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Hartke KB12 Kickback 1x12" 500-watt Bass Combo Amp

500W 1x12" Bass Guitar Amplifier Combo with Paper/Aluminum Speaker Cone, Neodymium Magnet, Plywood Cabinet, 3-band EQ, Shape Control, and Balanced XLR Output
$499.99

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Tilts Back to Project Sound Upward

Hearing your tone as the audience hears it is critical to live performance. The Hartke Kickback bass combo rocks back 45 degrees to deliver sound right up to your ears for accurate midrange and high-end feedback to inform your playing. The Kickback is a powerful stage amp in a compact size with a 12" HyDrive paper/aluminum speaker and 500 watts of power. It's also a useful practice tool with a silent headphone out for late-night woodshedding. For stage tone you can trust, Sweetwater bassists recommend giving the Hartke Kickback a spin.

Hartke Kickback Bass Combo Amplifier at a Glance:
  • Kickback cab design projects sound on axis or at an angle
  • Shape control gives a one-touch boost at 100-900Hz
  • Lightweight and easy to gig with
Kickback cab design projects sound on axis or at an angle

Traditional instrument amplifiers are great for projecting sound toward the audience from onstage. But if you've ever stood over one while playing, you'll know a good portion of your tone doesn't make it up to your ears. The Hartke Kickback stands up like a traditional amp when you have accurate monitoring, and when you need it, tilts back 45 degrees to accurately represent your stage tone.

Shape control gives a one-touch boost at 100-900Hz

The Kickback combo amp has a Shape control in addition to its 3-band EQ to enhance a selected frequency range with the press of a button. This is helpful when you want a bass boost or low-mid bump for a certain section of a song without disrupting your EQ settings. Cycle between 100-900Hz to define the sound you want, then engage any time your tone needs a little sweetening.

Lightweight and easy to gig with

The Kickback is designed to be a gig-friendly option for touring and traveling musicians. A patented HyDrive speaker made from aluminum and paper, a plywood cabinet, and a 500-watt Class D power amp all help to keep weight down for night-after-night portability.

Hartke Kickback Bass Combo Amplifier Features:
  • Kickback design projects sound on axis or tipped back at a 45-degree angle
  • 12" HyDrive paper/aluminum speaker with a rare earth neodymium magnet for deep lows and midrange bite
  • 500W peak/250W RMS for good stage amplification
  • Compact plywood cab and Class D amplifier reduce weight for portability
  • 3-band EQ and sweepable Shape control to quickly dial in tones
  • Balanced XLR output for sending a stage signal straight to a soundboard or recorder
  • Silent headphone amp for late-night practice
  • 1/4" speaker output (4 Ohms)
Hear your tone as the audience does with the Hartke Kickback Bass Combo Amplifier!

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Warranty Info

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Tech Specs

  • Type: Solid State
  • Number of Channels: 1
  • Total Power: 250W RMS, 500W Peak
  • Speakers: 1 x 12"
  • EQ: 3-band EQ
  • Inputs: 1 x 1/4"
  • Outputs: 1 x 1/4" (internal speaker), 1 x XLR (direct out)
  • Headphones: 1 x 1/4"
  • Cooling System: Internal Fan, Rear Air Vent
  • Power Source: Standard IEC AC cable
  • Height: 18.14"
  • Width: 14.75"
  • Depth: 15.7"
  • Weight: 28.2 lbs.
  • Manufacturer Part Number: HMKB12

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Customer Reviews

Write your review
Rated 5/5

BOOOOMM!!!!

Outstanding Bass amp for confined space. Hell, It would hold it's own in an auditorium as well. Tons of power with Great Tone. Like to thank Alan Moon for his expertise in helping steer me in ALL directions music related!! Best Rep at Sweetwater!!!
Music background: Have played electric, Bass and Acoustic guitars for 59 years, Keyboard for 30 years and Steel Guitar and Harmonica for about 4 years..
Rated 5/5

Back Saver!

I have heavier equipment, including a Hartke 350, with a 1x15 Hartke Bass cab. The KB 12 is surprisingly, and unbelievably powerful! Other musicians are always surprised by the volume, and tone. A great practice, and small venue amp.
Music background: Played professionally in NY clubs, before relocating to Alabama; as a Gospel musician.
Rated 5/5

VERY GOOD

I have two of these. Great for bass or 6 string. I really like the sound. And plenty loud enough for gigging.
Rated 5/5

KB12

As soon as I plugged this thing in I was amazed by the sound that it had. Covers all tones and has a lot of punch when needed. I absolutely recommend this amp to pretty much anyone who plays bass. Love it so far.
Rated 5/5

Bulldog of an Amp !

Did a lot of research, before settling on this Hartke KB12. Needed a practice amp that was easy to move for quick jam sessions or serious practice. Gotta say, my main rig is an Ampeg Portaflex 500 watt with an SVT 410 classic cabinet...but this little dawg can hold up at 500 watts too. Small and light but has got some serious kick and bite.
I'm playing a Fender Jazz through it, and it has the thick bottom end puch, but also that slap pop for dance songs...This amp will give you all you need ! That single 12" kicks !
Totally satisfied... Thanks to Michael Duncan, Sweetwater rep !
If you are looking for gear, look no further than Sweetwater, they have it all at competitive prices, straight to your door with warranty....I give this sale: Five Stars ***** !
Music background: Cruise Ship Musician, Clubs and Lounges
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