The Darkglass Electronics Alpha ∙ Omega 500 combines the sonic diversity of the most popular Darkglass distortion pedal with a 500 watt power amp to create the ideal bass amp for the hard'n'heavy faction. Based on a fully analog circuit, the bass amp features a clean section with graphic 6-band equalizer, preceded by the Alpha Omega engine with two distinctive drive voicings. Additionally, an integrated one knob compressor is available. With 500 watts of power, the Darkglass Class D amplifier promises high volume reserves for use on stage or in the rehearsal room. With a comprehensive connection periphery, including a balanced DI output and a headphone connection with speaker simulation, the Darkglass Alpha Omega 500 is also ideally equipped for the recording studio.
The completely analog preamp of the Darkglass Alpha Omega 500 has a clean section, whose extremely transparent sound guarantees an unadulterated output of the instrument used and the playing technique. The graphic 6-band equalizer allows for extremely precise tuning of the sound, while the integrated compressor with straightforward one knob control guarantees a smooth and rich sound experience.
The sonic heart of the Darkglass Alpha ∙ Omega 500 is undoubtedly the eponymous Alpha Omega engine, which is a direct descendant of the distortion pedal developed with Jon Stockman (Karnivool) and promises variable distortion sounds. Accordingly, the Mod knob fades between the Alpha circuit, which hides a tight, punchy drive, and the Omega circuit, which stands for unbridled, brutal distortion with maximum gain. In addition, the Growl switch saturates the bass foundation if desired, while the Bite switch determines the high-mids at 2.8 kHz for increased definition and punch. The Blend control can be used to smoothly blend in the dry bass signal to maintain low-end punch and thrust.
For maximum volume reserves and an extremely powerful sound image that pushes every note played powerfully, the Darkglass Alpha Omega 500 is equipped with a contemporary Class D power amplifier that delivers a whopping 500 watts to the bass cabinets despite its transport-friendly format. These can be safely connected to the head via the combo socket, whereby combinations of two 4-ohm cabinets are also possible thanks to the minimum impedance of 2 ohms.
In addition, the Darkglass Alpha ∙ Omega 500 has a balanced DI output for direct pickup of bass tones, while the headphone jack allows for silent practice. A speaker simulation is available for direct recording and headphone connection, which promises a particularly natural sound experience due to the use of impulse responses (IRs). The speaker simulations can be easily exchanged via the USB connection and the Darkglass Suite, which is available free of charge.