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Feature Overview - Ampeg Portaflex

Feature Overview - Ampeg Portaflex

Portaflex Series Demo Part 1

Portaflex Series Demo Part 1

Ampeg PF-500 Bass Head

Ampeg PF-500 Bass Head

Description

The Ampeg PF-500 Portaflex 500W Bass Amp Head is the solution for bass players demanding massive power and flexibility in an ultra-compact package. Delivering a staggering 500W of pure Ampeg tone, the PF-500 pairs perfectly with Ampeg's PF Series cabinets for a vintage-styled rig that is astonishingly portable.

Shape Your Sound With a Full Suite of Tone Controls

An extensive array of tone-shaping options provides complete control over your tone. Standard bass, mid and treble controls are augmented by a 5-position midrange selector for honing in on the perfect mid frequency. Ultra hi and lo boosts add further on-the-fly tone tweaking potential, while a built-in compressor keeps levels tight and punchy.

Direct Out and Effects Loop Offer Ultimate Flexibility

Whether recording in the studio or performing live, the PF-500 stands ready to interface with the outside world. A balanced direct out with pre/post-EQ selector, -40dB pad and ground lift provide a pristine signal path, while an effects loop with mix control and footswitchable operation—using the optional Ampeg AFP2 footswitch— grant access to time-based effects without compromising your core tone.

Roadworthy and Ready to Rock Wherever You Go

The PF-500 is ideal for bassists constantly on the go. Pair it with a PF Series cabinet to create a vintage-flavored rig that is astonishingly compact and portable. The rugged steel chassis and durable knobs are built to withstand the rigors of the road and provide years of dependable service. When it's time to rock, simply grab the carry handle and go—your massive tone will be right by your side.

Vintage Styling Meets Modern Versatility

While the PF-500 and PF Series cabs are modeled after Ampeg's iconic Portaflex designs of the 1960s, under the hood lives an advanced 21st-century amplifier delivering power, features and performance like never before. With the PF-500, you can achieve any tone—from vintage thump to modern grind—in a package infused with classic Ampeg style. The future of bass amplification has arrived.

Open Box Ampeg PF-500 Portaflex 500W Bass Amp Head Level 1
Open Box Ampeg PF-500 Portaflex 500W Bass Amp Head Level 1
Open Box Ampeg PF-500 Portaflex 500W Bass Amp Head Level 1

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
  • -15dB input pad
  • Mute (footswitchable with optional AFP2 switch)
  • Power supply: switching

Specs

  • 14"W x 3"H x 11"D
  • 11lb.

Reviews

3.63

35 Reviews

52%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend

Most Liked Positive Review

5

Well Worth it !

I've been through Basses and Amps since 1972 and there are just a handful of Amps that actually please and do their jobs when it comes to Playing Bass live. Here is one of them. I have to admit it is a Small Club Amp and if you want a review in that situation, here it is. This Amp is close to a 5 star but I gave it a 5. Reason for this is because if you do many small clubs and all you want to do is bring a small amp, cabinet and plug and go, here it is. This head is perfect for that. Light weight, simple plug and play and the tone is all there. Yea, we get loud and the amp does handle this easily. It also has plenty of deep bottom. I don't know what the other reviews are saying when it aint got thump, it has plenty. The only thing I will mention on the negative side it that the frequency presets ( 1 through 5 ) have just #1 that seems to be a real bass tone and it is limited at that. The rest of the numbers set up a harsh kinda tone from the mid bass to the middle bass tones. Although this limit is there, it does the job and better than you would think. It's just nice to have more control for different room sounds. Power, yes, tone, yea, Usability, yes. If you do small clubs and know how to play with real musicians where tone and volume are the essence of your musicianship, this Amp does it very well. I would recommend this to a seasoned player, this is not the kind of amp that will blow your friends out from a across the stage with screaming bass. BUT, it's close. Hope that helps.

VS

Most Liked Negative Review

1

Do not buy, design issue with this head

Had this unit for just over 3 years. First one I received smoked when I turned it on. Guitar Center offered a quick replacement and I purchased the 3 year warranty. 3 months after the warranty ended the unit died again. If you search the internet you will find there is a issue with this head that causes the fault light to trigger. I had ignored the reviews, wish I hadn't. Neither guitar center or ampeg was willing to offer me any help. I wanted a good story to tell, unfortunately these companies did not provide that opportunity.

