Blackstar Unity Pro Bass U500 500W, 2x10 Combo Bass Amplifier

General

The Blackstar Unity Pro Bass U500 combo amplifier wields 500 Watts of bass-based brutality, reined in by two 10 inch Celestion speakers, a mass of sonic diversity and even built-in effects - whether you're plugging in an active or passive bass. First, select your foundation tone by flipping the voicing mini switch between Classic, Modern or Flat, all of which can harness the simulated response of two different valve types - 6L6s or 6550s - or can be sent through a linear output straight to the speakers. From there, make sure the Pad switch is set to preference, adjust the output gain and set the master volume to dictate how loud you want to go.

The Blackstar Unity Pro Bass U500: Clothe Your Sound

Once the basic tone and response is all dialled in, the complete three-band EQ section provides in-depth control over the shape of your sound, where you can also select the mid-range you want weakened or emphasised. As well as a Drive control pot, this tight amp also supplies a built-in fuzz, overdrive or distortion accessed via a three-way mini-switch so the output can be pushed even further and, for an enhanced clean sound, simply engage the built-in chorus or beef things up with the built-in octaver. For the final professional touch, there's even an on-board compressor.

Expand the Rig

If you need any more push than the two 10 inch Eminence Opus speakers can give you, then simply use the Cab Link around the back to hook up an active 250ACT speaker cabinet. Your external effect pedals can be integrated via the mono-effects loop ports fitted on the rear panel and, so you can toggle between the built-in octaver and chorus effects hands-free, simply expand your rig with a footswitch (not included). On stage, you can connect directly to the PA system via the balanced XLR line output, which comes complete with a ground lift switch and, for more silent home rehearsals, Blackstar has also kitted out this versatile combo with a 6.35mm jack headphone output and an mp3/line input, while a convenient USB port supports home recording and every line out can be fed pure DI sound or emulated speaker sound.