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Darkglass Microtubes 500 v2 500-watt Bass Amp Head - Black

500W Bass Amplifier Head with Compressor, 6-band Graphic EQ, IR Cabinet Simulation, and XLR DI Output - Black
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Item ID: Micro500V2
Darkglass Microtubes 500 v2 500-watt Bass Amp Head - Black
Darkglass Microtubes 500 v2 500-watt Bass Amp Head - Black
Free Eminence IR Sampler Pack! Only at Sweetwater!
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Free Eminence IR Sampler Pack! Only at Sweetwater!
Purchase this item at Sweetwater and receive a free Eminence IR Sampler Pack ! Your free IR pack will be included with your shipment. Effective now through 6/13/2027.
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Microtubes 500 v2 with Mixer Bag - 500-watt Bass Head

Microtubes 500 v2 500-watt Bass Head and 1000-watt 2x12 Cabinet
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Product Image - This Item - Darkglass Microtubes 500 v2 500-watt Bass Amp Head - Black
Darkglass Microtubes 500 v2 500-watt Bass Amp Head - Black
$999.99
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Link to Gator Cableworks Composer Series Speaker Cable - 3 foot
$18.99
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Link to Darkglass DG212NE 1000-watt 2x12-inch Bass Cabinet
$1,189.99
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The Microtubes Bass Revolution Continues

The Darkglass Microtubes 500 v2 bass amplifier head takes the acclaimed Microtubes amp to a new level of versatility. In addition to the renowned Microtubes overdrive/distortion engine, Microtubes 500 v2 adds a studio-quality VCA compressor, a flexible 6-band graphic EQ, and the ability to store three IR cabinet simulation presets for lifelike direct performance and recording. All this combined with 500 watts of amplification makes the Darkglass Microtubes 500 v2 bass amplifier head a comprehensive solution for both the stage and the studio.

Related Videos: Microtubes 500 v2 500-watt Bass Amp Head - Black

Well-equipped for direct recording and performance

While it does offer an impressive 500 watts to push some serious air through a speaker cabinet, the Darkglass Microtubes 500 v2 amp head has everything you need for outstanding direct tones, too. Fitted with a rear-panel XLR DI output, it has memory for up to three IR cabinet simulations, and you can upload your own via USB.

Ample connectivity options for any type of bass rig

The Darkglass Microtubes 500 v2 has the flexibility you need to integrate with practically any bass rig. Dual speaker outputs offer 1/4-inch or speakON connectivity. A send/return loop makes it easy to integrate pedals and other effects processors. You can even optimize the Microtubes 500 v2’s performance for any type of bass pickups, thanks to its Passive/Active input mode selector.

Your ideal practice companion

Whether you’re waiting backstage before a performance or waiting for your turn in the studio, Sweetwater knows it pays to stay warmed up on your instrument. The Microtubes 500 v2 features a 3.5mm aux input for your smartphone, and a headphone output with its own volume control. Even with your rig fully set up, you can set up a private practice session to work on lines or simply jam along with your favorite tracks.

Darkglass Microtubes 500 v2 Bass Amplifier Head Features:

  • 500W solid-state bass amplifier head
  • Passive/Active switch optimizes performance for passive or active bass pickups
  • Aux input and headphone output allow you to practice along with a music player
  • Acclaimed Microtubes drive engine allows you to dial in harmonic richness and sonic girth
  • VCA compressor for controlling dynamics and fattening your tone
  • 6-band EQ gives you powerful tone shaping options
  • Memory for 3 IR cabinet simulations, uploadable via USB
  • FX loop; Footswitch jack
  • TS/speakON combo speaker output jack
  • XLR DI output

Resources

Bass Guitar Amp Buying Guide

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Tech Specs

  • Type: Solid State
  • Number of Channels: Single Channel
  • Output Power: 500W Class D
  • Compression: Yes
  • EQ: 6-band Graphic EQ
  • Inputs: 1 x 1/4", 1 x 1/8" (aux)
  • Outputs: 1 x SpeakON-1/4" combo (3 ohm minimum), 1 x XLR (direct out)
  • Headphones: 1 x 1/4"
  • Effects Loop: Yes
  • USB: 1 x USB-C
  • Footswitch I/O: 1 x 1/4" (Microtubes, mute)
  • Footswitch Included: No
  • Software: Darkglass Suite (load/change IR)
  • Cooling System: Internal Fan, Side Vents
  • Power Source: Standard IEC AC cable
  • Height: 2.79"
  • Width: 9"
  • Depth: 7"
  • Weight: 5.29 lbs.
  • Manufacturer Part Number: M500V2

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Reviews

4.7

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Versatile 500w amp
This little amp head does it all. I've had my eyes on the Aguilar Tonehammer 500 for a while but decided to purchase this one instead. Having two overdrive options and a built in compressor were too good to pass up compared to the Tonehammer 500. I mainly listen to progressive/death metal, and my current band is inspired mostly by Deftones, Intronaut, and Tool.
Both VMT and B3K channels are awesome; they each have their own distinct sound. There's alot of variety if you mess with the drive/tone/blend knobs for the 'microtubes engine'. Throwing pedals at this is a blast as well, I'm enjoying the clean channel with the Way Huge Pork & Pickle (fuzz engaged) currently.

