Best Bass Amps of 2023

“It’s not what you say; it’s how you say it.” If it’s true for language, then it’s especially true for bass players.

Sometimes, “saying” the right thing in a musical setting comes down to nailing the tone at the source. And whether your music calls for the smooth pulse of a club combo or the savage snarl of a tube stack, getting the right tone starts with your bass amp.

If you’re searching for the best way to stretch your bass-playing dollars, then the following list will help you get the best bass amp for your needs. From travel bass combos and pedalboard bass preamps to head-and-cab stacks, these bass amps cater to bass players of any need and budget.

Note: At Sweetwater, we know there’s no such thing as “best” when it comes to music gear. Every player and artist has unique tastes, which is what makes selecting gear so fun! The items on this list feature some of our favorite products from top manufacturers to help you start your buying journey! Explore these recommendations and dive into Sweetwater’s massive collection of gear on our online store. For personalized picks and expert advice, please contact our knowledgeable Sweetwater Sales Engineers at (800) 222-4700!

Best Bass Amp HeadsPeavey MiniMAX V2 600-watt Lightweight Bass HeadAguilar Tone Hammer 700 700-watt Superlight HeadOrange Terror Bass 500-watt Bass HeadFender Bassman 800HD 800-watt Hybrid Bass HeadAmpeg Heritage 50th Anniversary SVT 300-watt Tube Bass HeadBest Bass Amp CombosOrange Crush Bass 50 1×12-inch 50-watt Bass Combo AmpBOSS Katana-110 1×10-inch 60-watt Combo AmpFender Rumble 500 2×10-inch 500-watt Bass Combo AmpAmpeg Rocket Bass RB-210 2×10-inch 500-watt Bass Combo AmpGallien-Krueger MB112-II 1×12-inch 200-watt Bass Combo AmpBest Bass PreampsTech 21 SansAmp Bass Driver DI V2 PedalTwo Notes ReVolt Bass Bass Simulator PedalDarkglass Microtubes B7K Ultra V2 Bass Preamp Pedal with Aux InOrigin Effects Bassrig Super Vintage Bass Preamp PedalAshdown AAE-CTM Valve PreampBest Bass Amp CabinetsHartke HyDrive HD410 1,000-watt 4×10-inch Bass CabinetAguilar SL 112 1×12-inch 250-watt Bass CabinetMesa/Boogie Subway Bass Cabinet 400-watt 1×15-inch 8 OhmsAmpeg Heritage SVT-410HLF 4×10-inch 500-watt Bass Cabinet with HornGallien-Krueger NEO IV 4×10-inch 1,000-watt 4-ohm Bass Cabinet with Steel Grille and 1-inch TweeterBest Bass Amps Buying Advice

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Best Bass Amp Heads

Peavey MiniMAX V2 600-watt Lightweight Bass Head

Peavey’s potent little bass brute

At six pounds and packing a hefty 600 watts, the Peavey MiniMAX V2 lightweight bass head wins the votes for most output per pound. This little head is perfect for the bass player who wants to travel light while carrying a big stick. Peavey’s TransTube gain section packs on tube-emulated saturation for times when your punk gallop needs a little giddyup. In addition to its 3-band EQ, the boost, punch, and bright switches will help pizzicato-ers to slappers find their desired tone. Additional features we like in the MiniMAX V2? DDT speaker protection kicks in above a certain threshold to protect your speakers from square-wave clipping. And don’t forget about the Kosmos harmonic enhancement, which helps define low notes when played through smaller speakers.

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ProductPeavey MiniMAX V2TypeSolid-state Bass HeadPower600W RMS @ 4 Ohms / 350W RMS @ 8 OhmsChannels2SpeakersN/AInputs2 x 1/4-inch (Passive/Active), 1 x 1/8-inch (Aux)Outputs2 x speakON (Main Outs), 1 x XLR (DI), 1 x 1/8-inch (Headphone)Pros• Weighs just 6 pounds and packs 600 watts of gigging power• DDT limiter to eliminate audible clipping even when cranked • Kosmos switch to boost harmonic content for clearer low notesConsAt 600 watts, the MiniMAX V2 may not have what it takes to rattle the walls of your practice space. For similar features but double the headroom, check out the Peavey MiniMEGA 1,000-watt lightweight bass head.

