Here's the review.
This is the latest version of that series by Mark Gooday. Before you read the review itself, I have to specify that the test was done with what is currently my one and only bass : a Rickenbacker 4003 (built 2003). You also have to know that the cab is NOT the very latest one from Ashdown, but from the previous series (MAG-210T, before they get called “deep cabinet”). But I believe there is no huge difference between both these series.
This amp is rated at 307 watts RMS at 4 ohms, and approx. 200 W at 8 ohms (this is my case, since I have one 8 ohm cab). Even at 8 ohms, this amp sounds DAMN LOUD.
Features : All you can expect from Ashdown : 2 inputs (active/passive), gain control with old-fashioned input meter, 5 EQ’s, 1 subharmonizer (with volume control), bright and deep switches, I/O switches for EQ and subharmonizer, general volume control, effects loop I/O, XLR D.I. output, 2 speaker outputs (jack). All this in a 19 lbs 2U rackmount head (also available as non-rackable model).
This amp is a solid-state amp, instead of ABM series that have a tube preamp. Given that the drive control on the ABM comes from that tube, here you have no drive control.
Sound : No drive control as I just said, but in fact there’s no drive at all here. Drive is definitely not the purpose of this amp. With all settings flat, the sound is very precise and already deep. Well, this amp could have been call “DEEP SERIES”, because that is what you will get the most. The tone, even with the RIC, is deep, thick and, yes, warm. Sounds like a good solid-state Ampeg, but much deeper (my previous amp was a B-100R).
I’d compare this amp to the old Sunn Concert Bass I had in the mid 70’s, but there’s even more depth here and, of course, many more features and tone capabilities. In fact, not that far from the old 70’s Fender Bassman too…
The subharmonizer may be very impressive when you play a very low note, but I am stuck on low E on my 4-string. Sounds OK, though.
The tone controls are very efficient, while the deep and bright switches are more subtle and discrete.
The 2x10 cab is very light (approx. 42 lbs), and very easy to carry, due to its two solid handles. Carrying your rig is becoming much easier every time, guys.
There again, depth, depth, depth. So much depth that I though I’d add an extra MAG-115 cab, but I finally won’t. Maybe I’ll consider it again when I get a 5-string again, which might happen.
Overall : A bit too early to say on all aspects, but this amp seems to belong to the family of the Greats. Quite inexpensive (369 EUR for the head, and 289 EUR for the cab), it cost me less that what the B-100R had cost me, and the money I got from the sale of the Ampeg almost covered the cost of the Ashdown. Despite of its low price, this is not a low end amp on the quality department. I’m already in love with it.
Cheers,
JL
