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Description

Unleash your bass potential with the Ashdown ABM C115 500 EVO II, a powerhouse among bass combo amplifiers. Engineered for both the purist and the experimentalist, this 575W RMS combo amp offers a versatile sonic palette to match your musical mood. With three rotary tone controls providing 20dB of cut and boost, and additional sliders for finer EQ adjustments, you have the tools to sculpt your sound precisely. Switch effortlessly between passive and active inputs, and explore a range of tones from clean to warm to overdriven, thanks to the blend of solid-state and dual-triode tube preamp stages.

The footswitchable subharmonic generator takes your bass lines to new depths, precisely tracking the main signal and reproducing it an octave lower for that extra punch. This feature allows you to add anything from subtle thickness to a bone-crushing low-end, giving your sound a commanding presence. The ABM C115 500 EVO II also offers practicality with a balanced direct out and sub-bass output, FX loop, and line input for connecting external sound sources. Its output muting feature lets you tune silently without interrupting your set.

Boasting Ashdown BlueLine speakers, this combo amp delivers a stunning balance of power and transparency. Enjoy deep, controlled lows without sacrificing mid-band attack or high-end brightness, making it essential for any modern bass sound. Whether you're in the studio or on stage, this amp ensures your bass lines resonate with clarity and power.

Key Features:

  • 575W RMS output
  • Three rotary tone controls with 20dB cut/boost
  • Additional EQ sliders for precise sound shaping
  • Switchable for passive and active instruments
  • Blend of solid-state and dual-triode tube preamp stages
  • Footswitchable subharmonic generator for octave-lower reproduction
  • Balanced direct out with pre/post-EQ switching
  • Ashdown BlueLine speakers for powerful, clear sound

FAQs

Is the Ashdown ABM C115 500 EVO II suitable for live performances?

Yes, the Ashdown ABM C115 500 EVO II is equipped with 575W RMS power and a 15" BlueLine speaker, making it powerful enough for live performances and capable of delivering robust bass tones.

What type of preamp does the Ashdown ABM C115 500 EVO II use?

The Ashdown ABM C115 500 EVO II features tube and solid-state preamp stages, allowing for versatile tonal shaping and a range of classic to modern bass sounds.

Can I connect external effects to the Ashdown ABM C115 500 EVO II?

Yes, the Ashdown ABM C115 500 EVO II includes an FX loop, enabling you to connect external effects pedals or processors for expanded sound options.

Does the Ashdown ABM C115 500 EVO II support both active and passive bass guitars?

Yes, the amplifier has switchable active/passive inputs, making it compatible with both active and passive bass guitars.

What is the function of the subharmonic generator in the Ashdown ABM C115 500 EVO II?

The subharmonic generator in the Ashdown ABM C115 500 EVO II enhances low-end frequencies, providing additional depth and reinforcement to your bass sound.

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Ashdown Engineering ABM C115 500 EVO II.

User experience

  • Owners find Ashdown ABM amps heavy but report a unique, vintage-tight sound that appeals to rock musicians.

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  • Multiple users report that a single 12" cab may not suffice; additional cabs improve sound quality and volume.

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  • The ABM 500 is noted for a unique tonal quality that becomes apparent when the volume is at or above 50%.

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Comparisons

  • Users suggest pairing Ashdown heads with non-Ashdown cabs, like Ampeg 8x10, for better sound and volume.

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  • The Ashdown ABM 600 and 300 both have a tube preamp, unlike alternatives like Aguilar TH700 and Darkglass, which mimic tube sound.

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Features and functionality

  • The bass knob on Ashdown amps should be kept low to prevent losing clarity in a mix.

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  • The Ashdown ABM 600 offers double the wattage for just 15% more cost, providing more headroom and clarity compared to the 300 model.

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Setup and maintenance

  • Some users experienced preamp fuse issues, which affected reliability in performance contexts.

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Use cases and applications

  • Ashdown amps can overpower drummers and compete with high-wattage guitar stacks when EQ settings are optimized.

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  • Owners note that while 300W is sufficient for indoor gigs, the 600W model is more suitable for outdoor performances without PA support.

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Build quality

  • Some users have experienced Ashdown amps catching fire, citing quality control issues as a concern.

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5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 3 Ratings

5 star
4 star
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2 star
1 star
andy_budge

Reliable but heavy.

Bought it in the late 1990s. Has never let me down.

Genre Usage

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

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