Aguilar Tone Hammer 700 700-watt Superlight Head

700 watts of Tone Hammer bliss to go

Bass players who have been around the block a time or two will no doubt be familiar with Aguilar’s line of Tone Hammer amps and DIs. The Tone Hammer 700 superlight head brings the full scope of this preamp’s tonal potency to a powerful 700-watt mini head that’s ready for travel at a moment’s notice. At just under five pounds, the Tone Hammer 700 is the definition of a backpack travel amp. Its tube-emulated AGS drive circuit and 3-band semi-parametric EQ (sweepable mids) call to mind the cleans and means of a well-loved tube head from the 1970s. Factor in enough output to hang in a club with a drummer that plays like Keith Moon, and the Tone Hammer 700 has the quality and character to satisfy a range of tastes for classic to modern bass players. There’s even a series effects loop on tap to keep chorus and delay effects minty fresh before the amplification stage.

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ProductAguilar Tone Hammer 700TypeSolid-state Bass HeadPower700W RMS @ 4 Ohms / 350W RMS @ 8 OhmsChannels1SpeakersN/AInputs1 x 1/4-inchOutputs2 x speakON (Main Outs), 1 x XLR (DI), 1 x 1/4-inch (Tuner)Pros• The tone-shaping power of Aguilar’s Tone Hammer preamp• Class D amplification that keeps weight under 5 pounds• AGS drive circuit that adds tube-like distortion and punchConsThe omission of a headphone amp means you may need to invest in an audio interface for silent practice.

Orange Terror Bass 500-watt Bass Head

Class D cleans but tube where it counts

The all-tube Orange AD200 forged the tones that defined rock bass as we know it — think Geddy Lee, Glenn Hughes, and countless others in the ’70s and onward. It also weighed as much as a full-grown husky. The 10-1/4-pound Orange Terror Bass 500-watt bass head brings the growl and punch of this tube icon to a modern hybrid design that’s much friendlier to haul around town. Its front end is fueled by a 12AX7 preamp tube and familiar 3-band EQ. However, its 500-watt power section utilizes highly efficient, solid-state Class D topology. This means that you get the creamy Orange warmth and throaty drive of its predecessor at a level that’s easier to scale and at a size that’s easier to schlep. Other welcome features in the Terror Bass include a tube-buffered effects loop (like the ones found in favorite tube classics) and a post-EQ XLR output for injecting tones directly into a PA or audio interface.

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ProductOrange Terror Bass 500TypeHybrid Tube Bass HeadPower500W @ 4 Ohms / 250W @ 8 OhmsChannels1SpeakersN/AInputs1 x 1/4-inchOutputs2 x speakON (Main Outs), 1 x XLR (Direct Out)Pros• The legacy of the AD200, now in a smaller lunchbox platform• Hybrid tube and Class D technology that deliver rich tone and impressive output• Tube input stage and effects loop that infuse bass and stomps with real tube goodnessConsNonstandard chassis may be difficult to rack up. For something extra roadworthy, see the Orange OB1-500 500-watt Class A/B rackmountable bass head. 

Fender Bassman 800HD 800-watt Hybrid Bass Head

Black Panel vibes in an ultra-light carry

What bassist doesn’t get weak in the knees after seeing a Fender Black Panel Bassman perched atop a full stack? Today’s Fender Bassman 800HD 800-watt hybrid bass head re-creates the experience of terrorizing a stage with one of those hernia-inducing heavyweights — all at a comfortable 17 pounds. How? By fusing a highly efficient Class D power amp with a dual-tube preamp stage to bridge the past with the present. Two voicings — vintage and overdrive — help you carve out space in a mix with wide swaths. What’s more, a sweepable midrange gives the modern Bassman 800HD versatility that no ’60s article could match. When you factor in modern speakON combo connectors, a generous helping of inputs and outputs, and a switchable pre-/post-EQ XLR output for silent recording, this Bassman is sure to make modern Fender players giddy.

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ProductFender Bassman 800HDTypeHybrid Tube Bass HeadPower800W @ 4 Ohms / 500W @ 8 OhmsChannels2SpeakersN/AInputs2 x 1/4-inchOutputs2 x speakON (Main Outs), 1 x XLR (Line Out), 1 x 1/4-inch (Tuner)Pros• Classic Black Panel looks and tone for the road• Juiced with a dual-tube preamp stage and active tone stack• Class D amplification that keeps weight at a manageable 17 poundsConsA dual-tube preamp stage may not have the breakup of Fender’s top dog: the all-tube Super Bassman head 300-watt tube bass head.

