🎛 Darkglass Alpha·Omega 500: A Compact Powerhouse
The Darkglass Alpha·Omega 500 is a 500-watt bass amplifier head that combines cutting-edge technology with Darkglass’s renowned tonal shaping capabilities. Designed for bassists seeking versatility and high-quality sound, this amp delivers a range of tones suitable for various musical styles.
🔧 Key Features
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Dual Distortion Engines: The Alpha·Omega 500 features two distinct analog drive circuits—Alpha and Omega. The Alpha circuit offers punchy and tight tones with excellent definition, while the Omega circuit delivers a raw and brutal sound with vintage character. The Mod control allows you to blend between these two circuits, providing a wide range of distortion options.
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6-Band Graphic Equalizer: The amp is equipped with a low-noise, ultra-quiet 6-band graphic equalizer, allowing precise control over your tone. The EQ includes:
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Bass: ±12 dB at 80 Hz
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Mids: ±12 dB at 250 Hz, 500 Hz, 1.5 kHz, and 3 kHz
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Treble: ±12 dB at 5 kHz
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Studio-Grade VCA Compressor: A one-knob VCA compressor with intelligent makeup gain ensures consistent levels, adding polish and cohesion to your sound.
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Cabinet Simulation: The Alpha·Omega 500 includes a built-in cabinet simulation with three slots for high-resolution impulse responses (IRs). This feature is active on both the headphone output and the balanced XLR DI output, making it ideal for silent practice and recording sessions.
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Power and Compatibility: Powered by a custom-designed, high-efficiency Class D power amplifier, the Alpha·Omega 500 delivers 500 watts RMS and is compatible with speaker cabinets with impedances as low as 2Ω, offering flexibility for various setups.
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Connectivity: The amp provides multiple input and output options, including:
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1/4″ mono instrument input
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1/4″ series effects return
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1/8″ stereo aux input
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1/4″ stereo headphone output
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1/4″ series effects send
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1/4″ footswitch input
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USB-C for firmware updates
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Combo speakON-1/4″ mono speaker outputs
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🎚 Performance and Usability
The Alpha·Omega 500 is designed for ease of use, with intuitive controls and a user-friendly interface. The Mod control allows for seamless switching between the Alpha and Omega distortion circuits, while the 6-band EQ provides comprehensive tonal shaping. The built-in compressor adds a polished touch to your sound, and the cabinet simulation feature enhances silent practice and recording experiences.
🎵 Sound Quality
The Alpha·Omega 500 delivers a wide range of tones, from tight and punchy to raw and vintage. The dual distortion engines offer versatility, and the 6-band EQ allows for precise tonal adjustments. The cabinet simulation feature ensures that your sound translates well in both live and studio settings.
💰 Price and Value
The Darkglass Alpha·Omega 500 is priced at approximately €849.00, reflecting its premium features and build quality. While it may be considered an investment, the amp’s versatility, tonal capabilities, and compact design offer excellent value for serious bassists.
✅ Pros
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Dual distortion engines (Alpha and Omega) for versatile tones
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High-quality 6-band graphic equalizer
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Built-in studio-grade VCA compressor
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Cabinet simulation with three IR slots
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Compact and lightweight design
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Wide compatibility with speaker cabinets (2Ω–8Ω)
❌ Cons
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Higher price point compared to some competitors
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May require some time to fully explore all features
🎯 Final Verdict
The Darkglass Alpha·Omega 500 is a powerful and versatile bass amplifier head that caters to a wide range of musical styles. Its dual distortion engines, comprehensive EQ, built-in compressor, and cabinet simulation features make it a valuable tool for both live performances and studio recordings. While it comes at a premium price, the Alpha·Omega 500 offers exceptional value for bassists seeking top-tier performance and tonal flexibility.
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