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Average Price: $892
High-end/Boutique
$200
$801+
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Price History
Based on price data from 3 merchants for "Orange OB1-500 500-Watt Single Channel Solid State Bass Head". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
Introducing the Orange OB1-500 500-Watt Single Channel Solid State Bass Head, an innovative bass amplifier that combines the best of guitar and bass amplification in a single, convenient package. This powerhouse unit makes it easier for bassists to achieve the layered, harmonically rich sound they desire without the hassle of hauling multiple amps to a gig.
The secret to the OB1-500's unique sound lies in its footswitchable Blend circuit. This circuit adds a controllable gain and increases harmonic content in the upper registers of the input signal, while leaving the lower frequencies and clean signal untouched. This results in a warm, clear sound that replicates the bi-amped set up bassists love.
The possibilities with the OB1-500 are limitless, thanks to the range allowed by the Gain and Blend controls. From a transparent clean boost to a filthy grind, everything in between is achievable. Plus, no matter what settings you choose, the OB1-500 maintains critical low-end definition.
The OB1-500 also features a highly responsive active three-band EQ, meticulously voiced for maximum effect with minimal fuss. The EQ section is located after the Gain and Blend dials, allowing full control over their massive sonic range. The Bass and Middle controls offer +/-15dB of boost or cut, while the Treble control provides a range of +/- 20dB.
Key Features:
- Single channel bass head with bi-amping capabilities
- Footswitchable Blend circuit for controllable gain and increased harmonic content
- Highly responsive active three-band EQ
- Clean side of the amp features a powerful tone-sculpting ability
- Gain control affecting only the upper harmonics, keeping the bottom end fat and full
- Dial in a range from subtle warmth to full on overdrive and distortion
- All-analog signal path with Class A/B power amp for big tone
- Footswitchable blend and gain controls to mix clean and dirty sound
- Balanced DI out for feeding your signal to a mixer or PA
- Fits into a 19" rack width and 2U tall
- Controls include volume, bass, middle, treble, gain, blend, and active/passive switch
Product specs
| Brand | Orange |
| Model | OB1-500 500-Watt Bass Amp Head |
| Finish | White |
| Year | 2015 - 2025 |
| Categories | Bass Heads |
| Electronics | Solid State |
| Output Power (Watts) | 500 |
| Reverb | None |
FAQs
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Is the Orange OB1-500 suitable for live performances?
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Yes, the Orange OB1-500, with its 500-watt output, is well-suited for live performances, providing ample power for medium to large venues.
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What type of tone can I expect from the Orange OB1-500?
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The Orange OB1-500 offers a blend of clean and overdriven tones, allowing for a versatile sound that ranges from punchy and clear to gritty and aggressive.
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Does the Orange OB1-500 have a built-in distortion feature?
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Yes, the Orange OB1-500 features a blend control that allows you to mix clean and overdriven signals, effectively providing a built-in distortion capability.
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Is the Orange OB1-500 compatible with 4-ohm and 8-ohm cabinets?
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Yes, the Orange OB1-500 is designed to work with both 4-ohm and 8-ohm cabinets, making it versatile for various speaker setups.
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Does the Orange OB1-500 have an effects loop?
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No, the Orange OB1-500 does not have an effects loop, but its straightforward design focuses on delivering powerful, direct bass tones.
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How portable is the Orange OB1-500 for gigging musicians?
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The Orange OB1-500 is relatively portable for a bass amp head, featuring a compact design that makes it easier to transport for gigging musicians.
Videos
Premier Guitar
Review Demo - Orange Amps OB1-500
Reviews
PROS
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Classic Orange thump and fundamental tone
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Blendable distortion for dynamic sound control
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Maintains clean low end while adding gritty highs
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Portable despite size and weight
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High-quality craftsmanship and materials
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Versatile for all genres, effective EQ adjustment
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Overdrive section can replace a stomp box
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Bi-amp design for clear bass and overdriven highs
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High power output with clear DI
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Simple control layout for easy sound shaping
CONS
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Might not play well with certain pedals
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Heavy and flat, challenging for some to transport
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Overdrive may overwhelm at high gain settings
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Some users report a need for specific cables (speak-on) for optimal performance
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Lacks the depth of sound compared to certain tube amps
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Absence of a mute switch for tuning live
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Requires careful EQ management with active basses
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Orange OB1-500 500-Watt Single Channel Solid State Bass Head.
