Ashdown Rootmaster RM-500 EVO II 500W Bass Amp Head

For those seeking Ashdown tone, power and reliability without the weight the RM-500 EVO II is the solution.

Weighing in at just 5.7 lb. (2.6kg) but boasting 500 watts of power, class leading quality and features. The Rootmaster EVO II range also now comes equipped with an on-board headphone preamp to allow for silent practice, which doubles up these gig-ready amplifiers as handy practice devices.

The pre amp includes a passive and active input jack socket for use with high and low output instruments, this sets a clear signal path to the input control enabling to fine tune input level using the trademark Ashdown VU meter. With the signal at its optimal level, then hit the rich features designed enhance tone, such as the shape button, 5-band EQ and on-board compressor. The drive control, as always delivers a delectable valve emulated over-drive, whilst the sub harmonic controls add further fatness to tone — both can be foot-switched via an FS 2 foot-switch (sold separately).

Rootmaster EVO II heads also features a handy mute button. What’s even cooler is when switched to mute, the trademark Ashdown Engineering VU meter changes from orange to cool blue – creating the perfect on stage mood lighting between sets.

Matte anodized alloy front panel
Ashdown have upgraded the amp’s front panel with a matte anodized alloy finish, replacing the previous polished stainless steel. This simple, yet observant modification makes reading amp settings that bit easier when placed under bright stage lighting. No more reflective surfaces.

Simple, powerful EQ
The Rootmaster EVO series’ pre amp now includes a passive and active input jack socket for use with high and low output instruments. The five- band rotary tone controls act with surgical precision to provide total control over sound, while a shape switch instantly dials in to a classic Ashdown tone setting, straight from the world-famous ABM.

One-knob Compression
Instantly adding warmth and body to tone, this simple to use, great sounding compressor delivers a powerful, even sound to make sure bass will fill out any mix.

Overdrive & Sub
With footswitchable flexibility, Ashdown’s tube-emulated overdrive can take core bass sound and push it into warm overdrive through to distorted filth whenever need to add extra grind and girth to tone.

Bringing extra depth and definition to bass parts, the Sub-Harmonic Generator lets dial in a sub-octave and kick it in via footswitch whenever need the extra depth for those super-heavy Godzilla moments.

Totally connected
If want to use favorite pedals or multi-effects, ’ll find send and return sockets on the back panel, along with a DI output for direct injection into the PA mixer or recording console and a Line Input (with front panel level control) so can jam along with a backing track in rehearsal.
A combined Jack/Speakon socket with a minimum 4 ohm load provides flexible partnering options with a dedicated range of Rootmaster EVO cabinets.

Headphone Output
The Rootmaster EVO II range now comes equipped with an on-board headphone preamp to allow for silent practice, which doubles up these gig-ready amplifiers as handy practice devices. The headphone preamp maximises the full sound potential of headphones, so now in ear sound can match the quality of stage sound.

Product Highlights

• Power: 500W
• Power Requirement: 115-230 Volts
• Speaker Outputs: 2 x Speakon outputs
• Frequency Response: -3dB @ 17Hz und 30KHz
• High Instrument Input: Impedance 3.9m Ohms, input range 150mV