TC Electronic Thrust BQ500 500W Bass Amp Head
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Description
The Thrust BQ500 bass head from TC Electronic packs 500W of thunderous low end into an astonishingly lightweight chassis. Built for bassists on the move, this micro head unleashes tube-like tone and feel with its MOSFET preamp while the advanced Class-D power amp delivers your sound across the stage or studio. With the BQ500, you get versatile sound shaping with a powerful 4-band EQ to dial in your signature bass tone. The balanced DI output makes it simple to plug straight into the mixing board or audio interface. Jam along in silence with the headphone out or use the AUX input to practice with your favorite tracks. When you need portable power with professional sound, the BQ500 bass head brings heavyweight performance in a featherweight package.
Take Studio-Quality Tone Anywhere With a MOSFET Preamp
The BQ500 harnesses a MOSFET preamp design to recreate the dynamic response and rich harmonics of classic tube amplifiers in a compact, road-ready unit. Drive the MOSFET preamp to add warmth and growl to your sound, backed by tight, focused lows from the 500W Class-D power section. Dial in the perfect balance of grit and clarity with the BQ500's passive/active switch, which optimizes the preamp for passive or active bass pickups. Whether you crave an old-school tube vibe or modern clean punch, the MOSFET preamp brings studio-grade tone to every gig.
Variable Compression and Useful Features for Practice, Recording and Live Gigs
The BQ500 also includes a single-knob compressor with variable threshold control, allowing you to dial in just the right amount of compression for punchy, tight bass lines. The amp has a headphone jack for silent practice sessions, complete with speaker emulation for an authentic amp "in the room" feel. No more complaints from family or neighbors. The balanced DI output provides an easy way to connect to a mixing board for live shows or plug straight into your audio interface to lay down bass tracks. Rugged steel construction ensures the BQ500 is ready for the demands of touring. When you need pro-level bass power with ultimate portability, plug into the TC Electronic Thrust BQ500.
Shape Your Sound With a Flexible 4-Band EQ
Having the right EQ at your fingertips is crucial for honing your signature bass tone. The BQ500 equips you with parametric mids and 3-band shelving EQ, giving you immense tonal control. Boost lows to fill out the foundation, add bite and cut to the mids and let the highs sing. The parametric mid band lets you target the exact frequencies you want to shape, with a wide Q sweep for broad or focused adjustments. Whether you need thick, booming bass or crisp, articulate tones, the 4-band EQ provides the tools to craft your ideal sound.
Aux Input and Speaker Emulated Headphone Out For Silent Practice
With its Aux input and headphone output, the BQ500 doubles as a versatile practice tool. Plug your phone into the Aux input and jam along to songs or backing tracks with studio-like tone. The speaker emulated headphone out recreates the sound of your bass through a real cabinet for quiet practice at home or in your hotel room. Whether you want to sharpen your chops or refine the perfect tone, the BQ500 has the connectivity you need.



Features
- 500 Watt portable micro bass head amplifier for stage and studio
- Compact and lightweight design for ultimate portability
- Cutting-edge Class-D amplifier technology for incredible power and sonic performance
- High-voltage Mosfet preamplifier for authentic sound and feel of a tube amp
- Thrust compressor for ultimate punch and to capture every nuance of your playing
- 4-band EQ section provides ultimate tone shaping control
- Balanced DI output with pre/post EQ routing for direct connection to mixing consoles and recording equipment
- Studio-quality headphone amplifier with speaker emulation for personal practice and silent rehearsals
- Auxiliary rehearsal input for playback through speaker or headphones
- Speaker output on premium speakON* connector (4 Ohm minimum load)
- Amplifier protected against short circuits, thermal overload and low speaker impedance for enhanced reliability
- Rugged steel amplifier chassis designed for life on the road
- Auto-ranging universal switch-mode power supply for use worldwide
- 3-Year Warranty Program*
- Designed and engineered in Denmark
Specs
- Power: 500W
- Single channel
- Single input
- Active-passive switch
- Impedance: 4 ohm
- Controls: gain, thrust, 4-band EQ, master
- Built-in compressor
- Balanced DI output
- Built-in headphone amp with speaker emulation
- Aux. input
- Weight: 5.1 lb.
Featured Articles
Reviews
4.57
7 Reviews
100%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend
- Home Studio4
- Outdoor Events / Games4
- Performances4
- Amateur Recording1
- Experienced4
- Professional Musician2
- Novice1
- Excellent Sound7
- Portable7
- Good Power Output6
- Easy To Use5
- Warm / Comfy4
Reviewed by 7 customers
Thrust BQ500 review
Verified Buyer
submitted3 months ago
byHarley's and Fenders
fromSan Tan Valley, AZ
Submitted as part of a sweepstakes
I have a Markbass "Little mark III" head but wanted something as powerful but more portable. This guy fits the bill perfectly! Running it through my Ashdown 2x10 extension or the 1X15 it delivers a warm, full rich sound. Pairing it with both speakers I seriously doubt I'll need anything more. Only drawback in my opinion is the output is the "SPEAKON" connection and not the standard 1/4" jack. I had to purchase a couple, but GC had those at my nearest store.
Great amp. Good power and sound.
submitted5 years ago
byWally-World
fromNC
Great sound. Amazed how easy it is to use (set tone). Very quiet fan.
I would if I needed another.
Verified Buyer
submitted5 years ago
byMar Thoma II D.D.
fromCorralitos, CA
To power a Bag End 12 inch 200 watt at 8 ohms.
Worth the price
submitted5 years ago
byDG
fromSeattle
Lala
Great for the price.
submitted5 years ago
byFoster
fromMobile Al
Replacing blown favorite Carvin amp. This sounds great and has most of what I need without paying 800/900$ Nice uncolored sound. Plenty of volume. So far so good.
Great product- would definitely recommend.
submitted6 years ago
byDr. Bob
fromParsippany, NJ
Great product- I bought this for home practice. It is just what I needed. Very well built and light and portable. I put it on my desk and plug in headphones and a MP3 player and set to go. I can also plug into a speaker cabinet and sounds great (love the Speakon connector). I normally use a Markbass CMP121 combo for small gigs and use the New York 1X 12 extension cabinet for larger venues but now I can use the TC head with the extension cabinet to take advantage of the sound variations with this amp.
Q&A
Have a question about this product? Our expert Gear Advisers have the answers.
submitted7 days ago
asked byNathaniel
fromHuntley, IL
Will this fit on the TC Electronic BC208 200W 2x8 Vertical Bass Speaker Cabinet?
Yes, it will.submitteda month ago
asked bypreston
fromJacksonville, AR
does this sound good for high gain/metal and hardcore bass tones
I'm sorry. I don't understand the question.submitted2 months ago
asked byRichard
fromInterlachen, Florida
what is the RMS output Thank You
A 500 watt peak would be about 190 watts RMSsubmitted6 years ago
asked bycrazy j.w.
fromkinston, nc
Does this amp come with a gig bag? Thanks!
This amp does not come with a case or gig bag.submitted6 years ago
asked byZero
fromTorrance, California
Can I use this on a 500 watts 2x10 that has 8 Ohm?
Yes, this will be compatiblesubmitted6 years ago
asked byFletch
fromBakersfield Ca
Can I pair this with an 8 ohm cabinet ?
No, I would recommend a 4ohm cabinet.