Enjoy the benefits of a premium membership!
Upgrade Account
-
TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
Join free Log in
Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.
Vanderkley Aurora Amplifier
- Thread starter Mark Sacchetti
- Start date
Looks like a potentially nice amp. Certainly looks well thought out, and well built. Specs, power, and tone will be the real determining factors.
Passinwind
I know nothing.
- Dec 3, 2003
- 23,044
- 45,901
- Disclosures
- Designer/Toaster Tech @ Passinwind Electronics
Update on the Aurora bass amp from Vanderkley . Marc shipped the amp today and it's due to arrive on Wenesday .
Very nice looking amp. I'm sure it sounds great. Have any idea what power module it uses? Being Dutch I would guess Hypex.
I don't . We talked about many things in regards to this amp. He never revealed which module he is using. It's hand built and reeks of quality! It's a solid piece of gear. Elegant in design. More importantly it sounds wonderful. I haven't engaged the eq section yet, but I will!
Looking forward to it. Interested in the damping knob.
Just based on the power specs, there's a good chance it uses the NC1200 from Hypex. The best class d amp on the market.
Just based on the power specs, there's a good chance it uses the NC1200 from Hypex. The best class d amp on the market.
Such a great looking amp. I hope it sounds just as fantastic. 
I may have to make a trip to Pittsburgh, sometime!
I may have to make a trip to Pittsburgh, sometime!
I continue to be impressed by the Aurora! The lows are tight and full. The highs are sweet sounding . The amp is responsive, quick, and articulate. Chord sound clear. The amp has plenty of power. I'm awaiting the arrival of my MAS 112. Since this amp can handle 2 ohms. I'll run the 46 with the 112 to see how that sounds.
Gassing bad for this thing....I'm a sucker for high end bass amps. Looking at pics on Facebook it does appear to use the ncore 1200. Same module used in much more expensive high end audio gear.
Looks neat-o. Curious to hear your thoughts playing it through the various MAS cabs, Mark, as I have a few at the moment. I don't need another amp (especially not another expensive one), but that continuously variable damping control is just the sort of geeky feature I'd actually use (at least I think so)!
I've been sick with that summer cold that's been going around. I'm on the mend and my head is clearing up.
I did turn the eq section on the Aurora on for the first time. I'm working through the eq to learn/ hear how it sounds/affects the amps voice.
The damping control does work in loosening up the feel of the notes. I've been going back and forth between it off and just slightly on, say 8 o'clock . It's not a gimmick! The master volume control isn't front loaded. I don't recall the proper name for the control pot.
I've been using the 1203 cab set "flat". I really like the Aurora voicing. It's dead quiet. No fan noise. It's well built. It's also beautiful ! it will match up nicely with my black/red 112!
All my evaluations have been at home. I haven't taken it out yet. My drummer is on the mend from surgery. We were just talking about getting together again to start rehearsal. I can tell from my experience that this amp is capable of handling live conditions.
I did turn the eq section on the Aurora on for the first time. I'm working through the eq to learn/ hear how it sounds/affects the amps voice.
The damping control does work in loosening up the feel of the notes. I've been going back and forth between it off and just slightly on, say 8 o'clock . It's not a gimmick! The master volume control isn't front loaded. I don't recall the proper name for the control pot.
I've been using the 1203 cab set "flat". I really like the Aurora voicing. It's dead quiet. No fan noise. It's well built. It's also beautiful ! it will match up nicely with my black/red 112!
All my evaluations have been at home. I haven't taken it out yet. My drummer is on the mend from surgery. We were just talking about getting together again to start rehearsal. I can tell from my experience that this amp is capable of handling live conditions.
Update on the Aurora! My friend Pete and I were putting the amp through a series of scenarios . Using my MAS 46 and various Skjold basses, 2 fretted & 1 fretless, we were able to dial in settings from upright fretless to slap and everything in between. A big thumbs upfront Pete!
