If you’re a bassist, you know the importance of having a quality amp that can handle your sound. The Orange Crush 50 is a popular choice among bass players, but is it worth the investment? In this honest review, we’ll dive into the features and performance of the Orange Crush 50 to help you decide if it’s the right fit for your playing style and needs. From its sleek design to its powerful sound, we’ll cover everything you need to know before making your purchase. So let’s get started!
Features
The Orange Crush Bass 50 has a sleek and modern design, with a compact and lightweight build that makes it easy to transport to gigs or rehearsals. It features an orange vinyl covering with the iconic Orange logo on the front grille, giving it a classic look that’s instantly recognizable.
The control panel is simple and intuitive, with four-band EQ controls (bass, middle, treble, and frequency sweep), as well as gain and volume knobs. There’s also a built-in tuner and headphone output for silent practice sessions.
The amp’s speaker is a custom-designed 12-inch driver that delivers powerful low-end response while maintaining clarity and definition in the midrange and highs. Overall, the Orange Crush Bass 50 is designed to be both visually appealing and highly functional for bass players of all levels.
There are also simple but useful features like a handy onboard tuner (which is a chromatic tuner), analog signal path and gain and blend controls which we’ll talk about later.
These all add to up to make this a very useful compact combo bass amp.
Core Bass Tone
The Orange Bass Crush is known for producing a rich and warm bass sound with plenty of low-end punch, midrange growl, and high-end clarity.
The amp’s solid-state circuitry provides a clean and transparent signal path, allowing the natural tone of your bass guitar to shine through without any unwanted coloration or distortion. However, if you want to add some grit and dirt to your tone, the gain control can be used to dial in varying levels of overdrive and distortion.
The three-band EQ controls (bass, middle, treble) allow you to shape your sound to suit your playing style and musical preferences. The midrange frequency sweep control also adds an extra level of flexibility by allowing you to adjust the center frequency of the midrange band.
Overall, the Orange Bass Crush produces a versatile bass sound that can be tailored to fit a wide range of musical genres and playing styles. Whether you’re looking for a clean and punchy tone or a gritty and distorted sound, this amp has got you covered.
Sweepable parametric mid band
The Orange Crush Bass 50 amp features a sweepable parametric mid band EQ, which allows for precise control over the midrange frequencies of your bass guitar signal. Here’s how it works:
The mid band EQ control on the Orange Crush Bass 50 is “parametric” because it allows you to adjust three parameters: frequency, bandwidth (or “Q”), and level.
Frequency: This control adjusts the center frequency of the midrange band that you want to boost or cut. You can set it anywhere between 300Hz and 2.7kHz, depending on where you want to focus your tone.
Bandwidth/Q: This control determines the width of the frequency range affected by the EQ adjustment. A narrow Q setting will affect only a small range of frequencies around the selected center frequency, while a wider Q setting will affect a broader range of frequencies.
Level: This control adjusts the amount of boost or cut applied to the selected frequency range.
By adjusting these three parameters, you can fine-tune your bass guitar’s midrange frequencies to achieve a wide variety of tonal characteristics. For example, if you want a punchier tone with more presence in the mid band covers the mix, you might boost frequencies around 800Hz with a narrow Q setting. If you want a more scooped sound with less midrange presence, you could cut those same frequencies instead.
Overall, the sweepable parametric mid-band EQ on the Orange Crush Bass 50 provides an extremely flexible and powerful tool for shaping your bass guitar’s tone to suit any playing style or musical genre.
And when coupled with the rest of the EQ capabilities on the crush bass 50 you get a range of bass amps simultaneously that can provide a great, core bass tone from out of the box as well as a full and useful range of processing over treble, bass and middle frequencies.
