Blackstar Unity Bass U500 500-Watt 2 x 10-inch Bass Combo Amp
The Unity Bass U500 was built for tonal flexibility. It is a 500-watt 2 x 10 combo running Eminence Opus speakers, and almost every stage of the signal path gives you a choice rather than a fixed voice.
- Response control: switch between three classic power amp stages, Linear, 6L6 and 6550, shaping compression, natural drive and dynamics.
- Three preamp voicings: Classic, Modern and Flat.
- Drive section: three overdrives, OD, Distortion and Fuzz, with a user-controllable blend.
- 3-band EQ with a semi-parametric Mid knob: so you can place the midrange rather than simply accept it.
- Built-in effects: compression, chorus and sub-octave for extra punch, depth and low-end muscle.
- Outputs: XLR and 1/4-inch line out, a cabinet-emulated line output, a USB audio output and a headphones output with independent level control.
- Inputs: an MP3 and line input for practice, plus a -10dB pad for active or passive instruments.
- Effects loop: built in, for pedals and external processors.
- Expandable: add a Unity U250ACT powered cabinet for an extra 250 watts.
The Response control is the part worth spending time on, because it changes how the amp reacts under your hands rather than only how it sounds.
The Blackstar Unity Bass U500 bass combo amplifier was built for tonal flexibility. It is 500 watts through two 10-inch Eminence Opus speakers, and it gives you real choices at the preamp, the drive stage and the power amp rather than one fixed voice with an EQ bolted on the end.
Three power amp stages
It starts with Blackstar's unique Response control, which gives you the choice of three classic power amp stages, Linear, 6L6 and 6550. Switching between them shapes your compression, natural drive and dynamics, which is a different kind of change from turning a tone knob. The names point to the character of each, and the difference shows up most in how the amp reacts as you dig in.
Preamp voicings and drive
Three distinct preamp voicings are on offer, Classic, Modern and Flat, and each can be sculpted with a 3-band EQ that includes a semi-parametric Mid knob. The Drive section carries three overdrives, OD, Distortion and Fuzz, with a user-controllable blend so the dirt can sit underneath the clean tone instead of replacing it. Built-in compression, chorus and sub-octave effects handle punch, depth and low-end muscle.
Connections for stage and studio
The U500 is packed to the gills with connectivity. There is an XLR and 1/4-inch line output, a headphones output with independent level control, and a -10dB pad that accommodates both active and passive instruments. An MP3 and line input is onboard for practice sessions, and a built-in effects loop integrates your pedals and external processors. A cabinet-emulated line output and a USB audio output make DI recording straightforward.
Room to grow
The U500 features an integrated link for Blackstar's Unity U250ACT powered cabinet, which allows you to add an extra 250 watts of power to your rig. That is a useful path if the combo covers most of your gigs and you occasionally need more behind you.