Ampeg Heritage 50th Anniversary SVT 300-watt Tube Bass Head

The amp, the myth, the legend

No bass amp on the planet has been more imitated (often unsuccessfully) than the classic Ampeg SVT. At 85 pounds of glass, iron, and steel, the all-tube Ampeg Heritage 50thAnniversary SVT 300-watt tube bass head stands as an SVT lover’s dream. On the front panel, you’ll find channels for ’69 Blueline and ’75 Blackline variations of this icon, which can be enjoyed separately or jumpered together for the ultimate SVT experience. Whatever your flavor, you can be sure the SVT Heritage will deliver the goods in a live setting. Its 6-tube power section delivers a pants-flapping 300 watts RMS that’ll get the speakers moving in your 8×10-inch stage cab (not included). Take it from Sweetwater: when it comes to no-compromises SVT tone, the American-made Ampeg Heritage 50th Anniversary SVT head is about as close to perfection as it gets. 

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ProductAmpeg Heritage 50th Anniversary SVTTypeTube Bass HeadPower300W RMS @ 2 or 4 OhmsChannels2SpeakersN/AInputs2 x 1/4-inch (Bright), 2 x 1/4-inch (Normal), 1 x 1/4-inch (Power Amp In)Outputs1 x speakON (Main Outs), 1 x XLR (Line Out), 1 x 1/4-inch (Tuner)Pros• Celebrates 50 years of SVT backline bass domination• A legend ever since the Rolling Stones unleashed the amp at Madison Square Garden in 1969• 2 revered tube circuits in one: 1969 Blueline and 1975 BlacklineConsReal tube tone means real tube weight. For a lighter option, the Ampeg SVT Micro VR 200-watt classic head ticks all the right boxes for SVT vibe.

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Best Bass Amp Combos

Orange Crush Bass 50 1×12-inch 50-watt Bass Combo Amp

A killer practice and recording!

It’s no surprise the Orange Crush Bass 50 1×12-inch bass combo amp is many players’ first and last practice amp. This mighty 50-watter has what you need to handle everything from tracking sessions to greenroom warmups, all while delivering that classic Orange style and flavor that bassists can’t get enough of. Tuner, overdrive, 3-band EQ with mid-frequency sweep, aux input for jamming to backing tracks... What more could you ask for in a practice combo? While the Crush Bass 50 isn’t something we’d consider to be a club amp, we have heard stories of our customers using the amp for light stage monitoring while sending a pre-EQ’d signal to FOH using the onboard cab-emulated headphone output.

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ProductOrange Crush Bass 50TypeSolid-state Bass ComboPower50W RMSChannels1Speakers1×12-inch WooferInputs1 x 1/4-inch (Instrument), 1 x 1/8-inch (Aux In)Outputs1 x 1/4-inch (Headphone)Pros• Iconic Orange heft and grit• Ported cabinet that delivers ample low end from a compact amp• Aux input for media devices to make solo practice more enjoyableConsAt 50 watts, this amp probably won’t be filling any arenas. Festival circuit? Double your fun with the Orange Crush Bass 100 1×15-inch 100-watt bass combo amp.

BOSS Katana-110 Bass 1×10-inch 60-watt Combo Amp

Unshackle your bass creativity

We bassists sometimes are overlooked when it comes to effects. But chorus, delay, reverb, fuzz, and envelope filters can really enhance a part in a mix. That’s why we’re excited to see BOSS bring its Katana line of amp modelers to the bass world. The Katana-110 Bass 1×10-inch 60-watt combo amp gives you three preamp types to cover vintage to modern tones and more onboard effects than you will believe. Need a starting point for a particular song section? The BOSS Tone Studio desktop/mobile app gives you plenty of artist presets — any, of which, can be saved to the Katana-110 Bass’s six onboard user presets for instant gratification. Endless I/O will ensure that this amp earns a permanent spot in your home and touring rigs. Meanwhile, a blend control makes the Katana-110 Bass’s impact as subtle or pronounced as you need.

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ProductBOSS Katana-110 BassTypeSolid-state Bass ComboPower60WChannels1Speakers 1×10-inch Woofer, 1×1-inch TweeterInputs1 x 1/4-inch (Instrument), 1 x 1/4-inch (Power Amp In), 1 x 1/8-inch (Aux)Outputs1 x XLR (Direct Out), 1 x USBPros• 3 amp voicings that suit anything from smooth jazz to modern metal• 6 custom presets for instant tone recall• BOSS Tone Studio that unlocks factory presets for instant inspirationConsTransitioning tones to the stage without a PA? Consider stepping up to the BOSS Katana-210 Bass 2×10-inch 160-watt combo amp.

Fender Rumble 500 2×10-inch 500-watt Bass Combo Amp

You won’t believe the sound from this thing!

