ASHDOWN RM-500-EVO-III

Ashdown Rootmaster EVO III 500W Bass Amp Head500 W of power in a design meant to be lighter and more portable, without sacrificing the Ashdown character.Comprehensive sound shaping thanks to a 5-band EQ and Flat/Shape switches for quickly switching from a flat tone to a more colored voicing.Built-in tools for modern playing : Ashdown sub-harmonics, musical compression, and tube-style drive to thicken and dirty the sound with control.DI XLR with Analogue Cab Sim : a front-of-house optimized output for stage (and in-ear), with filters inspired by Ashdown ABM cabinets.Rootmaster EVO III: Ashdown DNA in a More Agile HeadWith the Rootmaster EVO III series, Ashdown pursues a simple idea: to keep the famous grain of the English brand while meeting the current needs of bassists, where portability, reliability, and DI consistency are as important as power. The RM-500 EVO III fits this philosophy by combining a preamp section rich in shaping tools with a decidedly practical approach for the stage, notably through a DI designed to work efficiently with modern setups.For Which Bassist and In What Contexts?The Rootmaster EVO III 500W is aimed at the bassist who wants a head capable of everything: intense rehearsals, recording, and gigs where a stable sound that's easy to send to front-of-house is needed. Its power makes it comfortable in most band settings, including when the drummer and guitars play loud, and its minimum 4 Ohm load allows for efficient cabinet configurations on stage.In terms of styles, it shines whenever a present, thick, and articulate bass is expected: rock, pop, funk, metal, gospel, reggae, or contemporary music. Between the precise EQ, compression, and tube-style drive, you can go from a solid, wide clean tone to more edgy textures, with a dynamic range suitable for fingerstyle as well as pick playing.Controls, Built-in Effects, and DI Cab Sim: A True Swiss Army KnifeThe heart of the RM-500 EVO III is a control section designed for speed and precision. The 5-band EQ (Bass, 240Hz, Middle, 1.5kHz, Treble) allows you to address the truly sensitive frequency areas of the bass: cleaning up a muddy low-midrange, bringing out attack, or opening the high end without harshness. The Flat/Shape switches provide an immediate curve change: handy for adapting your sound to a room, a different cabinet, or a passive/active bass.To beef up the tone, Ashdown integrates its essentials: a sub-harmonics generator (ideal for thickening the low end at reasonable volume), an effective compressor to smooth levels and enhance note sustain, and a tube drive emulation to add grit and natural compression in feel. A mute completes the package for clean instrument changes and silences on stage.The major evolution designed for today's stages is the Analogue Cab Sim DI. The rear D.I. XLR output delivers a post-EQ and post-effects signal, with filtering options that reproduce the frequency response of Ashdown ABM cabinets. Once the cab sim is activated, you can choose a PORTED or SEALED profile (extended lows or tighter response), select a 10-inch (more dynamic mids) or 15-inch speaker type, and enable/disable the tweeter emulation via the HORN IN/OUT option. The result: a more "mix-ready" DI sound, consistent from gig to gig, particularly relevant for in-ear setups.The SoundThe Rootmaster EVO III aims for a warm, solid, and authoritative character, with a clean base that remains full and clear, then a progressive texture build-up thanks to the tube-style drive. The amp stays tight and punchy for pick parts, while maintaining a dense low end and controlled highs for slap and modern playing styles. The compression section and sub-harmonics offer two very complementary levers: one for stability and impact, the other for breadth and a "larger than life" feel. On DI, the analogue cab sim helps achieve a sound closer to a miked cabinet, with better-controlled lows and more natural highs, facilitating integration into a mix.Technical SpecificationsPower and LoadPower: 500 Watts Impedance: minimum 4 Ohms Equalization and ControlsFlat/Shape switch5-band EQ : Bass, 240Hz, Middle, 1.5kHz, TrebleMute switchBuilt-in Processing and EffectsSub Harmonics Tube drive simulation Compression DI and Cabinet SimulationRear D.I. XLR output Post-EQ and post-effects signalAnalogue Cab Sim DI with options: PORTED/SEALED, 10-inch or 15-inch speaker, HORN IN/OUTFoot Control (Optional)Optional FS-2 footswitch to activate/deactivate Drive and Sub functionsIncluded AccessoriesAshdown Rootmaster EVO III 500W bass amp headFootswitch: FS-2 not included (optional)