It is a transistor amplifier while about 300 w RMS into 4 Ohm and approx. 190 W into 8 Ohm. The head is covered with carpet. The connection is very simple:
- 2 input (active low bass and high bass passive);
- 2 HP behind;
- Input and output effects;
- 1 output;
- 1 DI.
The volume is adjusted with two knobs, input (to adjust the input signal) and output (the volume issued by the cabinet).
The equalizer is also simplified: 5 knobs: bass / bass-medium / medium / medium-treble / treble.
In addition, there are three buttons: - 1 to turn on the bright (bright treble)
- 1 to engage the deep (strengthens bass)
- 1 to turn on the EQ.
Finally there is a knob for sub-harmonics (so-octave) aaccompagné of a button switch that allows you to cancel it, the octave, even cranked, is heard at high volume.
One of the characteristics of the amplifiers is the Ashdown VU meter to measure the input signal (input): It is very aesthetic and vintage, it gives a touch of class to the head.
The head weighs 8-9 pounds and has a handle (yes only one) on the side.

UTILIZATION

Configuration is very simple because there is no graphic equalizer. This is very useful if you want to adjust its speed more quickly, a little less if you are very precise and meticulous (though that with the 5 knobs ago what to do). Good sound is achieved quite easily: even by changing the settings is always obtained quelchechose that "sounds good". The buttons are bright and deep and useful can be heard, for against the octave is discreet. The amp is easy to pick up, however the manual is very detailed, but it passes easily.

SOUNDS

This is where lies the strength of the head. I play punk rock and it fits perfectly. I play with a Squier P-Bass with Seymour Duncan SSPB-3 and it sounds very good. We obtain easily a grain of interest: the sound is warm (due to very low mediums present) for a transistor, you can get a sound a little bold typed Ampeg and this is what I recheche (I say "type" because it remains at 350 euros a head approx. and that its bold rocky Ampeg obtained on the classic series to very high prices). The bright and deep are very useful, they bring much to the sound, presence and depth. The sound is far from being cold (unlike Hartke) and is quite colorful: it gives a true color to the sound of the bass as can Ampeg or Trace Elliot (this is an old home that TE Ashdown founded). We get some very nice round.
However, a wide range of sound is accessible and ampl is not limited to one style or a particular sound that I think it works best in a rock style. The sound is quite "vintage" and (going very well with a pick) really present, not at all flat.

OVERALL OPINION

I use it extensively for 1 month (ts day only, 1 times / week group). The characteristic I like most is the sound very rock and colorful but also the design of the head very "vintage" (with VU Meter notement) which gives this amp look well above its price. The amp gives a solid feel and seems well finished; the only negative point is located at the level of the pots and buttons rather "cheap" Chinese fabricaton typed. But we must look closely to notice.
I tried a few different amp models at concerts or with friends: HA3500 Hatke, too cold, Peavy: flat and neutral fender: good but too expensive; Ampeg: expensive, at least for the series that are worth their price (classic and pro). I wanted to buy Ampeg first used, but the opportunities were not very interesting. So I turned to Ashdown which I had seen on many forums and notice they approached Ampeg sound and the price / quality ratio was excellent. I ordered a stack mag + mag 300r 410t of musik-service.de for less than 600 euros and I am very satisfied with the product. For the price it is excellent. Of course this is 350 euros a head, but one is more surprised than disappointed. So I'm happy with my choice for now and I'll post a few times to clarify my opinion. Tip: If the head is within your budget, you will not be disappointed, it does not really competing but perhaps the opportunity (and again).