morpcat
05-09-2005, 06:44 AM
[This was in the requests thread, although I do not own this amp, I have tested it extensively and can give a fair opinion on it]
Hartke HA3500 - A powerful amp that isn't overpriced, but on the other hand doesn't break down any barriers. List price US$ 800
Features:
It starts with a split tube/SS preamp stage. You can blend in each kind of preamp, but to be honest it doesn't make too much of a difference. The single 12AX7 tube adds a little warmth, which is nice, but that's about it. Then you have a compressor with adjustable level, which actually works really well, and doesn't make you sound muddy either. The shelving EQ's help to create some punch when you want it, and the option of activating the graphic EQ gives you a fair amount of flexibility. It also has an XLR out, which is VERY useful when gigging.
Sound:
This amp can do warm, can do growl, can do punchy, can do high attack, can do most things - thanks to the two sets of equalisers. It's not particularly big on any of the sounds though, so if you want a particular tone it's best to use a bass that represents that tone.
Value:
This amp comes in rackmount form, with protective rubber screw-ons, so it can last as a stand-alone head or in a rack. The 3500A comes in a wood box, so that would be a better option for those not using a rack. It's 350 watts at 4 Ohms, and given it's fairly low price tag and long feature list, it has good value. It's pretty much everything you need from a gigging amp, because it's versatile, durable, and has a fair amount of power with an XLR to back it up.
Overall:
A very good amp for someone who's looking to enhance the tone of any bass they use, but not worth considering if you are looking for a very specific tone.
8/10
Hartke HA3500 - A powerful amp that isn't overpriced, but on the other hand doesn't break down any barriers. List price US$ 800
Features:
It starts with a split tube/SS preamp stage. You can blend in each kind of preamp, but to be honest it doesn't make too much of a difference. The single 12AX7 tube adds a little warmth, which is nice, but that's about it. Then you have a compressor with adjustable level, which actually works really well, and doesn't make you sound muddy either. The shelving EQ's help to create some punch when you want it, and the option of activating the graphic EQ gives you a fair amount of flexibility. It also has an XLR out, which is VERY useful when gigging.
Sound:
This amp can do warm, can do growl, can do punchy, can do high attack, can do most things - thanks to the two sets of equalisers. It's not particularly big on any of the sounds though, so if you want a particular tone it's best to use a bass that represents that tone.
Value:
This amp comes in rackmount form, with protective rubber screw-ons, so it can last as a stand-alone head or in a rack. The 3500A comes in a wood box, so that would be a better option for those not using a rack. It's 350 watts at 4 Ohms, and given it's fairly low price tag and long feature list, it has good value. It's pretty much everything you need from a gigging amp, because it's versatile, durable, and has a fair amount of power with an XLR to back it up.
Overall:
A very good amp for someone who's looking to enhance the tone of any bass they use, but not worth considering if you are looking for a very specific tone.
8/10