The Perfect Combination of Classic Tone and Modern Features
The Ashdown CTM-200R evokes the unmistakable tone of a classic tube amplifier and packs it into a feature-laden 200-watt all-tube rackmount bass head. The result? Mammoth tube-infused bass tone with capabilities that fulfill the demands of modern bassists. A passive 3-band EQ makes finding your signature tone easy, while Deep, Shift, and Bright switches give you fine control over your final sound. You also get a horde of player-friendly features, such as a tube-driven, transformer-derived DI output and front-mounted tube-driven effects loop. The road-ready CTM-200R boasts heavy-duty circuit boards, plus a powder-coated steel chassis with spot-welded supports for added reliability.
200 watts of tube-fueled tone — a gigging bassist’s dream come true
The CTM-200R’s powder-coated steel chassis houses a classic 5-tube preamp configuration, plus a KT88-fueled power section. And at 200 watts, it can easily keep up with a hard-hitting drummer. We’ve found that the CTM-200R is capable of filling small- to medium-sized venues with powerful, rafter-shaking tones without breaking a sweat. This rackmount bass amp head is a gigging bassist’s dream come true.
3-band EQ plus extra sound-shaping controls enable fine-tuned tone
The Ashdown CTM-200R isn’t all brawn — tone comes first. Fire up this 200-watt brute, and you’ll experience everything from mellow 1960s-eque tones to ’70s-style growl to modern articulate punch. This bass amp head’s 3-band EQ is great for dialing in your sonic foundation, while Deep, (mid) Shift, and Bright switches supply you with the level of fine-tuning pro-level bass players demand. The CTM-200R’s EQ section is a passive tone circuit — dial down the knobs to zero, and the amp stops passing signal. If you’re anything like us, you’ll appreciate how interactive these controls are. It makes this amp extremely flexible, but prepare to spend a lot of time dialing it in. Then again, it’s a great excuse to play your bass!
The features that modern bassists demand
While there’s nothing like plugging into a speaker cabinet, Ashdown understands that many bassists prefer to go direct. That’s why they included a tube-driven, transformer-derived DI output on the CTM-200R. This DI is über high-quality. It’s top shelf all the way, with an isolated ground to give you maximum clarity and consistent output. Beyond that, the CTM-200R includes a front-mounted tube-driven effects loop for integrating your pedalboard and external processors.
Ashdown CTM-200R Bass Head Features:
- 200-watt all-tube rackmount bass amplifier head
- 5-tube preamp and 4 x KT88 output tubes can fill a small- to medium-sized venue with powerful tone
- Passive 3-band EQ is great for dialing in your sonic foundation
- Deep, (mid) Shift, and Bright switches supply you with ample fine-tuning
- Tube-driven, transformer-derived DI output for running straight to front of house
- Front-mounted tube-driven effects loop for integrating your pedalboard and external processors
- Powder-coated steel chassis with spot-welded supports for added reliability