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PF-500 Head walk test drive
Description
PF-210HE Bass Speaker Cabinet
Drawing from the classic design of Ampeg's legendary Portaflex cabinets, the PF-210HE bass speaker cabinet combines vintage styling with the performance of a modern 450W cab.
The PF-210HE's 2 - 10" Eminence drivers deliver true Ampeg tone with plenty of punch along with a 1" high-frequency driver with level control for dialing in the perfect amount of highs.
PF-500 Portaflex
Ampeg's Portaflex PF-500 bass head delivers a staggering 500W of power in an ultra-compact design providing pure Ampeg tone in an extremely portable package. Precise tone controls and gig-friendly input/output options provide ultimate flexibility. Pair it with Ampeg's PF Series flip-top cabinets for the vintage styling and portability of the iconic Portaflex originals.
The tone stack on the PF-500 provides an extensive array of tone controls for shaping your sound. Bass, mid, and treble controls come standard with a 5-position mid switch for finding the perfect midrange level for your sound. Ultra Hi/Lo boosts add even more on-the-fly options, and an onboard compressor keeps your levels in check and your tone punchy and tight.
At the gig or in the studio, the PF-500 is ready for action with a balanced direct out with pre/post-EQ selector, -40dB pad, and ground lift. An effects loop with dedicated mix control is footswitchable with the optional Ampeg AFP2 2-button switch.



Features
- 500W RMS output @ 4 ohms
- MOSFET preamp
- Class D power amp
- Bass, mid, treble tone controls with 5-position mid frequency control
- Ultra Hi/Lo boosts
- Onboard compressor
- Balanced direct out with pre/post-EQ option, -40dB pad, and ground lift
- FX loop with dedicated mix control (footswitchable with optional AFP2 switch)
- Power amp in/ preamp out
- 1/8" headphone out/line in
- -15 dB input pad
- Mute (footswitchable with optional AFP2 switch)
- Power supply: switching
- Vintage Portaflex flip-top cabinet design
- Black diamond tolex
- Vintage B-15 grille cloth
- Rugged 15mm poplar ply enclosure
- 450W RMS power handling @ 8 ohms
- 2 - 10" ceramic Eminence LF driver
- 1" HF compression driver with L-Pad level control
Specs
- Frequency response: 37Hz - 17kHz
- Sensitivity: 99.6dB SPL @ 1w/1m
- 21"W x 23"H x 14"D
- 48 lb.
- 14"W x 3"H x 11"D
- 11lb.
Reviews
5
6 Reviews
100%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend
- Performances4
- Outdoor Events / Games2
- Amateur Recording1
- Home Studio1
- Professional Recording1
- Soft speaker grill doesn't protect speakers1
- Experienced2
- Professional Musician2
- Excellent Sound4
- Good Power Output4
- Portable4
- Warm / Comfy3
- Easy To Use2
Reviewed by 6 customers
Portable and Rugged with that Classic Ampeg Tone!
submitted2 years ago
byJoel
fromMinneapolis
Portable and Rugged with that Classic Ampeg Tone! This is my gig rig. Cuts through the mix, plenty loud and very punchy with my P bass. I like a bright punchy sound and it delivers. I get a lot of compliments on my tone when we gig. We play small clubs and it is a God send... This is probably the best bang for the buck rig I can think of. Completely satisfied...It's my destination live rig!
Great tone. Built like a rock
submitted8 years ago
byDon
fromLos Angeles, CA
This s a great amp. I am a weekend warrior who plays Blues at local clubs/bars. This amp has terrific tone. The portaflex feature is very convenient. It has a wide range of tones and is clear at low levels and high levels. It is a bit heavy at around 59 lbs. but I'm in my 60's and I get it around just fine. It is strong. I have bashed it and spilled drinks on it.
