Form Factor Audio Revamps Its Bass Instinct Amps With a Powerful Mark III Update
Form Factor Audio has updated its Bass Instinct line of amps with the Bi1000 Di Mark III and the Bi500 Di Mark III. The third generation of the series has been engineered to retain each model’s sonic character while updating design and performance enhancements, the company says.
“At the heart of the redesign is an entirely new power platform. Both models feature Form Factor’s Dynamic Power Supply (DPS) system — an innovative integration of an additional capacitor bank into the output stage,” they write. “The DPS allows the amplifier to maintain full rated power across the entire frequency range of the bass guitar, ensuring clean, articulate response even at the lowest notes.”
Form Factor also refined its limiter circuit for greater sensitivity and dynamics. The Mark III units are now housed in lightweight aluminum enclosures, too.
The models are differentiated by their power ratings: the Bi1000 pumps out 1,000 watts, while the Bi500 delivers 500 watts. Both have the same control layout with knobs for Gain, Limiter, Master, Mute, Bass, Mid, Mid Frequency, and Treble.
The Form Factor Audio Bi1000 Di Mark III and Bi500 Di Mark III are available now for $1,459 and $1,059, respectively.
Form Factor Audio Bi500 Di MkIII Features:
| Configuration: | Class D Amplifier |
| Power Rating: | 500 W RMS @ 4 Ω, 250 W RMS @ 8 Ω |
| Mains Input Voltage & Current: | Universal Power Supply (100–240 VAC, 50–60 Hz) |
| Connectors: | 2 × NL4 Speakon™, 1 × Powercon™, 6 × Neutrik ¼″, 2 × Balanced XLR |
| Finish Options: | Powder-Coated Aluminum |
| Finish Color: | Black |
| Controls: | Gain Limiter Master Mute |
| Tone Controls: | Bass Mid Mid Frequency Selector Treble |
| Weight: | 4.1 lbs / 1.9 kg |
| Physical Dimensions (H × W × D): | 2.9” (73mm) x 11.8” (300mm) x 9.1” (230mm). |
Form Factor Audio Bi1000 Di MkIII Features:
| Configuration: | Class D Amplifier |
| Power Rating: | 1000 W RMS @ 4 Ω, 1000 W RMS @ 8 Ω |
| Mains Input Voltage & Current: | Universal Power Supply (100–240 VAC, 50–60 Hz) |
| Connectors: | 2 × NL4 Speakon™, 1 × Powercon™, 6 × Neutrik ¼″, 2 × Balanced XLR |
| Finish Options: | Powder-Coated Aluminum |
| Finish Color: | Black |
| Controls: | Gain Limiter Master Mute |
| Tone Controls: | Bass Mid Mid Frequency Selector Treble |
| Weight: | 7.5 lb / 3.5 kg |
| Physical Dimensions (H × W × D): | 2.9” (73mm) x 11.8” (300mm) x 9.1” (230mm). |
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.