Signature sound
The Orange Bass Crush is designed to provide bass players with a versatile range of tones that can be used in a variety of musical genres, including rock and metal. Here are some ways in which the amp can achieve these tones:
Gain Control: The gain control on the Orange Bass Crush allows you to dial in varying levels of overdrive and distortion, which is particularly useful when playing rock or metal music where a more aggressive tone is desired. By adding gain to your signal, you can achieve a grittier and more distorted sound that cuts through the mix.
Three-Band EQ Controls: The three-band EQ controls (bass, middle, treble) allow you to shape your sound to suit your playing style and musical preferences. By adjusting the EQ settings, you can emphasize different frequencies to achieve specific tonal characteristics commonly used in various styles of music.
Midrange Frequency Sweep Control: The midrange frequency sweep control adds an extra level of flexibility by allowing you to adjust the center frequency of the midrange band. This feature is especially useful when playing metal or other heavy styles of music where a pronounced midrange presence is desired.
Blend Control: The blend control allows you to mix your clean signal with the overdriven or distorted signal from the gain control, creating a wide range of tones that can be used in different musical contexts. This feature is particularly useful for bass players who want to add some grit and aggression to their sound without sacrificing low-end punch and clarity.
Overall, the Orange Bass Crush provides plenty of options for achieving both common bass tones as well as more aggressive rock and metal sounds. With its versatile range of controls and circuitry designed specifically for bass guitars, this amp offers excellent tone shaping capabilities for any style of music.
Blended guitar and bass amps
The Orange Bass Crush incorporates the same gain controls and blend controls and gain controls from their guitar amp range to provide bass players with more tonal flexibility and creative options.
The blend control allows you to mix your clean signal with the overdriven or distorted signal from the gain control, creating a wide range of tones that can be used in different musical contexts. This feature is particularly useful for bass players who want to add some grit and aggression to their sound without sacrificing low-end punch and clarity.
The gain control on the Orange Bass Crush works similarly to the gain control on Orange’s guitar amps, allowing you to dial in varying levels of overdrive and distortion. This can be especially effective when playing rock, metal, or other heavy styles of music where a more aggressive tone is desired.
By incorporating these features into a dedicated bass amplifier, Orange has expanded the tonal possibilities for bass players while retaining the signature warmth and clarity that is characteristic of their bass amplifiers already. Whether you’re looking for a clean and articulate sound or a dirty and aggressive tone, the Orange Bass Crush offers plenty of options to help you achieve your ideal sound.
Modern to Vintage
The Orange Crush Bass 50 is an amp that stands out for its versatility in providing great bass tones for both modern and vintage styles of music. One reason for this is the solid-state circuitry, which delivers a clean and punchy sound that works well with modern genres like funk, hip-hop, and pop.
Additionally, the vintage-inspired tone stack emulates the classic EQ controls found on many vintage tube amps, giving you three-band EQ controls (bass, mid band middle, treble) as well as a midrange frequency sweep control to adjust the center frequency of the midrange and mid band each.
The gain control lets you add varying levels of overdrive or distortion to your signal, making it easier to achieve more aggressive and gritty tones in modern styles of music. The blend control is another useful feature that allows you to mix your clean signal with an overdriven or distorted signal from the gain control. This feature is particularly useful when playing modern styles of music where a more aggressive tone is desired without sacrificing low-end punch and clarity.
Finally, the sweepable parametric mid-band EQ provides precise control over your bass guitar’s midrange frequencies, enabling you to achieve a wide range of tonal characteristics suitable for both modern and vintage styles of music.
With its combination of solid-state circuitry, vintage-inspired tone stack, gain control, blend control, and parametric mid-band EQ, the Orange Crush Bass 50 offers excellent versatility and flexibility when it comes to achieving great bass tones for any musical genre or playing style.
Glenn Hughes Signature Purple Crush Bass 50
The Glenn Hughes Signature Purple Crush Bass 50 is a limited edition bass amplifier designed in collaboration with the legendary bassist Glenn Hughes. It shares many similarities with the Orange Crush Bass 50 but has some unique features that set it apart.
