Darkglass Microtubes X900

Microtubes X 900

Darkglass Microtubes X 900 bass amp: the X pedal as a head

This is the Microtubes X 900 from Darkglass, out of Helsinki, Finland. Basically, it takes the preamp from their X series pedals and puts it in a 900-watt Class D head. In other words, you get 900 watts at 4 ohm and 450 watts at 8 ohm, in a box that weighs 2.9 kilos.

The Microtubes X Engine

The heart of the Darkglass Microtubes X 900 is the X Engine, because it splits your signal into two bands. First, the lows get compressed and stay clean and solid. Meanwhile, the highs get distorted, from articulate to really aggressive.

Furthermore, the HPF sets where the distortion starts, from 100 Hz for a thick, fuzzy sound to 1 kHz for ultra-sharp definition. Likewise, the LPF sets how much of the low end goes to the compressor. Then Mix blends the two bands, and Comp sets how hard the lows are compressed.

Six-band graphic EQ

Then, after the X Engine, comes the EQ. So you get bass at 80 Hz, four mids at 250 Hz, 500 Hz, 1.5 kHz and 3 kHz, and treble at 5 kHz. Also, each band goes plus or minus 12 dB. As a result, it’s very easy to dial in exactly the mid you need.

In addition, there’s a clean compressor for the clean channel, a passive/active switch for your bass, and three cabinet IRs you can switch between, or bypass for a rawer sound.

Darkglass Suite

Darkglass Suite on the Microtubes X 900

When you use the Darkglass Suite on your computer, you can pick any impulse response from the Darkglass library. Also, you can load your own IRs via USB. Moreover, the Suite controls the channel settings for the Super Intelligent Footswitch.

Connections

Besides that, on the back you get a pre DI and a post DI on XLR, a preamp out, MIDI in, USB, aux in and a headphone out with the cabinet IRs. Consequently, the Microtubes X 900 works for stage, studio and quiet practice at home.

Also, there’s a Min-Load button for low loads and a ground lift for the DI.

The Intelligent Footswitch

The Intelligent Footswitch is a simple but useful extra for the Darkglass Microtubes X 900. First, one tap turns the distortion on and off. However, if you hold it for 3 seconds, it mutes the amp. Furthermore, it connects with a standard 1/4″ cable.

Why we dig the Darkglass Microtubes X 900

In short, it’s the Darkglass X sound we all know from the pedals, with power for days and a very flexible EQ. So, what’s not to like?