Orange OB1-500 Bass Amp Head

Main Features

• 500 Watt bass head
• Bi-amp design for vast tonal versatility
• Two channels with footswitch controllable Blend
• One channel delivers clean solid bass tone
• Second channel adds extra harmonics to the higher frequencies
• 19 inch rack mountable design
• Classic Orange pics only front panel design

The Orange OB1-500 is a 500 Watt 'bi-amp' bass head offering incredible tonal versatility.


For years bassists have been combining guitar and bass amps to remarkable effect, adding harmonics and layers of overdrive from a guitar amp to their core bass tone in pursuit of the ultimate live sound. This 'bi-amp' trend got Orange thinking… Why drag two amps to the show when you could take just one? The result is the OB1 Series of class A/B rack mountable bass heads which take care of this and much more besides.

The key to the OB1's unique sound is a footswitchable Blend circuit which adds a veneer of controllable gain and increased harmonic content to the upper registers of the input signal. The lower frequencies and clean signal are left alone, staying warm and clear just as they would be in a 'bi-amped' setup. Depending on where the Gain and Blend controls are set, the possibilities are limitless. Punch in the Blend control to achieve anything from a transparent clean boost, to all-out filthy grind, and everywhere in between.

The OB1 splits the input instrument signal into two separate paths. One side amplifies the clean signal, with all the clarity you would expect from Orange. The other adds up to two stages of distortion to the upper harmonics only, controllable via the amp's Gain knob. These two elements are combined using the amplifier's Blend control which adjusts the mix between clean and dirty. The Blend control can then be remotely engaged or defeated using the optional footswitch.

The Gain and Blend's range allows for almost anything, from a subtle level boost to cut through the mix, added girth and presence at moderate settings to fatten up chorus passages, to fully saturated savagery at the extremes. However you dial it, the OB1 always maintains the critical low end definition, right the way up to the most offensive settings!

Active EQ
The OB1's highly responsive active three band EQ has been meticulously voiced for maximum effect with minimal fuss. The EQ section is located after the Gain and Blend dials take effect, allowing full control over their massive sonic range. The Bass and Middle controls feature +/-15dB of boost or cut, whilst there is a range of +/- 20dB on the Treble control.

All Analogue Signal Path
The OB1 Series puts proper class A/B power back on the map. All circuitry is completely analogue, ensuring these amps sound expressive and musical even at ridiculous gain levels.

Rack Mountable
The OB1 Series are the first rack mountable amps, suitable for 19 inch cases (2U) produced by Orange. Enclosed in a rugged power coated steel chassis the fascia is finished in their classic 'pics only' styling.

Balanced & Line Outputs
Balanced DI with ground lift and line level outputs are provided for live and studio use.


Orange OB1-500 Specifications

Front Panel (Right To Left): Instrument Input With Active/Passive Switch, Gain, Blend, Bass, Middle, Treble, Volume, Footswitch Input, Mains Switch
Rear Panel (Right To Left): Speaker Outputs (Speakon), 1/4 inch Line Output, Balanced Output With Ground Lift Switch
Speaker Output Options: Minimum 4 Ohm: 1 x 8 Ohm, 2 x 8 Ohm, 1 x 4 Ohm
Output Power: 500 Watts, Class A/B
Finish Options: White Powder Coated Steel Chassis (2U 19 inch Rack Mountable)
Dimensions (W x H x D): 48.2 × 26.5 x 10 cm / 18.97 x 10.43 x 3.93 inches
Weight: 10.1 Kg / 22.26 lbs.