If you could feel the Fender Rumble 500 2×10-inch 500-watt bass combo amp in your hands, then you might think you were handling a practice amp. But nothing could be further from the truth. This featherweight firebreather is built for the stage. The Rumble 500’s two 10-inch Eminence drivers churn out a sternum-crushing 250 watts of continuous output (upgradeable to 500 with an unincluded extension cab). And not only is this combo wickedly loud, but it’s also versatile enough to flatter any instrument in your arsenal and any song in your repertoire. Contour and vintage voicings help shape your midrange, while a high-quality onboard overdrive adds hair and thickness to any pocket. Factor in a 4-band EQ and bright switch, and the Rumble 500 is a born performer through and through. Plus, onboard effects loop and aux in/headphone out abilities sweeten the package.

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ProductFender Rumble 500TypeSolid-state Bass ComboPower500W (with External Speaker), 350W (Internal Only)Channels1Speakers2×10-inch Woofers, 1 x Compression TweeterInputs1 x 1/4-inch (Instrument), 1 x 1/8-inch (Aux)Outputs1 x 1/4-inch (External Speaker), 1 x XLR (Direct Out)Pros• Serious power from an ultra-light combo• Rich, versatile onboard overdrive• 3 tone switches and 4-band EQ that deliver major versatilityConsThis product may lack the power for high-volume gigs. For max output, the Fender Rumble 800 800-watt bass head offers the same Rumble-y goodness in a featherlight design.

Ampeg Rocket Bass RB-210 2×10-inch 500-watt Bass Combo Amp

Legacy ’60s look in a compact rocker

Leave it to Ampeg to create a combo that’s as tough as nails and looks like a dancehall dime. Beneath a black diamond wrap and signature sparkle grille cloth lies the Ampeg Rocket Bass RB-210 2×10-inch 500-watt bass combo amp — and it’s all business. This combo gives you 250 watts of continuous output through its twin 10-inch drivers, and the wattage can be doubled when you connect an extension cab (sold separately). Though there’s a ton of clean headroom on tap, this combo’s calling card has to be Ampeg’s SGT (Super Grit Technology) overdrive. Think of it as an enhanced version of the Scrambler Overdrive found on older Ampeg pedals and amps. It’s great for piling on bite and sustain without resorting to external pedals. Other useful features on the RB-210 include a passive/active pickup pad switch, I/O to spare, and Ultra Hi/Ultra Lo switches borrowed from Ampeg’s legendary SVT heads.

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ProductAmpeg Rocket Bass RB-210TypeSolid-state Bass ComboPower500W (with External Cab), 250W (Internal Only)Channels1Speakers2×10-inch Woofers, 1 x HF HornInputs2 x 1/4-inch (-15dB/dB), 1 x 1/8-inch (Aux)Outputs1 x 1/4-inch (External Speaker), 1 x XLR (DI Out)Pros• Timeless Ampeg bass tone for the road• Takes visual cues from 1960s Rocket amplifiers• SGT overdrive that piles on bite and sustainConsThis product is a modern take on the traditional Ampeg sound. Clamoring for the classic Ampeg tone? Shop the Ampeg SVT Micro VR Stack.  

Gallien-Krueger MB112-II 1×12-inch 200-watt Bass Combo Amp

Power and features to cover 80% of your gigs

Light and loud, the Gallien-Krueger MB112-II 1×12-inch 200-watt bass combo amp has the power and features to help you shine in most gigging situations. In addition to its 200 watts of clean, even headroom, you get a powerful 4-band active EQ — aided by a contour switch — to make short work of tonal shortcomings in your room or instrument. But is that it? Yes — in the same way as a Porsche is just a way to get from point A to point B. The MB112-II is so elegant in its simplicity that it’s easy to overlook just how luxurious gigging with this little practice combo can be. For gigs where you need a little extra muscle, double your horsepower with the amp’s chain output. This feature connects the MB112-II to a GK MBP-powered extension cab to dramatically improve your output.

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ProductGallien-Krueger MB112-IITypeSolid-state Bass ComboPower200WChannels1Speakers1×12-inch WooferInputs1 x 1/4-inch (Instrument), 1 x 1/8-inch (Aux In)Outputs2 x XLR (Direct, Chain)Pros• High-efficiency digital amplifier that shaves weight and maximizes output• Chain output that easily connects the MB112-II to an MBP-powered extension cabinet• Active 4-band EQ tuned for bass playersConsThe single 12-inch enclosure may be limited in low-note clarity. If you’re 5-string player, then extend your low end with the Gallien-Krueger MB115-II 1×15-inch 200-watt bass combo amp.

