Pure Analog Distortion Meets Modern Digital Precision
The Guitar Sanctuary is proud to present the Darkglass Electronics Alpha-Omega 500 Compact Bass Head. Combining 500 Watts of pristine, solid-state power with Darkglass’s legendary dual distortion engines, the AO500 delivers unmatched sonic versatility in a compact, gig-ready chassis.
Designed for modern bassists who require absolute clarity and brutal saturation without hauling heavy rigs, the Alpha-Omega 500 features two distinct drive circuits: the Alpha engine, offering focused, punchy, and articulate tone; and the Omega engine, delivering raw, aggressive, and open saturation. Use the Mod control to blend between both circuits or run them clean to capture every nuance of your instrument’s natural voice.
Advanced Tone Sculpting and Digital Capabilities
Equipped with a highly responsive 6-band graphic EQ, the Alpha-Omega 500 allows you to surgically shape your frequency spectrum. For studio recording or silent stage setups, the built-in Impulse Response (IR) cabinet simulation delivers realistic, high-definition speaker tones directly through the XLR DI output or headphone jack, editable via the Darkglass Suite application.
Why Choose the Alpha-Omega 500?
- Dual Engine Drive: Seamlessly blend between punchy Alpha and aggressive Omega distortion circuits.
- 6-Band Graphic EQ: Precise frequency control tailored specifically for modern bass performance.
- Custom Cab Sim IRs: Store up to three custom impulse responses for effortless studio and front-of-house direct feeds.
- Gig-Ready Portability: 500 Watts of high-efficiency RMS power housed in an ultra-lightweight aluminum chassis.
Technical Specifications:
- Power Output: 500W RMS @ 4 Ohms / 250W RMS @ 8 Ohms
- Preamp Circuit: Analog with digital control switching
- Equalization: 6-Band Graphic EQ (Low Shelf, 250Hz, 500Hz, 1.5kHz, 3kHz, High Shelf)
- Inputs: 1/4" Instrument Input with Passive/Active Switch, 3.5mm Aux In
- Outputs: SpeakON / 1/4" Combo Speaker Output, Balanced XLR DI Out with Ground Lift
- Digital Features: USB-C Port for Darkglass Suite connection, Headphone Out with Cab Sim
- Dimensions: 9.1" x 7.1" x 2.8" (230mm x 180mm x 71mm)
- Weight: 5.3 lbs (2.4 kg)
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).
Distortion: Use this push button to turn on or off the Alpha·Omega Engine™ to add natural compression, organic harmonic enhancement, and saturation ranging from mild overdrive to high gain bass rage. The Alpha·Omega Engine operates before the clean section (you can therefore use the 6-Band Active EQ for additional tone shaping).
Bite: Boosts high mids (2.8kHz) for additional presence and definition.
Growl: Shelving Bass Boost for a fatter tone and increased low end saturation.
Compression: This knob controls the amount of dynamic compression added to the Alpha·Omega Engine. The make up gain is adjusted automatically. The compression can be turned off or assigned using the Darkglass Suite.
Drive: This knob controls the amount of distortion that the Alpha·Omega Engine will deliver. It will change from a soft, warm overdrive to a massive and modern distortion sound.
Level: Use this knob to control Alpha·Omega Engine’s output volume.
Blend: Use this knob to mix between the Clean signal and the DIstortion signal (Alpha·Omega Engine).
Mod: Selects or mixes between the two distinct distortion circuits: Alpha is punchy, tight with a lot of definition, whereas Omega is simply brutal and raw.
Bass: +-12dB at 80Hz. Use this knob to change the low-end content of the signal.
Mids: +-12dB at 250, 500, 1.5K and 3Khz. This graphic EQ control the mid content of the signal.
Treble: +-12dB at 5kHz. Use this knob to change the high content of the signal.
Master: Use this knob to control the overall volume of the amplifier.
Mute: Use this push button to mute the amplifier.
Speaker Output: Use this connector to connect the amplifier to your cabinet. This Speakon combo jack allows for either Speakon or ¼” speaker cable operation. (WARNING: Do not use an instrument cable with this jack. Using an instrument cable can damage your amplifier.)
Send: Use this output to send the signal to effects pedals.
Return: Use this input to receive the signal from effects pedals. Master volume control is after this input.
Ground Lift: Use this control to lift the ground of the DI XLR output. If you are experiencing ground noise in your DI signal try changing the setting of this control.
DI Output: Use this connector to send your signal to the console, mic preamp, interface, etc. Both signals are available (Bypass and the amp signal with cabinet simulation) and are switched from the cab select switch.
USB: The USB connector allows you to use the Darkglass Suite to load different cabinet impulses or change different parameters on your amp.
Headphone Output: Connect your Headphones and enjoy the impulse based cabinet emulation.
AUX IN: Use this connector to provide to the Headphone output music from your laptop, cellphone, mp3 player, etc.
Cabinet Select: Use this switch to navigate between the 3 different cabinet impulses or the clean DI signal.
Footswitch: The Optional Intelligent Footswitch is a proprietary digitally controlled device that allows you to remotely engage and disengage the Alpha·Omega Engine. You can also hold the footswitch to Mute the amplifier. You can also hold the footswitch to Mute the amplifier. The distortion push button will remain operational with the Intelligent Footswitch plugged in. (NOTE: You can use a regular mono instrument cable to connect the amplifier to the footswitch, You must remove the cable from the footswitch jack in the rear panel if you want to control the amp from the front panel.)
AC Socket: Use this connector to feed electric power to the amplifier. 100 - 230 VAC, 50Hz-60.
AC Power ON/OFF: Use this Switch to release the audio energy from your bass.
WARNINGS:
No user-serviceable parts inside the amplifier. Do not open the amp.
Never use the amp at a high moisture environment or near liquids.
The Alpha·Omega 500 can deliver more than 115 dB of power. Exposure to this level of sound can damage your hearing. Use proper hearing protection if you will be exposed.
The Alpha·Omega can deliver more than 500 Watts. Be sure that your speaker cabinet is able to deliver that power.
Do not cover the vent holes. The Fan and vent holes are part of the cooling system of the amp. Covering the vent holes can damage the power amp by overheating it.
Don’t use an instrument cable as speaker cable. An instrument cable is not designed to deliver the type of power signals sent from the amplifier to the speaker.
We are open Tuesday-Saturday from 10am until 6pm CDT.
Any order placed before 3pm CDT Tuesday through Saturday is processed for shipment the same day. Orders placed Sunday-Monday will be processed for shipment the following Tuesday.
For Free Shipping items, Effects pedals and small goods items are generally shipped via USPS Priority Mail, and Guitars and Amplifiers are generally shipped via UPS Ground.
Due to our central location in the middle of the US, most orders will be delivered within 1-3 days delivery time.
Other shipping methods are available (at an additional cost), including next day air.
Please call us directly at (972)540-6420 if you have any questions regarding shipping for your order.
