Merton

Aha! Well I've just got home from its first gig, so.... It has been an absolutely brilliant amp at home through the RM110 cab, but tonight I gigged it through my two Super Compacts and it was incredible. For context, we are a wedding band so the usual pop/rock covers fare. In terms of tone I like a full, fat but punchy sound with a bit of bite when needed so I do tend to fiddle with drive controls on amps if they are there. That said we go through a PA and I DI via a SansAmp before my backline so it's more just for my own personal pleasure that I fiddle with my knob(s) really... Ahem. Our first set tends to be less rock and more pop so I kept the drive control very low for this, occasionally pushing it for some of the 80s tunes. I kept the compressor off and the subharmonics thing on but so subtle you'd not notice (though I did wind it up for one song just for shits and giggles - it added a nice thickness without becoming silly and overpowering). I got a nice clean but creamy tone by leaving the EQ flat but a tiny boost on 240Hz; the bass sat beautifully in the mix. Our second set becomes more rock centred so for this I spent a lot of time playing around with the drive control, setting it anywhere from around 9 o'clock to around 1 o'clock; I've likened this drive control to the drive control on the SansAmp and I stick by that now I've gigged the amp. At 9 o'clock there is a nice edge to the tone, by 1 o'clock you're in that delightful saturated valve amp territory and it sounds glorious. Dare I say it but I prefer this to the old valve drive on the ABM EVO II... Volume wise I was never left wanting; the master got to about 10 o'clock and I didn't ever hear the amp go into that horrible squishy Class D clipping so I would expect I have headroom to spare. The gain control does have to be set quite high to get a strong signal into the preamp (I had it at 3 o'clock) but that is no bad thing. I was running my ACG in passive mode so would have had to drop the gain back a touch if going into active mode. The only thing which wasn't good about the amp was the DI, which we tried just because we could. Apparently it was quite hissy - I suspect the high level of the gain control and a lack of ground lift may have had something to do with it. It doesn't bother me since (as I've already said) I DI pre-backline anyway so it wouldn't be used but if you wanted to record with it it might be an issue. So all in all, I am well chuffed with it. An absolutely stonking amp (for me), just what I expected and more importantly hoped for. Couldn't be happier

[quote name='discreet' timestamp='1439403878' post='2842573'] All you need are a few rolls... [/quote]

[quote name='funkyjimbob' timestamp='1439231037' post='2841118'] So, today it randomly turned up.. 2 weeks and 2 days later. The tracking wasn't updated either. Here she is (With my Infinity). [/quote] Nice! Worth the painful wait I hope?

There's a MAG 1x15 in the classifieds at the mo - depends if it's a convenient local buy though by the looks of it!

I'd consider the MAG 1x15 - can be picked up v cheap

Cracking!

Here we go again ....

[quote name='ezbass' timestamp='1439052405' post='2839686'] This will have been no help at all... http://youtu.be/U4f_51oTYJw [/quote]

sorted, you can buy them from Ashdown D'oh

[quote name='dave_bass5' timestamp='1438942656' post='2838800'] Nice, please do as its probably going to be a toss up between that and the new Tech21 500watt head. [/quote] Ended up using my CTM30 because the room was tiny. I can happily report that the CTM30 kicks arse and is very giggable with sensitive cabs, but that doesn't help you! I'm not on tonight's gig so will have to come back to you next weekend - I know the venue so know the RM800 will be able to stretch its legs

[quote name='dave_bass5' timestamp='1438937542' post='2838744'] I must admit this thread has got me interested in Ashdown again. I still have my MAG307 C-115 that i use about once a year, and actually dont mind using it, but its only used in emergencies. I could never go back to a heavy head, but the Rootmaster 800 looks very attractive. [/quote] I'm gigging the RM800 tonight for the first time - will report back! Looking forward to using it I anger I must say

[quote name='GarfyBass' timestamp='1438877398' post='2838358'] Well I'm back here guys & girls. After thinking I'm going to be happy using Ashdown 2x10's, the Barefaced attraction and reputation is getting the better of me. Playing my 500w Evo ll, I'm intrigued to hear what she'll sound like through maybe a Super Twin or possibly a pair of Retro 10's. Space and weight are obviously not really a factor with Bareface cabs, there seems so much respect on here for them but also a varied approach to cab choice. As I said before, rock based music is really my thing, with a little drive when needed... Foo's, Floyd, RATM, Pearl Jam, etc....So any pointers etc would be much appreciated. Many thanks Marc [/quote] An ABM through a Super Twin is going to be epic - until recently I gigged an EVO II 500W head through one or two Super Compacts and it was utterly, utterly glorious.

Nice one

Yup the GK stuff is great, the MB Fusion would definitely be worth a look as it can get nice and dirty and fat with the valve preamp. I suspect the MB500 might be a bit too brittle for you though

[quote name='alexclaber' timestamp='1438804789' post='2837610'] Great amp! I think the naysayers have either used them with muddy cabs or are after a totally different tone. Try one on a Super Twin - magic! [/quote] Or indeed a Super Compact or two - glorious

Haha!

They are very underrated amps, probably because so many ABM and MAG combos get shagged within an inch of their lives in rehearsal rooms and as backline at grotty gigs. Set them flat (tweak for the room if necessary), add a bit of valve drive and you're good to go

Not got the Retroglide but I have the RM800 finally. It's fecking awesome

Glad you still like it Mark, and I agree with everything you've said! It is definitely a Class A/B amp btw, just not advertised anywhere as for whatever reason that's not a selling point the same way Class D seems to be...

Channel tunnel / cross channel ferries are delaying a lot of incomings from and outgoings to European mainland due to all the French strikes and migrant problems

That D112XLT was a bargain for someone - great cabs

[quote name='jonno1981' timestamp='1438720450' post='2836727'] I've really valued reading through this thread as I'm in a similar boat. My Ashdown RC500 evo ii has died a death and is beyond economical repair (needs new PSU and it's cooked half the transistors on the board). I have a Sansamp Bass VT and use a trex bass fuzz and tend to have a slightly overdriven sound pretty much all the time onto a full on fuzz through a schroeder 410l. I need to get a new head but don't have a huge budget to play with. I've been looking at a lightweight heads but have been a bit disappointed with the overall heft of some of the amps I've tried before. They just haven't had the same big chunky natural low end of the Ashdown which I really loved. However I don't want to get anything as heavy and I don't want a hifi esque tone. I've been eyeing up the new sansamp VT 500. It's appealing as I'm used to the tone of the pre-amp pedal that's been in my chain for years. If I get one I can also sell the pre-amp pedal too for £100ish. Are there any other contenders for less than £500? Am I asking too much for this budget? I play in a really loud 3 piece with a big hitting drummer which doesn't help! Any advice is much appreciated. [/quote] I've just got one of the first Ashdowm RM800 heads; £499 is the RRP so not much change for you but I know it'll give you the Ashdown sound you know and love in a smaller package