Darkglass Electronics Alpha · Omega 500
Bass Amp Head
The beginning and the end.
The Alpha·Omega 500 is a 500W amplifier equipped with an all-analog preamplifier, two distinct distortion circuits (Alpha and Omega), a custom-designed Darkglass high-efficiency class D Module, an ultra-quiet graphic equalizer, and a digital impulse-response cabinet emulator for DI outputs or headphones.
Input
Use this jack to connect your instrument via a standard ¼” mono cable.
Passive/Active
Use this push-button switch to change from passive to active mode. If your bass is active it can have a hotter signal making the amp to distort early (feel free to use if such additional distortion is desired).
Distortion
Use this push button to turn on or off the Alpha·Omega Engine™ to add natural compression, organic harmonic enhancement, and saturation ranging from mild overdrive to high gain bass rage. The Alpha·Omega Engine operates before the clean section (you can therefore use the 6-Band Active EQ for additional tone shaping).
Bite
Boosts high mids (2.8kHz) for additional presence and definition.
Growl
Shelving Bass Boost for a fatter tone and increased low end saturation.
Compression
This knob controls the amount of dynamic compression added to the Alpha·Omega Engine. The make up gain is adjusted automatically. The compression can be turned off or assigned using the Darkglass Suite.
Drive
This knob controls the amount of distortion that the Alpha·Omega Engine will deliver. It will change from a soft, warm overdrive to a massive and modern distortion sound.
Level
Use this knob to control Alpha·Omega Engine’s output volume.
Blend
Use this knob to mix between the Clean signal and the DIstortion signal (Alpha·Omega Engine).
Mod
Selects or mixes between the two distinct distortion circuits: Alpha is punchy, tight with a lot of definition, whereas Omega is simply brutal and raw.
Bass
+-12dB at 80Hz. Use this knob to change the low-end content of the signal.
Mids
+-12dB at 250, 500, 1.5K and 3Khz. This graphic EQ control the mid content of the signal.
Treble
+-12dB at 5kHz. Use this knob to change the high content of the signal.
Master
Use this knob to control the overall volume of the amplifier.
Mute
Use this push button to mute the amplifier.
Speaker Output
Use this connector to connect the amplifier to your cabinet. This Speakon combo jack allows for either Speakon or ¼” speaker cable operation.
WARNING: Do not use an instrument cable with this jack. Using an instrument cable can damage your amplifier.
Send
Use this output to send the signal to effects pedals.
Return
Use this input to receive the signal from effects pedals. Master volume control is after this input.
Ground Lift
Use this control to lift the ground of the DI XLR output. If you are experiencing ground noise in your DI signal try changing the setting of this control.
DI Output
Use this connector to send your signal to the console, mic preamp, interface, etc. Both signals are available (Bypass and the amp signal with cabinet simulation) and are switched from the cab select switch.
USB
The USB connector allows you to use the Darkglass Suite to load different cabinet impulses or change different parameters on your amp.
Headphone Output
Connect your Headphones and enjoy the impulse based cabinet emulation.
AUX IN
Use this connector to provide to the Headphone output music from your laptop, cellphone, mp3 player, etc.
Cabinet Select
Use this switch to navigate between the 3 different cabinet impulses or the clean DI signal.
Footswitch
The Intelligent Footswitch is a proprietary digitally controlled device that allows you to remotely engage and disengage the Alpha·Omega Engine. You can also hold the footswitch to Mute the amplifier. You can also hold the footswitch to Mute the amplifier. The distortion push button will remain operational with the Intelligent Footswitch plugged in..
- You can use a regular mono instrument cable to connect the amplifier to the footswitch.
- You must remove the cable from the footswitch jack in the rear panel if you want to control the amp from the front panel.
AC Socket
Use this connector to feed electric power to the amplifier. 100 - 230 VAC, 50Hz-60.
AC Power ON/OFF
Use this Switch to release the audio energy from your bass.
WARNING
No user-serviceable parts inside the amplifier. Do not open the amp.
Never use the amp at a high-moisture environment or near liquids.
The Alpha·Omega 500 can deliver more than 115 dB of power. Exposure to this level of sound can damage your hearing. Use proper hearing protection if you will be exposed.
· The Alpha·Omega can deliver more than 500 Watts. Be sure that your speaker cabinet is able to deliver that power.
· Do not cover the vent holes. The Fan and vent holes are part of the cooling system of the amp. Covering the vent holes can damage the power amp by overheating it.
· Don’t use an instrument cable as speaker cable. An instrument cable is not designed to deliver the type of power signals sent from the amplifier to the speaker.
For more information, click here to visit the manufacturers website.
