Much like Andy’s original ODS amps were initially inspired by the legendary Dumble amps, the new Fuchs FBT-1 bass amps have found their inspiration from the iconic SVT bass amps, but with Andy’s own enhancements.
Andy has years of experience as a working musician, as well as servicing and tweaking guitar and bass amps for many famous clients as diverse as Carlos Santana through jammers like Jimmy Herring, including jazz legends like Dave Stryker for over 40 years.
Fuchs’ 20-year list of reviews and endorsers is truly impressive to say the least.
Despite weighing over 80 lbs the infamous Ampeg SVT amps still became a benchmark for stellar bass tones. Andy’s design challenge was to get that awesome tube amp response and feel, but at a more manageable weight and size. By using the iconic Ice power modules and a very unique hybrid tube/FET preamp running a switch mode power supply at a full 300 volts, Fuchs was able to do exactly this in a remarkably small size.
The FBT-1 bass amps will be made available in 300 and 700 watt models, they feature a tube preamp inspired by the classic SVT, but with improvements like a steep-slope subsonic filter and a DI output using high speed audiophile op amps. The DI output is electrically balanced pre/post switch, ground lift, DI Phase, and a global mute switch.
Preamp only versions will be forthcoming.
Small and light, (downright diminutive) at less than 5-lbs and 12 x 3 x 9, loud and clean, as well as easy to operate, the FBT-1 amps will easily fit in a gig bag, run ice-cold, and feature a well thought out, simple configuration for the working musician.
These amps feature an input gain control allowing both passive and active bass use, Baxandall high and low controls, a parametric 5-way stepped midrange control with level and frequency control and an output master volume.
All models use the industry-standard Ice power modules, which are known for their rock-solid reliability and excellent cool-running, audio performance. These amps feature a buffered patch loop between the preamp and power amp.
A preamp only version will start shipping Q4 2023.
All amps are CE and RoHs compliant and operate on all global voltages automatically.