Tech 21 Introduces VT Bass 500 Bass Amp Head

Tech 21 has unveiled the VT Bass 500, a bass amp head that marries their all-analog SansAmp preamp with a 500-watt Class D power amplifier. The amp, which is adapted from the SansAmp Character Series, weighs in at 6.5 pounds.

Tech 21 VT Bass 500 Bass Amp Head

A key point to the amp’s circuitry is its Character control that alters the overall tone of the unit from the sounds of the early ‘60s and flip-tops to gnarly overdrive and distortion. Further tonal tweaking is dialed in with a three-band EQ complete with a mid-frequency shift as well as a full-range Drive control. The Bite switch adds a higher presence boost to add definition to notes in clean settings or tighten up distorted settings. Its Blend control mixes your direct instrument signal with the amp’s SansAmp Tube Amplifier Emulation circuitry.

Connectivity includes a front-facing XLR DI output with Pad and Ground switches, an effects loop, a headphone output, and Speakon speaker outputs. For serious travelers, the VT Bass 500 has a worldwide switchable power supply.

Tech 21 is also introducing an option 1×12 bass cabinet called the B112-VT to complement the head. The 8-ohm, 300-watt cab features a custom-design 12-inch speaker and a tweeter with a defeat switch. Other features include metal bar handles, Neutrik Speakon and 1/4-inch connectors, and a woven grill. It weighs in at 38 pounds.

The Tech 21 VT Bass 500 bass amp and B112-VT bass cabinet are expected to ship in July with a street price of $499 each.

Tech 21 VT Bass 500 Details:

500W Class D Power Module
Switchable Effects Loop
Headphone Socket
Character Control
Blend Control
Bite Control
3-band EQ with Mid-Frequency Shift
Speaker-Emulated DI Output
Weight: 6.5 lbs

Tech 21 B112-VT Details:

1x12″ with Tweeter
300 Watts @ 8 Ohms
Rear-vented
Metal Bar Handles
Weight: 38 lbs

For more information:
Tech 21

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Share your thoughts

  1. EricB

    I think this head will do well. It’s poised to be a strong offering compared to the 21lb 300W beast they had before.

  2. Ed Greene

    Class D? No, thanks.

  3. Rocco

    This or the Aguilar TH500. Decisions decisions…

    • RobR

      ToneHammer is it for me. Combined with a Vanderkley 112MNT !!

      • Rocco

        I think you’re right. TH has a mute and a tuner out; plus it’s American made and has a great rep for dependability. I’ll pair it with the DB112’s.