Darkglass Microtubes 900 LTD Bass Head, Medusa Artwork Overview
Darkglass Electronics launched our first amp, the critically acclaimed Microtubes 900, in 2016. However, creating limited run and special editions has become a cool tradition at Darkglass, so for 2018 we wanted to have something truly special, which is why we have collaborated with Christopher Lovell on producing the Microtubes 900 Limited Edition in an all new and stunning black finish.
This amazing artist has become a true Instagram sensation as of late with some of the most epic, dark artwork we have seen in the past few years. He is also an excellent metal guitarist and loved the idea of having his artwork featured in the meanest sounding bass amplifier in production. The Microtubes 900 lends itself beautifully to a limited edition as we could use the whole top lid as the canvas for Lovell’s “Medusa” painting. To check out more of Christopher’s artwork please check his Instagram @lovellart.
Microtubes 900 : Limited Edition is a 900W retains everything that made the original model such a success. The amplifier equipped with an all analog preamplifier and a Class D Power Module. The first thing you will notice from the Microtubes 900 is its unusual control layout.
On the right side you’ll find the clean section which is the foundation of your tone. It features Gain and Master controls an active 4 band EQ. Along with Low and Treble controls you will find the Low Mids and Hi Mids controls, each knob with their own 3-way frequency switch.
While on the left side you will find the Microtubes Engine. This acts as an extra channel that can bring your clean tone to the next level by helping you cut through the mix while adding anything from subtle tube break up, harmonics and natural compression, all the way to obliterating distortion.
We equipped the power module with some unique control over the power output and minimum speaker loads. The standard mode will deliver 900W RMS at 4/500W at 8. If you select the 2 Mode via the rear panel switch the amplifier will deliver 900W at 2/500W at 4 and 350W at 8.
The Intelligent Footswitch is an intuitive yet versatile accessory for your Microtubes 900 and the good news is that we supply this with the amp. One tap will engage and disengage the Microtubes Engine, while holding for 3 seconds will Mute the amplifier. It is connected to the head via a standard 1/4” cable and it’s powered by a microcontroller that sends commands to the head using a proprietary communication protocol. If you want additional control though, the Super Intelligent Footswitch is available as an optional upgrade and this allows you to select between clean and the two separate Microtubes circuits.- Input: Connect your instrument via a standard 1/4-inch mono cable.
- Passive/Active: Switch from passive to active mode. Some active basses can have a hotter signal output which can make the amp distort early (feel free to use it on Passive move even with active basses if such additional distortion is desired).
- Microtubes: Turns on or off the Microtubes Engine to add natural compression, organic harmonic enhancement, and saturation ranging from mild overdrive to high gain bass rage.
- The Microtubes Engine operates before the clean section (you can therefore use the 4 Band Active EQ for additional tone shaping in addition to the Tone knob described below).
- Drive: Controls the amount of distortion that the Microtubes Engine will deliver. It will change from a soft warm overdrive to a massive modern distorted tone.
- Tone: Controls the high harmonic content of the Microtubes Engine via a variable low pass filter: crank it up for additional attack and definition or dim it down for a smoother sound. This is handy if running bright clean EQ settings or cabinets with tweeters.
- Level: Controls the Microtubes Engine’s output volume.
- Blend: Mixes between the Clean signal and the Distortion signal (Microtubes Engine).
- B3K/VMT: Selects between two overdrive voicings: B3K mode will deliver an aggressive, percussive sound while the VMT will bring up the mids for a warmer, more neutral character.
- Gain: Changes the volume of the signal the Active 4 Band EQ. You can set it low prior to ensuring the cleanest operation possible or set it higher for more aggressive growl.
- Bass: +-12dB at 80Hz. Changes the low content of the signal.
- Low Mids: +-12dB of the selected frequency via the LOW MIDS ƒ switch (described below). Changes the lower mid content of the signal.
- Low Mids ƒ: Use this switch to change the frequency of the low mid band from 250Hz, 500Hz or 1kHZ.
- Hi Mids: +-12dB of the selected frequency via the HI MIDS ƒ switch (described below). Changes the higher mid content of the signal.
- Hi Mids ƒ :Use this switch to change the frequency of the hi mid band from 750Hz, 1.5kHz and 3kHZ.
- Treble: +-12dB at 5kHz. Changes the high content of the signal.
- Master: Controls the overall volume of the amplifier.
- Mute: Mutes the amplifier.
- Speaker Output: Connects the amplifier to your cabinet. This Speakon combo jack allows for either Speakon or 1/4-inch speaker cable operation.
- Min-Load: Press when using a 2Ω load. You can use this control to lower the output if your 4Ω cabinet is not able to handle more than 500W (you can also get 350W with an 8Ω cabinet in this configuration).
- Pre Amp Out: This output connects the preamp to a different power amp.
- Power Amp In: Use this input to connect a different preamp to the power amp. (master volume will be disabled)
- Post-Pre: Selects what signal will be delivered by the DI output. Selecting PRE, sends a clean copy of your input bass signal. Selecting POST delivers a signal processed by the preamp of the amp (gain, distortion, eq, master, etc.)
- Ground Lift: Lifts the ground of the DI XLR output. If a ground noise in you DI signal is experienced, try changing the setting of this control.
- Balanced Output: Connects the Microtubes 900 preamplifier to balanced equipment (mic preamp, console, recorder, compressor, audio interface, etc.) via a standard XLR jack.
- Footswitch: The Footswitch allows you to remotely engage and disengage the Microtubes Engine. Hold the footswitch to Mute the amplifier. The VMT/B3K push button will remain operational with the Intelligent Footswitch plugged in.
- AC Socket: Connects the power cord to the amplifier.
- AC Power ON/OFF: Turns the amplifier on or off.
- Special Edition with custom Medusa artwork by Christopher Lovell
- Custom Black Finish
- 900 W RMS amplifier output
- -2 Ω Min-Load
- Analog Preamp with switchable Vintage Microtubes and B3K drive circuits
- -B3K mode delivers an aggressive, percussive sound while VMT brings up the mids for a warmer, more neutral and vintage character
- 4 Band EQ with 6 switchable mid points
- Speakon combo jack for either Speakon or ¼” speaker cable connections
- Preamp Out and Power Amp In
- Balanced XLR DI Output, selectable Post or Pre Preamp with Ground Lift
- Supplied with the Intelligent Footswitch
- -Super Intelligent Footswitch also available as an upgrade
