Useful Arts BF-700

[zappatalist]

Anyone have any personal experience with the Useful Arts BF-700?

BF-700 – Useful Arts Audio | Tube Mic Preamps | Tube Direct Boxes

usefulartsaudio.com

I'm a long time, faithful reader of Tape Op, and stumbled on this glowing review of the amp in question here:

BF-700 bass amp/preamp/DI

Review of BF-700 bass amp/preamp/DI by Useful Arts. Read the full review in Tape Op Magazine Issue #170.

tapeop.com

For my personal bass playing needs, this thing seems perfect for me, on paper at least.

But it's not really like I can find one locally to try it out, and I'd love to see some reviews that aren't from a publication or a studio.

Anybody got anything on these?

Thanks!

 

[silky smoove]

It's an attractive form factor. $1,999 USD for a 700-watt head puts it into the upper echelon of amp prices, so it would have to be a top tier performer to justify its price. Useful Arts makes excellent studio gear, so hopefully this turns out to be a great head.

 

[ole Jason]

Looks interesting. I think the layout is a little strange for bass players but if it sounds good that wouldn't deter me. $2k for a Class D amp is a big ask though.

 

[Jens Telemark]

The simple, functional layout of this amp is very appealing but the fixed HPF is a potential issue with the boomy hollow bodies I play. The Hornet preamp/DI I’ve had for several years has turned me into a Useful Arts fan but where I was willing to risk $300 buying without trying I couldn’t do that with $2K. Would love to hear one.

 

[dmarotta]

Anyone have any personal experience with the Useful Arts BF-700?

BF-700 – Useful Arts Audio | Tube Mic Preamps | Tube Direct Boxes

usefulartsaudio.com

I'm a long time, faithful reader of Tape Op, and stumbled on this glowing review of the amp in question here:

BF-700 bass amp/preamp/DI

Review of BF-700 bass amp/preamp/DI by Useful Arts. Read the full review in Tape Op Magazine Issue #170.

tapeop.com

For my personal bass playing needs, this thing seems perfect for me, on paper at least.

But it's not really like I can find one locally to try it out, and I'd love to see some reviews that aren't from a publication or a studio.

Anybody got anything on these?

Thanks!

Ive been using the BFS 700 in studio and live for about 8 months and couldn't be happier. I was fortunate to get to try one from the Monterey Music Store in Monterey Ca. Ive always had a great sound live but when I paired the BFS with my Markbass 2x12 4ohm I couldn't believe the depth of tone I was getting. I boost the low end slightly and the magic is the "color" switch which handles mid frequencies without getting too barky and unmusical. Have not tried the effects loop yet but will in the future. For now, I go straight into an Anagram multi effects , then right into the BFS. 700watts is more than enough power especially using a 4 ohm cab.
Just recorded a live record with it and the recorded and live sound was incredible. Ive also used it in the studio as a preamp only and the BFS really took my sound to the next level.The engineer at Sunset Sound was very impressed and what Im hearing on rough mixes is incredible. It can be very transparent or it can color your sound in the best ways. I always use some EQ in the studio and live for added dimension.
There are lots of great amps and DI's out there but this is next level. Like going from a Corvette to a Ferrari. I do have some live recording with video if anyone is interested. DM me.