhere I tell you!
  
  
  
  Pb: The noise of the fan. In the studio, it must be isolated.

  Overall Opinion

  9 / 10.
  
  
  
  Since 1991. I pretty much tried everything. Remember, Ampeg for the warmer sound (lamps), and that's it! The rest is more delicate use pro. Otherwise some objects such as Mars or Alumabass Glockenklang but now AC socket ...
  
  
  
  Nothing to say more on this beast. It starts every morning!
  
  
  
  Stuart Hamm as saying on a pub of the mark in the 90 "I put the entry is under a quarter and a third volume. Yes, well provided you have the reservation behind Watts ... Genre HA 7000 and under 4ohms 800W ... To listen to Steve Vai (Passion and Warfare).
  
  Since a new hybrid series has been released. I'm on the lookout for the comments above. A word ..;
  
  Ded. Very good compromise
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• 02/15/11

  francois78310's review ( translated ) Improve this translation " good but not great"

  Characteristics

  2 pre amp (lamp and transistor)
  
  an effects loop with a potentiometer scale (from 0 to 100% of the signal passed through the loop)
  
  DI output with selectable pre or post EQ
  
  10-band equalizer
  
  and severe acute stroke
  
  integrated compressor
  
  transistor amplifier
  
  
  
  2 output jacks for speakers
  
  
  
  Max power: 350watts
  
  
  
  Everything is there, 9 / 10 because it is not innovative

  Utilization

  No need to use manual for the amp, turn, it is tested, I like, I do not like ...
  
  It is in the classic, then 9 / 10 because it is not innovative

  Sounds

  For audio, we get easily what they want, but it lacks brilliance in sound to the treble . We remain in a sound dull, dull.
  
  
  
  I use it with a low Traben Phoenix equipped with Bartolini AKG microphone input preamp.
  
  For my stuff, they are in the loop.
  
  
  
  On the compressor, not much to get by with a knob ...
  
  It's a gimmick
  
  
  
  7 / 10 because of lack of originality and brilliance, and the compressor is inoperable

  Overall Opinion

  I use it for over 2 years, every week in rehearsal, and at each concert.
  
  
  
  I acquired it because it was an occasion I had the head with 4x10 cabinet for 300 € or 350 €, I do not know too much. So the price / quality ratio was excellent for me.
  
  
  
  the + and -:
  
  
  
  - Shine
  
  
  
  + Fat
  
  + EQ
  
  + Mixing effects loop
  
  
  
  I do not put the compressor in - because you can cut it.
  
  
  
  In the future I headed to a head the best quality, type or ampeg tc electronics
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• 10/07/10

  Anonymous 's review ( translated ) Improve this translation

  Characteristics

  Tube preamp and transistor (there are 2 knobs that can be selected and measured).
  
  Amplification transistor.
  
  Delivers up to 350w.
  
  Connector jack input and output for HP.
  
  DI XLR output with built-in.

  Utilization

  The head is easy to use. The graphic equalizer is useful for finding the sound. The manual is useless.

  Sounds

  I use it with a bass luthier. The sound is pretty good but cold. I still search for a more rock.

  Overall Opinion

  Is my first "big" amp.
  
  I do not regret my purchase, but if it over again, I still save to invest in AMPEG. Good product
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