Orange OB1-300 Bass Head

The OB1-300 is a Bass head with a difference. 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.

The key to the OB1’s unique sound is Orange’s footswitchable Blend circuit which adds 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. Punch in the Blend control to achieve anything from a transparent clean boost, to all-out filthy grind.

The OB1-300 is the 300 Watt version, sharing the same features and 2U rack dimensions as the more powerful OB1-500.

Sound Blend options

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 even at its’ dirtiest.

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

Rack Mountable

The OB1 Series are rack mountable amps, suitable for 19″ cases (2U). Enclosed in a rugged power coated steel chassis the fascia is finished in Orange’s classic ‘pics only’ styling.

Specifications

•  Controls: active/passive switch, gain, blend, bass, middle, treble, volume, footswitch input, mains switch
•  speaker outputs: (speakon), 1/4″ line output, balanced output with ground lift switch
•  speaker output options: minimum 4 ohms: 1 x 8 ohm, 2 x 8 ohm, 1 x 4 ohm
•  output power: 300 watts, class a/b
•  finish: white powder coated steel chassis (19 2u rack mountable)
•  dimensions (w x h x d):48.2 × 26.5 x 10cm (18.97 x 10.43 x 3.93)
•  unboxed weight: 9.5kg (21lb)