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Best Bass Preamps

Tech 21 SansAmp Bass Driver DI V2 Pedal

The once and future DI king

Before the ’90s, bassists had two options. They could either haul a heavy amp to the gig and send their preamplified signal to FOH, or they could run a dry bass into a DI and suffer a bland, innocuous tone. Enter New York amp manufacturer Tech 21. Its SansAmp Bass Driver DI V2 pedal proved that players could get solid gold tone live or in the studio without breaking their backs. The Bass Driver has seen several iterations since the original, but we’re pleased to say that the little black-and-gold is better than ever in today’s V2. Is it convenient? Yes. Does it sound like an amp? Yes, and with one of the richest overdrives we’ve heard. More importantly, it eliminates the need for an amp. Unless you’re the type of player who needs to feel the roar of a cab onstage or in the live room next door (which, yes, has its perks), the SansAmp lives up to its name. Additionally, it makes a great gigging failsafe because of its battery-powered capability and can even frontload your existing amp for added tone tweaking. 

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ProductTech 21 SansAmp Bass Driver DI V2TypeSolid-state Bass Preamp PedalPowerN/AChannels1SpeakersN/AInputs1 x 1/4-inchOutputs1 x 1/4-inch, 1 x XLR, 1 x 1/4-inch (Thru)Pros• A reigning king of standalone bass DI boxes• Drive control that lets you add heat and hair to your basic bass tone• EQ shift and presence controls that provide unbridled tone tweakingConsThis product only has a single channel. For footswitchable clean and drive channels, have a look at the Tech 21 SansAmp Programmable Bass Driver DI pedal.

Two Notes ReVolt Bass Tube Bass Simulator Pedal

Three distinct tube bass tones on tap

Modeling and solid-state preamps have done a great job of emulating tube warmth, punch, and sparkle. Even so, many bassists still have a soft spot for glowing glass and big iron. The Two Notes ReVolt Bass tube bass simulator pedal supplies three, independent, tube-kissed voicings that are powered by a real high-voltage 12AX7 preamp tube inside. No starved plates here. A step-up transformer runs the internal tube at a healthy 200 volts for authentic squash, sag, and saturation. The ReVolt Bass also comes with the Series-B DynIR Cabinets Collection, which means that you can output your tone direct into a PA or recording medium using cab IRs of some coveted classic bass cabs. The ReVolt Bass has the bones to shape your tone on its own. But it also integrates seamlessly with your current rig. An effects loop, amplifier in/out, XLR DI, and even a special 4-cable method switch make this preamp a balanced part of any bass rig, stage, or studio.

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ProductTwo Notes ReVolt BassTypeTube Bass Preamp PedalPowerN/AChannels3SpeakersN/AInputs1 x 1/4-inch (Instrument), 1 x 1/8-inch (Aux)Outputs1 x 1/4-inch, 1 x XLR, 1 x 1/8-inch (Headphones)Pros• Packs 3 distinct channels from bass’s most iconic amp tones• High-voltage 12AX7 preamp tube that adds warmth and bite• 4-cable mode to make complex routing scenarios a piece of cakeConsThe nonstandard 12V DC power supply makes this preamp more challenging to leverage onto a pedalboard. Make sure to purchase a pedal power supply with 12V output, such as the Voodoo Lab Pedal Power 2 PLUS 8-output isolated guitar pedal power supply.

Darkglass Microtubes B7K Ultra V2 Bass Preamp Pedal with Aux In

A modern take on a classic circuit

Darkglass’s preamp pedals have been putting new spins on classic bass tones for the better part of a decade. Its overdrive flavors built a new empire of tight, grindy bass textures that previous preamps couldn’t muster. We like the Darkglass Microtubes B7K Ultra V2 bass preamp pedal with aux in because it narrows the gaps between vintage and modern. Indeed, this preamp gives you a taste of everything that Darkglass offers. Channel 1 paints with an impressive palette of textures, courtesy of a 4-band active EQ and two dedicated midrange toggles. Channel 2 builds on your bass tone like Jackson Pollock with a baster brush. Kick on the independent distortion for all the gain you need to handle modern forms of music. The real fun starts when you roll in the parallel blend knob to regain shades of your core tone. The results range from hint-of-dirt-punk tones to a filthy metallic clank in seconds. Any way you slice it, the Microtubes B7K Ultra V2 is a good time for players looking for something extra from their beloved classics. And because the B7K Ultra integrates so well with stage amps and studio outboards, it’s guaranteed a spot on your board or desktop.