One of the main differences between the two amps is their aesthetics. The Glenn Hughes Signature model features a purple tolex covering and a custom-designed front panel with Glenn’s signature and logo. This gives it a distinctive look that may appeal to fans of his music or collectors.
In terms of sound, both amps have solid-state circuitry and a 12-inch speaker that delivers warm and punchy tones suitable for various playing styles. However, the Purple Crush Bass 50 has a headphone output features an additional gain knob that allows you to dial in more overdrive/distortion if desired. This can be useful for players who want to add some grit or fuzz to their tone without using pedals.
Another unique feature of the Purple Crush Bass 50 is its built-in compressor. This effect can help even out your playing dynamics and add sustain to your notes. It can be particularly useful for slap-bass techniques or fingerstyle playing where you need consistent volume levels.
In terms of connectivity options, both amps have headphone outputs, aux inputs, and effects loops. However, the Orange Crush Bass 50 has an additional XLR DI and headphone output that allows you to connect combo amplifier directly to headphone output on a mixing console or recording interface without needing an external DI box. This can be handy for players who do a lot of studio work or live sound reinforcement gigs.
Finally, there is a price difference between the two amps. The Glenn Hughes Signature Purple Crush Bass 50 is priced slightly higher than the Orange Crush Bass 50 due to its limited edition status and extra features.
Overall, both amps are excellent choices for players looking for reliable and versatile bass amplifiers in the mid-range category. The choice between them ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of aesthetics, sound character, and features needed at this price point.
Powerful Active Parametric EQ
The powerful Active Parametric EQ on the Orange Crush Bass 50 is a powerful tool for shaping your bass tone. One example of its effectiveness can be seen when trying to cut through a mix during a live performance.
Let’s say you’re playing in a band with several other instruments, a guitar amp and bass amps and you’re finding it difficult to hear your bass guitar clearly in the mix. By using the Active Parametric EQ, you can boost the frequencies that are most important for your guitar and bass amps tone, such as the low end and upper midrange frequencies, while cutting out any unwanted frequencies that may be clashing with other instruments in the mix.
Alternatively, let’s say you want to achieve a more scooped midrange sound for a heavier style of music like metal or hard rock. With the Active Parametric EQ, you can dial in a deep scoop in the midrange frequencies, giving your guitar amp your bass guitar a more aggressive and punchy sound that cuts through the mix without sacrificing low-end presence.
In both cases, the powerful Active Parametric EQ on the Orange Crush Bass 50 provides precise control over your bass tone, allowing you to tailor it to fit any musical style or situation.
Comparing Orange Bass Amps with Other Bass Amps in the Market
When it comes to bass amps, there are many brands and models to choose from. Among them, Orange bass amps are a popular choice for many players due to their unique sound and distinctive orange aesthetic. But how do they compare to other bass amps in the market? Let’s take a look at some of the key factors:
Sound Quality
Orange bass amps are known for their warm and punchy tone that cuts through a mix. They have a distinct midrange character that can add presence and definition to your playing. However, this may not be everyone’s cup of tea, as some players prefer a more neutral or transparent sound.
Other brands such as Ampeg, Fender, and Gallien-Krueger offer a wide range of sound options that cater to different playing styles and genres. For example, Ampeg is known for its classic “SVT” sound that delivers deep lows and rich harmonics. Fender is famous for its clean and bright tone that works well for funk, jazz, and pop music. Gallien-Krueger offers modern-sounding amps with advanced EQ controls that allow you to shape your tone precisely.
Features
Orange bass amps tend to be straightforward in terms of features. They usually have simple EQ controls (bass/mid/treble), some gain controls,/volume knobs, and maybe an onboard tuner or compressor.
Other brands offer more advanced features such external audio sources such as built-in effects (chorus/delay/reverb), DI outputs for recording or live sound reinforcement external audio sources, multiple channels for switching between different sounds on the fly, and even wireless connectivity for remote control via smartphone apps.
