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Thrust BQ500 500W Bass Amp Head

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Overview

This highly portable head delivers stage-ready bass power and tone.

The Thrust BQ500 bass head from TC Electronic packs 500W of thunderous low end into an astonishingly lightweight chassis. Built for bassists on the move, this micro head unleashes tube-like tone and feel with its MOSFET preamp while the advanced Class-D power amp delivers your sound across the stage or studio. With the BQ500, you get versatile sound shaping with a powerful 4-band EQ to dial in your signature bass tone. The balanced DI output makes it simple to plug straight into the mixing board or audio interface. Jam along in silence with the headphone out or use the AUX input to practice with your favorite tracks. When you need portable power with professional sound, the BQ500 bass head brings heavyweight performance in a featherweight package.

Take Studio-Quality Tone Anywhere With a MOSFET Preamp

The BQ500 harnesses a MOSFET preamp design to recreate the dynamic response and rich harmonics of classic tube amplifiers in a compact, road-ready unit. Drive the MOSFET preamp to add warmth and growl to your sound, backed by tight, focused lows from the 500W Class-D power section. Dial in the perfect balance of grit and clarity with the BQ500's passive/active switch, which optimizes the preamp for passive or active bass pickups. Whether you crave an old-school tube vibe or modern clean punch, the MOSFET preamp brings studio-grade tone to every gig.

Variable Compression and Useful Features for Practice, Recording and Live Gigs

The BQ500 also includes a single-knob compressor with variable threshold control, allowing you to dial in just the right amount of compression for punchy, tight bass lines. The amp has a headphone jack for silent practice sessions, complete with speaker emulation for an authentic amp "in the room" feel. No more complaints from family or neighbors. The balanced DI output provides an easy way to connect to a mixing board for live shows or plug straight into your audio interface to lay down bass tracks. Rugged steel construction ensures the BQ500 is ready for the demands of touring. When you need pro-level bass power with ultimate portability, plug into the TC Electronic Thrust BQ500.

Shape Your Sound With a Flexible 4-Band EQ

Having the right EQ at your fingertips is crucial for honing your signature bass tone. The BQ500 equips you with parametric mids and 3-band shelving EQ, giving you immense tonal control. Boost lows to fill out the foundation, add bite and cut to the mids and let the highs sing. The parametric mid band lets you target the exact frequencies you want to shape, with a wide Q sweep for broad or focused adjustments. Whether you need thick, booming bass or crisp, articulate tones, the 4-band EQ provides the tools to craft your ideal sound.

Aux Input and Speaker Emulated Headphone Out For Silent Practice

With its Aux input and headphone output, the BQ500 doubles as a versatile practice tool. Plug your phone into the Aux input and jam along to songs or backing tracks with studio-like tone. The speaker emulated headphone out recreates the sound of your bass through a real cabinet for quiet practice at home or in your hotel room. Whether you want to sharpen your chops or refine the perfect tone, the BQ500 has the connectivity you need.

Features

  • 500 Watt portable micro bass head amplifier for stage and studio
  • Compact and lightweight design for ultimate portability
  • Cutting-edge Class-D amplifier technology for incredible power and sonic performance
  • High-voltage Mosfet preamplifier for authentic sound and feel of a tube amp
  • Thrust compressor for ultimate punch and to capture every nuance of your playing
  • 4-band EQ section provides ultimate tone shaping control
  • Balanced DI output with pre/post EQ routing for direct connection to mixing consoles and recording equipment
  • Studio-quality headphone amplifier with speaker emulation for personal practice and silent rehearsals
  • Auxiliary rehearsal input for playback through speaker or headphones
  • Speaker output on premium speakON* connector (4 Ohm minimum load)
  • Amplifier protected against short circuits, thermal overload and low speaker impedance for enhanced reliability
  • Rugged steel amplifier chassis designed for life on the road
  • Auto-ranging universal switch-mode power supply for use worldwide
  • 3-Year Warranty Program*
  • Designed and engineered in Denmark

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Specs

Thrust BQ500 500W Bass Amp Head Specifications:

  • Power: 500W
  • Single channel
  • Single input
  • Active-passive switch
  • Impedance: 4 ohm
  • Controls: gain, thrust, 4-band EQ, master
  • Built-in compressor
  • Balanced DI output
  • Built-in headphone amp with speaker emulation
  • Aux. input
  • Weight: 5.1 lb.
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