Product: Ashdown ABM-EVO II 115 Combo
Price Paid: 899 (english pounds)
Submitted
06/14/2006
at
09:15am
by
Vestan Pance
Features
:
8
Bought this new, made in 2005. Ashdown cabinets now appear to be assembled in China, which judging by the build quality compared to my British cab I have this is not a problem. But don't let the Union Jack on the box fool you! The amp section seems to be exactly the same as the earlier models so I assume these are still made in the U.K?
Solid State amp section, Single high/low switchable input, tube grind drive blend + in/out, Bass/mid/treble + four band EQ + in/out, front panel D.I, Octave blend + in/out, tuner out. Basically it's all there unless you need FX and I forgot to mention the 15 inch driver, no horn.
The main usage this combo is medium sized venues (150-250 people). The power of the amp in the bottom end is the best I have come across, it walks all over similar Hartke and Ampeg models. For what I need I reckon only SWR compares for genuine quality in the low end. This amp achieves good volume without being offensive, so much so that I now generally leave the extension cab at home along with the extra 200 or so watts.
Sound Quality
:
9
I use a Jazz bass straight into the amp, no pre compression, EQ or drive which I needed with other amps. It really does suit my style of playing bit of Ska, Rock covers. The main advantage I have come across with this amp is the D.I. It's great, I hate the clippy top end that some soundmen fail to deal with, this is really smooth and combines nicely through the P.A with the on stage sound. I've even dumped the mic I've been using which always gave me a great recorded and P.A sound.
This combo would not be suitable for 5 string unless you added the right extension cab, I'm sure the amp would deal with the extra power required
Reliability
:
No Opinion
Reliability? Don't know yet, thankfully. I've owned Ashdown cabs and never had a problem.
Customer Support
:
10
I did have a problem in the fact that the front grill on the amp didn't exactly match the EVOII cab which I already owned, I presume this is because of a change in where the materials are sourced, I emailed Ashdown with photos and they sent me a new grill, no questions.
Overall Rating
:
10
The only fault I can find with this product in that when I plug in an extension cab using a speakon cable the existing lead which connects the amp to the cab in pulled tight, the cable trails straight across the speakon output and is too short to move aside.
I love the look of this combo. I've been playing bass for around 6 years but have experience of playing in bands for about 15 years + live & studio sound engineering, this is the best amp I have come across for my needs.
This is the first amp I have insured and would replace it with the same if stolen.
The amp is not light but very compact, the carrying handle are built into the sides and are solid.
If you are searching for a simple setup and a great rock tone then treat yourself to one of these, I've learnt by experience that I always regret buying the cheaper option and then losing money on it to get something else.
