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Ashdown AAE-CTM Valve Preamp Demo

Rackmount Bass Preamp with Effects Loop and 2 Direct Outputs

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$552.49
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New for $649.99

Condition Notes:

This item is in good condition with some signs of use but is in perfect working order. The left rack ear is bent. Includes all original accessories. This item ships in its original packaging which shows some signs of wear.

This item was thoroughly inspected by our factory-authorized service team and is backed by Sweetwater's exclusive 2-year warranty. The images shown do not necessarily represent the condition of this particular item.

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Old-school Amplified Bass Tone

The AAE-CTM valve preamp from Ashdown presents preamp output with a vintage approach, following the success of it's older cousin, the CTM-30 Little Stubby head. With its rackmount form, the AAE-CTM leverages it's all-valve tones to replicate the warm, full-bodied tone of old-school valve amps. This preamp features easy-to-use EQ dials, letting you fine-tune your bass tone to perfection, all while providing a balanced, amplified low end to keep your tone in check. Of course, this unit would not be complete without its send and return effects loop, allowing for more customization in the form of whatever effects you feel like adding to the mix. Plus, with a USB-C output and Pre/Post EQ DI outputs, you'll have a world of connectivity possibilities in tandem with the AAE-CTM, a must-have feature for many bassists at Sweetwater.

Golden all-valve glow

The AAE-CTM preamp conjures modern and antique tones with it's ECC81, ECC82, and ECC83 preamp valves. With an easy-to-use traditional EQ control, it's a cinch to find your perfect sound, and you'll find that the unit produces a mellow, full-range output.

Ashdown AAE-CTM Valve Preamp Features:

  • Traditional rotary bass, middle, and treble control
  • Pre/post EQ DI outputs
  • All-valve tones for an analog sound
  • USB-C output
  • Convenient rackmount build
  • Send and return effects loop

What is Demo Gear?

At Sweetwater, we're so picky that what we call a "demo" is actually better than what most music retailers sell as "new" gear! Our gear hasn't endured hundreds of people a week plunking away at all the keyboards, fumbling through Stairway to Heaven on every guitar or playing with every fader and knob on a mixer or control surface.

What demo means to us is that we've had it out of the box, or maybe it was in a customer's hands for a few days and isn't "factory fresh" as a result. Every demo item we sell has Sweetwater's 2-year Total Confidence Coverage™ warranty, and has been tested and verified up to "new" specs by our factory-authorized technicians to make sure it's in perfect working order before we ship it to you.

When you buy a Demo item at Sweetwater, you get:
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Warranty Info

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Free 2-year Warranty

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Tech Specs

  • Type: Preamp
  • Form Factor: Rackmount
  • Rack Spaces: 1U
  • Analog/Digital: Analog
  • EQ: 3-band EQ
  • Inputs: 1 x 1/4"
  • Outputs: 2 x XLR (post EQ/pre EQ), 1 x 1/4" (headphones)
  • Other I/O: 2 x 1/4" (FX loop)
  • USB: 1 x USB-C
  • Computer Connectivity: USB
  • Tube: 1 x ECC81, 1 x ECC82, 1 x ECC83
  • Power Source: Standard IEC AC cable
  • Manufacturer Part Number: CTM-VALVE-PRE-U

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Customer Reviews

Write your review
Rated 5/5

Ashdown preamp, incorrect tube info

I acquired this Ashdown AAE-CTM tube preamp and wanted to replace the preamp tubes with NOS tubes. I had Ashdown send me a schematic to clarify my questions. Their are 3 preamp tubes. First tube LEFT, looking at the front of the unit is an ECC81 which is a 12at7. The next 2 tubes are 12ax7's. This is what the schematic states! There is no ECC82(12au7).
The 12at7 is a JJ, the 2-12ax7's seem to be Ei.Tube location inside the preamp is not labeled!
I have not used the preamp as of yet. I find it odd that Ashdown did not put the model name anywhere on this unit?
I will leave a review on functionality and tone in a few months. This unit is well built.
Music background: Everything Music
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