Ashdown Engineering

CTM-300 Head

£2,599.00
The Ashdown CTM-300 stands as a testament to the timeless allure of classic tube heads, while embracing the demands of modern bassists. This 300W valve masterpiece is meticulously hand built in the UK's Ashdown Custom Shop, ensuring top-notch quality and reliability.
 
Housed within an 18mm Marine grade birch ply cabinet, the CTM-300 boasts rugged construction, complete with heavy-duty flip-style handles and an internal fan for optimal cooling during those relentless gigging sessions. This amplifier is engineered for longevity, utilizing only the finest components to guarantee years of trouble-free performance.
 
At its core, the CTM-300 features a classic five-valve preamp configuration and a robust power section powered by six KT88 output tubes, delivering the immense grunt, warmth, and headroom that bassists crave. Whether you're seeking the mellow tones of the '60s, the growling power of '70s rock, or the contemporary punch of today, this amp covers a vast spectrum of sonic ground. Engage the Mellow button for smooth, warm, clean tones, or push it out to achieve pure valve-driven growl.
 
With standard tone controls and additional features like Deep, Mid Shift, and Bright switches, you can fine-tune your sound to perfection. The interactive nature of these controls allows you to sculpt your tone precisely as you envision it.
 
The CTM-300's user-adjustable bias for each individual power tube saves you the hassle and cost of tech visits while ensuring your amp maintains its peak performance. You can easily set the bias by using the dual-function VU meter on the front panel, which also indicates tube or fuse failure. Speaking of tubes, they are individually fused and user-replaceable without removing the unit from its case.
 
For studio and stage versatility, the CTM-300 features a tube-driven, transformer-derived DI output with an isolated ground for pristine sound quality and consistent output. Additionally, the front-mounted effects loop, also tube-driven, preserves your tone for maximum impact.
 
In summary, the Ashdown CTM-300 is not just an amplifier; it's a powerful statement of sonic craftsmanship, combining the best of the past with the demands of the present. Elevate your bass game with this tube-driven masterpiece.
Please Note:
Direct purchases NOT available in the United States
Find your local dealer HERE
Amp Review of CTM300 & CTM15
Mark Gooday (founder of Ashdown) and Marc (from Chicago Music Exchange) slap some bass and give one hell of an in-depth review on Ashdown's newest additions to their Valve amp series. Enjoy

SPECIFICATIONS

  • Power Output - 300 Watts
  • Power Handling - 750 Watts
  • Power Requirement - 115-240 Volts
  • Speaker Outputs - Speakon/Jack
  • Frequency Response - 35Hz - 18Khz
  • High Instrument Input - 450MV
  • Low Instrument Input - 150MV
  • DI Output - Valve Driven Transformer Derived

  • Output Impedance - 2 Ohm Minimum
  • EQ - Passive EQ Section. Bass, Middle and Treble plus shape push buttons
  • Effects Send - Jack
  • Effects Return - Jack
  • Pre-Amp Tubes - 1 x ECC83, 1 x ECC832, 1 x ECC99, 2 x ECC82
  • Output Tubes - 6 x KT88
  • H x W x D (mm) - 266 x 590 x 336
  • Weight (kg) - 28.2

Ashdown KT88 output tubes
Classic all-valve tone
With a classic five valve preamp configuration and a fully-loaded power section consisting of 6 x KT88 output tubes to provide the huge grunt, warmth and headroom bassists crave, this is a serious bass amplifier to be called into action when only the best will do.
Ashdown CTM 300 Bass, Middle, Treble controls
Flexible tone shaping
From mellow '60s bass tone to growling '70s-style bass, straight through to thick and powerful modern tone, the CTM-300 covers a huge range of sonic ground. Hit the Mellow button to engage smooth, warm, clean tones – or punch it out to dial-in pure valve overdriven growl.

Standard tone controls give you a wide range of uber-musical sounds, while Deep, Mid Shift, and Bright switches let you fine-tune your tone to the situation. The EQ section is a passive tone circuit - meaning if all controls are at zero there will be no sound through the amp. All the controls are highly interactive, giving you the possibility to dial in exactly what tone you want. Don’t be scared to dial the pots all the way to get the most from the controls.
Ashdown CTM 300 VU meter
Tube life preserver
Saving costly and time consuming trips to the Tech and keeping your amp sounding better for longer, the CTM-300 features user adjustable bias for each individual power tube which can be set by engaging the bias mode of the dual function VU meter on the front panel. Each output tube is individually fused and user replaceable without removing the unit from its case (meter also indicates tube or fuse failure).
Ashdown CTM 300 DI output and Effects Loop input
Tube-driven DI & Effects Loop
To get your tone direct to the desk in the studio or on stage, the CTM-300 features a tube-driven, transformer-derived DI output with an isolated ground to deliver maximum sonic purity and consistent output night after night.

Similarly, the front-mounted effects loop is also tube-driven for maximum tonal preservation.

CTM WARM UP PROCEDURE

1. Turn on the preheat only to warm up the tubes and allow the bias supply to stabilise (this will take about 2 minutes to heat the KT88 power tubes).
2. Turn on the main HT wait another minute for the tubes to continue warming.
The amp is now ready to play, it's a good idea to start at lower volumes for a short while and ramp up the volume gradually for the first 10 mins.
If pausing (half-time during a set etc) use the MUTE switch to silence the amplifier. This means that the CTM will not require additional time to warm up after playing.

The CTM, once on, should not be disturbed and be left running at full until the session is over.

CTM POWER DOWN PROCEDURE

Power down is the reverse of the Warm Up Procedure.
1. Switch off the main HT, wait a couple of minutes.
2. Switch off the preheat.
It is a good idea to allow the amp to cool down before moving if time allows.

Resources

CTM 300 User Manual
Download

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