Trace Elliot TE-1200: 1,200 Watts of British Bass Authority
The Trace Elliot TE-1200, available at $1,199, is the company’s professional touring flagship, delivering 1,200 watts of RMS power in an 11.5-pound head packed with features designed for the most demanding live and studio environments. With a proprietary multiband compressor, footswitchable pre-shape control, 4-band EQ, MIDI I/O, USB recording output, and comprehensive balanced XLR connectivity, the TE-1200 is built for the bassist who needs to deliver consistent, authoritative tone night after night on world tours and major sessions.
Trace Elliot TE-1200 Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Type | Bass Head |
| Street Price | $1,199 USD |
| Power | 1,200W RMS |
| EQ | 4-band, switchable pre/post compressor |
| Compressor | Proprietary multiband with Lo/Hi-Band controls (footswitchable) |
| Pre-Shape | Footswitchable tonal contour |
| DI | Balanced XLR (pre & post), ground lift |
| Connectivity | MIDI In/Out, USB recording out, effects loop (footswitchable) |
| Additional | Mute/Tune (footswitchable), tuner/dry feed, preamp out/power amp in |
| Weight | 11.5 lbs |
| Included | Rack ears, gig bag |
Touring-Grade Compressor and Pre-Shape
The TE-1200’s proprietary multiband compressor features independent low-band and high-band controls, allowing players to compress the low end for tight, consistent fundamentals while leaving the upper frequencies dynamic and expressive, or vice versa. The compressor is footswitchable for instant dynamic control changes during performance. The pre-shape control, also footswitchable, applies a signature Trace Elliot tonal contour that instantly shifts the amp’s character between different sonic profiles. The EQ itself can be placed pre or post compressor, giving players control over whether tone shaping happens before or after dynamic processing.
Studio Integration
The TE-1200 goes beyond typical live-performance features with MIDI In/Out for external control, a USB recording output for direct tracking to a DAW, and dual balanced XLR outputs offering both pre and post EQ/compression signals. The noiseless buffered effects loop is footswitchable with a level switch for accommodating different pedal types. A separate preamp output and power amp input allow the TE-1200 to function as either a standalone preamp or power amp in a modular signal chain.
Who Should Buy the Trace Elliot TE-1200
The TE-1200 is designed for touring professionals who need 1,200 watts of reliable power with comprehensive footswitchable control, session bassists who require studio-grade connectivity including MIDI and USB, and players who want a flagship-level head at a competitive price point. At $1,199 for 1,200 watts with this feature set, it represents strong value in the professional bass amp market.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Does the TE-1200 have MIDI?
Yes. The TE-1200 includes MIDI In and Out connections for external control of parameters and preset switching, plus a USB recording output for direct tracking to a computer.
For portable Trace Elliot tone, see the ELF Micro Head or ELF C110 combo.