EBS Classic Session 60
This small portable combo from Swedish amp experts EBS promises superior dynamics and tone. Nick Wells takes a look.
Since arriving on the bass scene back in 1988, EBS have continued to raise their profile with a series of high-end product releases ranging from the stunning 600-watt Fafner head to the ever popular Black Label pedals, catching the attention of bass heavyweights Victor Bailey, Tal Wilkenfeld and Stanley Clarke and Laurence Cottle, among others.
Launched at the 2010 Winter NAMM show earlier this year, the Session 60 is the latest addition to the EBS Classic range. The Session 60 boasts 60 watts of solid-state power, a stereo input, preshape EQ and balanced XLR output, making for an impressive all-rounder.
Features
The Classic Session 60 is built around a single 10-inch speaker with a 60-watt solid-state amp to drive it. The combo certainly looks the part with its black vinyl covering and retro grille cloth – a marked contrast to the lacquered steel mesh and felt covering of the EBS Neo range of combos. At 16 kg it’s an easy lift, and thanks to a single top mounted handle the Session 60 is effortlessly portable. The amp is a scaled-down version of the EBS Classic 450 head, with the same smooth clip drive engine that’s been designed to provide tube-like distorted characteristics while protecting the power amp from saturation. It’s built in China using first grade components and a double sided circuit board with through hole plating.
A single high-impedance jack input highlights the Session 60’s straightforward design and is augmented by a gain control with a corresponding clip warning LED, two ‘shelving’- type EQ filters, a master volume control and a balanced XLR DI output with ground lift switch, all mounted on a recessed panel on top of the amp. The tone control section also incorporates an independent preshape EQ filter labelled ‘character’, which scoops out the mid range and boosts the bass and treble frequencies. The enhanced filter allows the treble control to have effect on the mid range, so when this mode is engaged you can cut the mids by boosting the treble and vice versa. A headphone socket and two RCA jack auxiliary inputs with a corresponding input level control knob complete the control panel. By using the aux inputs in stereo, and plugging in a set of headphones, you can connect a CD/MP3 player and use the Session 60 as a fantastic practice tool. If you have a mono source, connect to the input marked ‘mono’.
EBS are remaining tight-lipped over the brand of speaker and piezo tweeter used in the Session 60, but Mats Kristoffersson, technical director with EBS, assured us that despite being sourced from a Korean supplier, the brand is fully comparable with the likes of Eminence. The cabinet itself is ported to emphasise the low end. Having a port in the enclosure helps the speaker work more efficiently,which means it requires less power to drive it. While EBS recommend using the combo in an upright position for the bestbass response, having the option of tilting the combo back means you can project a more direct sound from the speaker.
Sounds
After you’ve set the gain using the input clip LED you are ready to go, and the sound is immediately impressive. There are elements of EBS’s renowned tonal transparency, with some added warmth that makes for a rounder sound. That said, the Session 60 still provides a natural representation of your bass, no matter how hard you crank the volume, and won’t flatter a below-par instrument. As for the power rating, 60 watts may seem fairly low, but again, depending on what source you amplify, we found there to be a size-defying amount of power available. The tone-shaping section is effective without being at all complicated to get to grips with. Yet after plugging in a Fender Precision, it was some time before we even considered tweaking the tone controls – the amp’s fundamental sound is that good. The preshape filter delivers a full bass sound that’s instantly usable, if a little more ‘hi-fi ’-sounding, with less emphasis on the mid range. Gradually increasing the treble filter lends added presence to the top end, while increasing the bass filter gives the bottom end a noticeable kick. Decreasing the bass produces a tighter sound with a little more low-end definition. Using the enhance filter you can easily alternate between a scooped slap tone and a more gritty fingerstyle funk sound. Using the balanced XLR output you can connect to a PA or mixing desk, and using the ground lift switch avoids problematic ground loops onstage.
Conclusion
EBS are renowned for producing high-quality bass equipment, and the Classic Session 60 is no exception. It’s easy to use, looks great onstage, and sounds fantastic as soon as you plug in. Its size and portability, not to mention the balanced XLR output, make it ideal for studio sessions, rehearsals, smaller club gigs and will prove popular with upright bass players. Given its size, we were really surprised at the amount of power on tap and felt confident taking the Session 60 along to larger venues. Useful features like the stereo input and headphone socket will appeal to students and teachers alike, while the tilt-back design makes for a very handy personal monitor onstage. Overall, a well-built, affordable and versatile bass combo. Highly recommended.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION
EBS CLASSIC SESSION 60
Price: £299
Built in: China
Type: Solid-state bass combo
Power output: 60 watts
Features: Volume & gain controls, 2-band EQ with bass & treble controls, character & enhance filters, stereo aux inputs and headphone output,
balanced DI XLR output with ground lift switch
Speakers: 1 x 10-inch & 1 x piezo tweeter
Dimensions: 343(h) x 376(w) x 395(d) mm
Weight: 16 kg (36 lb)
WHAT WE THINK
Plus: Effortlessly portable with cool retro looks and pro sounds.
Minus: None.
Overall: Professional bass tones in a very portable package.
BGM VERDICT OUT OF FIVE
BGM RATING 5/5
