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Hartke LH500
- Thread starter KJung
- Start date
No problem!
If this is a determination before purchasing, just keep in mind that a very cheap headphone amp can be found for under $20. This is an awesome amp and won't leave you wanting on stage.
If this is a determination before purchasing, just keep in mind that a very cheap headphone amp can be found for under $20. This is an awesome amp and won't leave you wanting on stage.
I don't think you'll be disappointed then. Once you get a good grasp on the tone stack EQ and get your sound, this thing is a monster.
I understand this amp is built with a Bassman or Almebic F-1X tonestack. I quite fancy the look of it because, oddly, I run quite a bit of drive and distortion at times. However I would quite like a straight clean tone to use rather than an inbuilt distortion that I may or may not like.
I was looking at the TC Electronic BH500 and the Ampeg PF500. However I keep hearing of reliability issues with the PF500, and the TC is apparently quite dull sounding.
I was looking at the TC Electronic BH500 and the Ampeg PF500. However I keep hearing of reliability issues with the PF500, and the TC is apparently quite dull sounding.
Something I've noticed and read about quite often with the LH500 and LH1000, is that you can't really adjust the drive on the tube, that is without something before its input. The volume adjustment on this amp is after preamp, as the input gain is preset. That said, the volume knob on this amp does not increase in normal increments. From 0-5 it's a pretty smooth increase in volume, then once you hit 6 and above it really "jumps."
I think of these things as character points. They would almost seem like a problem if it didn't sound so dang good.
I should note that with the effects loop in the back of the amp, the modifications post-preamp would seem endless.
I think of these things as character points. They would almost seem like a problem if it didn't sound so dang good.
I should note that with the effects loop in the back of the amp, the modifications post-preamp would seem endless.
I have read a few threads about folks changing the tube for different types of "color."
I want to say this one is the 12AX7. I'm well pleased with it so far as it makes my 5 string sound amazing. But since this tube will eventually wear out on me, I'll be watching to see what the hot ones are so I can give them a shot.
I want to say this one is the 12AX7. I'm well pleased with it so far as it makes my 5 string sound amazing. But since this tube will eventually wear out on me, I'll be watching to see what the hot ones are so I can give them a shot.
I bought a used Hydrive 4x10 and also got the LH500 in the deal as well...for a steal, I might add. The guy more or less gave me the LH500 for $100 (used, they're still going for 250-300). The LH500 was cutting out after power up and would come back on a little while later. I took the amp home and changed the pre-tube to no effect. I had to take it to a buddy of mine who found some loose solder points and the power relay had come loose ($70). Certainly a vibration injury which would have been identified earlier by an annual amp tech checkup. Everything is fine now and she is an angry sonic beast.
The changing of the pretube is simple and pretty straightforward. Removing the top screws and removing the access plate takes longer than removing and replacing the pre-tube. There is an aluminum heat shield which covers the tube (nice touch) which gets twisted off to expose the tube. Wiggle the tube a little and she'll pop right out. Easy as pie. I now have the LH500 powering both of my Hydrive 4x10 cabs.
CAUTION: INCOMING RANT
Someone had written earlier about the Carvin BX500 head. I own this head as well and the LH500 is louder and more powerfull without question. However, these two amps are different animals all together. The LH500 is simplistic and offers easy to use controls and tons of power. It's sole purpose is to maximize every available watt for live performance. The BX500 is more sophisticated and elegant. Tone shaping options for days, power options, ohms options (down to 2ohms), and more pre and post EQ than anyone would ever likely need. Even the DI out has a volume knob. It truly is a great amp which can easily fit in my laptop bag. This amp was designed for the working bassist who's pulling double duty playing both live and recording. I did A/B these amps powering my dual 4x10 Hydrives. With all EQ flat and the bass volume left untouched; the LH500 was louder by far. With the volume set on "2" and then "4" and the "6" (I dare not go over that with sleeping little ones) the LH500 sounded drastically louder. However, there's a lot to be said about having 16 different EQ knobs/sliders at your disposal.
To each his own. If amp manufacturers were able to make an affordable, lightweight, 1,000 watt, pre-tube hybrid, EQ versatile, bass amp which, by the way, was regarded as being the loudest and most efficient bass amp on Earth...wouldn't they have done so already?
The changing of the pretube is simple and pretty straightforward. Removing the top screws and removing the access plate takes longer than removing and replacing the pre-tube. There is an aluminum heat shield which covers the tube (nice touch) which gets twisted off to expose the tube. Wiggle the tube a little and she'll pop right out. Easy as pie. I now have the LH500 powering both of my Hydrive 4x10 cabs.
CAUTION: INCOMING RANT
Someone had written earlier about the Carvin BX500 head. I own this head as well and the LH500 is louder and more powerfull without question. However, these two amps are different animals all together. The LH500 is simplistic and offers easy to use controls and tons of power. It's sole purpose is to maximize every available watt for live performance. The BX500 is more sophisticated and elegant. Tone shaping options for days, power options, ohms options (down to 2ohms), and more pre and post EQ than anyone would ever likely need. Even the DI out has a volume knob. It truly is a great amp which can easily fit in my laptop bag. This amp was designed for the working bassist who's pulling double duty playing both live and recording. I did A/B these amps powering my dual 4x10 Hydrives. With all EQ flat and the bass volume left untouched; the LH500 was louder by far. With the volume set on "2" and then "4" and the "6" (I dare not go over that with sleeping little ones) the LH500 sounded drastically louder. However, there's a lot to be said about having 16 different EQ knobs/sliders at your disposal.
To each his own. If amp manufacturers were able to make an affordable, lightweight, 1,000 watt, pre-tube hybrid, EQ versatile, bass amp which, by the way, was regarded as being the loudest and most efficient bass amp on Earth...wouldn't they have done so already?
So, I'm thinking of getting an LH500 because I can get it for 250 (talking about euros here) used. What cab would you guys recommend since I could spend maybe around 300-400 euros? I'm playing in a rock band with a drummer, vocal and 2 guitars.
I see what you mean (and what Ken probably meant). He was saying that in order to achieve a truly flat tone the bass and treble needed to be turned down and the mids up. That is true given the mid-scooped characteristic of the tone stack. My bad.
I must know what that little fuzzy lookin' square pad next to the power switch is? am I goofy?
That's a dust filter in front of the fan intake. It can be removed for cleaning.
For the most part, I find 3 - 10 - 1 to be optimal for most of my situations. And funny enough, if I start boosting the treble a bit, it seems like I get a boost in the mids as well. This is also possibly the result of "tequila ear".
Actually the treble control will affect the mid frequencies as well. Your ears did not decieve you. The way the tone stack is set up, the controls do also affect the adjacent frequencies to a certain degree.
- Aug 21, 2008
- 10,386
- 252
- 68
- Disclosures
- Owner, SGD Music Products
The manual does say that, but that's not what Larry says:
He also told me that in person when I first tried the amp out at his 48th St Bass Lounge.
All passive Fender style tone stacks work this way. The EQ on my BK Butler Blue Tube is exactly the same way as is the Alembic tube preamp.
Glad I read this. Just tried on my lh1000 what Larry says to be flat. What a great sound. I was trying to get flat and wasn't far off, it just seems weird to me to turn the knobs that far to get flat. After learning about the e.q. though, it makes since. Set like that it pretty much sounded exactly like my 7 pro, just a little more of that Hartke punch.
Very happy with it.
- Aug 21, 2008
- 10,386
- 252
- 68
- Disclosures
- Owner, SGD Music Products
It's funny I never use mine flat. I usually have everything at about 1:00, or with the bass and treble at about 11:00.
But I have not found a bad sound out of that amp. I've been using it with a Mesa/Eden 4X10, but I also have a Hartke XL 4X10. I'm switching over to that on this weekend's gig.
It's funny I never use mine flat. I usually have everything at about 1:00, or with the bass and treble at about 11:00.
But I have not found a bad sound out of that amp. I've been using it with a Mesa/Eden 4X10, but I also have a Hartke XL 4X10. I'm switching over to that on this weekend's gig.
Yea, it depends on which cab I'm using. With my Alien Alliance cab it sounds best flat. With my Carvin BRX neo 10.4 cab, I have to boost the bass, cut the mids and boost the highs. I guess that means my Alien Alliance cab is pretty flat sounding? I always thought is was a little scooped but maybe not.
It's funny I never use mine flat. I usually have everything at about 1:00, or with the bass and treble at about 11:00.
But I have not found a bad sound out of that amp. I've been using it with a Mesa/Eden 4X10, but I also have a Hartke XL 4X10. I'm switching over to that on this weekend's gig.
I've read through this thread and can't seem to find any thoughts on running the 500 through two Hydrive 112s, which I just recently acquired...
Has anyone done it?
There is an HA7000 nearby that I may try tomorrow. Seems like two 350 watt channels would push them well.
Thanks- Patrick
