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Average Price: $900

High-end/Boutique

$200

$801+

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High-end

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Description

When it comes to transforming your bass tone, the Darkglass Microtubes 900 Bass Head is a game changer. Hailing from the boutique world of Finnish craftsmanship, this bass amplifier head stands out with its all-analog pre-amplifier and efficient Class D power module. Designed for bassists who crave versatility and power, the Microtubes 900 offers a dual-channel experience that seamlessly blends pristine clarity with rich, gritty overdrive.

On the right side, you'll find intuitive controls for Master, Gain, and a 4-Band EQ, allowing you to sculpt your clean sound to perfection. But the real magic happens on the left. With an additional channel dedicated to enhancing your sound, you can dive into a world of compression, tube breakup, harmonics, and distortion. This is where the Microtubes 900 truly shines, offering a palette of tones that can be as subtle or as aggressive as you need.

Whether you're on stage, in the studio, or jamming in your garage, this amplifier head delivers a powerful punch without compromising on clarity. It's compact yet robust, engineered to satisfy the most discerning bass players with its dynamic range and tonal flexibility.

Key Features:

  • All-analog pre-amplifier for authentic sound reproduction
  • Class D power module for enhanced efficiency
  • Dual-channel design with separate clean and overdrive controls
  • 4-Band EQ for precise tonal shaping
  • Built-in compression, tube breakup, harmonics, and distortion options
  • Compact and road-ready design

Product specs

Brand Darkglass Electronics
Model Microtubes 900 900-Watt Bass Amp Head
Finish Black with Medusa, Silver
Year 2010s
Made In Finland
Categories Bass Heads
Electronics Solid State
Impedance 2 ohms, 4 ohms
Number of Channels 1 Channel
Number of Inputs 1 Input
Output Power (Watts) 900
Power Tube Type None
Reverb None

FAQs

What kind of tones can I expect from the Darkglass Microtubes 900 Bass Head?

The Darkglass Microtubes 900 offers a versatile range of tones, from clean and punchy to aggressive and overdriven, thanks to its integrated Microtubes engine. It's ideal for bassists who need both clarity and grit for various styles.

Is the Darkglass Microtubes 900 Bass Head suitable for live performances?

Yes, with 900 watts of power, the Darkglass Microtubes 900 is more than capable of handling live performances, offering enough headroom and power to cut through in any band setting.

Does the Darkglass Microtubes 900 Bass Head have any built-in effects?

While it doesn't have traditional effects like reverb, the Microtubes 900 features the signature Microtubes overdrive circuit, allowing you to blend clean and overdriven tones seamlessly.

What are the impedance options for the Darkglass Microtubes 900?

The Darkglass Microtubes 900 Bass Head supports both 2-ohm and 4-ohm impedance options, providing flexibility to match with various speaker cabinets.

How portable is the Darkglass Microtubes 900 Bass Head?

The Darkglass Microtubes 900 is designed to be compact and lightweight, making it easy to transport for gigs and rehearsals without sacrificing power or tone.

BassTheWorld.com

BassTheWorld.com

DARKGLASS MICROTUBES 900

Video thumbnail for DARKGLASS MICROTUBES 900 by BassTheWorld.com

DARKGLASS MICROTUBES 900

BassTheWorld.com

BassTheWorld.com

Video thumbnail for Ultimate Bass Rig:  Darkglass Microtubes 900 Amp & Cabinet  | SpectreSoundStudios DEMO by SpectreSoundStudios

Ultimate Bass Rig: Darkglass Microtubes 900 Amp & Cabinet | SpectreSoundStudios DEMO

SpectreSoundStudios

SpectreSoundStudios

Video thumbnail for All About the Bass - Darkglass Microtubes 900 Bass Head Amp by Andertons Music Co

