Ashdown MAG300H

[rh15951]

Manufacturer: Ashdown, http://www.ashdownmusic.co.uk
Model: MAG300 Bass Head
Bought: New in UK, April 2005
From: http://www.spectresound.co.uk
Price: £243.80


Specifications:

Inputs
High (passive) input: 1/4" jack, 3.9MOhms.
Low (active) input: 1/4" jack, 10kOhms.
Effects return: 1/4" jack, 22kOhms.


Outputs
Tuner/line out: 1/4" jack, 22kOhms.
Effects send: 1/4" jack, 22kOhms.
DI output: XLR connector, 600Ohms balanced.
Speaker outputs: 2 x 1/4" jack, 4Ohm minimum total impedance.
Amp: 300 watts RMS @ 4 ohms, 500W peak.

Frequency response: -3dB @ 17Hz and 30kHz.
Signal to noise: Better than 80dB (EQ flat).
Distortion: Less than 0.5% THD.


Sound 4/5
5 band EQ providing +/-15dB cut/boost at 100Hz (bass), 220Hz (lo-mid), 660Hz (mid), 1.6kHz (hi-mid)

& 7kHz (treble). Although there are not as many controls as other amps, the EQ would certainly do its job well enough for most musicians especially with the accompanying 'Deep' and 'Bright' buttons, adding +8dB @ 50Hz and +10dB @ 10kHz respectively.

One other feature on this amp is the Sub-harmonic generator. This can be switched on and off and the level controlled. At low levels this creates a fuller sound however, one problem I have encountered is when running a substantial level of sub-harmonics (>65%) can cause a little too much bass and loss of clarity to the sound.


Build Quality 5/5
The quality of this amp is excellent considering the price. In my opinion you get from this head what you would expect from a far more expensive amp. Yes, there are similar and cheaper options available. However none of them have such a good reputation for quality and workmanship. Just in case you do find a fault, there is a 2 year warranty. I have had this amp from new since April and although it is only a short period of time, there have been no problems.


Other Features
Duel fans operating at half the speed, rather than one fan running at double the speed and volume.
Speed controlled fans - Increasing speed with increasing power output.
Thermal trip for output protection.
Input and output volume controls.
Ability to switch the EQ on and off.


Overall 4/5
Excellent amp for the money. Where I bought it from was the cheapest place (in the UK) I could find on the net.

Pictures

http://hometown.aol.co.uk/RH15951/ashdown1.JPG

[New Born]

Good review, I have this head too. Good value for money, and I like the way the amount of controls is minimised - it doesn't over complicate things.

The MAG 4x10 cab isn't bad either...

[red_zeppelin]

great review man. i heard that this was great value for money.

[moghes69]

i'm going to the music store to test one out tomorrow...if i like it hopefully i'm gonna get one :)

~peace~

[ridethelightning]

would you play it against a marshall tube halfstack and loud metal drummer?

[New Born]

^Yes.

[rh15951]

would you play it against a marshall tube halfstack and loud metal drummer?

I've played it against a Line6 Spider 212 and loud drummer with no volume issues.

[commerford_the_great]

it'll do fine, got the same head with the 2X10 combo, and a 1X15 does well in a 4-piece metal band, no issues at all, great head 4 the price

[bullet138]

i have the mag 300 combo, it is ****in loud and the coolest thing is the gauge!!!!
its defenitelty worth the money i paid, which was about £350 - only one downside is its weight and trying get it up slippery tight stairs!!!!

[kev_trb1006]

Ashdown...thats where its at

[JamesXKillXyou]

now, what did the original thread starter run through? 4x10? or what? Cause im looking at new heads I wanted the kustom 1200. But If i can get the money Id go with this.

[rh15951]

now, what did the original thread starter run through? 4x10? or what? Cause im looking at new heads I wanted the kustom 1200. But If i can get the money Id go with this.

Ran thru a 2x10" :thumb:

[rh15951]

Time to find out how good Ashdown customer services are...