Excluding pedals, my favorite settings are either (1) the clean channel with compression at 12 o'clock, it sounds fantastic on its own, or (2) B3K channel with drive at 11 o'clock, blend at 12 o'clock, and tone at 3 o'clock. I've only played it through the DG 212NE cab so far.
I briefly messed with assigning cabs using darkglass suite which is pretty straight-forward, but I haven't tried importing my own IR's. They provide plenty of options before choice paralysis kicks in for me.

Overall I love this amp. I was definitely skeptical of this head due to reading older reviews mentioning issues with overheating, but for my needs I felt like the Microtubes 900v2 was overkill. After owning this for 6 months, I'm not worried anymore. I recently played for 6 hours in a small, sweaty rehearsal studio with no A/C and this amp had no issues keeping up. I'm very happy with this purchase.
by Kevin A from San Diego, CA on
You may think you don't want these distortion channels......but you do.
I came to this head from an Ampeg PF-500, which I actually liked quite well, but........while it is designed to give you a classic SVT tube sound, you really only get that tone with the gain pretty much dimed. At that setting it does it well, but then what? EQ is about all you have left.

The microtubes 500 can replicate that sound and so much more. The key is the distortion channels plus the blend pot.

The clean channel on this head is very good, it even rivals the likes of the Aguilar TH500. Many discerning bassists would be happy with this head without ever engaging the "Microtubes Engine". But that Microtubes Engine is where the magic happens. You have 2 distortion profiles to choose from, and the controls you are given over those profiles give you many options.

Here's what I recommend:

First dial in the clean sound you want, take your time, its there. Then, switch on the microtubes and crank that "blend" pot all the way to the right. At this point forget your clean sound for a moment and dial in an overdriven tone you like. Again, take your time, its there. Play around with both distortion channels.

Got it?

Now, twist that blend pot to the left until the amount of clean tone you dialed in becomes prominent enough for you.

Bada bing bada boom, Bob's your uncle, Fanny's your aunt.
by Kevin from Cincinnati on
Music background: Working bands as a younger man, now more of a hobbyist.
Killer Amp!
This amp thumps like a mofo! Such quality sound and so much tonal variety. I have been told that Darkglass is second to none and although I haven't tried a lot of other amps, I would agree. This is top of the line!
by Noah from Oregon on
Music background: Metal & Punk
This is a amp I’ve been waiting for
Pros,
Amp is really loud
Eq is easy to dial in
Compressor works just as good as a Cali 76tx
Cab sim stock are good x7 is my favorite.
Works with 3rd party irs this is a major plus
Headphones sound just like the amp and no adjustments needed major plus set it forget it.
On board drive is killer!
Cons
No foot switch (come on darkglass!)
Darkglass suite needs a lot of work

I will say this the amp is definitely best amp of 2020 the 900 was good but it was super loud. And clipped way to easy this amp just works and works great if you want this I recommend getting it!
by Sweetwater Customer on
The only amp you will ever need!!
I have just re-entered the world of professional bassist. A decade ago I was in a rock band that gigged around New England regularly. I used an Orange half stack that was AWESOME. Did the rock thing so well, I never even thought about another amp. years from the end of that band, I have a new one starting up. I had the combo version of my Orange but it just wasn't doing what I was looking for. So I started to research. I found Darkglass, and decided to pull the trigger. When I plugged in all the sounds in my head came out of the speakers! With influences from Failure to APC/TOOL/NIN, this amp can do EVERYTHING. If I want a crisp, round, clean tone that could stand up to the smoothest jazz or R&B bass lines, or if I want to make the venue fall to the ground and sound like the rubble falling, this amp is there. And paired with the Four Button footswitch, I can do EVERYTHING I need to, with every sound my band needs me to make. If you are wondering if you should buy it, just do it. This amp will never let you down.
by Steven Audy from Ferrisburgh, VT on
Music background: Professional
See also: Bass Amp Heads, Darkglass, Darkglass Bass Guitar Amp Heads