Price
Orange bass amps are generally priced in the mid-range category. They offer good value for money considering their build quality, reliability, and distinctive sound and signature sound.
Other brands have a wider price range depending on the model and features offered. Some entry-level amps can be quite affordable but may sacrifice quality or power output. High-end models can cost thousands of dollars but provide studio-quality sound reproduction and advanced features.
Conclusion: Are Orange Bass Amps Good?
Overall, Orange bass amps are excellent choices for players who want a warm and punchy tone with no frills attached. They are reliable workhorses that can handle various playing situations from home practice to live gigs.
However, whether they are good or not depends on your personal preference in terms of sound quality, features needed, and budget constraints. It’s always best to try out different brands/models before making a purchase decision so you can find the one that suits you best.
Is Orange Crush Bass 50 good for bass?
The Orange Crush Bass 50 is an excellent choice for bass players looking to achieve great tones while staying on a budget. The solid-state circuitry provides a clean and punchy sound that works well with modern genres like funk, hip-hop, and pop.
Additionally, the vintage-inspired tone stack emulates the classic EQ controls found on many vintage tube amps, giving you three-band EQ controls (bass, middle, treble) as well as a midrange frequency sweep control to adjust the center frequency of the midrange band.
This makes it easy to dial in a signature sound with full and gain controls and blend controls a wide range of tonal characteristics suitable for both modern and vintage styles of music.
Is the Orange Crush 50 loud enough?
The Orange Crush Bass 50 delivers 50 watts of power, making it plenty loud enough for most practice sessions and small gigs. It features a custom-designed 12-inch speaker that can handle the low and middle frequencies out of your bass guitar without distortion or breakup. In addition, it includes a headphone output that allows you to practice silently without disturbing others around you.
What speaker is in the Orange Crush bass 50?
The Orange Crush Bass 50 comes equipped with a custom-designed 12-inch speaker that is optimized for bass frequencies. The speaker’s design ensures that your bass guitar’s low-end frequencies are reproduced accurately and clearly without distortion or breakup. This means you can achieve great bass tones at any volume level without sacrificing clarity or punch.
What are Orange Crush Bass 50 amps good for?
Orange Crush amps are known for their versatility and flexibility when it comes to achieving great tones for any musical genre or playing style. They are particularly suited for modern genres like funk, hip-hop, and pop due to their solid-state circuitry which delivers clean and punchy sounds that work well with these styles of music.
However, they are also capable of producing vintage-inspired tones thanks to their tone stack emulation which gives you three-band EQ controls (bass, middle, treble) as well as a midrange frequency sweep control.
With its combination of solid-state and analogue circuitry, and vintage-inspired tone stack emulation, the Orange Crush Bass 50 offers excellent versatility when it comes to achieving great bass tones for any musical genre or playing style.
Can you use an Orange Crush amp for a bass?
Yes, the Orange and Crush bass series’ range of bass amps simultaneously includes models specifically for bass and guitar and bass amps simultaneously, designed for bass guitar. The Orange Crush Bass 50 is one such model, offering 50 watts of power and a custom-designed 12-inch speaker that delivers clear and accurate bass tones.
What size amp is the Orange Crush bass?
The Orange Crush Bass range includes several different models with varying power outputs and speaker configurations. The smallest model in the range is the Orange Crush Bass 25, which features a single 8-inch speaker and delivers 25 watts of power. The largest model is the Orange Crush Bass 100, which features a custom-designed 15-inch speaker and delivers 100 watts of power.
Are Orange Crush bass range amps any good?
Yes, the Orange Crush Bass range of amps are well-regarded by many bass players for their versatility, flexibility, and affordability. They offer solid-state circuitry that delivers clean and punchy sounds suitable for modern genres like funk, hip-hop, and pop while also featuring vintage-inspired tone stack emulation that allows players to dial in classic tones as well.
Additionally, they are built to withstand the rigors of gigging and touring thanks to their rugged construction and high-quality components.
