Trace Elliot ELF Micro Bass Head: 200 Watts in 1.6 Pounds
The Trace Elliot ELF, available at $349, holds the distinction of being one of the smallest and lightest professional bass amplifier heads ever made. At 1.6 pounds and measuring just 6.75 x 1.35 x 4.1 inches, this 200-watt Class D micro head literally fits in a coat pocket yet delivers genuine Trace Elliot tone through its proprietary 3-band EQ and multiband compression system. For bassists who need a legitimate amp head that takes up essentially no space, the ELF redefines what portable bass amplification can be.
Trace Elliot ELF Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Type | Class D Micro Bass Head |
| Street Price | $349 USD |
| Power | 200W RMS @ 4 ohms |
| EQ | 3-band proprietary rotary (80Hz, 500Hz, 4.2kHz centers) |
| Compression | Multiband (uncompressed / variable / overdrive modes) |
| DI | Studio-quality XLR with ground lift |
| Outputs | Speaker, headphone |
| Protection | Thermal and over-current |
| Weight | 1.6 lbs |
| Dimensions | 6.75″ x 1.35″ x 4.1″ |
| Included | Embroidered carrying case, owner’s manual CD |
Pocket-Sized Professional Tone
Despite its diminutive size, the ELF does not compromise on tone-shaping capability. The proprietary 3-band EQ uses carefully selected center frequencies at 80Hz, 500Hz, and 4.2kHz that target the most critical bass guitar frequencies. The rotary EQ controls provide smooth, musical adjustment that avoids the harsh extremes that small amps sometimes produce. The input gain features a bicolor LED that shifts to red when the multiband compressor engages, providing visual feedback on dynamics processing.
Multiband Compression System
The ELF’s multiband compression offers three operating modes: uncompressed for natural dynamics, variable compression for controlled peak taming, and an overdrive mode that pushes the compression into deliberate saturation. This three-mode system gives players more tonal options than many full-sized heads offer, and the multiband implementation ensures that compression applied to the low end does not affect the clarity of the high frequencies and vice versa.
Who Should Buy the Trace Elliot ELF
The ELF is perfect for bassists who need an emergency backup head that weighs nothing and fits anywhere, upright and acoustic bass players who want subtle amplification, and gigging musicians who travel by public transit, bicycle, or airplane. It pairs beautifully with the ELF C110 combo or any efficient bass cabinet, and the studio-quality XLR DI makes it equally useful in recording scenarios.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 200 watts enough for a gig?
For quieter gigs (jazz, acoustic, small clubs), 200 watts with an efficient cabinet can work well. For louder rock or metal gigs, the ELF works best as a direct-to-PA solution or backup head. Consider the TE-1200 (1200W) for high-volume applications.
See the ELF C110 combo for a complete self-contained solution, or the TE-1200 for touring power.