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ProductDarkglass Microtubes B7K Ultra V2TypeSolid-state Bass Preamp PedalPowerN/AChannels2SpeakersN/AInputs1 x 1/4-inch (Instrument), 1 x 1/8-inch (Aux In)Outputs1 x 1/4-inch (Main Out), 1 x XLR (Direct Out), 1 x 1/8-inch (Headphones), 1 x USBPros• Historic amp tone meets modern-leaning drive and distortion• Attack and grunt switches that set the amount of treble and bass to be overdriven• USB port for loading different speaker cab emulationsConsThis product does not support preset recall or direct USB recording. For these features and more, consider the Darkglass Microtubes Infinity preamp/distortion/audio interface.

Origin Effects Bassrig Super Vintage Bass Preamp Pedal

A pedal steeped in Super Vintage Tone

The Origin Effects Bassrig Super Vintage bass preamp pedal makes no bones about its heritage. The name, the panel colors — this preamp is classic SVT amp topology miniaturized. You won’t find a stitch of modeling in the Bassrig Super Vintage. All sounds are reproduced entirely in the analog domain, including the cab-emulated DI output. This gives the Super Vintage a fast, dynamic response in the hands, which approximates that high-watt SVT tone (considering the price and size). Choose Ultra Hi or Lo Cut voicings, bump up the drive, carve out your EQ settings, and in seconds, you’ve got a great bass tone for the stage and studio. Bass-centric features, including a dedicated Amp Out EQ section for rolling off excess mud or hiss before it hits your amp, make the Bassrig Super Vintage a powerful tool for any SVT lover. It also has a blend control to regain some of the dynamics of your unprocessed signal.

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ProductOrigin Effects Bassrig Super VintageTypeSolid-state Bass Preamp PedalPowerN/AChannels1SpeakersN/AInputs1 x 1/4-inch (Instrument)Outputs1 x 1/4-inch (Amp Out), 1 x XLR (DI)Pros• Analog re-creation of a coveted high-wattage tube amp• Amp Out EQ section with horn cut and LF/HF controls to tweak tones before hitting stage amp• Balanced XLR output with 8×10-inch cab simulationConsThis pedal leans into the crunch side of this classic amp. For a cleaner alternative, have a look at the Origin Effects Bassrig ’64 Black Panel bass preamp pedal.

Ashdown AAE-CTM Valve Preamp

All the flavor of a favorite stage head

Are you searching for authentic tube bass tone in a studio-friendly design? The Ashdown AAE-CTM valve preamp is where you’ll find it. This 1U rack tube pre draws inspiration from a fan-favorite stage head: the Ashdown CTM-30 Little Stubby 30-watt all-tube bass head. The AAE’s controls respond the same as the large-format head — right down to feedback and drive controls, which help in terms of gain slathering and low-frequency saturation. Together, these dials can take the AAE-CTM from quick, punchy slap tones to slow-burning, B-15 picked tones in seconds flat. From there, a quick twist of the 3-band EQ is all that stands between you and the tone of your dreams. Another standout feature of this amp is that it’s also a USB-C audio interface. Dial in your tone, connect the AAE directly to your laptop, and you’re all set for some of the finest all-tube bass tones ever captured in your studio.

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ProductAshdown AAE-CTM Valve PreTypeTube Bass Rack PreampPowerN/AChannels1SpeakersN/AInputs1 x 1/4-inch (Instrument)Outputs2 x XLR (Post EQ/Pre EQ), 1 x 1/4-inch (Headphones), 1 x USBPros• Tube circuit that replicates the full-bodied tone of old-school amps• Effects loop for positioning stomps before or after preamp gain• USB output that makes this preamp a natural at recordingConsIt sounds so good that it may just make you go wild and buy the amp it’s based on: the Ashdown CTM-30 Little Stubby 30-watt all-tube bass head.

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Best Bass Amp Cabinets

Hartke HyDrive HD410 1,000-watt 4×10-inch Bass Cabinet

A 4×10-inch tailored for today’s bassist

Clean fundamentals and commanding projection. These two qualities define the Hartke HyDrive HD410 1,000-watt 4×10-inch bass cabinet. How, you ask? It starts with a quartet of two-piece composite speakers, which combine straight anodized aluminum inner cones with Kevlar-loaded paper outer cones. Pair this with a carefully tuned sealed cab, and the HyDrive HD410 keeps rhythms focused and roots grounded — even to listeners up in the mezzanine. Of course, with 1,000 watts of power handling, this cab is well-suited for outdoor arenas and sold-out amphitheaters. And don’t forget about the weight. Sure, 63 pounds is nothing to sneeze at, but that’s peanuts compared to the level of performance you get from a single-stage cab.

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ProductHartke HyDrive HD410TypePassive Bass CabinetPower Handling1,000W RMSImpedance8 OhmsSpeakers4×10-inch HyDrive Woofers, 1 x HF HornConnections1 x speakON, 1 x 1/4-inch, 1 x speakON (Parallel), 1 x 1/4-inch (Parallel)Cab TypeStraight, Closed BackPros• 2-piece composite cone that delivers clean output and even response• Sealed cab that’s a recipe for tight, chest-thumping lows• Rugged steel grille and cornersConsAt 63 pounds, this cab takes some commitment to haul. For smaller gigs, a Hartke HyDrive HD210 500-watt 2×10-inch bass cabinet is also available.

Aguilar SL 112 1×12-inch 250-watt Bass Cabinet

Big bass in a small package

For gigs where a 4×10-inch would be overkill, there’s the Aguilar SL 112 1×12-inch 250-watt bass cabinet. A punchy 12-inch woofer and satiny phenolic tweeter reside in a stylish, all-wood cab and give the SL 112 the strength and clarity to hang with a rock band — all at a comfortable 25 pounds. The woofer features a neodymium magnet to further minimize weight. Visually, the SL 112 is a knockout. Its classic white piping and paged-turned front baffle will ensure all eyes are on you by the second number. Stack something like the Aguilar Tone Hammer 500 superlight head or 700 superlight head on top, and you’ve got a recipe for impeccable tone for a weekend gigger.

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ProductAguilar SL 112TypePassive Bass CabinetPower Handling250W RMSImpedance8 OhmsSpeakers1×12-inch Neodymium Woofer, 1 x HF HornConnections2 x speakONCab TypeStraight, Closed-backPros• A petite cab for club dates and indoor gigs• Neodymium speaker that reduces total weight to 25 pounds• Unique stackable design that’s great for modular bass rigsCons250 watts of handling may not be enough for some bass amps. For larger heads, there’s the Aguilar SL 212 2×12-inch 500-watt 4-ohm bass cabinet.

Mesa/Boogie Subway Bass Cabinet 400-watt 1×15-inch 8 Ohms

Pound for pound, Mesa’s biggest-sounding cab!

The Mesa/Boogie Subway bass cabinet 400-watt 1×15-inch 8 Ohms could be one of the finest-sounding Mesa bass cabs to date — never mind that it’s also one of the smallest! This cab has been specially tuned for the Mesa/Boogie Subway D-800 lightweight 800-watt bass head to create massive tone from a minuscule package. Bassists at Sweetwater got the official scoop on these Mesa cabs and let us tell you: to behold the inside of one of these cabs is like looking at modern architecture. Meticulously CNC’d Italian poplar with countersunk baffles and a bass-boosting Tri-port depict Mesa’s attention to maximizing every ounce of tone in mini cabs. But does that make it a lightweight? Not a chance! Rugged, spring-loaded side handles and a tough steel grille help keep this cab safe and sound session after session. 

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ProductMesa/Boogie Subway NeoTypePassive Bass CabinetPower Handling400WImpedance8 OhmsSpeakers1×15-inch Custom Subway Neodymium Woofer, 1 x HF HornConnections1 x speakON-combo (Input), 1 x speakON-combo (Parallel Out)Cab TypeStraight, Closed-backPros• A lightweight cab tailor-made for Mesa/Boogie Subway D-800 headTri-port venting that enhances bass response• Custom 15-inch driver that brings big tone to a small packageCons15-inch driver may be too boomy for some settings. For tighter bass, check out the even slimmer Mesa/Boogie Subway bass cabinet 1×12-inch 400-watt 8 ohms.

Ampeg Heritage SVT-410HLF 4×10-inch 500-watt Bass Cab with Horn

A transformative playing experience

Bass players at Sweetwater love our 8×10-inches. But even we would be the first to admit that, in many cases, a 4×10-inch would do just fine. The goal of the Ampeg Heritage SVT-410HLF  4×10-inch 500-watt bass cab with horn is to mimic the experience of playing a towering 8×10-inch stage rig in a more modestly sized 4×10-inch enclosure. No, it’s not light by any stretch of the imagination. But compared to the chest-high Ampeg Heritage SVT-810E 8×10-inch 800-watt bass cabinet, it’s downright breezy. As you may have guessed, this cabinet is one of several cabs voiced to shine a spotlight on the SVT head’s thunderous power and dulce de leche sustain. And for fans of vintage SVT cab visuals, the STV-410HLF’s rollback enclosure, inset handles, and black sparkle grille cloth won’t disappoint.

