Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 7 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
4.0 (11)
$759.99
Guitar Center
4.5 (3)
$759.99
Amazon
4.2 (31)
Used
Reverb
5.0 (2)
$734.54 New
$424.99 Used
Musician's Friend
5.0 (90)
$799.99
zZounds
5.0 (3)
$799.99

Average Price: $720

High-end/Boutique

$200

$701+

Price Tier

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Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 5 merchants for "Blackstar Unity 500 Combo". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

The Blackstar Unity 500 Combo is a powerhouse bass amplifier designed with the discerning bassist in mind. Combining a sleek design with cutting-edge technology, this 500-watt, 2 x 10" combo delivers both punch and precision, making it an ideal choice for everything from intimate studio sessions to larger live performances. At the heart of the Unity 500 Combo is Blackstar's unique Response control, which lets you seamlessly switch between three classic power amp stages: Linear for articulate sound, 6L6 for a compressed punch, and 6550 for dynamic headroom.

This amp's versatility doesn’t end there. With three distinct preamp voicings—Classic, Modern, and Flat—you can easily tailor your sound to match any genre or playing style. The Drive section offers three different overdrives—OD, Distortion, and Fuzz—allowing you to blend these effects to your liking and achieve the perfect tonal texture. Further sound sculpting is made possible by a 3-band EQ with a semi-parametric Mid knob, while built-in effects like compression, chorus, and sub-octave increase your bass's punch and depth.

Designed for the modern bassist, the Unity 500 Combo is packed with pro-level connectivity, including XLR and USB outputs for easy DI recording, a headphone jack for silent practice, and an effects loop for integrating external gear. This amp is not just about sound—it's about creating a complete, immersive musical experience.

Key Features:

  • 500-watt, 2 x 10" bass combo with Eminence Opus speakers
  • Unique Response control with Linear, 6L6, and 6550 power amp stages
  • 3 preamp voicings: Classic, Modern, and Flat
  • Drive section with 3 overdrives: OD, Distortion, and Fuzz
  • 3-band EQ with semi-parametric Mid knob
  • Built-in compression, chorus, and sub-octave effects
  • Series effects loop and MP3/line input
  • XLR and USB outputs for DI recording
  • Compatible with Unity U250ACT powered cabinet for additional 250 watts of power

Owner's manual

Blackstar Unity 500 Combo User Manual

Product specs

Type Solid State
Number of Channels 1-channel, 3 x voices, 3 x drives
Output Power 500W
Speakers 2 x 10" Custom Eminence Opus speaker
Effects Chorus, Sub-Octave
Compression Yes
EQ 3-band EQ with Mid Frequency
Amp Modeling Linear, 6L6, 6550 power models
Inputs 1 x 1/4", 1 x 1/8" (mp3/line in)
Outputs 1 x 1/4" (line out/headphones), 2 x XLR (DI, cab)
Headphones Yes
Effects Loop Yes
Footswitch I/O 1 x 1/4" (overdrive/effect)
Footswitch Included Yes, 2-button Footswitch
USB 1 x Type Mini-B
Power Source Standard IEC AC cable
Height 24"
Width 19"
Depth 14.2"
Weight 48.5 lbs.

FAQs

Is the Blackstar Unity 500 Combo suitable for live performances?

Yes, the Blackstar Unity 500 Combo is suitable for live performances, offering 500 watts of power and two 10" Custom Eminence Opus speakers, providing ample volume and clarity for gigging.

What types of tones can I achieve with the Blackstar Unity 500 Combo?

The amp offers linear, 6L6, and 6550 power models, allowing you to achieve a range of tones from clean and punchy to warm and overdriven, suitable for various music styles.

Does the Blackstar Unity 500 Combo include built-in effects?

Yes, it includes built-in chorus and sub-octave effects, allowing for additional sound shaping and creative possibilities without external pedals.

Can I use headphones with the Blackstar Unity 500 Combo for silent practice?

Yes, the amp includes a headphone output, making it convenient for silent practice sessions.

What are the connectivity options for the Blackstar Unity 500 Combo?

The amp features 1/4" and 1/8" inputs, 1/4" and XLR outputs, an effects loop, and USB connectivity for versatile integration with other equipment.

Andertons Music Co

Andertons Music Co

All About The Bass - Back In Blackstar - Unity Combo Amp

Video thumbnail for All About The Bass - Back In Blackstar - Unity Combo Amp by Andertons Music Co

All About The Bass - Back In Blackstar - Unity Combo Amp

Andertons Music Co

Andertons Music Co

Video thumbnail for Review Demo - Blackstar Unity 500 Bass Combo by Premier Guitar

Review Demo - Blackstar Unity 500 Bass Combo

Premier Guitar

Premier Guitar

Video thumbnail for Bass Musician Magazine Reviews the Blackstar Unity 500 by Bass Musician Magazine

Bass Musician Magazine Reviews the Blackstar Unity 500

Bass Musician Magazine

Bass Musician Magazine

Video thumbnail for Blackstar Unity U500 Bass Combo - American Musical Supply by American Musical Supply

Blackstar Unity U500 Bass Combo - American Musical Supply

American Musical Supply

American Musical Supply

Reviews

PROS

  • Huge headroom at an affordable price

  • Built-in effects with a notably good fuzz

  • Exceptional clear tone remains through all volume phases

  • Versatile with customizable voicing options

  • Compact yet powerful, suitable for small to mid-sized shows

  • Quality build, robust and durable design

  • Offers great value with a boutique feel at a reasonable price

  • Compatible with extension cabs for enhanced performance

CONS

  • Onboard effects like compression and octave considered lackluster

  • Some effects and features might feel cheesy or underwhelming

  • Requires effort to dial in just one good sound for some users

Critic Reviews

Blackstar Unity 500 Review - Premier Guitar

premierguitar.com

The Blackstar Unity 500 Combo delivers a powerful punch with its impressive 500-watt output and versatile tonal capabilities. Its thoughtful features cater well to bassists seeking both power and flexibility, with a range of voicing options and effects. However, it does have its drawbacks; the weight can be cumbersome, and the sound may come off as boomy or boxy without careful adjustment. Finding the right tone can require some dedicated tweaking. Overall, the Unity 500 stands out in the bass amp market, offering a solid choice for musicians looking for a robust, feature-rich combo amp.

positive

Blackstar Unity 250 & 500 Bass Amps Review

guitar.com

Blackstar's Unity 500 Combo is a robust contender in the bass amp arena, delivering clear, punchy tones with a versatile array of features. Its intuitive controls make it easy to tweak sounds on the fly, and the dual speaker configuration enhances its low-end performance. However, the hefty design can hinder portability, and the somewhat cramped footswitch controls may frustrate players mid-performance. While it excels in tonal variety, some may find its weight and volume adjustments less than ideal. Overall, it's a solid choice for those seeking reliability and depth in small to medium gigs.

positive

Blackstar Unity 500 Bass Amp Review - Bass Musician Magazine, The Face of Bass

bassmusicianmagazine.com

The Blackstar Unity 500 Combo is a powerful bass amp that boasts impressive flexibility and innovative features, allowing players to easily shape their tone. However, the review highlights concerns about its weight and size, making it less portable than expected. While its sound quality and design cater well to bassists, the overall sentiment suggests that the amp struggles in live situations where mobility is crucial. For players seeking a blend of performance and portability, the Unity 500 may fall short.

negative

4.0 out of 5

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paul_w1982

paul_w1982

Gear IQ 190

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