The Microtubes 500v2 is a 500W amplifier equipped with an all-analog preamplifier, custom-designed Darkglass high-efficiency class D Module, an ultra-quiet graphic equalizer, and a digital impulse-response cabinet emulator for DI outputs or headphones.

Front Panel Features

Input

Use this jack to connect your instrument via a standard ¼” mono cable.

Passive/Active

Use this push-button switch to change from passive to active mode. If your bass is active it can have a hotter signal making the amp to distort early (feel free to use if such additional distortion is desired).

Microtubes

Use this push button to turn on or off the Microtubes Engine to add natural compression, organic harmonic enhancement, and saturation ranging from mild overdrive to high gain bass rage.

Compression

This knob controls the amount of dynamic compression added to the Microtubes Engine. The makeup gain is adjusted automatically. Compression can be turned off or assigned using the Darkglass Suite for each mode separately (Clean, B3K, and VMT).

Drive

This knob controls the amount of distortion that the Microtubes Engine will deliver. It will change from a soft warm overdrive to a massive modern distortion sound.

Tone

This knob controls the high harmonic content of the Microtubes Engine via a variable low pass filter: crank it up for additional attack and definition or dim it down for a smoother sound, especially handy if already running bright clean EQ setting or cabinets with tweeters.

Level

Use this knob to control Microtubes Engine’s output volume.

Blend

Use this knob to mix between the Clean signal and the DIstortion signal (Microtubes Engine).

B3K/VMT

This push-button switch selects between two overdrive voicings: B3K® mode will deliver an aggressive, percussive sound while the VMT will bring up the mids for a warmer, more neutral character.

Bass

+-12dB at 80Hz. Use this slider to change the low-end content of the signal.

Mids

+-12dB at 250, 500, 1.5k and 3kHz. These sliders control the mid content of the signal.

Treble

+-12dB at 5kHz. Use this slider to change the high content of the signal.

Master

Use this knob to control the overall volume of the amplifier.

Mute

Use this push button to mute the amplifier.

Back Panel Features

Speaker Output

Use this connector to connect the amplifier to your cabinet. This Speakon combo jack allows for either Speakon or ¼” speaker cable operation.

WARNING: Do not use an instrument cable with this jack. Using an instrument cable can damage your amplifier.

Send

Use this output to send the signal to effects pedals.

Return

Use this input to receive the signal from effects pedals. Master volume control is after this input.

Ground Lift

Use this control to lift the ground of the DI XLR output. If you are experiencing ground noise in your DI signal try changing the setting of this control.

DI Output

Use this connector to send your signal to the console, mic preamp, interface, etc. Both signals are available (Bypass and the amp signal with cabinet simulation) and are switched from the cab select switch.

USB

The USB connector allows you to use the Darkglass Suite to load different cabinet impulses or change different parameters on your amp.

Headphone Output

Connect your Headphones and enjoy the impulse based cabinet emulation.

AUX IN

Use this connector to play music from your laptop, phone, MP3 player, etc. This input is routed only to the headphone output.

Cabinet Select

Use this switch to navigate between the 3 different cabinet impulses or the clean DI signal. This selection will define both the XLR and headphone out signal.

Footswitch

The Intelligent Footswitch is proprietary digitally controlled device that allows you to remotely engage and disengage the Microtubes Engine. You can also hold the footswitch to Mute the amplifier. The VMT/B3K® push button will remain operational with the Intelligent Footswitch plugged in.

· You can use a regular mono instrument cable to connect the amplifier to the footswitch.

· You must remove the cable from the footswitch jack in the rear panel if you want to control the amp from the front panel.

AC Socket

Use this connector to feed electric power to the amplifier. 100 - 230 VAC, 50-60Hz. SET THE VOLTAGE SELECTOR SWITCH TO THE CORRECT POSITION BEFORE TURNING ON THE AMPLIFIER!

AC Power ON/OFF

Use this Switch to release the audio energy from your bass.

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