Warwick BC80 Bass Combo Amplifier

No longer available at zZounds
Crank out superior clean bass tone with this BC80 combo amp from Warwick. The dynamic distortion limiter keeps your signal clean up to the full 80 watts.

The Warwick BC80 is a compact bass amplifier like nothing you have seen or heard before. This amp is full frequency amp, with extended headroom that could be used for virtually any electric instrument but is specifically tuned to the unique needs of Electric and Upright Bassists.

CLASS-A CIRCUITRY

Class-A amplifiers are typically more linear and, as such, are less complex than other amplifier classes. The amplifying element is biased so the device is always conducting to some extent. This means the amplifier is always on, avoiding the problem of crossover distortion associated with class-AB and -B designs.

Low-Z CIRCUITRY

By lowering the impedance inside an electronic circuit you lower the amount of thermal noise. In an amp where you have tone controls that lift mids and highs a considerable amount, proper impedance level makes the difference between enduring audible annoying hiss, and enjoying a pleasant tonal experience.

DYNAMIC DISTORTION LIMITER

Distortion occurs when an amplifier works beyond its range, when the power supply cannot supply the power any more to take the amp higher. A common method to control distortion in amps is to use a limiter, a device that stops the signal going beyond a specific level. Audio limiters work by setting a threshold signal level where the circuit kicks in and keeps signal levels within the capabilities of the power supply. This method is not very precise and often causes audible effects such as pumping and thumps. We read more designed a circuit that instead reads the distortion level in the power amp and starts limiting as soon as the amp shows even miniscule amounts of distortion. This means our amps always stay within 0.3% distortion (THD) when most amps are rated at between 5-10% distortion (that means that to get your 20 Watts out of a 20 Watt amp you will get it audibly distorted and if you want a clean signal the power will be a lot less).

The BC 80 combo features a dual conductor "mini" power cable for easy connectivity, simple travel, benefits of safety, and reduction of ground hum. The dual pin connection has a continuously lifted ground, so no interfering hum can enter the circuit from outside sources. The internal transformer is double encased preventing high voltage from ever causing a safety issue. The power switch is located on the bottom rear of the combo to create maximum proximity separation of high and low voltage circuits within the system, this also reduces the possibility of unwanted noise. These are features that were carefully planned to provide the highest level of safety, quality, performance, and tone.

There are desirable types of distortion, but these are not usually associated with transistor amplifiers, but more commonly associated with tube amps and effect pedals. Warwicks goal is to give the user a great, clean sound allowing the user to decide how much, and what kind of distortion to employ.

INTEGRATED SPEAKER DESIGN

All the speaker drivers and cabinets have been designed in tandem with the electronics to create units that work together efficiently. Careful consideration has been taken to modify all parameters, thereby achieving the best results in sound and performance. All components reflect a custom designed solution to give the end user optimum control over his/her tone, volume and configuration

Check out the BC80 in this video by Warwick:


Features:


- Bass Combo
- 80 Watt Power Amp
- 12" Warwick Custom Speaker
- 2" High Frequency Horn
- Bass Reflex Housing
- Rugged Metal Grill
- Class A Low Noise Preamp
- 4 Way EQ with controls for bass, deep mid, high mid and treble
- DDL (Dynamic Distortion Limiter) for distortion-free reproduction at high levels
- Cooling by air circulation in the bass reflex cabinet. No fan noise
- 2 Inputs for active or passive Basses
- The two instrument inputs are suitable for 2 instruments at the same time
- Line Output with Ground Lift switch
- FX Loop
- Aux Stereo-Input, Mini jack for connecting MP3 player, CD player etc.
- Integrated headphone amplifier. Aux in stereo signals over headphones in stereo
read less

- Dimensions: (W x H x D) 16.2 x 19.3 x 14.6"
- Weight: 41.45 lbs

For support or warranty questions, please contact the manufacturer:
Phone: 855-417-8677
Web: https://www.warwickbass.com/en/Warwick--Support.html

Reviewers gave this product an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars. (2 ratings)
Submitted February 19, 2016 by Ed S in Lakewood, CO

"Warwick BC80 Bass Combo"

Overall: 5 out of 5 stars
(see rating details)
Great little combo. Exactly as loud as I need it. Absolutely clean all the way up, I couldn't make it distort, even overdriving with a ME50-b, and the actual overdrive fx sound great, no extraneous amp distortion. No noise at low volumes either. Nice sounding tone stack.. Also - surprisingly light weight and feels like solid construction. This is NOT the amp you want for your bar band, but I suspect that the 150 watt/1-15 version would do nicely for small to mid size clubs with PA support.

Musical Background:

Guitar and bass since 1963. Former semi-pro, play for fun and occasional casuals.

Musical Style:

Rock and Blues
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No longer available at zZounds

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