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Fender’s First Signature Bass Amp





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Fender’s ACB 50 marks the very first signature bass amp in the company’s storied history, and trust us when we tell you that they picked a winner! Designed closely with legendary U2 bassist Adam Clayton, the ACB 50 is an all-tube 1 x 15-inch bass combo amplifier that combines the best vintage-era Fender tube tone and modern performance features. The 2-channel design provides two flexible voices: plug into Channel One to harness the power of Fender’s iconic Blackface-era bass tones; meanwhile, Channel Two takes a more modern approach with a flatter frequency response. Moreover, the rear panel sports more than a few updated features that weren’t available on any vintage-era Fender bass amp, including a 1/4-inch Balance Line Out, an XLR Balanced Direct Out, and a Ground Lift switch. Whether you want to cop some of Adam’s iconic lines or yearn for the warm, harmonic richness only tube tone can provide, you’ll find exactly what you’re looking for in the Fender ACB 50.





Related Videos: ACB 50 1 x 15-inch 50-watt Adam Clayton Signature Bass Combo Amp


Black-panel vintage warmth and modern flat frequencies





The ACB 50 is packed with two distinctly voiced channels to provide you with a vast array of versatile tones.





Channel One: This channel is all classic Blackface Fender, with an extended control section for modern flexibility. If you’re after the gritty, driving tone marking Adam’s sonic signature in U2 for the better part of a half-century, this channel will likely be your go-to. What’s more, Channel One features an extended control section, including bog-standard Treble and Bass control, in addition to a mighty midrange boost section.


Channel Two: The ACB 50 may be inspired by the tube amps of the past, but Channel Two proves that this amp is no mere replication. This channel delivers a significantly more modern feel, courtesy of a flat frequency response and a no-nonsense control scheme of volume, treble boost/cut, and bass boost/cut.


All-tube tone, but with a modern twist





While DIs, modelers, and solid-state amplifiers have become standard-issue tools for the modern bassist, it’s tough to top a true tube amplifier’s warm, gritty, and dynamic feel. This amplifier’s 6L6 power section and 12AX7/12AT7 preamp section harken back to the legendary tube-packed bass amps of Fender’s golden era, boasting a vibrant sound and 50 watts of powerful punch. Plus, this amp is by no means a strict callback to the old school ? the ACB 50 features an XLR balanced direct out and 1/4-inch balanced line-out for effortless live sound and recording setups. Finally, a ground-lift switch completes the package by helping to eliminate any unwanted noise when utilizing the balanced direct out.





Inspired by one 4-string legend





The ACB 50 is Fender’s first signature bass amp model, and Sweetwater’s 4-string fanatics agree that Adam Clayton is undoubtedly worthy. Adam’s driving tone has carried U2 from their raw post-punk beginnings all the way to their stadium-rock dominance, establishing the core of the band’s rhythmic backbone. As any U2 fan knows, the band has a history of drastically shaking up their sound on a whim ? it’s a testament to the ACB 50’s sheer versatility that a bassist as flexible and diverse as Adam has so wholeheartedly endorsed its true tube tone!





Fender ACB 50 Bass Combo Tube Amplifier Features:


Fender’s very first signature bass amp, designed in collaboration with U2’s Adam Clayton


50 watts of harmonic-rich all-tube tone, sporting dual 6L6s and a 12AX7/12AT7 preamp section ? just like Fender’s golden-era bass amps


Eminence Neo 15-inch speaker dishes out a superior low-end punch with exceptional definition in the upper ranges


2-channel design offers both classic Blackface-era Fender style and a more modern flat frequency curve


Plenty of modern features fine-tuned for the performing bassist, including an XLR balanced direct out, ground lift, and ¼-inch balanced line-out


Lightweight plywood cabinet enclosure with caster sockets for easy transportation