Ashdown ABM-RPM-1 EVO-II 2006

I'm downsizing my bass rig, and am selling my beloved preamp, this Ashdown ABM-RPM-1 EVO-II. It's a preamp in 2U rackmount format, with the characteristic Ashdown warmth of a blended solid state/valve preamp stage, EQ with three rotary controls and four sliders, and a sub-harmonics generator.

It can be run into either a power amp, a combo amp via its FX return, or as a DI source.

Features:

• Three rotary EQ bands: 20dB cut/boost at 60Hz, 660Hz and 5kHz
• Four sliders: 15dB cut/boost at 180Hz, 340Hz, 1.3kHz and 2.6kHz
• EQ switchable in/out and flat/shaped
• Input switchable for passive or active instruments
• Blend control between the solid-state and valve stages, plus valve drive
• Ashdown sub-harmonic generator with its own level control
• Balanced DI out (no ground lift) with pre/post EQ switching
• Sub-bass output
• Tuner output (with mute button which kills the DI/outputs but leaves the tuner output live for silent tuning)
• Serial FX loop
• Line in for an external source
• Full range and low/high pass outputs (with low pass level and crossover frequency controls on rear panel)

The drive, shape, EQ and sub-harmonics are all independently selectable from the front-panel. It also supports footswitch selection, but no footswitch is included.

The valve (12AX7/ECC83) is the original from purchase (around 2005/6) and I've visually inspected it for any signs of failure: it's intact with no signs of fatigue. Audibly, there's no crackle/pop/hiss, and no obvious loss of output. Bear in mind it is 20 years old, so I can't make any claim as to when it might need to be replaced.

The pots are all smooth and quiet, and have been cleaned recently to preserve their operation. As the preamp has been mounted in a flight case for its entire life the fascia, controls and body panels are in excellent condition apart from a minor scratch on the top caused by mounting/unmounting.

The only other minor cosmetic imperfection is a slightly deformed rackmount lug (top right) that it received during its initial delivery to me over 20 years ago. I can confidently say it has suffered no damage or mishandling since then!

It has a detachable UK mains cable, which is included of course.