Very pleased with this purchase
Verified Buyer
submitted8 years ago
byKen
fromBrea, CA
This is an excellent bass rig for small gigs (up to 75 folks) and studio work. Key factors in my buy decision: 1) Tone - IMO the Ampeg tone is top shelf. I've tried the new foreign/boutique brands and I'm still w/ Ampeg after 30 years. On the PF-500 there are 2 key features that were "must have" for me, first, the built-in compression/gain with warm pre-amp sound, and second, the balanced XLR output (including pre/post EQ, 0/-40db pad, Ground lift switches). If you've done any studio work or have a soundman working your gigs, you know this is a fundamental requirement. 2) Portability - the flip-top cab (PF-210HE) is a fantastic benefit! When I arrive at the gig, I have my axe and my cab, that's it! (no more old luggage, gym bags overstuffed, etc. to transport all your accessories) PF-500 head w/ all cables, foot switches, extension cords, headphones, etc. transport in the cab. Setup & tear down is quick and simple. With all my gear packed in the cab it weighs ~65 lbs., very manageable w/ casters. 3) Power - Class D power to weight ratio rocks! 300W @ 8 ohms w/ this cab is plenty for small gigs. I also bought a small speaker stand (Onstage RS4000) that gives a 45 degree tilt, getting my sound off the floor in smaller rooms. Since the PF-500 is securely fastened to the flip-top, it stays in place while using the stand. I really like having the option to add another cab boosting power (500W @ 4 ohms) for medium-size gigs (75 - 200 folks), giving this rig increased flexibility and a much longer "life span". I'm considering buying the PF-410HLF as well. I prefer the tight, punchy sound of multiple 10's. 4) Price - I'm a firm believer in "you get what you pay for". This rig is not cheap, but delivers warm tone with high quality materials and features. The added bonus is the vintage 50's look, I frequently get compliments on the "coolness" factor...
Seriously outstanding tone
submitted10 years ago
byChooch
fromYoungstown, Oh
I purchased this rig mainly because of the superior tone and size and weight of it. I have owned swr, trace elliot, gallien kruger as well as many of the cheaper brands and have found this one to have the guts needed for larger venues but small enough to carry into a small pit area when I do a musical. So many sound engineers have complimented on my tone. I use 2 basses on a regular basis. A Yamaha as well as my pedulla pentabuzz are my preferred axes. I have owned this rig for over 2 years and it has never failed me and I couldn't be more pleased with its tone and portability. The only negative is that there is a speakon connection on the cabinet but not on the amp itself. Kind of stupid but that doesnt bother me much. Well worth the money and best of all, no back aches transporting it around for my 50+ year old body! Love it!
Killer little amp.
submitted11 years ago
byJoe
fromNew Orleans LA
I purchased this amp after a lot of study. I play in a hard rock band competing with Marshall's and a heavy hitting drummer. At the same time I wanted to downsize without sacrificing sound quality or volume. No worries. This little amp cranks out some sound. AND the fidelity is awesome. Nice and clean with all the punch and low end you need. I've spent my life lugging around giant bass rigs. NO MORE... I've used it in clubs and at outdoor shows... GREAT AMPEG SOUND, AFFORDABLE, and, PORTABLE. With the head inside it weighs only 57lbs.... Only thing is it kinda looks funny up there with those gig guitar rigs... I'm laughing all the way through tear down... LOVE MY LIL' MEANIE !!!
Great amp.. Don't underestimate it's power!
submitted14 years ago
byNeil Martin
fromSan Diego
I recently bought this amp for use in the hardcore / rock alt band I am in. We are a very serious band, so I needed a very serious rig at a reasonable price (I am a musician after all). I was nervous at first glance that this cabinet would not be loud enough. I went to my local GC and tried it out. I was wrong. This cab can get loud enough for just about any venue. Not to mention the tone controls can get you ANY sound you may be looking for. The tone is great and the versatility is amazing. It is very portable without feeling lightweight and cheap. I traded in my Hartke for this and I would buy this amp again if it were ever stolen.. You can't beat this amp for the price. Try it, buy it, love it
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