Darkglass MicroTubes 500v2 User manual

OWNER’S MANUAL

DESCRIPTION

The Microtubes 500 v2 is a 500W amplifier equipped
with an all analog preamplifier, Class D Power Module
and a digital impulse response cabinet emulator for DI
outputs or headphones.

Probably the first thing you will notice from the
Microtubes 500 is its unusual control layout: On the
right side you’ll find the clean section which is the
foundation of your sound.

It features a Master volume and active 6 band EQ.
Along with the mandatory Low and Treble controls you
will find 250Hz, 500Hz, 1.5KHz, 3KHz sliders. Character
is all in the midrange, by having 4 dedicated Mid
controls allow you to cover the whole mid range
(250Hz to 3kHz) you have total control and flexibility
over the amplifier’s character.

On the left side, by the Input jack you will find the
Microtubes® Engine which acts as an extra channel
that can bring your crisp clean sound to the next level
by helping you cut through any mix while adding
anything from subtle tube break up, harmonics and
natural compression to obliterating distortion.

The Microtubes Engine can be engaged from the front
panel or via our own digitally controlled Intelligent
Footswitch (jack on rear panel). Besides engaging the
Microtubes circuitry you can hold the actuator to Mute
the amplifier.

The Intelligent Footswitch is housed in an elegant,
laser engraved unibody chassis and requires a
standard ¼” mono cable (not included) for it’s full
operation.

This deceivingly simple feature allows for maximum
power adaptability: It doesn’t matter the cabinet
configuration or power requirements, the Microtubes
500 will deliver accordingly.

FEATURES

FRONT PANEL

INPUT : Use this jack to connect your instrument via a
standard ¼” mono cable.

PASSIVE/ACTIVE : Use this push-button switch to change
from passive to active mode. If your bass is active it can
have a hotter signal making the amp to distort early (feel
free to use if such additional distortion is desired).

MICROTUBES: Use this push button to turn on or off the
Microtubes Engine to add natural compression, organic
harmonic enhancement, and saturation ranging from
mild overdrive to high gain bass rage.

The Microtubes Engine operates before the 6 band EQ
section (you can therefore use the 6 Band Active EQ for
additional tone shaping in addition to the Tone knob
described below).