Darkglass M500 DG112A Combo: Pure Analog Microtubes Tone in a 1×12 Combo
The Darkglass M500 DG112A, released in 2024 at $1,099, is the analog counterpart to the digital Infinity DG112D, delivering 500 watts through a 1×12 Eminence ceramic speaker with a purely analog Microtubes preamp. For bassists who prefer the warmth and immediacy of analog signal processing over digital presets, the DG112A provides the signature Darkglass VMT and B3K drive circuits, a studio-grade compressor, and a 4-band ultra-quiet EQ in a combo format that requires no app, no Bluetooth, and no menu diving.
Darkglass M500 DG112A Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Type | Analog Bass Combo |
| Street Price | $1,099 USD |
| Power | 500W (ICEpower Class D) |
| Speaker | 1×12″ ceramic Eminence |
| Preamp | Analog with VMT and B3K drive options |
| Compressor | Studio-grade with automatic gain adjustment |
| EQ | 4-band ultra-quiet with adjustable mid frequencies |
| DI | Pre/post EQ selector, ground lift |
| Additional | Aux input, headphone out, effects loop, active/passive input |
Analog Microtubes Character
The DG112A’s analog preamp delivers the Darkglass tone that put the Finnish company on the map. The VMT (Vintage Microtubes) circuit produces warm, tube-like saturation with musical harmonic content, while the B3K circuit adds more aggressive, modern distortion with tighter low-end definition. These are the same circuits found in Darkglass’s acclaimed pedals, implemented here as the core preamp of a full combo amplifier. The result is immediate, responsive, and dynamic in a way that digital modeling approaches differently.
Studio Compressor and Ultra-Quiet EQ
The onboard compressor features automatic gain adjustment that maintains consistent output level regardless of compression depth, eliminating the typical volume drop that accompanies heavy compression. The 4-band EQ uses ultra-quiet circuitry with adjustable mid frequencies, giving bassists precise tone control without introducing noise into the signal path. The ICEpower Class D power module delivers 500 watts cleanly and efficiently through the ceramic Eminence speaker.
Who Should Buy the Darkglass M500 DG112A
The DG112A is the clear choice for analog purists who want the Darkglass sound without digital processing, bassists who prefer a simpler, knob-per-function interface, and players who value the immediacy of analog circuits. At $1,099, it undercuts the digital DG112D by $230, making it the more affordable entry point into the Darkglass combo ecosystem. For a 2×10 analog option, the M500 DG210A is available at $1,229.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the DG112A digital or analog?
The DG112A is fully analog. It uses analog VMT and B3K drive circuits, an analog 4-band EQ, and an analog compressor. There are no presets, apps, or digital processing involved.
Compare with the digital DG112D or the Microtubes 900 V2 head.