The Alpha · Omega 900 takes the best elements of our most successful distortion preamplifier to date, combined with cutting-edge features to create a monstrous 900-watt amplifier with earth-shattering tone. While Darkglass's Alpha and Omega drive motors add incredible girth and size to the overdriven signal, the studio-quality VCA compressor adds an extra layer of control, and the ultra-quiet 6-band graphic EQ can help to sculpt the sound from aggressive and overdriven to crystal clear, whatever your needs. That's not all though, MIDI programmability and impulse response speaker simulation with up to three different storable virtual speakers make the AO900 not only one of the most complete amplifiers for the touring musician, but combined with the auxiliary input and headphone output, the ideal tool for silent practice. The Alpha Omega 900 amplifies the best qualities of one of the most powerful and distinct Darkglass products ever made.
Front Panel Features
INPUT Use this jack to connect your instrument via a standard ¼” mono cable.
ACTIVE/PASSIVE Use this push button to switch from passive to active mode. If your bass is active it may have a warmer signal causing early amp distortion (feel free to use this if such additional distortion is desired).
DISTORTION Use this push button to turn the Alpha · Omega Engine™ on or off to add natural compression, organic harmonic enhancement, and saturation ranging from mild overdrive to high-gain bass rage. The Alpha · Omega engine works before the clean section (so you can use the 6-band active EQ for additional sound shaping).
BITE Boosts the high mids (2.8kHz) for added presence and definition.
GROWL Shelving Bass Boost for fatter sound and increased bass saturation.
COMPRESSION This knob controls the amount of dynamic compression added to the Alpha · Omega engine. The make-up gain is adjusted automatically. Compression can be disabled or assigned using Darkglass Suite.
DRIVE This knob controls the amount of distortion that the Alpha · Omega motor will provide. It will go from a smooth, warm overdrive to a massive, modern distortion sound. Level Use this knob to control the output volume of the Alpha · Omega Engine.
BLEND Use this button to mix the Clean signal and the Distortion signal (Alpha · Omega Engine).
MOD Selects or blends between the two distinct distortion circuits: Alpha is punchy, tight with lots of definition, while Omega is simply brutal and raw.
GAIN Use this knob to change the volume of the signal before the active 6-band equalizer. You can set it low to ensure the cleanest operation possible or set it higher for a more aggressive growl.
BASS + -12 dB at 80 Hz. Use this button to modify the low-end content of the signal.
MID + -12dB at 250, 500, 1.5K and 3Khz. This graphic equalizer controls the median content of the signal.
TREBLE + -12 dB at 5 kHz. Use this button to change the high content of the signal.
MASTER Use this knob to control the overall volume of the amplifier.
MUTE Use this push button to mute the amplifier.
DIMENSIONS 26.7cm W x 7cm H 25.5L (10.5" W x 2.75" H x 10" W) / Weight: 2.9 kg (6.39 lb)
CAUTION · No user-serviceable parts inside the amplifier. Do not open the amp. · Never use the amplifier in a very humid environment or near liquids. · The Alpha · Omega 900 can deliver over 115 dB of power. Exposure to this sound level can damage your hearing. Use appropriate hearing protection if exposed. · The Alpha · Omega 900 can deliver over 900 watts. Make sure your speaker is capable of delivering this power. You can reduce the amp's output by selecting 2Ω mode on the rear panel (via the SpeakON output jack). · Do not cover the ventilation holes. The fan and vents are part of the amp's cooling system. Covering the ventilation holes may damage the power amp by overheating it. · Do not use an instrument cable as a speaker cable. An instrument cable is not designed to provide the type of power signals sent from the amplifier to the speaker.
Back Panel Features
HP OUTPUT Use this connector to connect the amplifier to your cabinet. This Speakon combo jack allows operation with either Speakon or ¼” speaker cable. The outputs are connected in parallel.
WARNING: Do not use an instrument cable with this jack. Using an instrument cable may damage your amplifier.
MINIMUM LOAD Press this switch when using a 2Ω load. You can use this control to lower the output if your 4Ω speaker is not capable of handling more than 500W (you can also get 350W with an 8Ω speaker in this configuration).
SEND Use this output to send the signal to the effects pedals.
RETURN Use this input to receive the signal from the effects pedals. The master volume control is located after this input.
GROUND LIFT Use this control to lift the ground of the DI XLR outputs. If you are experiencing ground noise in your DI signal, try changing the setting of this control.
PRE DI OUTPUT Use this output to send a balanced copy of your input signal to recording equipment, mixing desk, etc. Output is latency compensated to match Post DI output
POST DI OUTPUT The signal from this output is taken after the distortion, EQ and effects loop, and processed by the speaker simulation engine. The output is latency compensated with the Pre DI output and is not affected by the master volume.
USB The USB connector allows you to use the Darkglass suite to load different speaker pulses or change different parameters on your amp (MIDI, compressor, etc.).
Headphone output Connect your headphones and enjoy impulse response speaker emulation.
Headphone Volume Controls the volume of the headphone output.
Aux In Use this connector to supply music from your laptop, cell phone, MP3 player, etc. to the headphone output.
Cabinet Select Switches between 3 different cabinet pulses and bypasses this section for a rawer sound. Hold this button to enter MIDI learning mode to choose MIDI channel.
MIDI The MIDI input allows you to change channels, switch between mute and compressor, and select the speaker simulation slot with any standard MIDI device. Program change and control change commands can be used.
Foot Switch The Intelligent Footswitch is an exclusive digitally controlled device that allows you to remotely activate and disengage the Alpha · Omega motor. You can also hold the footswitch to mute the amplifier. The distortion pushbutton will remain operational with the smart pedal connected. · You can use a regular mono instrument cable to connect the amplifier to the pedal. · You must remove the cable from the footswitch jack on the rear panel if you want to control the amp from the front panel.
AC Jack Use this connector to supply electrical power to the amp.
AC Power ON/OFF Use this switch to unleash audio power from your bass.