The Fuchs FBT-300 and FBT-700 amps:
Much like our 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 tapped his 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 as inspiration for our new bass amps. Fuchs’ 20-year list of reviews and endorsers is truly impressive to say the least.
Despite weighing over 80 lbs the infamous SVT © amps have become 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 truly 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 and lightweight package.
The FBT-1 bass amps (and our FBS solid state amps) share identical panels and chassis and are 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 and a regulated power supply. The DI output is electrically balanced pre/post switch, ground lift, DI Phase, and a global mute switch.
Small and light, (downright diminutive) at less than 5-lbs and 12 x 3 x 9, they are loud and clean. Want some dirt ? Raise the input gain and lower the master volume. Want total clean, lower the input gain and raise the master. They are super easy to operate, and 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. A Fuchs gig bag designed for all models is coming soon.
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. With the midrange pot in the ‘0’ position the circuit is flat. In this mode the bass and treble pots emulate the classic B-15 amps we know and love. Use the mid circuit for boost and cut of up to 20 db at a choice of 5 frequencies.
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. All amps offer worldwide automatic line voltage selection. Wherever you are, they automatically set their own line voltage. All amps are CE and RoHs compliant.
FBT-300 6 lbs 12 x 3 x 9 chassis. FBT-700 6 lbs 12 x 3 x 9 chassis.
FBT-300: 300W at 1% THD+N, 4Ohm • 260W at 0.1% THD+N, 4Ohm • 380W at 10% THD+N, 4Ohm • 450W at 1% THD+N, 2.7Ohm (Approximately ½ half this value at 8-ohms).
FBT-700: 700 W @ 1 % THD+N, 20 Hz – 20 kHz, 4 • 117 dBA dynamic range • THD+N = 0.005 % @ 1 W • THD+N = 0.0008 % @ 50 W
(Approximately one half this value at 8 ohms).