How much does the Ashdown Studio 8 weigh?

The amplifier weighs approximately 6.1kg (13.4 lbs). This makes it one of the lightest 30-watt bass combos currently available in its class.

What is the power output of this combo?

The Ashdown Studio 8 provides 30 watts of solid-state power. This is sufficient for home practice and small, quiet rehearsals but is not intended for loud band settings.

Can I use headphones with the Studio 8?

Yes, the amplifier features a dedicated headphone output jack. Plugging in headphones allows for silent practice by muting the internal 8-inch speaker.

Does it have a line input for backing tracks?

Yes, it includes a Line In port for connecting external devices such as MP3 players or smartphones. This allows users to play along with recorded music or metronomes.

What does the Line Mix dial do?

The Line Mix dial allows you to control the volume balance between your bass guitar and the audio coming through the Line In. It ensures your instrument doesn't overpower your backing track or vice versa.

What size is the speaker in the Studio 8?

The unit is equipped with a single 8-inch custom-designed Ashdown speaker. It is engineered to provide a full-bodied sound despite the small driver diameter.

What materials are used in the cabinet construction?

The cabinet is finished in heavy-duty Tolex for durability. It also features chrome-plated metal corners to protect the unit from wear and damage.

Is this amplifier suitable for live gigs?

The Studio 8 is designed for practice and home use rather than live performance. At 30 watts with an 8-inch speaker, it lacks the volume and headroom required to compete with a drum kit in a standard venue.

How does the Studio 8 compare to the Orange Crush Bass 25?

The Studio 8 offers 5 watts more power (30W vs 25W) and prioritises a lightweight design at 6.1kg. Both are aimed at the practice market with similar feature sets including headphone outputs and aux inputs.

What is the typical price for an Ashdown Studio 8?

The typical retail price for the Ashdown Studio 8 is approximately GBP 165. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer and current promotions.

Can the Studio 8 be used for recording?

While it does not have a dedicated XLR DI output, the headphone jack can technically be used as a line out to an interface. However, it is primarily designed as a standalone practice amplifier.

Is there a larger version of this amplifier?

Ashdown produces a wider Studio range, including larger models for those needing more power. Alternatives in the market include the Orange Crush Bass 100 or the Peavey Max 150 for players requiring 12-inch speakers.

Gear article

Ashdown Studio 8 30W 1x8 Bass Combo

The Ashdown Studio 8 is a 30-watt solid-state bass amplifier combo designed for portable practice and home use. Characterised by its remarkably low weight of 6.1kg, it combines a single 8-inch speaker with a feature set tailored for silent rehearsal and playback integration.

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Overview

The Ashdown Studio 8 represents a shift towards ultra-lightweight amplification within the entry-level bass market. Weighing just 6.1kg, it is engineered for maximum portability without sacrificing the structural integrity expected of gigging or practice equipment. The unit is housed in a durable cabinet covered in heavy-duty Tolex and reinforced with chrome-plated corners to protect against impacts during transport.

Technical Features

The amplifier delivers 30 watts of power through a custom-voiced 8-inch speaker. A primary design focus is its utility as a practice tool; it includes a dedicated Line In for connecting MP3 players or external audio sources. Uniquely, the Studio 8 features a Line Mix dial, allowing the user to balance the volume of the backing track against the live bass signal. A standard headphone output is provided to facilitate silent practice sessions.

Tonal Character

Despite its compact dimensions and small speaker diameter, the Studio 8 is designed to produce a 'sonically vast' tone. Ashdown focuses on maintaining a full-frequency response that belies the amp's physical size, ensuring that the low-end frequencies essential for bass guitar remain present and articulated even at lower practice volumes.

Target Audience

This amplifier is primarily intended for students, hobbyists, and professional players requiring a portable home practice solution. Its lightweight nature makes it an ideal choice for commuters or players with limited space who still require the tonal characteristics of a dedicated bass cabinet rather than a multi-effects unit or software interface.

Market Comparison

The Studio 8 occupies a competitive segment of the market, positioned against other small-format combos such as the Fender Rumble 15 V3 and the Orange Crush Bass 25. While it offers more power than the Rumble 15, it remains significantly lighter than many alternatives in its class. For players requiring higher output or larger speakers, the Ashdown range extends to larger models, though the Studio 8 remains the most portable entry point.

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Frequently asked questions

How much does the Ashdown Studio 8 weigh?: The amplifier weighs approximately 6.1kg (13.4 lbs). This makes it one of the lightest 30-watt bass combos currently available in its class.
What is the power output of this combo?: The Ashdown Studio 8 provides 30 watts of solid-state power. This is sufficient for home practice and small, quiet rehearsals but is not intended for loud band settings.
Can I use headphones with the Studio 8?: Yes, the amplifier features a dedicated headphone output jack. Plugging in headphones allows for silent practice by muting the internal 8-inch speaker.
Does it have a line input for backing tracks?: Yes, it includes a Line In port for connecting external devices such as MP3 players or smartphones. This allows users to play along with recorded music or metronomes.
What does the Line Mix dial do?: The Line Mix dial allows you to control the volume balance between your bass guitar and the audio coming through the Line In. It ensures your instrument doesn't overpower your backing track or vice versa.
What size is the speaker in the Studio 8?: The unit is equipped with a single 8-inch custom-designed Ashdown speaker. It is engineered to provide a full-bodied sound despite the small driver diameter.
What materials are used in the cabinet construction?: The cabinet is finished in heavy-duty Tolex for durability. It also features chrome-plated metal corners to protect the unit from wear and damage.
Is this amplifier suitable for live gigs?: The Studio 8 is designed for practice and home use rather than live performance. At 30 watts with an 8-inch speaker, it lacks the volume and headroom required to compete with a drum kit in a standard venue.
How does the Studio 8 compare to the Orange Crush Bass 25?: The Studio 8 offers 5 watts more power (30W vs 25W) and prioritises a lightweight design at 6.1kg. Both are aimed at the practice market with similar feature sets including headphone outputs and aux inputs.
What is the typical price for an Ashdown Studio 8?: The typical retail price for the Ashdown Studio 8 is approximately GBP 165. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer and current promotions.
Can the Studio 8 be used for recording?: While it does not have a dedicated XLR DI output, the headphone jack can technically be used as a line out to an interface. However, it is primarily designed as a standalone practice amplifier.
Is there a larger version of this amplifier?: Ashdown produces a wider Studio range, including larger models for those needing more power. Alternatives in the market include the Orange Crush Bass 100 or the Peavey Max 150 for players requiring 12-inch speakers.