The brand’s first big product release of the new decade, the TE-1200 offers RMS power, 4-band equalization, and inputs/outputs that most modern bass players require.
On the front panel of the TE-1200, players will find input gain and output level controls as well as lo-band and hi-band compressors. The audio signal is divided into two bands, each with a separate compressor and adjustable threshold. A separate switch activates the compressor functions for both low and high bands. The function, which illuminates when active, is also available on the footswitch. Directly below is the EQ pre/post compressor switch, which is set to a default position before equalization. When the switch is pressed, the compressor is moved to a point after equalization, and the switch illuminates.
Active controls on the TE-1200 adjust four separate equalization bands — bass, low mid, high mid, and treble — to customize the tone, and the footswitchable pre-shape introduces the distinctive Trace Elliot “Pre Shape 1” curve into the signal path. These controls are located next to the preamp input, which has a high impedance to allow for wide frequency response and dynamic range without loading the source. A quarter-inch headphone output allows for silent practice.
The rear panel of the TE-1200 allows players to get even more creative. Features include MIDI in/out, 4-button MIDI footswitch (with included 25-foot cable) for parallel control of the front panel switch functions, USB recording output/interface, and direct out (DI) to a mix console or analog recording device. Players can utilize the dual MIDI and preamp out/Power Amp In to run multiple units at the same time to accommodate even the biggest stages. Dual Neutrik combination Speakon/phone speaker output jacks have a 4 ohm minimum load. Pre and post-balanced XLR outputs with ground lift; preamp output/power amp input; footswitchable noiseless buffered effects loop and mute/tune; and buffered quarter-inch tuner/dry feed jack complete the rear panel controls. With its compact, 12-inch square footprint, and light weight of 11.5 pounds, the TE-1200 is a feature-loaded, highly portable bass amp head from the original bass amplification specialists. A padded gig bag and optional 1.5U rack mount kit are included.
$1099.99 USD List. $999.99 USD MAP. Learn more about the Trace Elliot TE-1200 and get a closer look at www.traceelliot.com.
Yes—and it'll also rattle windows with surprisingly full-sounding low end! The PG Trace Elliot Elf Combo review.
Very lightweight and portable. Simple but effective EQ. Size defying sound.
Light in hand, but not so much in price. No onboard effects.
$599
Trace Elliot Elf Combo
traceelliot.com
Recorded direct into Focusrite Scarlett 2i4 interface into GarageBand.
Clip 1: Schecter Banshee, picked. EQ flat with slight bass boost
Clip 2: Ashdown Saint, fingerstyle. Bass at 2 o'clock, mid at 11 o'clock, treble at 1 o'clock
Like it's standalone-amp cousin, this 200-watt combo houses controls for gain (with signal-level LED), a 3-band EQ, tone, and volume—all located topside along with 1/4" jacks for the input and headphone/line out. Around back lives an XLR out (with ground lift) and an additional speaker output. When I powered up the Elf with the EQ set flat, the mid-leaning amp filled up my high-ceiling room with an articulate and rich modern bass sound that made the old windows shake. After I bumped up both the bass and treble to 1 o'clock-ish and took a pinch from the mids, I got to a warmer, yet still punchy, tone I called home. The Elf has a deceiving amount of headroom for its featherweight build and can get loud. It also pushed an external 2x12 cabinet with ease and makes for a convenient silent practice and recording tool. (I appreciate the speaker on/off switch.) If you're after onboard effects, look elsewhere, but if a straight-ahead amp you can easily carry with one hand from bedroom practice to gigs to studio work and in between appeals, this combo may have some Elfin magic for you.
Test Gear: Schecter Banshee, Ashdown Saint, Orange OBC212, Focusrite Scarlett 2i4