Fender Bassman 1200 Pro

(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)

This is a hybrid amp, meaning it uses the two technologies: Lamps preamp and amp transistors. It delivers 1200W/2ohms via 4 output jack / /. The settings are many: two input channels, bright or saturated (adjustable) and mixable with each other. Tone: low, high, 3 boost: deep / mid Nocht / bright. 10-band EQ switchable. Double cuts mixable high / low and switches. Input selector for low active / passive (active =- 6dB down). Bypass input to match. XLR Line-out switchable pre or post preamp, which allows to impose or not the settings to concsole mix. Finally, the selection of CHANNELS, EQ and compression, can switch the foot with a 3-button footswitch.

UTILIZATION

Despite a seemingly complicated equipment, all this is logical, clear and above all effective. I advice, of course, start with the basic sound of the beast: clear channel with artillery boost / EQ / comp disengaged and tones in the center. If the bass player, bass and HP are correct, it sounds immediately and the sound is among the best amps in the walk. The use (if necessary) of possibilities must then be made in sections, independently of each other prior to mixing, because the interaction of all these settings can be confusing. The goal is, (obviously some manic effects forget) to get a good sound, not a vomit, and void of power ... The manual is pro, complete with a real structural diagram of the + unit-test points. Too rare! It's reassuring in case of failure ...

SOUNDS

This amp can, by its ability, stick to any style of zic. I use a Fender Precision, without ancillary effects, the amp is more than enough to me. All the sonic possibilities of this amp is quality.

OVERALL OPINION

I use it for 5 years. The characteristic I like most about this is the bassman sound (no kidding?), Coupled with the fact that it is compact (2U 15kg) in view of its colossal power. At the time of purchase, it was "opposite" of a VBA400 Marshall, an Ampeg SVT II and an Orange 200B ... my choice was the Fender Bassman 1200 for the report: possibilities of sound / weight / price. It turns out that it is more reliable, after about 150 concerts and a few thousand km, it did not budge. If I am asked the tunes on the table to make another choice, it's a safe bet that I refasses the same ...

Bob (TOXIC KISS)