Ashdown ABM 500 RC EVO III Head

Hello,

I will not repeat the description of the amp but just serve developments.
In addition to everything we had before, we now have two output jack / Speakon who are obviously wired in parallel and an additional function Compressor controllable via a single knob. Like all other functions of the amp, it is switched on via a switch on the front panel or by footswitch (not supplied contrary to what the manual says)

Here is the beast:


UTILIZATION

Not being a bass player for very long, so my sound a little research I came across this amp: love at heart: It's simple, you turn the knob and you can always find something nice.

SOUNDS

This amp is quite impressive: almost everything can be done with it!
I play live with a low Sandberg JM5 active / passive, I really a whole bunch of sounds ranging from funk to fusion to rock vintage to modern.
I connected with a speaker 8ohms Markbass Traveler 121H because I do not have room to put a 4x10 at home and I must say that this configuration is very nice.
The speaker brings a touch of modernity (cleanliness) that lacks the ABM 4x10 cabinet.

Features:

1) Preamp Tube:
This setting is supposed to drive the (saturated) to the sound. To do this it must do its entry-level knob. Once that is done, you rule: childish. Once activated the sound is small enough, we lost in the bass: One thing, the lamp is a 12AX7WB (presumably Sovtek) and therefore CHANGE! For fans of heavy saturation, put a Ei, for others I think a small lamp will be very nice gain for not drive too but its fat lamps.

2) Compressor:
We shoot and nothing else. This compressor is not growing the sound, he is content to compress (reduce dynamqiue). Be careful not to put too much because he cuts quite the dynamic of high rate: as well learn to master these fingers (the attack) the sound will be even cleaner.

OVERALL OPINION

It's been six weeks that I have this great amp.
Nothing to say, it is very good:
- Sounds great.
- It's not too expensive (620 euros)
- It is very beautiful (yes it's bling and then?)

I mounted in a 2U rack carpet Warwick Sleeve.

Ashdown amps obviously offers very good quality for very reasonable prices. It is THE brand that is rising (Adam Clayton of U2, Pino Paladino, Tony Breit Lenny Kravitz, etc.)

On the ABM range, it can be considered as high-end brand, is that found on most scenes pros, there are more expensive but is it better (Klystron)?