Hartke Unveils LX Series Bass Amplifiers
Hartke is expanding its range of bass amplifiers with the new LX Series including two models: the LX5500 and the LX8500. The amps, rated 500 watts and 800 watts, combine Class D power sections with a tube-driven preamp and Hartke’s tone stack EQ. Each weighs under 9 pounds.
“Supported by an extraordinary amount of power, the LX series amps feature a Class A tube preamp that responds dynamically to any playing technique or instrument,” Hartke writes. “The Hartke Tone Stack EQ section is tailored to the bass guitar and provides players the ability to dial in a variety of tones for any genre. Shape and Frequency knobs provide detailed control of critical midrange frequencies and familiar Bass and Treble controls allow players to sculpt a distinctive modern or vintage tone. The Brite button boosts high frequencies to bring out the top-end shimmer of the bass and highlight natural harmonic overtones.”
The LX Series also includes a Drive control for dialing in a bit a grit to full out fuzz. Other features include a compressor knob, an aux input, a headphone output, a tuner output, a mute switch, and an integrated carry handle. The LX8500 ups the ante with a TRS footswitch to control the Drive, FX, Brite, and Frequency.
The Hartke LX8500 and LX5500 will debut at the 2020 Winter NAMM Show with street prices of $599.99 and $449.99, respectively. They will be available in the first quarter of 2020.
Hartke LX8500 Bass Amp Features:
| 800-watt continuous Class-D amplifier |
| Weighs 8.5 lbs. |
| Classic 12AX7 Class A tube preamp circuitry |
| Hartke tone stack EQ, including Shape, Frequency, Bass and Treble control |
| Compressor knob controls bass dynamics |
| Drive control for extra grit |
| Brite button for high-frequency boost. |
| ¼″ input |
| 1/8″ Aux input |
| 1/8″ headphone output |
| TRS foot switch outputs for Drive & FX and Brite & Frequency |
| ¼″ Tuner output |
| Output mute switch |
| Integrated carry handle |
Hartke LX5500 Bass Amp Features:
| 500-watt continuous Class-D amplifier |
| Weighs 8 lb. |
| Classic 12AX7 Class A tube preamp circuitry |
| Hartke tone stack EQ, including Shape, Frequency, Bass and Treble control |
| Compressor knob controls bass dynamics |
| Drive control for extra grit |
| Brite button for high-frequency boost. |
| ¼″ input |
| 1/8″ Aux input |
| 1/8″ headphone output |
| ¼″ Tuner output |
| Output mute switch |
| Integrated carry handle |
