Considering a RM 500

[buff]

I’ll be honest I had a touring/spyder way back and didn’t like it, but my beloved trace amp has finally crapped out and is no longer repairable. So now considering an RM, but being class D is it reliable ?A pf 500 and a mb 500 I had both went wrong, hence why I ended up with a trace. Because at least I thought it was repairable, but it has served me well the last nine years. So I guess the question is can a RM do the trace thing, any thoughts ? 

Edited yesterday at 08:21 by buff

[Machines]

I have an RM800 EVO III ( and had RM500s EVO I & II). All have been very reliable (over the last 5 years). That said - I know if there is a problem with them, Ashdown customer service is top notch and they would sort it quickly.

 

It is very light, EQ does what I need and it is VERY loud - the volume is not linear and it seems to increase massively from around 2'o'clock on the dial. I cannot put it much further than this and have gigged without PA several times.

 

Disclaimer - I am an Ashdown artist, so there may be a little bias here.

[police squad]

Ive been using the evo 2 since it came out

Excellent sounding amp and Im still using it for the difficult load in gigs where I can't take my ampeg v4b.

Will be using it twice this weekend 

[fretmeister]

I had an RM800 Evo 2 and it was rock solid.

 

The only thing I don't like about them is the notched volume control as I always seemed to want it in between 2 notches. I sent mine in to Ashdown and Dave swapped the vol pot for a smooth one and didn't charge me anything - not even the return postage! Top customer service.

 

I went back to a Mark Bass rig in the end but the Ashdown was very good, lightweight, more than powerful enough and had a good tone. Even the very limited onboard compressor and drive were usable. I didn't rate the octave though - flubby and doesn't track well at all, but I have an OC-5 that is always on my board so no drama there.

 

They are also remarkably good value used.

[Lozz196]

I`ve been using the RM500s for a good few years, both EVO I & II versions - I prefer the EVO II as the facing plate is matt rather than shiny so easier to see the controls on a brightly lit stage. 

 

Very loud, very good & flexible eq, I wouldn`t say you can exactly get the glassy shrill top-end of a Trace but using the Shape function and the eq you`ll get near it. Drive & compression are ok when used sparingly imo, but then I don`t like too much of either anyway.

 

In terms of reliability I only had one slight issue where it was "hissing & popping" a bit, sent it to Ashdown and they changed whatever it was and sent it back, nice & easy. As per above all done free - I did send them a parcel of coffees & biscuits as a thank you.

 

I`d thoroughly recommend these amps, I really like the look of the latest version in the proper Ashdown blue colour, however as I no longer gig there`s no pint in me getting one. If I were still gigging I would def get one though.

[stevie]

I had one of the original RM 500s for a couple of years and thought it was great. The eq frequencies are well thought out. I didn't rate the compressor much, but otherwise it's a very good amp. If you're concerned about repairs, choosing an Ashdown amp is a good move.

[buff]

Thanks all for your advice, have ordered one this evening.

[BassAdder60]

6 hours ago, buff said:

Thanks all for your advice, have ordered one this evening.

They are terrible amps fraught with issues and failures !! 😂

Kidding of course, they are very good amps and as mentioned the compressor isn’t great but a decent powerful amp with amazing service backup from Ashdown U.K. 

[Linus27]

I had an Evo II and it was a great sounding amp. As I'm not that bothered about the Compressor and Sub options as I have them as pedals already, I'm going to get one of their new UK-OBM-500 heads. Not a fan of the blue to be honest but you really can't go wrong with Ashdown in terms of tone and playability. Awesome amps.

[uk_lefty]

I had an RM500 for a long time and loved it. I only went for an ABM600 because I got an offer I couldn't refuse. 

 

I loved the RM500 for its ease of use, being able to bypass the EQ when using a modelling pedal, and it just generally being small and light enough to transport easily in a laptop bag. If there was one criticism from me it would be that the onboard drive and compressor are things I'd not use much at all but I still had a few gigs going straight into the amp and using the onboard effects with no issue.

[BassAdder60]

1 hour ago, uk_lefty said:

I had an RM500 for a long time and loved it. I only went for an ABM600 because I got an offer I couldn't refuse. 

 

I loved the RM500 for its ease of use, being able to bypass the EQ when using a modelling pedal, and it just generally being small and light enough to transport easily in a laptop bag. If there was one criticism from me it would be that the onboard drive and compressor are things I'd not use much at all but I still had a few gigs going straight into the amp and using the onboard effects with no issue.

That’s why I think the new OBM500 is a better choice for £499

Nothing you don’t need and everything you do plus U.K. built 

Edited 1 hour ago by BassAdder60