All About the Bass - Darkglass Microtubes 900 Bass Head Amp

Andertons Music Co

Andertons Music Co

Video thumbnail for Darkglass Electronics Microtubes 900 - BASS Demo by MrExcane

Darkglass Electronics Microtubes 900 - BASS Demo

MrExcane

MrExcane

Video thumbnail for Darkglass Microtubes 900 Bass Amp - Review & Demo by PMTVUK

Darkglass Microtubes 900 Bass Amp - Review & Demo

PMTVUK

PMTVUK

Reviews

PROS

  • Compact and lightweight, easy to transport

  • Powerful sound output surprises given its size

  • Offers both excellent clean tone and incredible distortion

  • Versatile sound suitable for arenas and small gigs

  • Two distinct distortion flavors for varied sound

  • Durable build, can withstand rough handling

  • EQ band controls, though initially clumsy, offer good sound shaping

  • Compatible with a wide range of speaker cabinets

  • Replaces bulkier amps without sacrificing tone quality

  • Well-regarded among users with extensive amp experience

CONS

  • EQ band controls may be initially difficult to navigate

  • Clean channel quality perceived as lacking compared to overdriven channel

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Darkglass Microtubes 900 Bass Head.

Features and functionality

  • The onboard distortion, especially the "Vintage" setting, is a key feature for those interested in punk and krautrock sounds, indicated by the blue lights.

    Source
  • The Microtubes 900v2's blend and level knobs provide versatility, allowing users to achieve various tones suitable for different music styles with careful adjustment.

    Source
  • The Alpha Omega 900 and Microtubes 900 are fundamentally similar, differing mainly in their distortion voicings, each mirroring their respective pedal counterparts.

    Source
  • Ampeg 810 cabs exhibit a low-end cut-off around 80Hz, contributing to a popular sealed design that reduces interference with front-of-house sound.

    Source

User experience

  • Some users report multiple warranty claims due to equipment failures, though the warranty service is responsive.

    Source
  • One user successfully uses a phase shifter, tremolo, TS9 variant, Big Muff variant, DD6, and a looper through the main input without issues.

    Source
  • Owners note that Ampeg 810 cabs from the 90s are valued for their pre-"dark" era clarity, despite lower power ratings compared to modern models.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The Mesa Boogie TT-800 is suggested as an alternative for those seeking a versatile, portable amp head with a different sound profile.

    Source
  • The Microtubes X 900 limited edition model offers a crossover frequency feature for the distorted tone, adding a unique capability similar to the X line of pedals.

    Source
  • MarkBass 8x10 cabs are praised for their low-end response and lighter weight compared to Ampeg 8x10 cabs, especially in high-volume stoner/doom setups.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The amp is considered loud, with users appreciating the 900 watts for headroom when using multiple high-gain pedals.

    Source
  • The Microtubes is praised for its ability to produce lovely tones in indie music, despite its initial perception as unsuitable for non-metal genres.

    Source
  • The Ampeg SVT 810E cab, paired with the Microtubes 900v2, struggles with low-end at high volumes in unconventional venues, highlighting its limitations in drop C tuning scenarios.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Ampeg heritage speakers, Weber 10FL, and Eminence B810 are recommended as potential replacements for improving power handling and tonal clarity in older Ampeg 8x10 cabs.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Darkglass Electronics Microtubes 900 Review - Premier Guitar

premierguitar.com

The Darkglass Microtubes 900 Bass Head impresses with its sleek design and powerful 900-watt output, delivering tones from crisp clarity to robust overdrive. Its versatile overdrive modes—B3K and VMT—offer distinct tonal palettes, enhancing its appeal. The smart EQ controls and Microtubes Engine add to its adaptability, making it a standout in the class-D amp market. However, its single speaker jack limits cabinet configurations, and it comes at a higher price point. Despite these drawbacks, its build quality and tonal versatility justify the cost for many bassists seeking a high-performance amp.

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5.0 out of 5

Based on 3 Reviews and 14 Ratings

5 star
4 star
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1 star
m_owen_santy

Best micro amp on the market.

