Ashdown RM-300 vs ABM-300

[WarBeer]

I've been really gassing for the ABM series, however...I really need something light and maybe a bit more compact. Has anyone compared the RM series to the ABM series? 

[AndyTravis]

The RM’s are excellent, so are the ABM’s.

I went from an ABM500RC (evo2 or 3 - can’t remember) to the RM800H and the sound was very similar.

Loved that head. Small, light and loud as sin.

[Lozz196]

In my experience get on a very big stage where you’re a fair distance away from your amp/cab(s) that’s when you can tell the difference, there’s a solidity and weight to the sound of the ABM amps that comes through at that point, just carries/projects better. But on a stage area in a pub, well I didn’t notice much difference to be honest. I think the RM amps are exceptional, def the best Class D amps I’ve tried.
 

For reference I had the ABM600 and RM500, and as I left my touring band last year I’ve sold the ABM. It was the best amp I’ve ever had but for the type of gigs I’m likely to play in future (once C19 gets sorted) the RM will be plenty enough for my needs. Doesn’t stop me missing that ABM though.

[WarBeer]

Do you guys have any experience using the DI on these units and if so, how does that sound compare? I'll be using the amp primarily for practice and recording.

Edited November 5, 2020 by WarBeer

[Lozz196]

I used the DI on both of them for gigging, and on the ABM for recording, worked fine in all cases. The ABM has the option of pre or post EQ on the DI, the RM is post only. 

[jezzaboy]

I love an ABM but as weight and size is an issue for you, the RM is the next best thing. 

[Jim Bob Wilkenson]

I know this thread is over a year old, but I have a question regarding the tonal differences between the ABMs and the RMs. Currently, I use the MAG600 EVO-II and love the tonal controls. I find that boosting the low-mids (220-240?) brings out an incredible tone. I'm upgrading soon and wondered if I should go for the RM or the ABM. With so much praise for the ABM, and it's lack of the 220-240Hz adjustment, has me a bit torn between which of the two I should get. I understand the jury's still out on the 200-400hz....blah blah blah...mud zone....blah blah blah..., but I kinda like it. It makes my Ibanez SR306e sound amazing through my ABM-210s vertically stacked. So...would I be able to achieve the MAG600 tonality? 

Bass: 2

Low-Mids: 1

Mids: 8

Hi-mids: 12

High: 2-3 (depending on the room).

[BassAdder60]

Now the ABM EVO IV series has plenty of EQ adjustment 

 

The RM series has sufficient and they sound very similar with very minor differences such as Tube drive on the ABM 

 

Both are excellent amps 

[Lozz196]

Further to my posts in November last year I bought another ABM600. Once Ashdown introduced their ABM PRO NEO cabs it was inevitable. I still mostly use the RM500 for rehearsals, but the ABM will get gigging duties.

[Sparky Mark]

On 09/12/2021 at 18:05, Jim Bob Wilkenson said:

I know this thread is over a year old, but I have a question regarding the tonal differences between the ABMs and the RMs. Currently, I use the MAG600 EVO-II and love the tonal controls. I find that boosting the low-mids (220-240?) brings out an incredible tone. I'm upgrading soon and wondered if I should go for the RM or the ABM. With so much praise for the ABM, and it's lack of the 220-240Hz adjustment, has me a bit torn between which of the two I should get. I understand the jury's still out on the 200-400hz....blah blah blah...mud zone....blah blah blah..., but I kinda like it. It makes my Ibanez SR306e sound amazing through my ABM-210s vertically stacked. So...would I be able to achieve the MAG600 tonality? 

Bass: 2

Low-Mids: 1

Mids: 8

Hi-mids: 12

High: 2-3 (depending on the room).

I've owned both MAG600 (narrow version) and ABM600 but not at the same time. I much preferred the MAG over earlier ABM heads; it sounded really punchy with lots of clarity and low end perhaps due to the less complicated signal path. The ABM600 will give you extra features but if you don't need or end up using them it might not be an upgrade at all. I've no experience with RM series.

 

PS, I find 340Hz to be the area that I cut to remove boxiness. 

Edited December 11, 2021 by Sparky Mark

[BassAdder60]

2 hours ago, Sparky Mark said:

I've owned both MAG600 (narrow version) and ABM600 but not at the same time. I much preferred the MAG over earlier ABM heads; it sounded really punchy with lots of clarity and low end perhaps due to the less complicated signal path. The ABM600 will give you extra features but if you don't need or end up using them it might not be an upgrade at all. I've no experience with RM series.

 

PS, I find 340Hz to be the area that I cut to remove boxiness. 

Yep I do the same .. pull back the 340hz slider as it improves the sound no end 

 

[Lozz196]

Especially with a Precision