Pricing and availability

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Sweetwater
5.0 (2)
$799.00
Guitar Center
3.0 (1)
$799.99
Reverb
5.0 (2)
$521.23 1 available Used

Average Price: $744

Standard/Professional

$200

$801+

Price Tier

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Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 4 merchants for "Ashdown Engineering RM-500-EVO". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

Unleash your bass potential with the Ashdown RM-500-EVO, a powerhouse of tone and versatility in a compact form. Weighing in at a mere 5.7 lbs, this bass amplifier head is a gigging musician's dream, delivering a formidable 500 watts of power without compromising on portability. Whether you're on stage or in the studio, the RM-500-EVO is equipped to handle any setting with its Analog Cab Sim DI output, allowing direct connection to PA systems and recording interfaces while maintaining the signature Ashdown sound.

The RM-500-EVO offers an impressive array of tone-shaping tools to hone your unique bass voice. Its 5-band EQ provides precise control over your sound spectrum, while the Sub Harmonic Generator enhances your low end, delivering earth-shattering depth. The built-in compression and Valve Emulated overdrive add warmth and character, ensuring your bass lines stand out in any mix.

Designed with both performance and practice in mind, this amp head features a headphone preamp for silent rehearsals, making it an ideal practice device. The flexible input options accommodate both passive and active basses, ensuring optimal signal clarity. For those moments when you need to cut the noise, the convenient mute button offers a sleek touch with its signature Ashdown VU meter that turns from orange to blue, adding a hint of style to your setup.

With a rugged yet lightweight build, the RM-500-EVO is crafted for the road, backed by Ashdown's commitment to repairability and sustainability, ensuring it remains a reliable companion for years to come.

Key Features:

  • 500W power output for robust performance
  • 5-band EQ for precise tone control
  • Sub Harmonic Generator for enhanced low frequencies
  • Valve Emulated overdrive for added warmth and grit
  • Analog Cab Sim DI and balanced D.I. outputs for direct connectivity
  • Headphone preamp for silent practice sessions
  • Lightweight design for easy transport
  • Mute button with color-changing VU meter for stage use

Product specs

Brand Ashdown
Model RM-500 EVO Rootmaster 500-Watt Bass Amp Head
Finish Black
Year 2015 - 2017
Categories Bass Heads
Color Family Black
Electronics Hybrid
Impedance 4 ohms
Number of Channels 1 Channel
Number of Inputs 2 Inputs
Output Power (Watts) 500
Power Tube Type None
Reverb None

FAQs

What type of music genres is the Ashdown RM-500-EVO suitable for?

The Ashdown RM-500-EVO is versatile and well-suited for a variety of genres, from rock and metal to jazz and funk, thanks to its powerful 500-watt output and hybrid electronics that deliver a rich and dynamic bass tone.

Does the Ashdown RM-500-EVO Bass Amp Head support multiple speaker cabinets?

Yes, the Ashdown RM-500-EVO can support multiple speaker cabinets with its 4-ohm impedance, allowing for flexible rig configurations and enhanced sound projection.

How portable is the Ashdown RM-500-EVO for gigging musicians?

The Ashdown RM-500-EVO is designed with portability in mind, featuring a compact and lightweight design, making it easy to transport for gigs and rehearsals without sacrificing performance.

What are the connectivity options available on the Ashdown RM-500-EVO?

The Ashdown RM-500-EVO includes two inputs, allowing for versatile connectivity with different bass guitars, and features essential outputs for connecting to speaker cabinets and external devices.

Does the Ashdown RM-500-EVO have any built-in effects?

The Ashdown RM-500-EVO does not have built-in effects, focusing instead on delivering a pure and powerful bass tone, although it can integrate well with external effects pedals for additional sound customization.

Premier Guitar

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Review Demo - Ashdown RM-500-EVO Bass Amp

Video thumbnail for Review Demo - Ashdown RM-500-EVO Bass Amp by Premier Guitar

Review Demo - Ashdown RM-500-EVO Bass Amp

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Reviews

Owner Insights

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

Setup and maintenance

  • The VU meter flashing slowly without sound indicates a potential power module issue, common in high output, small chassis amps.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The RM-500-EVO comes with a 5-year warranty and is repairable at the component level for up to 20 years, highlighting its long-term serviceability.

    Source
  • The RM500 EVO head is noted for producing a robust rock/soul sound, effectively competing with loud band setups, including multiple amps and extensive pedalboards.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners report that Ashdown recently changed distribution in the US, which may affect repair and service processes for users.

    Source
  • RM500 EVO2 head is praised for its gigging and recording capabilities, receiving compliments from peers, though some users encountered DI crackling resolved by Ashdown's support.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The RM500 is highlighted as a distinctively non-Class D sounding Class D amp, standing out among other class D amps like Hartke and Carvin for its tonal characteristics.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The ABM series is suitable for a wide range of venues, from small bars to large venues like the Royal Albert Hall, offering reliable performance in diverse settings.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Ashdown Rootmaster RM-500-EVO and RM-210T-EVO Review - Premier Guitar

premierguitar.com

The Ashdown RM-500-EVO is a compact, 500-watt bass amp offering impressive tweakability and solid power for a budget-friendly price. Its vintage-inspired design, complete with a signature VU meter, is visually appealing, while the EQ and effects controls, including compression and drive, provide a versatile sonic palette. However, the amp's chassis has sharp edges that could potentially harm users, and its labeling is difficult to read. Despite these minor flaws, the RM-500-EVO paired with the RM-210T-EVO cab delivers commendable tonal performance, particularly for small to medium venues. Overall, it's a practical choice for musicians seeking affordable, portable bass amplification.

positive

4.5 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 4 Ratings

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david_sumeray

Ashdown sound. Light to carry

At my age it’s very important to have amplification gear that doesn’t break my back. The Ashdown RM 500evo is light in weight and heavy in tone. It pretty much reproduces the sound of your bass and you can add some eq and effects. It takes a while to learn how the eq works best. There is a shape button which gives a bass heavy. Mid scooped tone. Start there. Depending on your bass you may want to pull back some bass and compensate for the mid scoop. You also have a compressor which as well as rounding off those peaks will add volume to your sound. In addition there is a drive control...a kind of tube simulator. I find just a little gives a warm tubey tone. Then there is the sub harmonic control which adds an octave down. Used subtly it adds a hint of extra bottom.

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