What size is Orange Crush Bass 50?
The Orange Crush Bass 50 measures approximately 16.93 x 17.32 x 12.6 inches (W x H x D) and weighs around 33 pounds. It features a custom-designed 12-inch speaker that can handle low-end frequencies without distortion or breakup, making it an excellent choice for practice sessions or small gigs where portability is important.
With its compact size and lightweight design, the Orange Crush Bass 50 is easy to transport from gig to gig or store in your home studio when not in use.
What is a good wattage for a bass amp?
The wattage of your bass amp is not as important as the quality of the components and circuitry. However, if you’re looking for an amp that can handle gigging and touring, you’ll want to look for an amp that delivers at least 50 watts of power. Models like the Orange Crush Bass 100 offer 100 watts of power and are built to withstand the rigors of gigging and touring.
Is a 40 watt bass amp enough?
A 40 watt bass amp should be plenty for most practice sessions and small gigs. If you’re looking for an amp to use for gigging and touring, you’ll want something with more power, like the Orange Crush Bass 100 which delivers 100 watts of power.
Do watts matter for bass?
The wattage of your bass amp is not as important as the quality of the components and circuitry. However, if you’re looking for an amp that can handle gigging and touring, you’ll want to look for an amp that delivers at least 50 watts of power. Models like the Orange Crush Bass 100 offer 100 watts of power and are built to withstand the rigors of gigging and touring.
Can you gig with a 100w bass amp?
Yes, the Orange Crush Bass 100 is a 100 watt bass amplifier that is designed for gigging and touring. It features a custom-designed 15-inch speaker that can handle low-end frequencies without distortion or breakup, making it an excellent choice for larger venues or outdoor gigs. Additionally, it includes a headphone output that allows you to practice silently without disturbing others around you.
What are the dimensions of a crush bass 50?
The Orange Crush Bass 50 bass amp measures approximately 16.93 x 17.32 x 12.6 inches (W x H x D) and weighs around 33 pounds. It is a compact and portable amplifier that can easily fit in your car or be carried by hand to gigs, rehearsals, or practice sessions.
Despite its small size, the Orange Crush Bass 50 delivers powerful and punchy bass tones thanks to its custom-designed 12-inch speaker and solid-state circuitry. Its rugged construction and high-quality components make it a reliable choice for players who demand great tone and durability from their gear.
Can you use the Orange Crush with a bass?
Yes, in fact it’s an amp that’s designed specifically for the bass guitar. This means it a combo amplifier that can process the signal of a bass properly, the core bass tone provides a great core bass tone and produce treble, bass and middle frequencies that sound great on a bass.
When buying a new guitar amp it’s important to recognize that bass amplifiers and guitar amps are not the same thing despite both being amplifiers. You should always buy one that’s made specifically for your instrument
Can you use Orange Crush 12 bass?
The Orange Crush Bass 12 is a compact and affordable bass amplifier that is suitable for home practice as well as live performance. It features solid-state circuitry, a custom-designed 12-inch speaker, and a headphone output, making it convenient for players who want to practice silently or in small spaces.
However, its limited volume and power may not be sufficient for players who want to play with a live band or in larger venues. Additionally, the single 12-inch speaker may not deliver the full range of bass tones that some players require for recording or mixing.
For live performances, the Orange Crush Bass 12’s portability makes it easy to transport to gigs and rehearsals. Its powerful solid-state circuitry delivers a punchy and dynamic sound that can cut through a mix.
The custom-designed 12-inch speaker can handle low-end frequencies without distortion or breakup. The built-in tuner allows you to tune your bass quickly and easily on stage. However, the limited power (12 watts) may not be enough for larger venues or outdoor gigs.
The lack of additional features such as effects loops or XLR outputs may also limit its versatility in certain performance settings. Overall, the Orange Crush Bass 12 is an excellent choice for beginner players or those who need a compact and reliable practice amp but may not be suitable for all live performance situations.
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