[Wintermute]

Why, what's gone wrong?

[rh15951]

No power to the unit even after changing fuses. Still under warranty though.

[moghes69]

maybe there's a short in the power cable. try replacing that... i have the same head running through an avatar 2x12 and i couldn't be happier

[rh15951]

maybe there's a short in the power cable. try replacing that... i have the same head running through an avatar 2x12 and i couldn't be happier

I have tried a different cable/numerous fuses/wall sockets etc :upset:

Yes it is a fantastic amp, this is somewhat annoying though.

[DaveTNG]

I have tried a different cable/numerous fuses/wall sockets etc :upset:

Yes it is a fantastic amp, this is somewhat annoying though.

Did you get that fixed? What was it in the end?

I got the 1x15 combo version today. Very versatile and nice tone. Haven't had chance to test it in a band situation yet but i'm sure it will be fine. I'll take pics soon.

[the dirty gra]

Time to find out how good Ashdown customer services are...

They're cool man. When I first ordered my mag300h and 410 cab, I got it from Anderton's in Guildford. I had registered it and had been playing it for about a month before I got a phone call from Ashdown. Basically, the cab Anderton's had supplied me was 8ohms (or 4, I'll have to double check) but if I wanted to add another cab, I couldn't if I was using the one I had. They arranged for a courier to come out to me and exchange it for the one that allowed me to have more than one cab. If they hadn't contacted me, I wouldn't ever have realised.

A couple of months ago with the head, there was no output sound. There was a signal coming in as the VU was moving, but nothing coming out. Ashdown got it repaired and back to me within 2 weeks, and the service was excellent.

Great amp for the price, good company to deal with.

Want one of their compressor pedals now

[Phalanx]

Ran thru a 2x10" :thumb:

hehe, my setup then when my replacement cab arrives

[rh15951]

Did you get that fixed? What was it in the end?

I got the 1x15 combo version today. Very versatile and nice tone. Haven't had chance to test it in a band situation yet but i'm sure it will be fine. I'll take pics soon.

The mains transformer was bust. Repaired and returned within 2 weeks :thumb:

[DaveTNG]

The mains transformer was bust. Repaired and returned within 2 weeks :thumb:

:cool:
Been messing about with the subharmonics on mine today. They can make it sound pretty cool.

[primus_sucks]

i agree its a great head, has a very nice sound to it, also the mag 4x10 cab is great.

[rh15951]

:cool:
Been messing about with the subharmonics on mine today. They can make it sound pretty cool.

I tend not to use the subharmonics, it's not really that noticeable unless you crank it up.

[DaveTNG]

I tend not to use the subharmonics, it's not really that noticeable unless you crank it up.

Well I haven't used it in a band situation yet (Friday for the first test of that) but I could notice them pretty well on about half setting. Maybe that was just because I was playing quite quietly on my own.

[Your Tourniquet]

I'm thinking of getting one in the future for playing larger venues... is it better to save a little more for the MAG600 for large venues?

[DaveTNG]

I'm thinking of getting one in the future for playing larger venues... is it better to save a little more for the MAG600 for large venues?

I would have thought you would be going through a PA at larger venues, so I think 300 watts should be enough.

[Your Tourniquet]

I would have thought you would be going through a PA at larger venues, so I think 300 watts should be enough.

Right, the MAG300H shall be mine... once I get off my lazy arse and get a job :smash:

[mitchseek]

ok i just payed cash 4 a mag 3oo head and a 4x10 cab,that was 3 months ago the store said i had 2 pay up-front as they dont stoke this item<fair enuff!but should it take 3 months 2 get 2 me?i rang them 2day and they said they have no idea where it is or when im guna get it!!!
should i get upset wif them or is this norm?

[mitchseek]

how does the input and output volume controls works?do u just crank them both up?

[rh15951]

how does the input and output volume controls works?do u just crank them both up?

No. Turn the input up as much as you can before it clips. Then adjust the output according to how loud you want to go :cool: