This Amp is just... rad. I don't know how else to say it, I love it. The clean channel sounds great, the drive channel is awesome. All the distortion for bass I've tried before was never really quite right, cut out too much if the lows, or just lost definition, etc, but this fuzz if perfect,and in fact it's two voices of drive in one, it has the Vintage Microtubes and the Regular Darkblass B3 Microtubes , which I don't actually think this is emphasized in the description, like if you know about their pedals, this Amp is like four of their pedals in one, the VMT ,the B3 microtubes , and the Luminal Compressor, and the headphone amplifier with cabinet simulation.

First I bought the Alpha/Omega, which is also a five star product, but when I realized this in had the vintage microtubes sound I exchanged the alpha/omega for it, because the VMT is just a better match for what I had in mind. But you wouldn't be disappointed with either of them, this company makes great bass products, they're the best thing to happen for bass players since Jaco pulled the frets off his bass. Maybe. Just buy it , you'll love it. I play my brand new Rickenbacker thru it and it just make it so so rad.

I love this amp!!!!!!! Sounds great, looks great. It took me about 3 weeks before I actually tried the distortion which I love now. Play Forsaker, cranked by Katatonia distorted, you'll have an out of body experience, lol. I'm running direct into a QSC P.A. system, powered by KW 153s and 181s. You could not ask for a better sound.

Along with my new Schecter 5 string loaded with Fishman Fluence pick-ups, this set-up is amazing. My poor ESP is stuck on the wall right now until my other Fishman Fluence replacement pick-ups get here.

I recently upgraded to this 500 watt head and the wealth of tone opportunities is what drove me to purchase it over other options. At this price point there isn't another offering that gives you two overdrive circuits, a 6 band EQ, 3 cab simulations, and aux/headphone inputs. Combine the features and weight of the unit and you can't go wrong. The fan is also quiet making it a great choice if you are a bedroom player.

I came to this head from an Ampeg PF-500, which I actually liked quite well, but........while it is designed to give you a classic SVT tube sound, you really only get that tone with the gain pretty much dimed. At that setting it does it well, but then what? EQ is about all you have left.

The microtubes 500 can replicate that sound and so much more. The key is the distortion channels plus the blend pot.

The clean channel on this head is very good, it even rivals the likes of the Aguilar TH500. Many discerning bassists would be happy with this head without ever engaging the "Microtubes Engine". But that Microtubes Engine is where the magic happens. You have 2 distortion profiles to choose from, and the controls you are given over those profiles give you many options.

Here's what I recommend:

First dial in the clean sound you want, take your time, its there. Then, switch on the microtubes and crank that "blend" pot all the way to the right. At this point forget your clean sound for a moment and dial in an overdriven tone you like. Again, take your time, its there. Play around with both distortion channels.

Got it?

Now, twist that blend pot to the left until the amount of clean tone you dialed in becomes prominent enough for you.

This amp thumps like a mofo! Such quality sound and so much tonal variety. I have been told that Darkglass is second to none and although I haven't tried a lot of other amps, I would agree. This is top of the line!