It’s now 25 years since UK-based Ashdown Engineering shook up the bass world with the ABM (Ashdown Bass Magnifier) bass amp. With its distinctive vintage VU meter and a simple but versatile EQ section combining straightforward rotary controls with miniature sliders, the ABM partnered solid bass tone with variable tube grind and a feature set that gave players just what they needed to perform on stage and in the studio.
Over the years, the ABM platform has evolved with the times and the latest evolution is the new ABM EVO V, the sixth version of what continues to be the bass amp of choice for leading players around the world, including the Foo Fighters’ Nate Mendel, Biffy Clyro’s James Johnston, and Shavo Odadjian from System of a Down.
Traditionally sporting an ice-blue front panel, the ABM EVO V looks very different, moving to an all-black design that acknowledges the trend towards a more anonymous backline, although the trademark Ashdown illuminated VU meter remains very much in evidence. Indeed, the EVO V is the first ABM to feature VU meters for both input and output signals.
Under the hood, it’s all about power and headroom. A new 750-Watt output section is the most dynamic ever used in an ABM, gifting the amplifier with stunning power and response.
All the much-loved ABM features remain in evidence including 9 band EQ, 12AX7-powered Valve Drive, on-board compressor, and sub-harmonic control, with the UK-built EVO V adding mains voltage switching, temperature controlled low noise cooling and a transformer-isolated DI output.
“Like everything we do, the ABM EVO V is developed in response to the needs of our customers” comments Ashdown MD Dan Gooday. “An increasing number of players have been asking if we can bridge the dual output sections of our ABM 1200 head. The new ABM EVO V answers that need for more power and dynamics.”
Traditionally sporting an ice-blue front panel, the ABM EVO V looks very different, moving to an all-black design that acknowledges the trend towards a more anonymous backline, although the trademark Ashdown illuminated VU meter remains very much in evidence. Indeed, the EVO V is the first ABM to feature VU meters for both input and output signals.
All the much-loved ABM features remain in evidence including 9 band EQ, 12AX7-powered Valve Drive, on-board compressor, and sub-harmonic control, with the UK-built EVO V adding mains voltage switching, temperature controlled low noise cooling and a transformer-isolated DI output.
Other ABM favourite features are retained in EVO IV, including Ashdown’s famous One Knob Dynamic Compressor sub octave note for huge bass tones. Kick it in and this simple to use, great sounding compressor delivers a powerful, even sound, guaranteed to help your bass fill out any mix.
Under the hood, it’s all about power and headroom. A new 750-Watt output section is the most dynamic ever used in an ABM, gifting the amplifier with stunning power and response.
| Power Output | 750 Watts |
| Power Requirement | 115-230 Volts |
| Speaker Outputs | 2 x Jack/Speakon outputs |
| Frequency Response | -3dB @ 17Hz und 30KHz |
| High Instrument Input | Impedance 3.9m Ohms, input range 150mV |
| Low Instrument Input | Impedance 10k 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 22k Ohms, Level 0dBu nominal |
| Impedance | Minimum 4 Ohms |
| Effects Send | Impedance 22k Ohm, Level 0dBu nominal |
| Effects Return | Impedance 22k Ohms, Input Level 0dBu Nominal |
| Pre Amp Tubes | 1 x 12AX7 |
| H x W x D (mm) | 155 x 489 x 336 |
| Weight (kg) | 13kg |
