Best Bass Amps for Metal Music

The world of bass guitars amps is a unique one. Regular amps are typically bigger, louder, and more powerful than low wattage amps. It may seem difficult to find the best bass guitar amp for your needs if you are new to this instrument or are upgrading from an older model.

Below are five of the best models that were tested by our panelists. Accurate sound but doesn’t tear up your ears

Table of Contents

Buying Guide

Things to consider when looking for the best bass amp.

Power:

Some bass amps generate more power than others. If you play in a loud and busy band, you might want to go with a model that has higher wattage. The bassist in the trio of the band is typically the most important instrument.

The overall sound of the group can be greatly affected by the tone and volume of this instrument. If this is critical for you, then go with a high-wattage option.

Sensitivity:

There are two types of bass amps: solid state and tube amps. The solid state is manufactured with transistors that are placed between the amplifier and the power amp. They operate with lower wattage than tube amps, but they don’t make noises like their siblings.

Tube amps usually use tubes (also called vacuum tubes) to amplify the signal. They usually produce more volume than solid state equipment, but this depends on their manufacturer.

Brand:

It’s common to hear names like Fender, Peavey, and Marshall in this category. Companies offer hardware that produces the best quality sound. If you are looking for something that has a great sound, look for a brand with great endorsements from other musicians. It’s also worth considering the manufacturer’s reputation.

5 Bass Amps for Metal Music

Fender Rumble 500 V3 Bass Amp for Bass Guitar, 500 Watts, with 2-Year Warranty 2x10 Inch Eminence...
Fender Rumble 500 V3 Bass Amp for Bass Guitar, 500 Watts, with 2-Year Warranty 2x10 Inch Eminence...
An overdrive circuit can be controlled manually or with optional footswitch
Amazon Prime
Hartke HD500-Bass Combo (HMHD500)
Hartke HD500-Bass Combo (HMHD500)
Lightweight Class D combo amplifier that weighs 35lb; 500 watts of power; Two 10" HyDrive paper/aluminum hybrid cone drivers
Behringer UltraBass BXD3000H 300-watt 2-channel Bass Head
Behringer UltraBass BXD3000H 300-watt 2-channel Bass Head
Clean channel with dedicated gain control; Distortion channel with dedicated gain, shape and level controls
Amazon Prime
Blackstar Bass Combo Amplifier, Black (FLY3BASS)
Blackstar Bass Combo Amplifier, Black (FLY3BASS)
3 Watts; Clean and Overdrive channels; 3" speaker; On-board Compressor; Patented ISF (Infinite Shape Feature)
Amazon Prime
Ampeg BA115v2 1 x 15-Inch Combo Bass Amplifier
Ampeg BA115v2 1 x 15-Inch Combo Bass Amplifier
150 watts RMS power; Ampeg Ultra Hi/Lo tone shaping; Legacy Ampeg preamp with 3-band EQ; Bass Scrambler overdrive delivers SVT grind (footswitch...

Last update on 2024-04-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

1. Fender Rumble 500 v3 Bass Combo Amplifier

Fender offers a wide range of quality bass amplification. The Fender Rumble 500 v3 Bass Combo Amplifier has a solid construction and is designed to be used with a matching cabinet. It’s compact, lightweight, and easy to carry around.

Fender Rumble 500 V3 Bass Amp for Bass Guitar, 500 Watts, with 2-Year Warranty 2x10 Inch Eminence...
  • The Fender Rumble 500 V3 Bass Amplifier features 500 watts but is lighter and louder than ever (only 36.5 pounds!)
  • The Class D power amp and dual 10 inch Eminence speakers pump 500 watts of robust, crystal clear tone
  • An overdrive circuit can be controlled manually or with optional footswitch
  • This bass rig features a rear-panel XLR line output with ground lift switch, allowing for compatibility across stage and studio performance
  • 2 Year Limited Warranty: Fender amplifiers are designed for players and built with unmatched quality, down to the last screw—Fender warrants this...

Last update on 2024-04-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Pros:

  • The Rumble 500 v3 Bass Combo Amp is designed with a 10″ Fender Special Design series speaker
  • The amp is equipped with two MOSFET compressors and two tubes. This combination produces a very clear and powerful tone. The bassists who tested this unit said that it doesn’t give ‘thunder’, but the sound reproduction makes up for it.
  • It’s lighter than conventional models and can be carried around easily. The cabinet also weighs less than before, making it easier to transport from venue to venue.

Cons:

  • This model is more expensive than other similar models.

2. Hartke HD500-Bass Combo (HMHD500)

Hartke HD500-Bass Combo (HMHD500)
  • Lightweight Class D combo amplifier that weighs 35lb
  • 500 watts of power
  • Two 10" HyDrive paper/aluminum hybrid cone drivers
  • 3-band (Bass, Mid, Treble) EQ

Last update on 2024-04-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

The Hartke HD500 Bass Combo combines all of the features that you need in a high-quality bass amp. It comes with a 12″ cabinet, 4 band EQ, and Hartke’s patented Power Drive output stage.

Pros:

  • The amp has a patented Power Drive output circuit that allows the player to get more power from the internal tubes.
  • It can also double its power when paired with another amp or cabinet. This makes it an ideal option for live shows.
  • The amp is dedicated to bass guitar. This comes in handy for anyone who plays the instrument.

