Yamaha BBT 500 bass modeling amplifier – includes Fender Bassman, Ampeg SVT, Tech 21 Sansamp, SWR, Hartke, Mesa and Sunn inspired profiles – early 2000s

The Yamaha BBT 500 is a powerful digital modeling bass amplifier from the early 2000s, built around a 24 bit DSP signal path paired with a solid state power stage rated at 500 watts. It provides multiple amp and voice profiles, a fully programmable memory system, a parametric EQ section, a compressor, a noise gate, MIDI functionality on some units, a DI output with speaker simulation, and a flexible set of I/O options. Yamaha designed the BBT series to be lightweight, reliable, and extremely adaptable for gigging bassists who needed a wide palette of tones in one compact enclosure. For these captures the cab simulation is turned off and the line out uses the internal EQ set completely neutral with all knobs at 5. This neutral setting may feel slightly gain shy compared to more sculpted presets, but it offers far more flexibility to end users who can shape the tone in their own environment without fighting baked in EQ. Every available profile was captured cleanly to highlight the character of the model rather than the cabinets. Two factory profiles are missing from this collection, specifically Fuzz and Flat, because the selector knob on my unit is faulty and does not allow me to access them. The remaining profiles work flawlessly and the BBT 500 reveals far more depth than its reputation suggests. The real issue these amps suffered from was the stock speakers supplied at launch. Through a proper cabinet this preamp section has real authority and I cannot wait to try it through my pair of 15 inch Altecs. Here is a quick reference for the captured profiles and their tonal intent: Normal: transparent solid state clean tone similar to modern SS heads Vintage: warm tube inspired sound similar to Bassman or vintage Ampeg circuits R and B: rounded and mid warm tone suited to soul, reggae and smooth bass lines Solid: tight and articulate solid state voice similar to SWR or Hartke amplifiers Tube: tube like behavior reminiscent of Ampeg SVT or similar rigs Classic: mid present classic rock voice with punch and focus Heavy: aggressive high gain voice recalling Sunn or Mesa styled stage rigs Drive: pushed preamp grit similar to a SansAmp or overdriven tube preamp Dist: full distortion suited for heavy and modern bass textures Everything was captured using the Matribox II as the DI, which ensures a clean and consistent front end for every NAM file.