P
Very handy - top sound!
To be honest, I was a bit sceptical about the Trace Elliot (now owned by Peavey) ELF but while it's the only super compact bass top on the market, I gave it a try and I'm keeping it! I was looking for a portable back-up for my Ampeg PF-500 in case of problems. I play upright bass and use two Hartke HD112 1x12" cabinets. I really love the sound of those cabs and even a single one gives great sound. I now use the ELF as a backup for the PF-500 and use it for small gigs and rehearsals with a single 1x12" cab, GREAT!
The sound is great. Even at 8 Ohms, it's an Extremely Loud Fxxxxx (Fellow..) as Trace Elliot is stating in one of the marketing videos. It puts out serious volumes and seems to have plenty of headroom which is remarkable since it only has a mini sized switching power supply. This little ELF has plenty of power for rehaersals or even gigs with a loud drummer (providing you use efficient cabinets like the Hartke HD series or Gallien Krueger CX series). I like the way the compression kicks in (actually it's a limiter I think) at higher gain settings. Even at max gain, there's hardly any distortion which is actually good for me (but I know some bass players are looking for some growl). With all DQ controls at 12 'o' clock, the ELF tends to be a bit midrangy but nothing the EQ won't fix. The EQ is very effective and can easily facilitate a wide range of sounds from woody and wooly to punchy bright 'n' funky. The middle control operates at 400 Hz, that's where the usable mids. It probably has a high Q so it will work on frequencies below and above 400 Hz. Personally I would have liked a 4 band EQ with e.g. bass operating at 80 Hz, low mids at 300 Hz, high mids around 600 - 900 Hz and treble at 3 kHz but then again, this is a no thrill basis amp and to be honest, it sounds fine with the 3 band EQ as well.
To be short, a very light and compact amp that comes with a nice and sturdy carrying bag. Sound and performance is excellent for rehearsals and even small gigs with a single (small) cabinet. Combined with a bigger (or two) cabinet(s), this amp could do loud gigs as well. Plenty of power, plenty of headroom. Really impressive. If it was stolen, I would defenitely buy a new one.
The sound is great. Even at 8 Ohms, it's an Extremely Loud Fxxxxx (Fellow..) as Trace Elliot is stating in one of the marketing videos. It puts out serious volumes and seems to have plenty of headroom which is remarkable since it only has a mini sized switching power supply. This little ELF has plenty of power for rehaersals or even gigs with a loud drummer (providing you use efficient cabinets like the Hartke HD series or Gallien Krueger CX series). I like the way the compression kicks in (actually it's a limiter I think) at higher gain settings. Even at max gain, there's hardly any distortion which is actually good for me (but I know some bass players are looking for some growl). With all DQ controls at 12 'o' clock, the ELF tends to be a bit midrangy but nothing the EQ won't fix. The EQ is very effective and can easily facilitate a wide range of sounds from woody and wooly to punchy bright 'n' funky. The middle control operates at 400 Hz, that's where the usable mids. It probably has a high Q so it will work on frequencies below and above 400 Hz. Personally I would have liked a 4 band EQ with e.g. bass operating at 80 Hz, low mids at 300 Hz, high mids around 600 - 900 Hz and treble at 3 kHz but then again, this is a no thrill basis amp and to be honest, it sounds fine with the 3 band EQ as well.
To be short, a very light and compact amp that comes with a nice and sturdy carrying bag. Sound and performance is excellent for rehearsals and even small gigs with a single (small) cabinet. Combined with a bigger (or two) cabinet(s), this amp could do loud gigs as well. Plenty of power, plenty of headroom. Really impressive. If it was stolen, I would defenitely buy a new one.
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BH
The basshead to die for!
The TRACE ELLIOT ELF is the ultimate thing! It sounds like my 1992 Trace Elliot Twin Valve but it is ever so tiny and ever so light! This is the basshead I've been waiting for all my life. Play it and die for it!
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JQ
Excellent Amp
Used this on Guitar and Bass, Live and in Studio, absolutely cannot fault it. It fits in your pocket for a live gig and it a 120W head to an 8ohm cab. It is loud, clean, and flat - ideal if your tone is off your pedals for Guitar, I run a Sunn Beta Lead Preamp pedal in front of mine and it is excellent.
For Bass, it is punchy and loud, and the DI out on the back is handy for everything. We use two of them in our band. Can't fault it.
For Bass, it is punchy and loud, and the DI out on the back is handy for everything. We use two of them in our band. Can't fault it.
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+
Ultimate portability
I could not be happier with this amp. The size of a pedal and the power of a real amp. Paired with a good cabin it provides great tones in adequate volume. Used in rehearsals and small gigs and it really did great. On the minus side it compresses a lot when overdriven.
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TK
Great sound for such a small thing!
This little thing can really sound immense, great tone, especially once you put an overdrive pedal in front of it. The unit seems to have a built in compressor so once you start to push it, it kicks in and sounds amazing. The only thing that I'd say is a downside is the fact there's no send/return for effects. This little unit would be perfect if it had a send/return, but I have a feeling they didn't include it as Trace Elliot has couple of separate multi effects that go well with this amp.
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C
Fantastic!
Bought this to as my secondary BASS AMP while my main one goes to warranty. Still have to try it on a live setting ( tomorrow ).
At home, it works pretty well. Tested with a Bareface Big Baby 2 speaker and @4 ohm (130Watts) the sound is pretty loud! I've never played on a original TRACE ELLIOT but the tone of this amp is incredibly clean. When the signal gets too "hot" the distortion is somewhat gentle ( which I like).
In terms of features is a no brainer, di on the back input at the front.
Very small, very well built, very beautifull too!
Still have to try it on a live setting. Will update when do.
At home, it works pretty well. Tested with a Bareface Big Baby 2 speaker and @4 ohm (130Watts) the sound is pretty loud! I've never played on a original TRACE ELLIOT but the tone of this amp is incredibly clean. When the signal gets too "hot" the distortion is somewhat gentle ( which I like).
In terms of features is a no brainer, di on the back input at the front.
Very small, very well built, very beautifull too!
Still have to try it on a live setting. Will update when do.
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D
Little Monster
This is a tiny powerhouse of a basshead. Has given my P Bass serious umph! Super portable too. Value for money.
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