Ashdown RM800 Evo II Head

The preamp features high and low impedance jack inputs suitable for use with active or passive instruments, allowing you to optimize your input signal which can then be fine-tuned using the Ashdown VU meter. Once the signal is at its optimal level, you can utilize various functions designed to enrich your sound, such as the Shape control, the 5-band equalizer, and the built-in compressor. The Drive control provides a delicious tube overdrive emulation, while the Sub control adds even more depth to your tone (both controls can be switched via a FS 2 pedal, sold separately).

The Rootmaster 800 EVO II head features a distinctive anodized alloy chassis and body, along with a new black anodized front panel. It’s the perfect choice for those seeking a powerful reserve in an ultra-lightweight and highly portable package.

Matte black anodized aluminum front panel to eliminate reflective surfaces

Ashdown has updated the amplifier’s front panel with a matte black anodized aluminum finish, replacing the previous polished stainless steel. This simple yet sensible change makes it much easier to read your amp settings under bright stage lighting.

A simple but powerful equalizer

The five-band tone controls operate with surgical precision, giving you full control over your sound, while a Shape switch provides instant access to a classic Ashdown preset sound, directly taken from the renowned ABM series.

One-knob compression

This compressor adds warmth and body instantly, delivering a powerful and consistent tone. Smooth as silk, your bass is ready to blend seamlessly into any mix.

Overdrive and Sub

Activated via a pedal, our tube overdrive emulation can take your bass’s basic sound and turn it into warm overdrive or full-on distortion whenever you need to add some grit or madness to your tone.

Adding even more depth and definition to your bass lines, the sub-harmonic generator allows you to select a sub-octave and activate it via a footswitch whenever you need extra depth in heavy passages.

Fully connected

If you want to use your favorite pedals or multi-effects units, there’s an effects loop on the rear panel, along with a DI output for direct connection to PA systems or recording consoles, and a line input (with level control on the front panel) for practicing with backing tracks.

A pair of Neutrik Jack/Speakon connectors with a minimum load of 4 ohms offers multiple pairing options with a dedicated range of Rootmaster EVO speakers. The Rootmaster 800 EVO II can power a single 8-ohm speaker, a pair of 8-ohm speakers, or a single 4-ohm speaker.

Headphone output

The Rootmaster EVO II series now includes a headphone preamp, allowing silent practice, making these concert amplifiers highly practical practice devices. The headphone preamp maximizes sound quality for headphones, so your in-ear monitoring can now match the stage sound... of course, provided you have the right headphones.

• Power: 800 Watts
• Power requirements: 115-230 volts
• Speaker outputs: 2 Speakon/Neutrik Jack outputs
• Frequency response: -3dB at 17Hz - 30KHz
• High impedance input: 3.9 M ohms, input range 150mV
• Low impedance input: 10k ohms, input range 300mV - 40V p-p
• Line input: 22k ohms impedance, nominal level of 0dBu
• DI output: 600 ohms balanced, 0dBu nominal
• Tuner output: 22k ohms impedance, nominal level of 0dBu
• Minimum load impedance: 4 ohms
• Signal-to-noise ratio: Better than 80dB (flat EQ)
• EQ: Bass +/-15dB @ 100Hz - Lo Mid +/-15dB @ 220Hz - Middle +/-15dB @ 660Hz - Hi Mid +/-15dB @ 1.6kHz - Treble +/-15dB @ 7kHz Shelving Deep +
• Effects send: 22k ohms impedance, 0dBu level
• Effects return: 22k ohms impedance, 0dBu input level
• Distortion: Less than 0.5% THD
• Dimensions (WxHxD mm): 86 x 314 x 235
• Weight: 2.6 kg

About Ashdown Engineering

The history of Ashdown dates back to 1997, but even in those early days, the company's founder, Mark Gooday, was already considered a veteran of bass amplification.After intense competition with another leading manufacturer of electric bass amplifiers in the UK, Gooday managed to position his company among the largest, thanks to his pioneering approach, and focused on even higher aspirations, developing what this manufacturer is today.