Trace Elliot says its connection-packed TE-1200 bass head represents a “new period of innovation”
Bass brand unveils new 1200W head with four-band EQ, plus built-in high- and low-band compression
Trace Elliot’s new bass amp head the TE-1200 is being hailed by the brand as its “first big product release of the new decade”.
The amp features 1200 watts of RMS power, four-band EQ and the ability to split the signal between two built-in high and low-band compressors, with individually adjustable threshold controls.
There are also separate gain and output controls and a pre/post compressor switch for the EQ circuit. What’s more, all the connections and controls on the front panel are handily illuminated – great for dark stages.
The most notable thing about the TE-1200, though, becomes apparent with a glance at the back panel. Turn it around and you’ll see a pretty astonishing amount of connectivity on offer, including a tuner output, balanced XLR direct out, effects loop, preamp out and power amp in, plus Speakon/phone speaker output jacks, MIDI in/out and a USB connection for recording.
In addition, the Direct Out has a switchable ground lift and pre-/post-EQ switch, while the effects loop also has a hi/low option. There’s also a headphone output on the front panel, while the included four-button footswitch offers effects loop, compression and mute switches, along with Trace Elliot’s Pre-Shape (a sort of short-cut switch for a classic TE EQ profile).
On the surface then, the TE-1200 appears to pair its enormous power with the functionality to match. It also packs it all into a footprint the size of a vinyl record (12” square), with a travel-friendly weight of 11.5lbs, and comes supplied with a padded gigbag.
You can expect to find it for a street price around $999. For more information on the TE-1200, head to Trace Elliot.
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Matt is Features Editor for GuitarWorld.com. Before that he spent 10 years as a freelance music journalist, interviewing artists for the likes of Total Guitar, Guitarist, Guitar World, MusicRadar, NME.com, DJ Mag and Electronic Sound. In 2020, he launched CreativeMoney.co.uk, which aims to share the ideas that make creative lifestyles more sustainable. He plays guitar, but should not be allowed near your delay pedals.
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