Hartke LH500 500W Bass Amplifier Head

Professional 500W Bass Amplifier Head for Warm Tube Tone and Stage Power

The Hartke LH500 Bass Amplifier Head is a powerful 500-watt hybrid bass amp designed for professional musicians who need high headroom, reliable stage performance, and classic tube-driven warmth. It combines a 12AX7 Class-A tube preamp with a solid-state power section, delivering a rich, dynamic tone with strong low-end control and clear articulation.

Ideal for live performance, rehearsal environments, and studio rigs, the LH500 is built for bassists who want straightforward control, massive output, and a responsive analog-style feel.

12AX7 Tube Preamp for Warm, Dynamic Bass Tone

At the heart of the LH500 is a high-voltage 12AX7 Class-A tube preamp that adds natural harmonic richness and warmth to your bass signal. Paired with a solid-state power amp, it delivers both vintage character and modern reliability.

Key Performance Features

• 500 watts of power at 4 ohms (350 watts at 8 ohms)
• 12AX7 Class-A tube preamp for warm analog tone
• Bass and Treble shelving EQ for broad tone shaping
• Mid-peak EQ control for mix presence
• Selectable Brite switch for enhanced high-frequency response

Simple, Powerful Tone Shaping

The LH500 uses a straightforward tone stack design that allows fast and intuitive sound adjustments on stage. Its EQ layout is designed for live performance, giving bassists immediate control over core frequencies without complicated menus.

• 3-band EQ (Bass, Mid, Treble) for essential tone control
• Selectable limiter for controlled peak output
• Brite switch for added clarity and attack
• Front-panel layout optimized for live adjustments

Professional Connectivity for Stage and Studio

The LH500 is equipped with all essential connectivity options required for professional bass setups, making it easy to integrate into PA systems, recording rigs, and pedalboards.

• Front-panel XLR balanced direct output for PA systems
• Rear-panel 1/4” effects loop for external pedals
• Dual 1/4” speaker outputs for cabinet connection
• Compatible with a wide range of bass speaker cabinets

Road-Ready Rackmount Construction

Built for touring reliability, the LH500 features a rugged 2U rackmount chassis with a steel faceplate and reinforced handles. Its durable design ensures long-term performance under demanding stage and transport conditions.

• 2U rackmount metal chassis for professional installations
• Steel front panel with reinforced construction
• Built for touring, live gigs, and studio setups
• Reliable thermal and electrical protection system

High-Headroom Performance for Live Bass Players

The LH500 delivers clean, powerful output with significant headroom, making it suitable for medium to large venues. It maintains clarity and punch even at high volume levels, ensuring your bass cuts through dense live mixes.

Why Choose the Hartke LH500?

The Hartke LH500 is a trusted professional bass amplifier head that combines tube warmth, simple EQ control, and high-powered output. It is designed for bassists who want a reliable, no-nonsense stage amp with strong tonal character and excellent live performance capability.