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Average Price: $420

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$200

$801+

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Description

Crank up the volume and let your bass do the talking with the Ashdown RM-420, a powerful 420-watt bass amplifier head designed for both the studio and the stage. This compact and lightweight piece of gear is a versatile choice for bassists who demand the best in tonal flexibility and performance without the burden of extra weight—coming in at just 13.5 pounds.

The RM-420 comes packed with features that allow you to sculpt your sound precisely to your liking. The five-band EQ offers a wide array of tone-shaping possibilities, ensuring your bass lines cut through any mix with clarity and depth. Whether you need a touch of warmth or an aggressive growl, the onboard overdrive and one-knob compressor have you covered. For those moments when you need an extra punch, the subharmonic generator provides a resonant low-end boost that will shake the room.

Designed for seamless integration into any setup, the RM-420 includes a 4-ohm speakON/phono speaker output and an XLR DI output, making it a gig-ready powerhouse. Plus, with the option to control drive and subharmonic effects via a footswitch (sold separately), you can switch up your sound in real time with ease.

Elevate your bass game and join the ranks of discerning musicians who trust Ashdown for their amplification needs. The RM-420 is more than just an amp head—it's your ticket to a world of sonic possibilities.

Key Features:

  • 420-watt bass amplifier head
  • Lightweight at 13.5 pounds
  • Five-band EQ for flexible tone shaping
  • Built-in overdrive and one-knob compressor
  • Subharmonic generator for low-end boost
  • 4-ohm speakON/phono speaker output
  • XLR DI output for direct connection to PA systems
  • Drive and subharmonic effects controllable via optional footswitch (sold separately)

Product specs

Brand Ashdown
Model RM MAG 420 Rootmaster 420W Bass Head
Finish Black
Year 2010s
Categories Bass Heads
Color Family Black
Electronics Solid State
Impedance 4 ohms
Number of Channels 1 Channel
Number of Inputs 1 Input
Output Power (Watts) 420
Power Tube Type None
Powered Unpowered
Reverb None

FAQs

What kind of sound can I expect from the Ashdown RM-420 bass amplifier head?

The Ashdown RM-420 delivers a punchy and clear sound with a solid low-end, ideal for rock, funk, and jazz styles. Its solid-state design ensures reliable performance with minimal distortion.

Is the Ashdown RM-420 suitable for live performances?

Yes, with its 420 watts of power, the Ashdown RM-420 is suitable for live performances, providing enough volume to be heard in band settings, even with a drummer.

Does the Ashdown RM-420 work well with effects pedals?

The Ashdown RM-420 is known for taking pedals well, allowing you to shape your tone further with effects like overdrive, compression, and modulation without losing clarity.

What type of inputs does the Ashdown RM-420 have?

The Ashdown RM-420 features a single input, designed to accommodate standard bass guitar connections.

How portable is the Ashdown RM-420 for gigging musicians?

The Ashdown RM-420 is relatively lightweight and compact for a bass head, making it a practical choice for gigging musicians who need a powerful yet transportable amplifier solution.

Ashdown Engineering

Ashdown Engineering

Ashdown Rootmaster 420 Head and 210 cab

Video thumbnail for Ashdown Rootmaster 420 Head and 210 cab by Ashdown Engineering

Ashdown Rootmaster 420 Head and 210 cab

Ashdown Engineering

Ashdown Engineering

Video thumbnail for Ashdown 420 Rootmaster Introduction with E. Pruitt by Ashdown Engineering

Ashdown 420 Rootmaster Introduction with E. Pruitt

Ashdown Engineering

Ashdown Engineering

Video thumbnail for NAMM '14 - Ashdown Rootmaster RM-MAG-420 and PiBass-240 Demos by Premier Guitar

NAMM '14 - Ashdown Rootmaster RM-MAG-420 and PiBass-240 Demos

Premier Guitar

Premier Guitar

Video thumbnail for Ashdown - Rootmaster 220 and 420 at NAMM 2014 by GAK

Ashdown - Rootmaster 220 and 420 at NAMM 2014

GAK

GAK

Video thumbnail for ASHDOWN MAG ROOTMASTER 420 & 220 DEMO BY NICO DI BATTISTA by Goldmusicsrl

ASHDOWN MAG ROOTMASTER 420 & 220 DEMO BY NICO DI BATTISTA

Goldmusicsrl

Goldmusicsrl

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Ashdown Engineering RM-420.

Comparisons

  • The Ashdown RM series, particularly the RM-420, is considered inferior to the MAG series from the '90s-'00s for quality and sound clarity.

    Source
  • The Hartke 410TP is preferred for its lighter weight (51lbs) compared to the Peavey 115BX BW (75lbs), making it more practical for frequent gigs.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Ashdown amps, including the RM series, have a dark, woofy sound that may not suit those seeking a bright, punchy tone like Gallien Krueger.

    Source
  • Pairing the RM-420 with a 410 cab is favored for a balanced setup in a 4-piece rock band, providing adequate power and portability.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • Owners indicate that Ashdown amps, such as the RM series, might have a sub-octave feature that enhances the sound depth, which isn't found in many other brands.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • The RM-420, along with other Rootmaster series amps, is generally advised against unless opting for the higher-powered models like the RM-500.

    Source

Build quality

  • UK-made Ashdown amps are preferred over Chinese-made ones due to superior build quality and longevity.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners suggest combining a 410 cab with a 115 cab to maximize the RM-420's power and achieve a fuller sound range, although starting with a single cab is common.

    Source

Other

  • The combination of a 410 cab with the RM-420 is described as sufficient for a rock band setting, implying it can handle both punchy and depth-demanding tones.

    Source

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