Which Darkglass 900 Amp To Buy

[Jim_Dandy]

Hi everyone, me again.

If you saw my last post, it was about having decision paralysis over which bass amp to buy. I’ve finally narrowed it down to the Darkglass 900 series… but now I’m right back in the same situation trying to choose between the three models:

• Microtubes 900 V2
• Microtubes X 900
• Alpha Omega 900

I already own a Microtubes B7K pedal and a Microtubes X7 pedal, which I currently run together through an Ampeg SVT-3 that I’m borrowing.

I play in a death metal band with hardcore and slam influences. We have two guitarists, both running HM-2 style tones. My basses are either a 1988 MIJ Charvel or a Jackson David Ellefson 4-string, running into a Peavey VB 8x10 cab.

In my last post I mentioned tones like Exodus and Cannibal Corpse, but I’m going to walk that back - those are a little too clean for what I’m chasing.

What I really want is a huge, chest-hitting bass tone: gurgly, clanky, aggressive, but still warm and bright. Think 200 Stab Wounds’ Manual Manic Procedures crossed with Gojira’s massive bass sound.

Any help choosing the right amp out of the three would be seriously appreciated.

Thanks in advance,
Jim

 

[Fuzzbass]

Based on the 200 Stab Wounds tone I would recommend the AO900. Assuming you're happy with your X pedal then the X900 should also work if you select a lower frequency on the distorted channel, so that all mids are distorted. If you want to keep your lowest lows clean then go with the X, if you want dirt across the entire spectrum go with the AO.

My favorite of the three is the 900V2, but my overdriven bass tones are not nearly as aggressive as those you are going for! So I don't recommend the V2 to you.

 

[ole Jason]

AO900 if you already own the other two as pedals. If you run the pedals into the amp's loop you'll pretty much have the other two amps as well.

 

[Jugghaid]

For that style....AO900 all day long.

 

[Speedbird]

AO on my Darkray is pretty cool. The A and O are distinctive and with blend I hardly lose any bass. I guess in your application it’s a lot about the mix of your bass and the rythum guitar (if you have one?). WAY back, when the dinosaurs ruled the earth . I was in a band that only had one guitar. More distortion was needed during his leads, but little to none when he played the verse, chorus etc.