Features and functionality
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The OB1-500 features a blend control for gain, allowing more flexible tone shaping compared to amps without this feature.
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The Terror Bass has a limited EQ but the newer TB500 revision includes a clean switch for versatile tone management.
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The OB1-500's gain section is based on bi-amping, which allows for complex, layered distortion that suits aggressive playing styles.
Source
Comparisons
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The OB1-500 has a class A/B solid state design, offering a smoother, more tube-like response compared to class D amps.
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Compared to the Orange Terror Bass, the OB1-500 provides a smoother gain response, making it suitable for players not focused on high drive.
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The OB1-500 is listed alongside the Harley Benton Block 800 mkII and Seymour Duncan Power Stage 700 as recommended options for bass players relying on pedals for tone.
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Compared to Peavey MiniMax, the OB1-500 offers a distinct bi-amping gain feature that produces a unique, aggressive sound well-suited for heavy music.
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User experience
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Some owners find the OB1-500 overdrive harsh and prefer using it as a minimalist solid state amp for clean tones.
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Some owners experiencing issues with Fender Rumble amps recommend the OB1-500 as a more dependable alternative, especially after problems with the Rumble's power amp.
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Owners using HM-2 pedals with the OB1-500 report maintaining sonic clarity while achieving heightened volume and emphasis when needed.
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Use cases and applications
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Users favoring clean tones appreciate the OB1-500's punchy mid sound, particularly for metal and prog genres.
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The Orange OB1-500 is mentioned as a suitable "power amp" for pedal-based setups, offering simplicity and reliability for those relying on pedalboard tones.
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The OB1-500 is recommended for metal genres, especially in setups with an 8x10 cab, where its power and tone cut through dense mixes.
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Critic Reviews
4.5 out of 5
Based on 2 Reviews and 7 Ratings
205
Simple but impressive.
I use this amp head for band practice and gigs, ive paired it with a Peavey cab i modified with a 15" 500w 8ohm Eminence speaker.
I switched to this amp from a Peavey T-Max 500. Both are great amps, but i love the simplicity of the OB1-500 amp head. It has volume control, bass-mid-treble knobs, gain, and blend. The gain control also does not increase the volume, you can add some gain easily without then having to turn the volume down to compensate.
I play a variety of rock genres on this amp, from classic rock to heavy metal. It is very versatile and can easily play other genres.
Artist usage
Add artist
In the video we are told by one of the orange team that he is using an ob1-500, an obc410 and an obc115
In this picture from Super Chon Bros Tour 2, Clay was using Organge OB1-500 amp with the ampeg 8*10.
Not sure when or where this was but the photo was taken by David Tong.
In the background, you can clearly see an Orange OB1 variant (not sure if it's a 300 watt or 500 watt). On top of an Orange OBC410.
“Our music, being very low-tuned, slow and loud, needs amplifiers and cabinets that keep up with us. I’ve tried several different 8×10 cabs and yours blew me away. The amount of punchy power is more than anything I’ve tried before. Together with the OB1-500 it really gives everything I want to. Would like to upgrade to another OBC810 and add to my sound the AD200B at some point soon.”
In Sarah’s Premier Guitar rig rundown, she explains how she uses the amp exclusively after touring with The Melvins
Toby tried this and found out it had footswitchable distortion. "it's the best bass distortion I have ever had" He explains it in the video at 5:30
Album Usage
The Orange OB1-500 500-Watt Single Channel Solid State Bass Head has been featured on the following albums:
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Orange OB1-500 500-Watt Single Channel Solid State Bass Head, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
Community setups
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