Ashdown ABM-1200-EVO IV - BASS HEAD
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Information
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Manufacturer Information
Ashdown
https://www.ashdownmusic.com
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Algam SAS
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Essential Information About the Ashdown Engineering ABM-1200 Evo IV Amp
- 1200 W of headroom thanks to two 600 W + 600 W power stages, designed for large stages and demanding cabinets.
- Recognizable Ashdown ABM tone, with the VU meter on the front panel to set the input level correctly.
- Variable Valve Drive Plus (12AX7 tube) to switch from warm clean tones to dense, harmonic bass overdrive, footswitchable.
- Surgical control with a 9-band equalizer, one-button compressor, sub-harmonic generator, and professional connectivity (DI, FX loop, line in/out, mute).
Historical Context and Positioning in the Range
The Ashdown ABM series has established itself over the years as a benchmark for bassists seeking a "real," powerful, and reliable sound, equally comfortable in the studio and on tour. The ABM-1200 Evo IV sits at the top of the ABM range: it is the most powerful head in the Evo IV family, designed to maintain tightness, punch, and breadth even at very high volumes, with stage-oriented ergonomics (VU meter, footswitching, comprehensive connectivity).
Who This Amp Is For
This bass amp head is aimed at intermediate to professional bassists who play heavy rehearsals, record clean and consistent takes in the studio, or especially perform on large stages where power reserve and low-end stability make the difference. It is particularly suited for styles where the bass must remain massive and clear: rock, metal, punk, reggae/dub, modern funk, touring pop, and any situation where quick switching between clean, crunch, and more aggressive tones is required.
Technical specifications
| Category | Bass amp head |
| Technology | Hybrid |
| Input | jack, aux jack, effect loop jack, footswitch |
| Output | XLR DI, Tuner jack, Line out jack, H.P. 4 x Speakon |
| Effects loop | Yes |
| Footswitch input | Yes |
| Pre-amp tubes | 12AX7 |
| Pedalboard included | No |
| Attenuator | No |
| Category | Amplifier |
| Number of effects | 3 |
| Number of channels | 1 |
| EQ | 9-band |
| Color | Blue |
| Power output | 1200 W |
| Weight | 18.6 kg |
| Dimensions (mm) | 645 x 357 x 174 |
Questions frequently asked
What power output does the Ashdown ABM-1200 Evo IV deliver?
The power section provides 600 W + 600 W, with a minimum impedance of 4 ohms per channel. Four speaker outputs in 6.35 mm jack/Speakon format are available.
Is it possible to get an overdriven sound via footswitch?
The Variable Valve Drive Plus uses a 12AX7 tube and can be activated or deactivated via a footswitch (not included). The Drive level can be adjusted upfront to shift from a clean sound to a tone richer in harmonics.
Is the equalizer on this Ashdown head precise?
The 9-band equalizer includes six dedicated frequencies: 100 Hz, 180 Hz, 340 Hz, 1.3 kHz, 2.6 kHz, and 5 kHz. It can be footswitchable to recall a marked EQ setting.
What connectivity options are available for stage and studio?
There is a 600-ohm balanced XLR DI output, a jack line output, and a jack tuner output. The effects loop uses jack connections, while a line input accepts a signal at 0 dBu nominal. The mute function cuts the DI signal while keeping the tuner output active.
Is this head suitable for a 5-string bass?
The specified frequency response ranges from 17 Hz to 30 kHz at -3 dB, and the Sub-Harmonic generator adds a dedicated level octave below.
