Trace Elliot ELF Basshead

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.

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.