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Average Price: $667

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$200

$801+

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Description

Unleash the power and versatility of the Tech 21 Bass VT 500, a bass amplifier head designed to cater to the discerning tastes of modern bassists. This compact powerhouse is equipped with a 500-watt Class D power amp, ensuring you have all the headroom you need, whether you're jamming in the studio, rehearsing, or rocking out at a midsized gig. Inspired by the renowned SansAmp VT Bass DI pedal, the VT 500 delivers a wide array of tones, from vintage tube warmth to cutting-edge rock grit.

The intuitive control panel features a powerful 3-band EQ along with Drive and Blend controls, allowing you to sculpt your sound with precision. The Character knob gives you the flexibility to emulate a range of classic and contemporary bass sounds, while the Bite switch provides an extra edge to your tone. Notably, the built-in SansAmp circuitry ensures that your carefully crafted sound is faithfully transmitted to the soundboard via the balanced XLR line-out, making sure the audience hears exactly what you intend.

With its portable design, this amp head is not just about big sound; it’s also about convenience. The VT 500 includes a dedicated headphone output for quiet practice sessions and a built-in effects loop for incorporating your favorite pedals. Elevate your bass playing experience with the Tech 21 Bass VT 500—a perfect blend of innovation and tradition.

Key Features:

  • 500-watt Class D power amp for robust performance
  • SansAmp VT preamp for diverse tonal possibilities
  • Character control for a wide range of bass tones
  • Balanced XLR SansAmp line output for consistent live sound
  • Built-in effects loop with bypass switch
  • Dedicated headphone output for silent practice
  • SpeakON inputs for professional-grade connectivity

Product specs

Brand Tech 21
Model VT 500 Bass Amp Head
Finish Silver / Black
Year 2010s
Categories Bass Heads
Electronics Solid State
Impedance 4 ohms, 8 ohms
Number of Channels 1 Channel
Number of Inputs 1 Input
Output Power (Watts) 500
Power Tube Type None

FAQs

What kind of tone can I expect from the Tech 21 Bass VT 500?

The Tech 21 Bass VT 500 is designed to emulate classic tube amp tones, offering a wide range from clean and punchy to gritty and overdriven sounds. It's ideal for bassists seeking vintage warmth with modern reliability.

Is the Tech 21 Bass VT 500 suitable for live performances?

Yes, with 500 watts of power, the Tech 21 Bass VT 500 is more than capable of handling live gigs, providing ample volume and headroom for most performance settings.

Does the Tech 21 Bass VT 500 work well with effects pedals?

The Tech 21 Bass VT 500 is known for its versatility and works well with a variety of effects pedals, making it a great choice for bassists who like to experiment with their sound.

What are the connectivity options for the Tech 21 Bass VT 500?

The Tech 21 Bass VT 500 features a single input and supports both 4 ohm and 8 ohm speaker configurations, providing flexibility for different cabinet setups.

Is the Tech 21 Bass VT 500 a solid-state amplifier?

Yes, the Tech 21 Bass VT 500 is a solid-state amplifier, offering reliability and consistent performance without the need for power tubes.

Tech21nyc

Tech21nyc

Tech 21 VT Bass 500 - Amp Rundown

Video thumbnail for Tech 21 VT Bass 500 - Amp Rundown by Tech21nyc

Tech 21 VT Bass 500 - Amp Rundown

Tech21nyc

Tech21nyc

Video thumbnail for New Affordable Tech 21 VT Bass 500 Micro Amp Head & B112 Speaker Cabinet - Musikmesse 2015 by StompboxTV

New Affordable Tech 21 VT Bass 500 Micro Amp Head & B112 Speaker Cabinet - Musikmesse 2015

StompboxTV

StompboxTV

Video thumbnail for TECH 21 VT Bass 500 by session

TECH 21 VT Bass 500

session

session

Video thumbnail for Tech 21 VT Bass 500:  Thumpy Funk Setting by Tech21nyc

Tech 21 VT Bass 500: Thumpy Funk Setting

Tech21nyc

Tech21nyc

Video thumbnail for Tech 21 VT Bass 500: Rush-style Setting by Tech21nyc

Tech 21 VT Bass 500: Rush-style Setting

Tech21nyc

Tech21nyc

Video thumbnail for Tech 21 VT Bass 500 Amp & Cabinet (Exklusiv bei uns) by session

