Description

Alpha-Omega 500 is Darkglass' 500W bass head featuring an all-analog preamplifier, two distinct distortion circuits (Alpha and Omega), a custom-designed high-efficiency Class D module, an ultra-quiet graphic EQ, and a digital impulse response cabinet emulator for DI or headphone outputs. 

The Alpha-Omega 500 takes the best elements of Darkglass’ most successful distortion preamplifier, combined with cutting-edge features to create a powerful 500-watt amplifier. While the Darkglass Alpha and Omega engines add incredible dimension to the overdriven signal, the studio-grade VCA compressor adds an extra layer of control, and the ultra-quiet 6-band graphic EQ can help sculpt the tone from aggressive and overdriven to crystal clear clean.</p>

A custom-designed Darkglass high-efficiency Class D power amplifier module is the beating heart of this 500-watt amplifier line. It allows for cabinet impedance down to 2 Ohms, adding a new level of flexibility to your cabinet options. Cabinet simulation uses an improved version of the Cab Sim module. The module features three slots for high-resolution Impulse Responses, active for both the headphone output and the balanced XLR DI output.</p>

- 500 W amplifier with typical Darkglass distortion engines
- Cab sim with 3 selectable impulse responses
- 6-band graphic EQ and compressor 
- Extended connectivity with aux input, headphone output, and DI output
Dimensions (cm):    23x18x7.1
Weight(kg):    2.4

Darkglass Suite

Using the desktop version of the Darkglass Suite allows you to select and use any impulse response available in the provided library, as well as loading your own custom impulse responses. Additionally, you can control the amplifier’s channel settings for the Super Intelligent Footswitch.</p>

Front Panel Features 

INPUT
Use this jack to connect your instrument via a standard ¼” mono cable.
 
PASSIVE/ACTIVE
Use this push-button switch to change between passive and active mode. If your bass is active, the signal can be hotter and the amp can distort earlier (if additional distortion is desired, feel free to use it).
 
DISTORTION

This push-button allows you to engage or disengage the Alpha-Omega Engine™ to add natural compression, organic harmonic enhancement, and saturation ranging from a mild overdrive to a massive high gain bass weapon. The Alpha-Omega Engine operates before the clean section (so you can use the active 6-band EQ for additional tone shaping).
 
BITE
Boosts high mids (2.8 kHz) for added presence and definition.
 
GROWL
Boosts bass for a fatter tone and increased low-end saturation. 

COMPRESSION
This knob controls the amount of dynamic compression added to the Alpha-Omega Engine. Make-up gain is adjusted automatically. Compression can be disengaged or assigned via the Darkglass Suite.</p>

DRIVE
This knob controls the amount of distortion the Alpha-Omega Engine will deliver. It will take you from a mild, warm overdrive to a massive and modern distortion sound.
 
LEVEL
Use this knob to control the Alpha-Omega Engine's output volume.
 
BLEND
Use this knob to mix between the clean signal and the distortion (Alpha-Omega Engine) signal.
 
MOD
Selects or mixes between the two distinct distortion circuits: Alpha is punchy, tight and very defined, whereas Omega is simply brutal and raw. 

BASS
+-12dB at 80Hz. Use this slider to change the low-end content of the signal.
 
MIDS
+-12 dB at 250, 500, 1.5, and 3 kHz. These sliders control the middle content of the signal.
 
TREBLE
+-12 dB at 5 kHz. Use this slider to change the high content of the signal.
 
MASTER
Use this knob to control the overall volume of the amplifier.
 
MUTE
Use this push-button to mute the amplifier.
 

Rear Panel Features 

SPEAKER OUTPUT
Use this output to connect the amplifier to your cabinet. This Speakon combo jack allows for Speakon or ¼” speaker cables to be used.
WARNING: Do not use an instrument cable with this jack. Using an instrument cable may damage your amplifier.</p>

SEND
Use this output to send the signal to your effects pedals.</p>

RETURN
Use this input to receive the signal from your effects pedals. The master volume control is located after this input.</p>

GROUND LIFT 
Use this control to lift the ground of the XLR DI output. If you experience ground noise in your DI signal, try changing the setting of this control. 

DI OUTPUT
Use this connector to send your signal to the console, mic preamp, interface, etc. Both signals are available (Bypass and the amplifier signal with cabinet simulation) and are switched by the cabinet select switch.</p>

USB
The USB connector allows you to use the Darkglass Suite to load different cabinet impulses or change various amplifier parameters.</p>

HEADPHONE OUTPUT
Plug in your headphones and enjoy the impulse-based cabinet emulation.</p>>

AUX IN
Use this connector to play music from your laptop, phone, MP3 player, etc. This input is routed to the headphone output only.</p>

CABINET SELECT
Use this switch to choose between the 3 different cabinet impulses or the clean DI signal. This selection will define both the XLR and the headphone output signal. 

FOOTSWITCH
The Intelligent Footswitch is a proprietary digitally controlled device that allows you to remotely engage and disengage the Alpha-Omega Engine. You can also hold down the footswitch to mute the amplifier. The distortion push-button remains operational even with the intelligent footswitch engaged.
- A regular mono instrument cable can be used to connect the amplifier to the footswitch.
- If you want to control the amplifier from the front panel, you need to remove the cable from the footswitch jack on the rear panel.</p>

AC SOCKET
Use this connector to power the amplifier. 100 – 230 VAC, 50-60 Hz. Set the voltage selector to the correct position before powering on the amplifier.</p>

AC POWER ON/OFF
Use this switch to turn the head on or off