Tech 21’s VT Bass 500 head merges an all-analog SansAmp preamp with 500 watts RMS of Class D power. Adapted from Tech 21’s SansAmp Character Series, the VT Bass 500 offers the tones of classic bass amp stacks in a compact head that weighs 6.5 pounds. The Character control alters the sonic structure of the tone, sweeping between decades of different voicings: from the early ’60s to classic “super valve” to thick flip-top funk, and from gnarly overdrive to massive distortion. Players can dial in complex bass tones with three-band, active EQ and full-range drive control. Bite provides a presence boost, which tightens up the sound in distorted settings and adds definition to notes when in clean settings. Blend adjusts the ratio of direct instrument signal and SansAmp Tube Amplifier Emulation circuitry. For details, call 973.777.6996 or visit tech21nyc.com.