Tech 21 VT Bass 500 Amp & Cabinet (Exklusiv bei uns)

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session

Reviews

PROS

  • Wide tonal range from clean to full on Lemmy territory

  • Fits easily in a gear bag with other essentials

  • Offers SVT-style tones and tube emulation

  • Straightforward controls for easy use

  • Compatible with rack mounting hardware

  • Character and Blend knobs allow for detailed sound shaping

  • Works well with various cab configurations

  • High-quality at a competitive price point

CONS

  • Lacks a 3.5mm AUX input for quiet practice

  • EQ section might miss some mid growl with certain cabs

  • Volume output more akin to 300W amps until driven harder

  • Knobs are very sensitive, requiring time to dial in the right sound

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Tech 21 Bass VT 500.

Features and functionality

  • The Tech 21 VT Bass 500 combines the VT bass pedal with a 500W power amp, offering versatility from clean to almost fuzzy tones with a high-quality DI out.

    Source
  • The VT Bass 500 includes a cab sim switch and a high-cut feature, addressing previous criticisms about 'clanky-ness' in earlier versions.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Owners appreciate the VT Bass 500 for its ability to maintain a consistent tone, making it suitable for various musical styles and settings.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • It's suggested that using a VT Bass preamp with a lightweight rack power amp can replicate the VT Bass 500 experience, providing flexibility in setup.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The VT Bass 500 is noted for its versatility, with some users preferring it over other amps like the Fender Rumble 500 due to its focused sound and effective EQ.

    Source
  • Users who transitioned from the VT Bass (v1) to the VT Bass 500 appreciate the improved tonal control with the cab sim switch.

    Source

User experience

  • The high-cut feature in the VT Bass 500 effectively reduces unwanted high-frequency noise, enhancing user satisfaction.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Tech 21 VT Bass 500 Amp and B112-VT Cabinets review | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

The Tech 21 Bass VT 500 is a powerful rig tailored for bassists seeking distorted, crunchy tones reminiscent of heavy rock. It excels in delivering gritty distortion and harmonic coloring, making it ideal for players who prioritize these features. However, while the build quality is solid, with lightweight cabinets and a feature-packed control panel, it lacks the sonic versatility and headroom expected from a 500-watt setup. The tone controls are somewhat restrained, and the output doesn't quite match its power specifications, which might disappoint those seeking a robust clean signal. Overall, it's a niche product that shines for specific, distortion-focused needs but may fall short for broader applications.

Tech 21 VT Bass 500 – MusicPlayers.com

musicplayers.com

The Tech 21 VT Bass 500 is a lightweight marvel that combines vintage tube amp tones with modern versatility. This compact head excels in delivering rich, dynamic sounds from clean to full distortion, thanks to its intuitive controls like the Drive and Character dials. It's well-suited for both stage and studio use, offering a range of classic and fresh bass tones without the back-breaking heft of traditional amps. However, its built-in overdrive isn't foot-switchable, which might limit on-the-fly sound changes for some. At $499, it's a compelling choice for bassists seeking tonal variety and portability.

positive

5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 5 Ratings

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keith_spatula

VERY diverse tones.

This thing’s most important knobs are definitely Character and Blend. You can go for a mellow, punchy, 70’s Precision style to an overdriven, fuzzy tone reminiscent of Motörhead or Muse. That being said, the knobs are very sensitive (which is good) and I reccomend taking some time to really dial in the right sound.

Artist usage

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See how Shadowmare uses Tech 21 Bass VT 500

Shadowmare

Singer, Guitarist

...
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SHADOWMARE Bass player uses Tech21 VT500.

Genre Usage

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Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Tech 21 Bass VT 500, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Community setups

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george_alvarosa

george_alvarosa

Gear IQ 302

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