Gallien Krueger Backline 600

The Gallien Krueger Backline 600 is a two channel, 300 watt each bass guitar amplifier head. It's a pretty in depth head with a lot of controls and routing options for the recording and gigging bass player. It's a solid state amplifier and it has 1/4" connections for your input, an effects loop, a tuner out, and a foot switch. It also has a direct XLR output which is a great feature on any bass amplifier as it allows you to get a direct signal from the head right into whatever you're recording with.

UTILIZATION

The make up of the Gallien Krueger Backline 600 is actually pretty easy to follow, but there's a lot of control possible here. For starters it has a four band equalizer, along with some built in overdrive and further controls for counter, level, boost, and a master control. In my opinion it's definitely a good amount to work with as you should have your hands pretty full with these controls. Even so, I don't think the manual is a necessity.

SOUNDS

The Gallien Krueger Backline 600 is overall a really full sounding amplifier. I haven't actually used the amp with a speaker cabinet as I've only plugged it in direct into my Digi 002R audio interface for monitoring and recording purposes. It sounds great through this and I can only imagine that it would translate well when used with a speaker cabinet. The overdrive on here is cool but it's not too heavy so if you like distortion a lot you'll probably need an external device. Overall it's a versatile head so you shouldn't have problems getting a nice array of tones here...

OVERALL OPINION

The Gallien Krueger Backline 600 is a great choice for any bass player looking for a quality head on a budget. It's not the best of the best, but it's great for the price! GK has a number of nice heads that are inexpensive including the Backline 600 that I'd recommend checking out. At the price of only around $300 US dollars, the Backline 600 is one of the best bang for your buck bass heads around.

(Originally written by seb_c_bien/translated from Audiofanzine FR)
Two channels, footswitch not included...

Carrying handle

FX loop, tuner and footswitch connectors on the front (good idea!).

Direct out.

Only one instrument input with -10dB and mute switches (also very good).

Common EQ section for both channels.

Seems sturdy.



UTILIZATION

Easy configuration, clear user's manual. Many sound possibilities.

Fat sound!

SOUNDS

Very big sound!

I tried it out in a store with a 4x10" Ashdown speaker cabinet (average sound), a 1x15" Trace Elliot speaker cabinet (great) and my Washburn Taurus T-24 passive bass (tuned two whole tones below standard tuning).

Before buying it I also tested an Ashdown (Mag Evo), a Markbass (Little Mark II), and a Trace Elliot (I can't remember the model).

Clean channel: Effective controls. The contour control is a good tool if you don't have a compressor. It provides an interesting, rounder sound. The low-frequency response is very powerful. This Gallien does a great job where my Ashdown MAG 300R doesn't have enough power (I will sell it). I guess some people will find the high-frequency range sounds too sharp. Regarding sound presence it's similar to a Trace Elliot. The response is very transparent and neutral.

The sound is pleasant even with extreme settings. You can get a growling sound turning up the boost control.

I love the distortion channel: If you like the bass sound on Will Halen's El Diablo you'll love this channel. Very fat and modern distortion sound. I set the gain control to 3 or 4, higher settings aren't that interesting. You get a huge and a bit acid sound.

This amp head will make you tremble It's the right choice for people who can't afford a Trace Elliot or an Ampeg, it comes pretty close to them considering its price.

Markbass amps are very good but they are expensive and produce a more aggressive sound.

It's just the best amp head I've ever tested in this price range! ! !

This amp will satisfy heavy metal, hard rock and blues rock players.

You get big lows, present low-mids and smooth highs... And a lot of headroom.

The sound is not very subtle... You'll buy it because you want to blow your audience away.

OVERALL OPINION

I would buy it again!

It's my new reference product regarding value for money! ! !

I don't recommend it to jazz and funk players, you'll be disappointed.

amp transistor robust I plug on 4x10 inches, a 18 inch jack or 1x10.connecter by HP, the distortion is good but lack of aggressiveness, 300 watt into 8 men, c is more than enough, it starts to make the its a quarter see third volume

UTILIZATION

excellent all the noon it sounds live

SOUNDS

I play rock or funk slap fat and very heavy rock. With the settings you fat sound with crystal clear sound without problem, I play it with 5-string bass Bannez, 4 strings Cort and everyone Bartolini, distortion, chorus, octave, auto wha.

OVERALL OPINION

I play this amp for 6 years, concert, pub, live, studio, outside, no problem of happiness, I have to try several Ampeg amp Gallien but is far better it sounds much rounder and he sent the grave
I will take back with the same again or the new MB 200

It's a transistor amp into 8ohms 300W quidélivre
Two jacks on the back
Two channels a clear and overdrive channel (which aroused my curiosity and above the First Prev purchase in time. See below), each with a volume and gain for the overdrive, an outline, a four-band equalizer, a set "boost" and a setting master. Note a loop for a pedal or a multi-purpose and a switch (not supplied pedal damage !!!). Note that this amplifier can be rack mounted (good for transport and a possible RACKTUNER), but the option is not free (not far from 30 euros).
Note also no entry in the back of the amp, which can be annoying. Otherwise it's tough ... No frills, a real tank.

UTILIZATION

The config could not be easier, few settings and the ability to find a good clear sound quickly. The manual is in English although it can not be clearer with examples of settings to find a nice sound.

SOUNDS

This amp is designed to make the big sound, it would be almost indecent to even want to play anything but metal or punk rock.
I play with an Epiphone EB-3, a pedal distortion / overdrive PD-7 and a SansAmp pedal.
We'll forget the overdrive channel that aroused so much interest for me some time ago when I discovered the apmli. The sound is too "electronic" for my taste and loses its color. It is better to use a good old SansAmp or an outright distortion pedal. Ibanez makes a very good for cheap. You can also go for a walk in BOSS, there's plenty to do.
The other feature of this amp is the boost that is the bass and treble and gives this side a big slap in the NOFX. To be used sparingly, however, but the whole point of Gallien Krueger. I do not put that 8 because the overdrive could have been a little more sought after but you do not ask too much for an amp of this price point.

OVERALL OPINION

It is only six months that I use and I still find new sounds. What may seem surprising with so few adjustments.
What I like with this material is its very Gallien Krueger although it is entry level, being able to put it in a rack, the relatively low for this type of amp and the possibilities of setting and the boost that gives the "growl"
I like the least overdrive (which however I did buy) and the fact of not having input on the back of the amp. Posted by it's all good, nothing to throw away.
Before purchasing this machine I tried the peavey amps, and Cort Acoustic but nothing at this price so good is the Backline 600 wins the game by finding more head amp of this power and quality for the price?? Do not know ... In short it is 300W, € 300 and built to last 300 years. The only small problem is that it is not distributed in France to my knowledge but I could be wrong.
If one day I can break it, for sure I ever did the same choice ...