Cons:

  • Sometimes it’s hard to hear the sound coming from the speakers without turning up the volume to maximum levels. Many players said that this was a problem with all of Hartke’s models.

3. BEHRINGER BXD3000H Ultra-Lightweight 300-Watt 2-Channel Bass Amplifier Head with FBQ Spectrum Analyzer Black

Behringer UltraBass BXD3000H 300-watt 2-channel Bass Head
  • Clean channel with dedicated gain control
  • Revolutionary class-d amplifier technology: enormous power, incredible sonic performance and ultra-lightweight
  • Distortion channel with dedicated gain, shape and level controls
  • Revolutionary Class-D amplifier technology: enormous power, incredible sonic performance and ultra-lightweight

Last update on 2024-04-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

The Behringer BXD3000H Ultra-lightweight 300-watt 2-channel bass amp is one of the top models on the market. It has a very clean sound, plenty of power, and is ideal for DJs who need it to produce tunes at reasonable volumes.

Pros:

  • The amp comes with two channels that give you more options on how to amplify your bass. It also comes with a built-in tuner and a spectrum analyzer for added convenience. The spectrum analyzer features six bands to keep you on track with your music. The tuner also allows you to check the tuning of your strings.
  • It has a very lightweight construction and is easy to carry around. Many musicians consider this model as very portable, making it perfect for live gigging.

Cons:

  • This model only provides 400 watts of power. Some bassists prefer models that can produce more power without any adverse effects on the sound quality.

4. Blackstar Bass Combo Amplifier, Black (FLY3BASS)

Blackstar Bass Combo Amplifier, Black (FLY3BASS)
491 Reviews
Blackstar Bass Combo Amplifier, Black (FLY3BASS)
  • 3 Watts; Clean and Overdrive channels; 3" speaker
  • On-board Compressor; Patented ISF (Infinite Shape Feature)
  • MP3/Line In for jamming along or listening to music
  • Emulated Line Out for 'silent' practice or recording

Last update on 2024-04-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

The Blackstar Bass Combo Amplifier is also another good option for bass guitarists. It provides plenty of power and is ideal for live gigs.

Pros:

  • This amp has an amazing voice. It has a wide frequency response, which means that it will play your favorite bass songs regardless of their pitch or tempo. The frequency response also means that the sound will be clear regardless of the loudness of your bandmates’ music.
  • The amp comes with an FBQ (Frequency Balancing Q) control knob that gives you five different dial settings that will accurately adapt the sound to your personal preferences.
  • The amp is very powerful. It also has a built-in tuner and has an input for the guitar input to connect directly to your bass guitar without worrying about cables. This makes it ideal for live playing.

Cons:

  • Some players have complained that the amp is loud even on low volumes. This means that the sound will remain very clear even if your bandmates crank up their volume.

5. Ampeg BA110V2 BA-110V2 40W 10″ Bass Combo Amplifier

Ampeg BA115v2 1 x 15-Inch Combo Bass Amplifier
  • 150 watts RMS power
  • Ampeg Ultra Hi/Lo tone shaping
  • Legacy Ampeg preamp with 3-band EQ
  • Bass Scrambler overdrive delivers SVT grind (footswitch optional)
  • 1″ HF tweeter and True 60°sound reinforcement monitor angle

Last update on 2024-04-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

The Ampeg BA110V2 is one of the most powerful bass amplifiers in the market. It can drive even the loudest crowds.

Pros:

  • It has a special bass overdrive circuit that produces a very clear sound. The player also has individual volume control for each string, which means that you will always have your preferred settings.
  • This amp also allows you to switch the power tubes, which means that it is more dynamic than other similar models.
  • It has a good sound quality and is ideal for live gigs. It also allows you to use it without the cabinet.

Cons:

  • The amp’s construction is not as solid as other models in the same price range. This means that it will break down faster than other similar models. It might also be harder to carry around because of its weight.

Conclusion:

If you’re looking for the best bass amps to buy, you would be wise to pay attention to these guidelines. All of these models are highly rated by bass players because of their quality construction and powerful sound.

Take your time in choosing the right product. Once you’ve found an amp to meet all of your needs, it’s time to choose your favorite accessory for your rig. These accessories will help you personalize the look and the sound of your amp.

FAQ:

Q: What is the best bass for metal?

A: – Comfortable, easy to play PJ bass guitar suitable for beginners – Includes everything you need to get started – Fender Rumble bass amp perfect for solo practice

Q: What is the best cheap bass amp?

A: – XLR out, tuner out, and effects loop – Wedge-shaped cabinet – Built-in compressor

Q: What is the best amp for heavy metal?

A: PRS MT 15 Mark Tremonti. The MT 15 Mark Tremonti is a two-channel “lunchbox” amp powered by a pair of 6L6 output tubes and six 12AX7 preamp tubes. Hughes&Kettner GrandMeister Deluxe 40. A serious tool with the capability to withstand just about anything a guitarist can throw at it. … Peavey Invective .120 Amp Head. … Orange Micro Dark. …

Q: How to setup a bass amp?

A: The lower your action,the more your bass will buzz. Fret buzz will often not translate through an amplifier. … Don’t set up your bass without getting a good idea of what it’s going to sound like when it’s plugged in. Your ruler is your best friend. … Measure your action at the 3 rd and 17 th fret also.