Pricing and availability

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

Sweetwater
4.0 (8)
$949.00
Guitar Center
5.0 (4)
$949.00
Amazon
4.8 (7)
$949.00
Reverb
5.0 (10)
$949.00 New
$685.00 Used
Musician's Friend
5.0 (1)
$949.00
zZounds
5.0 (5)
$949.00
Thomann
4.7 (14)
$759.00

Average Price: $892

High-end/Boutique

$200

$801+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

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.

* 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

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

Is the Orange OB1-500 suitable for live performances?

Yes, the Orange OB1-500, with its 500-watt output, is well-suited for live performances, providing ample power for medium to large venues.

What type of tone can I expect from the Orange OB1-500?

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.

Does the Orange OB1-500 have a built-in distortion feature?

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.

Is the Orange OB1-500 compatible with 4-ohm and 8-ohm cabinets?

Yes, the Orange OB1-500 is designed to work with both 4-ohm and 8-ohm cabinets, making it versatile for various speaker setups.

Does the Orange OB1-500 have an effects loop?

No, the Orange OB1-500 does not have an effects loop, but its straightforward design focuses on delivering powerful, direct bass tones.

How portable is the Orange OB1-500 for gigging musicians?

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.

Premier Guitar

Premier Guitar

Review Demo - Orange Amps OB1-500

Video thumbnail for Review Demo - Orange Amps OB1-500 by Premier Guitar

Review Demo - Orange Amps OB1-500

Premier Guitar

Premier Guitar

Video thumbnail for Joseph Principe (Rise Against) Demos the Orange OB1-500 Bass Amp by Orange Amps

Joseph Principe (Rise Against) Demos the Orange OB1-500 Bass Amp

Orange Amps

Orange Amps

Video thumbnail for Orange OB1-500 Bass Amp Head by Reidys Home Of Music

Orange OB1-500 Bass Amp Head

Reidys Home Of Music

Reidys Home Of Music

Reviews

PROS

  • Classic Orange thump and fundamental tone

  • Blendable distortion for dynamic sound control

  • Maintains clean low end while adding gritty highs

  • Portable despite size and weight

  • High-quality craftsmanship and materials

  • Versatile for all genres, effective EQ adjustment

  • Overdrive section can replace a stomp box

  • Bi-amp design for clear bass and overdriven highs

  • High power output with clear DI

  • Simple control layout for easy sound shaping

CONS

  • Might not play well with certain pedals

  • Heavy and flat, challenging for some to transport

  • Overdrive may overwhelm at high gain settings

  • Some users report a need for specific cables (speak-on) for optimal performance

  • Lacks the depth of sound compared to certain tube amps

  • Absence of a mute switch for tuning live

  • 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

  • The OB1-500 features a blend control for gain, allowing more flexible tone shaping compared to amps without this feature.

    Source
  • The Terror Bass has a limited EQ but the newer TB500 revision includes a clean switch for versatile tone management.

    Source
  • The OB1-500's gain section is based on bi-amping, which allows for complex, layered distortion that suits aggressive playing styles.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The OB1-500 has a class A/B solid state design, offering a smoother, more tube-like response compared to class D amps.

    Source
  • Compared to the Orange Terror Bass, the OB1-500 provides a smoother gain response, making it suitable for players not focused on high drive.

    Source
  • 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.

    Source
  • 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.

    Source

User experience

  • Some owners find the OB1-500 overdrive harsh and prefer using it as a minimalist solid state amp for clean tones.

    Source
  • 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.

    Source
  • Owners using HM-2 pedals with the OB1-500 report maintaining sonic clarity while achieving heightened volume and emphasis when needed.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Users favoring clean tones appreciate the OB1-500's punchy mid sound, particularly for metal and prog genres.

    Source
  • 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.

    Source
  • The OB1-500 is recommended for metal genres, especially in setups with an 8x10 cab, where its power and tone cut through dense mixes.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Orange OB1-500 Review - Premier Guitar

premierguitar.com

The Orange OB1-500 is a versatile bass head offering a remarkable range of clean and overdriven tones, thanks to its innovative split-signal design. The blend and gain controls allow for intricate tone-sculpting, making it a boon for bassists seeking both traditional and adventurous sounds. While the EQ section is well-voiced, providing clarity and punch, the amp's appeal might not extend to purists of classic tube tones. At $899, it's on the pricier side, but its tonal capabilities justify the investment, especially for those looking for a solid-state alternative with depth and character.

positive
Add

4.5 out of 5

Based on 2 Reviews and 7 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
kyle_louden

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.

jasper16

Orange Rocks

Had this amp for 6 months and I love it ,grind and loads earth moving bottom end

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Becky Blomfield uses Orange OB1-500 500-Watt Single Channel Solid State Bass Head

Becky Blomfield

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via YouTube

In this video Becky discusses why she loves the Orange OB1 500 so much, and she's not wrong!

See how Chris Whetzel uses Orange OB1-500 500-Watt Single Channel Solid State Bass Head

Chris Whetzel

Bassist

Power Trip

...
Verified via Orangeamps

its states he uses this amp on the orange website

See how Betsy Wright uses Orange OB1-500 500-Watt Single Channel Solid State Bass Head

Betsy Wright

Singer, Guitarist

Ex Hex

...
Verified via She Shreds Magazine

“I used a Orange Terror Bass Head 500 with an 1×15 cab, but I just got a 2018 Orange OB1-300 head, which is even better than the Bass Terror! I’ll be using that from now on.”

See how John Levén uses Orange OB1-500 500-Watt Single Channel Solid State Bass Head

John Levén

Bassist

Europe

...
Verified via Orangeamps

Attributed to John on Europe's official Orange artist page.

See how Jeanne Sagan uses Orange OB1-500 500-Watt Single Channel Solid State Bass Head

Jeanne Sagan

Singer, Bassist

The Acacia Strain

...
Verified via YouTube

in the music video for Hold On by All That Remains, Jeanne can be seen using a orange ob1 bass head. she runs this through a omega bass cab

See how Jon Seiler uses Orange OB1-500 500-Watt Single Channel Solid State Bass Head

Jon Seiler

Bassist

Hiroe

...
Verified

It’s part of his amp stack in this Instagram post

See how Kyle Fasel uses Orange OB1-500 500-Watt Single Channel Solid State Bass Head

Kyle Fasel

Bassist

Real Friends

...
Verified via YouTube

In this video can be seen the orange ob1 bass head kyle uses

See how Mike Stanton uses Orange OB1-500 500-Watt Single Channel Solid State Bass Head

Mike Stanton

Bassist

Oceans Ate Alaska

...
Verified via Photo

In this post mike can be seen using a orang ob1 bass head

See how Steffen A. Rasmussen uses Orange OB1-500 500-Watt Single Channel Solid State Bass Head

Steffen A. Rasmussen

Bassist

The Franklins

...
Verified via Photo

Steffen A. Rasmussen uses the Orange OB1-500 500-Watt Single Channel Solid State Bass Head, purchased after recording the EP "FIVE" with The Franklins. This amp, housed in an alligator case, is paired with a Gallien-Krueger cabinet. The setup is featured in an Instagram post by Steffen, tagged #orangeamps.

See how Daniel Garland uses Orange OB1-500 500-Watt Single Channel Solid State Bass Head

Daniel Garland

Singer, Guitarist

Phoxjaw

...
Verified via Instagram

Daniel uses this bass head in his main rig.

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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weebus_dweebus69

weebus_dweebus69

Gear IQ 115

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