NAMM 2017: Ashdown B-Social Lite Desktop Bass Amp
Launched at NAMM 2016 and incorporating wireless connectivity, Bluetooth streaming of your personal device, USB recording and more, Ashdown Engineering changed the game with B-Social, branding it as “not just a bass amp”.
New for January 2017 Ashdown have taken everything that makes the B-social great and are pleased to now offer a slightly more laid back, refined and compact version of their iconic B-Social – Introducing the Ashdown B-Social Lite.
NAMM 2017: Ashdown B-Social Lite Desktop Bass Amp
Launched at NAMM 2016 and incorporating wireless connectivity, Bluetooth streaming of your personal device, USB recording and more, Ashdown Engineering changed the game with B-Social, branding it as “not just a bass amp”.
New for January 2017 Ashdown have taken everything that makes the B-social great and are pleased to now offer a slightly more laid back, refined and compact version of their iconic B-Social – Introducing the Ashdown B-Social Lite.
The B-Social Lite, or “The Socialite” (as we at Ashdown like to call it) lives up to its name and sets the trend with its cool, sleek styling. Like it’s bigger brother, the B-Social Lite allows for social jamming sessions thanks to its second instrument input – allowing bass players to play along with another bass player… or guitarist, keyboard player, violin, ukulele or drum machine – you name it!
The B-Social Lite is a highly lightweight and portal little fella that delivers 35 watts of signature Ashdown tone via a single custom dual-concentric 5” driver, specifically designed to deliver punchy a low-end character in the one of the most compact enclosures on the market.
The B-Social Lite has all of the talent and charisma of the standard B-Social, featuring Bluetooth 4.0 audio connectivity, Apptek input, balanced line output and stereo input. The only on-board technical feature differences between the two siblings being; the B-Social Lite does not come with wireless connectivity or USB recording.
When you’re not taking advantage of the B-Social Lite’s Bluetooth streaming feature – or if your using a non-Bluetooth transmitting device, you can use the balanced line-input. Whilst at the same time, handy mute switch and headphone output allow allows for silent practice.
A well-designed and intuitive top panel gives you complete control over every aspect of your tone. A responsive 3 band EQ lets you control the basics – varying between Bass, Middle and Treble, whilst the dedicated input one and input two controls let you individually adjust the volume of the duo of instruments plugged in to the B-Social Lite. A line control allows you to decide just how much backing track you want without having to touch the volume control of your iPhone, Laptop, MP3 player or other music device. Lastly, the master volume control is the commander-in-chief – defining the output of your entire mix.
The B-Social Lite sounds great with a wide range of instruments, but particularly good with acoustic guitar. The B-Social Lite builds on Ashdown’s existing reputation and heritage for creating great acoustic amplification, not forgetting that Ashdown Founder, Mark Gooday was indeed responsible for creating the world’s first acoustic amplification line in ventures past with the Trace Elliot Acoustic line.
Not strictly limited to the home, the Ashdown B-Social Lite model also features a stereo line out which allows players to connect up to an in-house rig and use for small gigs, meanwhile using the B-Social Lite itself as a great on stage monitor.
The B-Social-Lite if available in black or white finishes and comes complete with a gig-ready carry strap. Last, but certainly not least, Ashdown have thoughtfully produced a speaker grill to protect the B-Social-Lite’s speaker.
When compared with its big brother, The Lite retains a treasure chest full of features and acts as an outstanding multi-purpose, multi-instrument amplifier/home audio system.