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This thread caught my eye and did some quick research. It is a 300 watt 1x15" + T rear ported studio combo @ 25 lbs.
It's difficult for me after reading 8 reviews on Sweetwaters site with six 5 star ratings and one 2 star saying "run buy a Fender Rumble 200" and another 1 star from a guy talking about the speaker "farting out" and seeming like a 100 - 200 watts amp? Then sends it back to Sweetwater.
To me, it sounds like a couple of douche bags who have no idea what they are doing and a few players surprised at how nice it is being played by people who have some idea of what's going on! (I personally, have never put a driver to the point of "farting out" but that's just me...)
Ashdown is a very good Bass (and guitar) company that grew from the best days of Trace Elliot from UK. Distribution has always been an issue. Not as many dealers in the US. However, the EU and down under in Australia and New Zealand it is well known. (In fact, it's very well known in the US by many players you would have heard of and many more you haven't!)
My new Ashdown ABM600 EVO-IV DR:
This is by no means my first ASHDOWN-UK!
Its good kit...
It's difficult for me after reading 8 reviews on Sweetwaters site with six 5 star ratings and one 2 star saying "run buy a Fender Rumble 200" and another 1 star from a guy talking about the speaker "farting out" and seeming like a 100 - 200 watts amp? Then sends it back to Sweetwater.
To me, it sounds like a couple of douche bags who have no idea what they are doing and a few players surprised at how nice it is being played by people who have some idea of what's going on! (I personally, have never put a driver to the point of "farting out" but that's just me...)
Ashdown is a very good Bass (and guitar) company that grew from the best days of Trace Elliot from UK. Distribution has always been an issue. Not as many dealers in the US. However, the EU and down under in Australia and New Zealand it is well known. (In fact, it's very well known in the US by many players you would have heard of and many more you haven't!)
My new Ashdown ABM600 EVO-IV DR:
This is by no means my first ASHDOWN-UK!
Its good kit...
Just got my Studio 15 
Not as big and excessive as I thought it might be. Really does feel surprisingly light, only 3 kg more than the Rumble lt25. Sound is really rich, smooth and controlled compared to the LT25 which can sound like it's trying too hard even at low volume. Not pushed the volume too hard, way more than I need for home but doesn't seem too overkill. Should be sufficient if I ever find someone to jam with. My SR300e tone / pickup controls seem to do a lot more now, somehow the LT25 made all the pickups sound kind of the same.
Did have a annoying ground buzz caused by my Novation Circuit groove box plugged into AUX, unplugging the PC USB connection and running of battery completely fixed it. Having the tweeter really helps on aux sources, was one of the reasons I went for a 15"+HF rather than a 12" with doesn't have one. Is there a reason the AUX and FX Loop bypass the master volume, seems odd to me?
Not missing the LT25 effects too much but I do miss the built in tuner. Tempted to fix that with a multi-effect pedal such as Line 5 Pod Go.
Looks like they have changed the design to just 1 rear "port", maybe the original wasn't front ported? The rear is a bit odd just seems to be a 10" tube blocked off at the end, not sure what that is about?
Not as big and excessive as I thought it might be. Really does feel surprisingly light, only 3 kg more than the Rumble lt25. Sound is really rich, smooth and controlled compared to the LT25 which can sound like it's trying too hard even at low volume. Not pushed the volume too hard, way more than I need for home but doesn't seem too overkill. Should be sufficient if I ever find someone to jam with. My SR300e tone / pickup controls seem to do a lot more now, somehow the LT25 made all the pickups sound kind of the same.
Did have a annoying ground buzz caused by my Novation Circuit groove box plugged into AUX, unplugging the PC USB connection and running of battery completely fixed it. Having the tweeter really helps on aux sources, was one of the reasons I went for a 15"+HF rather than a 12" with doesn't have one. Is there a reason the AUX and FX Loop bypass the master volume, seems odd to me?
Not missing the LT25 effects too much but I do miss the built in tuner. Tempted to fix that with a multi-effect pedal such as Line 5 Pod Go.
Looks like they have changed the design to just 1 rear "port", maybe the original wasn't front ported? The rear is a bit odd just seems to be a 10" tube blocked off at the end, not sure what that is about?
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First, congratulations!
It is not uncommon to control volume with an AUX IN by the unit providing the signal. Also, effects level in RETURN is commonly controlled at the effect unit. (Pedals have output/volume. Rack effects often have I/O level controls, too.)
The Master Volume should let you control your BASS volume within the Aux mix you have set up.
I have seen this amp with two rear ports, as well. This falls into the "Specifications are subject to change without notice." A change in the speaker used could cause this type of modification.
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Looks like the master volume does control AUX after all (unlike my old LT25), it's just so loud / sensitive that I still need my passive volume control in between to tame it a little. Line level AUX seems to come in a lot louder than the signal from the preamp, could just be I've got the gain a bit low.
So you are getting a Master Volume of the full mix now?
I use the Darkglass Element and you have to control Aux in Gain from the source device.
Yeah Master Volume does full mix but if the aux source device it at full volume it comes in 4x louder than bass going through the pre-amp. So just passing it through an passive Volume control to tame it.
Still a but confused the rear port that doesn't go anywhere, seems an odd design to me.
Edit: added picture. Don't think it's a fault, just don't understand it's purpose....
Still a but confused the rear port that doesn't go anywhere, seems an odd design to me.
Edit: added picture. Don't think it's a fault, just don't understand it's purpose....
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Ashdown usually put the power cable in that "port" in the rear within the shipping boxes.
I've noticed this with the stock I have at my work.
I've noticed this with the stock I have at my work.
Cable storage tube, not port!
Yes, I asked Ashdown and they said cable storage. Didn't come with a power cable but I have piles of spares.
I was thinking it would be a nice hiding place for small rodents. Guess maybe the original design was 2 rear ports and they switched to front port and cable store. Doesn't say much in the manual just generic info that covers the whole range.
Always like to have a detailed look round my new toys and figure out how it all works. When I get a new desktop PC I open it up to check the insides before I even plug it in.
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Looks like a Status Graphite, their Chris Wolstenholme sig is one of my dream basses for around £4,000.
Are you enjoying ripping up your new combo?
Have you found someone to jam with?
Loving the Studio with my Pod Go. Still playing on own at home so not had chance to push the volume hard.
Having lessons so at least get to play with tutor. He has a TR-8s and load of synths so some potential for a little jamming.
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Attachments
Mine came with bagged power cable in the “port.” I’m still learning its sound. Maybe not as deep as my GKMB115, but already spoiling me with the light weight. That’s a good thing when you’re 71. The MB’s cover is a bit roomy but works with the AS15. The amp does project its more vintage sound quite well into the room.
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