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ProductAmpeg Heritage SVT-410HLFTypePassive Bass CabinetPower Handling500WImpedance4 OhmsSpeakers4×10-inch Eminence-designed Woofers, 1 x HF HornConnections2 x speakON, 2 x 1/4-inchCab TypeStraight, Closed-backPros• Unmistakable Ampeg SVT tone • A perfect match for the Ampeg Heritage SVT-CL 300-watt tube bass head• 15mm poplar cab and Eminence drivers that move serious air in a gig settingConsIt’s not the 8×10-inch; see the Ampeg Heritage STV-810E 800-watt bass cabinet for the true Entwistle experience.

Gallien-Krueger NEO IV 4×10-inch 1,000-watt 4-ohm Bass Cabinet with Steel Grille and 1-inch Tweeter

Get the most out of your GK Legacy or Fusion amp

This GK NEO IV 4×10-inch 1,000-watt 4-ohm bass cabinet with steel grille and 1-inch tweeter is bright, tight, punchy, and full — everything we’d want in a 4×10-inch. So, imagine our surprise when we learned that this lightweight comes loaded with neodymium speakers mounted inside a lightweight plywood shell! These rare earth magnets move some air in the NEO IV’s 10-inch GK custom-designed loudspeakers, even by traditional ceramic standards. Each USA-made driver features a voice coil made with edge-wound aluminum ribbon and sits in a die-cast frame to maximize efficiency. Onboard speaker protection limits square-wave distortion to keep your cab running strong. Craving big bass even where space is at a premium? Try pairing this cab with a Gallien-Krueger Legacy or Fusion amp head for a tone-match made in heaven.

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ProductGallien-Krueger NEO IVTypePassive Bass CabinetPower Handling1,000WImpedance4 OhmsSpeakers4×10-inch GK Custom Woofers, 1 x HF HornConnections1 x speakONCab TypeStraight, Closed-backPros• Designed on the backs of numerous player-requested features• Roadworthy construction and superior projection• Tone is tailored for GK Legacy and Fusion amp headsConsNot all players require a 4×10-inch cabinet; shop the Gallien-Krueger NEO IV 2×12-inch 800W 8-ohm bass cabinet with steel grille and 1-inch tweeter for a smaller option.

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Best Bass Amps Buying Advice

How to Choose a Bass Amp

Looking to get the most out of your bass amp–buying dollars? This bass amp buying guide includes information to help you choose a bass guitar amplifier for your needs. Since there’s so much to consider when purchasing a bass guitar amplifier, don’t hesitate to call your Sweetwater Sales Engineer at (800) 222-4700 for more information.

Solid-state vs. Tube

If you are looking for a high-power bass amp that won’t break the bank, then a solid-state amp will serve your needs perfectly. Tube amps are costlier (sometimes by a significant amount) and, as you might expect, more fragile. The difference is in how a solid-state amp breaks up compared to a tube amp. Solid-state amps will play loud, but once they reach their upper limits, the distortion produced is not particularly musical. Meanwhile, tube amps will produce a much more pleasing overdrive. However, most quality solid-state amps are built with enough headroom to avoid overdriving them, so it’s an issue to be aware of but is not necessarily one you need to be concerned about.

Combo Amp or Head and Cabinet?

Just as with standard electric guitar amps, you’ll have to determine if you really need a high-gain unit. If you are playing studio gigs and small clubs, you can get by with an “all-in-one” combo amp. There were few combo models in the 1960s and into the 1970s. The “piggyback” Fender Bassman with 2×12-inch cabinet pretty much set the standard. Though, historically minded players will recall that Fender’s first bass amp — the original 4×10-inch Bassman of the 1950s — was considered revolutionary.

Today, however, manufacturers understand that a properly designed amp/speaker combination with a closed back (with or without a reflex port) will play loud enough for all but larger venues. Most allow players to add an extra cabinet to reinforce the lowest octave.

For large halls, auditoriums, and open arenas, high-powered heads matched with a single or double cabinet are required to get the job done. These mega-watt monsters can play loud and clean right down to the low E string. If you need a rock-solid foundation that will be felt as much as it will be heard, then nothing beats a high-powered amp driving two 1×15-inch cabinets or a single 2×15-inch. It’s worth noting, however, that most manufacturers offer closed-back 4×10-inch cabinets, which, when matched with a 1×15-inch, produce a broader frequency response that is favored by bass players who have active tone-shaping capabilities on the instruments.

Modeling Benefits Explained

Modeling offer