Pricing and availability

* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Description

The Crate BT220 is designed for bassists who crave powerful sound and versatility in a compact package. Delivering a robust 220 watts of power, this bass combo amplifier is perfect for both practice sessions and live performances. Switch effortlessly between two channels — Distortion and Clean — to tailor your sound to any musical style. The 15" driver ensures a rich and resonant low-end response, ideal for those deep, thumping bass lines that command attention.

With a 4-band EQ, you have the tools to sculpt your tones to perfection, whether you're dialing in subtle nuances or bold statements. Professional features like an FX loop, XLR balanced line out with level control, and RCA CD inputs make this amp a gigging bassist's dream. The addition of an extension speaker jack offers flexibility for larger venues, while the input pad and mute button provide added convenience during performances.

For quieter moments, the headphone jack is a welcome feature for silent practice, and the built-in chromatic tuner ensures your bass is always in tune. The Crate BT220 combines functionality and performance, making it an essential addition to any bassist's gear collection.

Key Features:

  • 220 watts of power
  • 15" driver for rich low-end response
  • Two channels: Distortion and Clean
  • 4-band EQ for tone shaping
  • FX loop and XLR balanced line out with level control
  • RCA CD inputs
  • Extension speaker jack
  • Input pad and mute button
  • Headphone jack for silent practice
  • Built-in chromatic tuner

FAQs

Is the Crate BT220 bass amplifier suitable for live performances?

Yes, the Crate BT220 is suitable for live performances with its 220-watt power output, providing ample volume for small to medium-sized venues.

What kind of tone control does the Crate BT220 offer?

The Crate BT220 features a 4-band EQ, allowing you to customize the bass, midrange, and treble frequencies to shape your desired tone.

Can I connect external effects to the Crate BT220 amplifier?

Yes, the Crate BT220 includes an FX loop, which allows you to connect external effects pedals or processors for enhanced sound customization.

Does the Crate BT220 have a built-in tuner?

Yes, the Crate BT220 comes with a built-in chromatic tuner, making it easy to keep your bass guitar in tune during practice or performances.

How can I connect the Crate BT220 to an external speaker?

The Crate BT220 includes an extension speaker jack, enabling you to connect an additional speaker cabinet for expanded sound projection.

What are the connectivity options for recording with the Crate BT220?

The Crate BT220 features an XLR balanced line out with level control and pre-/post-EQ selection, making it easy to connect directly to recording equipment or a PA system.

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Crate BT220.

Features and functionality

  • The Crate BT220 includes a 15-inch combo speaker pushing 220 watts, with a built-in tuner, clean and distortion channels, and a 4-band EQ.

    Source
  • It offers an XLR line out for connecting to a soundboard and an external speaker jack for additional connectivity.

    Source
  • The built-in tuner can still pick up notes even when the speaker output is not functioning, indicating separate circuitry.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Suitable for practice and gigging, the BT220 is used by a 6-piece party band without needing to crank the volume.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Owners have found the Crate BT220 used for as low as $150, highlighting its cost-effectiveness compared to new models.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • It's noted that a partially depressed mute button on the front panel can cause sound issues, a common oversight for owners.

    Source
  • A fuse located on the back might need replacing if the amp stops producing sound, a fix that has resolved similar issues for other Crate amp models.

    Source

User experience

  • Users advise checking internal wiring for faults if external checks do not resolve sound issues, suggesting potential maintenance for long-term use.

    Source

4.5 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 2 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
kyrferg

Nice combo amp.

Found this amp abandoned in a basement and adopted it. It's a great combo amp. Gets loud without losing quality. My distortion line has never worked (makes a very loud, very annoying noise, but I don't know enough about the inner mechanics of amps to fix it or know what's wrong) but I have pedals to make up for that. The clean line is perfect. This also is a big ass amp, but fits perfectly under my desk for home studio use. Has a built in tuner which saves pulling out one more pedal.

Genre Usage

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

More Crate Bass Combo Amplifiers

Artist usage

Community setups

Similar

  • Added to Equipboard on by

    kyrferg
    kyrferg

    Gear IQ 192