Filters
Best Uses
  1. Performances13
  2. Home Studio10
  3. Amateur Recording7
  4. Outdoor Events / Games5
  5. Professional Recording3
Cons
  1. Weak8
  2. Difficult To Use2
  3. Limited Functions2
  4. Poor Sound Quality2
  5. After 2 years, have not found the sound I like1
Describe Yourself
  1. Experienced15
  2. Professional Musician9
  3. Novice1
Pros
  1. Easy To Use19
  2. Excellent Sound19
  3. Portable19
  4. Warm / Comfy13
  5. Good Power Output11

Reviewed by 35 customers

  • I play faster and smoother with this amp, !!

    5

    submitted3 years ago

    byNate

    fromCO

    I personally can't find a bass tone I like more than ampeg pro, Its the sound I'm allways trying to get, combined with a poping bass and boiled bass strings. This amp also made bass ezer to play even with the compression all the way off, it made me a better bassist in one day!!! Its a step up from any combo I played including Ampeg combos. I love it. The mid range frequency selector and the High and Low Boosts make it really EZ to get the perfect bass tone for any mix. tones of fun getting the perfect tone and playing over different backing track and drummer videos. I think a magical recording is where the bass interacts with the kick drum in a way where they start to sound like the same instrument. That is EZ to accomplish with the controls on this amp. Love It. I got mine used and the Fault light does come on every once in a while but if you read the manual it is supposed to do that as a warning that it is getting hot before it automatically shuts off to prevent it from overheating. I have run it for about 5 hours and seen the fault light every once in a while but it never overheated. I see no problem with it.

  • Good for practice at home

    4

    submitted3 years ago

    byElisha

    fromRockville

    I got this with the Ampeg PF 2x10 to replace my rumble 500 because I wanted more versatility that comes in a stack versus a custom combo. After playing side by side with the rumble for a week I observed that the rumble has a lot more umph when set to identical settings. I ended up taking it back and keeping the rumble with the ampeg 2x10 until I can get the PF800 with the 1x15 HE. I cannot deny that the Ampeg tone was preferable (to me at least). But you're really only getting 350 watts to the speaker, which isn't really great for more than practice at home.

  • not quite, but close

    4

    submitted3 years ago

    byElisha

    fromRockville, MD

    I picked this guy up with the Ampeg 2x10 replace a rumble 500 combo, and quickly found out the output for a single speaker was limited to only 350 on a single cabinet (just like the rumble)… I was hoping to build a piece-meal Frankenstack and buy the other cabinets later. After playing it next to the rumble 500 that I added the 2x10 I ended up keeping the cabinet to add to the rumble and returned the head, since I already have a 500 watt head with great tone. If you really need to contend with a loud drummer, you will need 2 cabinets with this guy…

  • DO NOT GET, YOULL REGRET DOWN THE ROAD

    1

    submitted3 years ago

    byNick

    fromDetroit Michigan

    AMP HAS INHERENT ISSUES THAT AMPEG DOESNT WANT TO FIX. PF = PORTA FAIL. I was practicing with my band, not even pushing the head cause I know how to take care of my gear, And then "Poof" literally, made a poof and fault light came on and died. TLDR Ampeg doesn't want to fix it.

  • Thanks but no thanks

    2

    submitted3 years ago

    byRamon

    fromSt Louis Mo.

    Sounds great... Tone is amazing UNTIL YOU PLAY WITH YOUR DRUMMER....that's the true test...with any product. I tried it on mesa 2 12 cab and separately on Marbass "15 . This one drops the ball when it comes to low end power. I'VE felt morer power with less wattage from other Ampeg heads

  • Very good amp for the price

    5

    submitted3 years ago

    byJohn

    fromFort Worth Tx

    This amp is very good for practice and small to medium gigs. I bought this so I didn't have to lug around my 40lb head to practice everyone in the love they way it sounds. So far no issues.

Q&A

Have a question about this product? Our expert Gear Advisers have the answers.

  • submitted7 years ago

    asked byBobby

    fromTennessee

    I noticed that the amp has 2 different speaker Jack's. I have an Acoustic B410 and B115. Can I plug one speaker into the 1/4" Jack and the other speaker cab into the other one? Thank you!

    Open Reply - Kenneth
    Yes, you can chain the speakers like that