I am running through 2 8ohm 1x15 300w cabinets. I have an ancient but good Digitech BP200 between my 4 and 5 string basses and the amplifier input. My basses are active, have maple bodies, and are therefore bright and also very deep. I bought this head as a backup, but I like it enough to use it as my main live amp.
The good (in no particular order):
Definitely a good strong 300w, no lack of power here.
Two channels ? and one with distortion which again used sparingly is a real boon. Couple this set slightly louder than the clean channel (using the level control) and there is a noticeable lift, ideal for a 3 piece bass player.
The distortion channel also has a shape control which works well and not to extremes.
The graphic EQ works and is illuminated, which is a nice touch.
Light weight ? very easy to transport
Rack mountable, if you so choose ? brackets are in the box.
Nice long lead for the footswitch. The footswitch supplied with my amplifier is labeled Bugera rather than Behringer, and is black rather than anodised gold as shown on the box.
The case looks like high density PVC so should be very tough, if rather unattractive.
The not so good/bad (in no particular order):
The power lead is only 1.5 metres long. I barely reaches the floor from the amplifier on top of my two 1x15 cabs.
The quality of the pots is minimal ? they are quite insubstantial but nevertheless work smoothly.
The FBQ metering is a gimmick that is of no value whatsoever. It just reports low frequencies, who?d have thought that could happen with a bass guitar?
There is a noticeable click from the speakers when changing channel or switching in the utlrabass effect.
The sound is a little uncontrolled ? difficult to describe this precisely. Sounds slightly woolly compared to the Trace Elliot I have been using, but has stronger lows. My Trace Elliot has a very tight, punchy and focused sound. That said I have no problem using this head ? all amps sound different after all.
The ultrabass effect, if used sparingly, gives a subtle but undeniable sub octave chorus like grumble to the tone ? however the effect seems to be rather hit and miss, with the overall volume rising and falling unpredictably.
Only one speaker output
No ground lift on the DI out ? not uncommon with lower priced amplifiers.
Build quality could be an issue ? the first one of these I had was dead on arrival. Thomann replaced it quickly.
Conclusion: A bit of a curate?s egg, with the good significantly outweighing the not so good. This head is outstanding value. You really can?t go wrong, especially not with Thomann?s best in class guarantee.
