Demeter Amplification Unveils Bass-400D Hybrid Bass Amplifier

by Kevin Johnson Friday, April 10th, 2015

Amplification guru James Demeter was at NAMM this year to introduce the prototype of the Bass 400-D bass amp. Based on last year’s VTBP-M-800D, the 400-D matches Demeter’s classic VTBP-201 tube preamp circuitry with a 400-watt class D power amplifier.

Demeter Amplification Bass-400D Hybrid Bass Amp

The amp starts with a quarter-inch input and active/passive switch to match the preamplifer to your bass’s output. Its tone section includes a four band EQ with controls for treble, middle, and bass as well as presence, which gives up to 12dB of boost at 4kHz. A Mode Switch allows for more general shaping with Dark, Normal, and Bright options.

Demeter fits the back panel with both power an amplifier input and a preamplifier output for extra versatility. It has a pair of Speakon/quarter-inch combo outputs that pump out 400 watts at 4 ohms and 250 watts at 8 ohms. Finally, the Bass 400-D has a studio XLR output with pre or post EQ and ground lift switches. The amp can be upgraded to a Jensen DB-E output transformer for a improved isolation as an option.

The Demeter Amplification Bass-400D is hand wired in the U.S. Though it’s still in its prototype phase, the amp is expected to launch this summer with a MAP price of $999 or $1,199 with the Jensen transformer upgrade.

Demeter Amplification Bass-400D Hybrid Bass Amp Specs:

Preamp Output Impedance:	1kohm (unbalanced)
Minimum Load Impedance:	10K
Maximum Preamp Output:	+24dBB
EQ Gain:	+ or - 12dB
Signal to Noise Ratio:	- 80dB
THD:	.5%
Frequency Response:	10Hz to 40kHz
Tubes:	Hand Selected 12AX7a
Preamp Outputs:	1/4″ unbalanced, 3-pin XLR Direct Out
Operating Voltage:	115V or 230V AC
Power Supply:	220V DC
Filament:	6.3 V DC
Power Outputs:	Speakon/1/4″ Combo Speaker Jacks
Output Impedance:	4 ohm, 8 ohm, 16 ohm
Output Power:	400 Watts RMS @ 4 ohms, 250 Watts RMS @ 8 ohm

For more information:
Demeter Amplification

In his time with No Treble, Kevin has met hundreds of amazing bassists and interviewed icons like Jack Casady, Victor Wooten, Les Claypool, Marcus Miller, and more. He's a gigging bassist performing jazz in Northern Virginia and bluegrass with The Plate Scrapers up and down the East Coast. Kevin appreciates all genres of music, from R&B to metal and everything in between. Connect with Kevin on Facebook and check his performance schedule on his website.