From focused and clear to down and dirty - this head has never failed to deliver. Replaced my Mesa Boogie Subway 800+ with this head and have never turned back

dailydoze

My main bass amp

When I think about it, this is the main bass amp I use. It's got a really nasty distortion sound yet a nice jazz sound. Portable? Yes. Good sound? Yes. Would I recommend it? Yes.

aleksander_lew

Not bad for heavy music

Overdriven channel is almost perfect but clean channel suck.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Adam Nolly Getgood uses Darkglass Microtubes 900 Bass Head

Adam Nolly Getgood

Guitarist, Bassist

Periphery

...
Verified via YouTube

In the video, Nolly can be seen playing "Marigold" through the Darkglass Microtubes 900 Bass Head

See how Matt Freeman uses Darkglass Microtubes 900 Bass Head

Matt Freeman

Bassist

Rancid

...
Verified via Facebook

0:53 into the video, and throughout the song, it seems to show a Dark Glass 900 (v1). Shape, knob layout and number, size, all indicate it is this, and not the standard Fender setup Matt plays

See how Clay Gober uses Darkglass Microtubes 900 Bass Head

Clay Gober

Bassist

Polyphia

...
Verified via YouTube

Can be seen at the beginning of the video

See how Billy Gould uses Darkglass Microtubes 900 Bass Head

Billy Gould

Bassist

Faith No More

...
Verified via Photo

«This thing is a winner on many levels; it has a great tone that can cut through the loudest cymbals and guitars; a ridiculous amount of punch that just feels good to play, with power for days. And I can fly with it as a carry on!» Words by Billy about Microtubes 900.

See how John Browne uses Darkglass Microtubes 900 Bass Head

John Browne

Guitarist, Composer

Monuments

...
Verified via YouTube

In this video, John Browne is shown to use a Fortin Grind and Fortin Zuul pedal. Also, his studio rig is shown to consist of a Darkglass Microtubes bass amp head.

See how Dave Hollingworth uses Darkglass Microtubes 900 Bass Head

Dave Hollingworth

Guitarist, Bassist

Dorje

...
Verified via YouTube

In this video on his youtube channel Dave demos the DarkGlass microtubes 900, which he also uses live

See how Reita uses Darkglass Microtubes 900 Bass Head

Reita

Bassist

the GazettE

...
Verified via Photo

In September of 2020 The official bass magazine's website updated Reita's profile with another interview and included an updated list of his gear. On that list the Darkglass microtubes 900 amp head is listed. Reita has been known to use seperate heads (laney nexus fet and trace elliot ah600-12) for his monitor and to front of house but apparently he's updated both to this amp. https://bassmagazine.jp/player/bf-reita/

See how Tomasz Wróblewski uses Darkglass Microtubes 900 Bass Head

Tomasz Wróblewski

Bassist

Behemoth

...
Verified via YouTube

Used for recording in Orion's studio along with other Darkglass devices .

See how Angel Vivaldi uses Darkglass Microtubes 900 Bass Head

Angel Vivaldi

Guitarist

...
Verified via angelvivaldi

On his official website, Angel Vivaldi confirms using Darkglass Microtubes 900 Bass Head.

See how Kevin Otten uses Darkglass Microtubes 900 Bass Head

Kevin Otten

Bassist

KNocked Loose

...
Verified via Photo

I use this on my board as a pre amp with my quad

See how Jeff Pinkus uses Darkglass Microtubes 900 Bass Head

Jeff Pinkus

Bassist

Melvins

...
Verified via Photo

In this Instagram post, JD Pinkus with A Darkglass Microtubes 900.

See how Tyler Williams uses Darkglass Microtubes 900 Bass Head

Tyler Williams

Bassist

Counterparts

...
Verified via Photo

In a post on Instagram, Tyler Williams is shown with the Darkglass Microtubes 900 Bass Head resting atop his Ampeg cabinet during a performance in Lawrence, Kansas.

Album Usage

The Darkglass Microtubes 900 Bass Head has been featured on the following albums:

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Darkglass Microtubes 900 Bass Head, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Community setups

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jake_strunin

jake_strunin

Gear IQ 84

1 alternative for Darkglass Microtubes 900 Bass Head, curated by the Equipboard community.

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