Bass Gear Issue 7 : Page 14

more adept at fine-tuning than dramatic shifts, and seems more noticeable in the lows. This is due in part to the fact that the tone balance control is run in parallel to the input signal, so the inherent tone of the instrument is preserved. The compressor is nicely transparent when set fairly low. I like having both threshold and ratio controls (from 1:1 to 5:1), but I will note that if you get aggressive with each of them, it clamps down so hard, it is not really usable. The back panel cluster features a ground lift, headphone out, line out, sub out, footswitch (for mute and effects loop in/out), effects send/return, an aux in, and a DI with adjustable level and the option of sending a pre/post EQ signal. Comparatively Speaking While the two definitely strike a different pose, the amp three has a lot in common with one of my all-time favorite bass combos, the SWR Baby Blue II. After a bit of head-to-head comparison, the basic tone profiles were in the same ballpark, especially through the mids (though they each deliver the midrange in their own fashion). The SWR stood out as sounding smoother, overall; the BBII has this certain smooth sweetness to its high end that I just cannot replicate with any other combo. The AER is louder, bigger in the lows, brighter (colour on), and more aggressive. The BBII is a touch more warm/round. With the colour turned on, the AER was more articulate and clear, but with it off, the SWR is more clear and present up high. I was also able to compare the amp three to the Genz-Benz Shuttle 6.0/12. The Genz-Benz is more airy up high, more open and clear through the mids, but not as full down low. The AER is more full and round from top to bottom, much bigger in the lows, and seems to hit harder. When each combo is pushed hard, the AER has more low to low-mid punch, and the Shuttle has more upper-mid to high end attack. On the whole, these two combos put up a pretty fair fight, and it would certainly be a matter of personal tone preference more than differences in quality/features/capabilities which would declare a winner. Lasting Impressions If you can’t tell by now, I really liked this combo. The controls are very well thought out, it is tonally very flexible, and it has fullness and volume which seem to defy physics. It is nigh impossible to blow up, even when you try. It’s cute, but sturdy, and it comes in a cool padded carrying case. What’s not to love? Don’t miss the Zon Bass Guitar Giveaway!!! www.bassgearmag.com &#1f; %&& !$%#

Bass Gear Issue 7 : Page 14

Zon Guitars