Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $819

High-end/Boutique

$200

$801+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

Dive into the heart of your bass sound with the Ampeg B-5R, a powerhouse designed for the stage-savvy musician. This 500W behemoth doesn't just amplify your sound; it transforms it. With a dual-channel setup that includes Clean and Overdrive modes, the Ampeg B-5R offers versatility whether you're laying down a groove or stepping into the spotlight with a solo. The Ultra Mid control and OD boost mean you're always just a tweak away from the perfect tone. Plus, its onboard octave doubler adds layers to your sound, ensuring you stand out in any mix. Ideal for bassists in heavier genres looking to make their mark, this amp head is a reliable companion for those who demand power and precision.

Key Features:

  • Dual-channel design with Clean and Overdrive modes for versatile sound shaping
  • Ultra Mid control and OD boost for fine-tuning your tone
  • Onboard octave doubler for expanding your sound palette
  • Inputs for 0dB and -15dB to accommodate hotter signals
  • Five tone voices per channel, offering a range of sound possibilities
  • Designed for 500W of power, suitable for large venues and heavy genres

Product specs

Brand Ampeg
Model B5R 500-Watt Rackmount Bass Amp Head
Finish Black
Year 2000 - 2006
Made In United States
Categories Bass Heads
Color Family Black
Electronics Solid State
Impedance 2 ohms
Number of Channels 2 Channels
Number of Inputs 2 Inputs
Output Power (Watts) 500
Power Tube Type None
Reverb None

FAQs

What are the core tonal characteristics of the Ampeg B-5R bass amplifier head?

The Ampeg B-5R is known for its powerful, clean tones and versatile sound shaping capabilities. It features a solid-state design that delivers punchy bass with clarity, making it suitable for various genres, from rock to jazz.

Is the Ampeg B-5R bass amp head suitable for live performances?

Yes, with its 500-watt output, the Ampeg B-5R is well-suited for live performances, providing ample power to drive large speaker cabinets and fill venues with robust bass sound.

Does the Ampeg B-5R work well with effects pedals?

The Ampeg B-5R handles effects pedals effectively, allowing bassists to integrate their pedalboards seamlessly. Its clean tone provides a solid foundation for various effects, enhancing the overall sound.

How many channels does the Ampeg B-5R have, and what is their purpose?

The Ampeg B-5R features two channels, allowing for quick switching between different tones. This setup is ideal for bassists who need versatility in their sound during performances or recording sessions.

What is the impedance rating of the Ampeg B-5R, and why is it important?

The Ampeg B-5R has an impedance rating of 2 ohms, which is essential for matching with compatible speaker cabinets to ensure optimal power transfer and sound quality.

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Ampeg B-5R.

Comparisons

  • Owners note that Ampeg solid-state amps like the B-5R lack the characteristic power tube sound typically associated with stoner metal.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The Ampeg B-5R is suggested for use with a 4x10 cabinet, offering a suitable setup for small to medium-sized club gigs on a budget.

    Source
  • It's been suggested that combining the Ampeg B-5R with a SansAmp pedal can enhance its sound, making it suitable for emulating tones used in specific songs or styles.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • The B-5R is noted as an attractive budget option at $229, appealing for its 500W power capability at 4 ohms despite being a solid-state head.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The Ampeg B-5R can achieve impressive tones when paired with a SansAmp deluxe, utilizing programmable channels to mimic SVT settings with variations in volume and dirtiness.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners have reported that combining a SansAmp deluxe with the Ampeg B-5R results in a satisfying range of tones, from clean to heavily distorted settings, enhancing versatility.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 4 Ratings

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Glass Animals uses Ampeg B-5R

Glass Animals

Singer, Guitarist

Glass Animals

...
Verified via Mixonline

“I’ll record all those synthesizers and re-amp them to give them another bit of texture and forwardness that they don’t necessarily have if you record straight in,” Bayley says. “I tend to go through a Roland JC-120 amp, but if it’s a low synth I’ll go through an Ampeg B-52, and if it’s a simple mono synth line I’ll get it through whatever guitar amp I have lying around.

There is no existing amplifier called Ampeg B-52, so I am going to assume the article writer made a spelling mistake, and meant the Ampeg B5R which is an amplifier for Bass synths and guitars. Which would make sense since he says he would only use low synths for it.

See how Tobin Esperance uses Ampeg B-5R

Tobin Esperance

Bassist

Papa Roach

...
Verified via YouTube

In this Rig Rundown by Premier Guitar, Ampeg B-5R can be seen at 3:15 in Tobin's rack.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Ampeg B-5R, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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