Ashdown Spyder 550 issue

[Mavbassman]

Hi Bass peeps,

I'm trying to determine whether my Spyder 550 head has a specific issue or if this behavior is just part of its design.

I'm playing a P-Bass equipped with hot DiMarzio Model P pickups. I typically run the Gain on the amp close to or at maximum to get a rich, warm tone. However, when I really dig in on the lowest notes, the volume suddenly drops—almost like a strong compression effect kicks in.

I'm wondering if this is a built-in protection feature of the amp, or if there's something wrong with it.

Has anyone else experienced this with the Spyder 550? 

 

Edit: this doesn't happen with my ABM 500

Edited August 5 by Mavbassman

[Pow_22]

I have the 330 and this doesnt happen to me.  Defo think there is something amiss there

Edited August 5 by Pow_22

[Downunderwonder]

Welcome Aussie. The Poms will be awake soon and surely know the answer.

[Downunderwonder]

See!

[spyder]

I had a 550 when they were first released. Mine didn't do the things you described. As the amp is now potentially more than 15 years old it might need a service at Ashdown.

[Quilly]

On 05/08/2025 at 05:47, Mavbassman said:

Hi Bass peeps,

I'm trying to determine whether my Spyder 550 head has a specific issue or if this behavior is just part of its design.

I'm playing a P-Bass equipped with hot DiMarzio Model P pickups. I typically run the Gain on the amp close to or at maximum to get a rich, warm tone. However, when I really dig in on the lowest notes, the volume suddenly drops—almost like a strong compression effect kicks in.

I'm wondering if this is a built-in protection feature of the amp, or if there's something wrong with it.

Has anyone else experienced this with the Spyder 550? 

 

Edit: this doesn't happen with my ABM 500

Did you change the valve’s recently? If you’re maxing out the gain stage maybe there’s a preamp tube issue ?

[Mavbassman]

6 hours ago, Quilly said:

Did you change the valve’s recently? If you’re maxing out the gain stage maybe there’s a preamp tube issue ?

There are JJs in it at the moment, I suspect that might be part of the cause.