![]() ![]() One of the most impressive aspects of the HD500 is its versatility. At more sensible gigging levels it’s even more impressive, and the relatively directional nature of the speakers and the XLR balanced DI out mean that this would make a great monitor, enabling you to keep on-stage volume to a minimum. The two 12” drivers produce a tight, controlled low end, even at massive volumes that seem to be at odds with the compact dimensions of this combo. The HD500 is loud - and we mean really loud. It’s elegant and intuitive to use, and it allows you to completely change the tonal colour of your bass sound simply and quickly. ![]() ![]() The secret weapon here is the Shape control, which sweeps across a wide range of mid frequencies from 100Hz to 900 Hz, applying a 20db cut when switched in. There are just three tone controls: Bass (70Hz), Mid (700Hz) and Treble (5kHz). The EQ may look basic, but we know from past experience that it works brilliantly. But will it sound as good as first impressions suggest? The time-tested and functional Hartke preamp, plus two of their awesome neodymium HyDrive hybrid aluminium/paper 10” drivers, housed in a compact and lightweight cabinet, make this a tempting proposition, especially at what seems like a very reasonable price. The digital amp revolution has fitted perfectly with Hartke’s ethos of producing powerful, clean bass amplification - and the HD500 is one of the latest of the amps to benefit from this technology. The range of cabs was soon broadened to include a 1x15 and shortly after that, a series of innovative amps and combos followed. American Larry Hartke developed his unique aluminium cone drivers through the late 70s, although we Brits didn’t get to enjoy the benefits for another 10 years or so when the 4x10XL cab finally made it to the UK.Ī stellar line-up of endorsees including Billy Sheehan, Stuart Hamm and Will Lee, as well as a strong advertising presence in the music press, placed the brand front and centre of bass players’ attention. ![]()
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