Inside the Ashdown SO-1200: Shavo Odadjian’s Signature Bass Amp Debuts at NAMM 2025
Ashdown Engineering has once again collaborated with System of a Down bassist Shavo Odadjian for a new bass amp. The SO-1200 pushes 1,200 watts of power with dual 600-watt power sections for single or multi-cab setups. It is set up to easily dial in his sound, too.
“Shavo Odadjian’s signature touch has infused this amplifier with a unique sonic identity, reflecting his bold approach to bass performance,” Ashdown shares. “The SO-1200 boasts a meticulously designed Variable ValveDrive section, powered by a 12AX7 tube, offering a spectrum of tones from crystalline cleans to ferocious overdrive. Shavo’s personal input has refined the harmonic richness, ensuring every note stands out with unmatched character and punch.”
Features on the amp include a 9-band EQ, a one-knob compressor, a sub-harmonic generator, and an optional footswitch for toggling the EQ and effects on or off. For connectivity, it has dual Neutrik Jack/Speakon outputs, a DI output, and a transparent effects loop.
The Ashdown SO-1200 will be available soon with a TBD price point.
Ashdown Engineering SO-1200 Bass Amp Specs:
| Power Output: | 600 + 600 Watts |
| Power Requirements: | 115-230Volts |
| Speaker Outputs: | 4 xJack/Speakon outputs |
| Frequency Response: | 3dB @ 17Hzund 30KHz |
| High Instrument Input: | Impedance 3.9m Ohms, input range 150mV |
| Low Instrument Input: | Impedance10k Ohms, input range 300mV - 40V p-p |
| Line Input: | Impedance 22k Ohms, input level 0dBu nominal |
| DI Output: | 600 Ohm balanced, Level 0dBu nominal |
| Tuner Output: | Impedance 22kOhms, Level 0dBu nominal |
| Impedance: | Minimum 4 Ohms PerSide |
| Effects Send: | Impedance 22kOhm, Level 0dBu nominal |
| Effects Return: | Impedance 22k Ohms, Input Level 0dBu Nominal |
| Preamp Tubes: | 1 x 12AX7 |
| H x W x D (mm): | 174 x 645 x 357 |
| Weight: | 18.6 kg |
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.
