Ashdown - CTM 300

Here's a workhorse that carries the DNA of British rock, the Ashdown CTM 300 doesn't cheat: its marine birch plywood chassis and 28.2 kg weight point to an ironclad construction. Each model is hand-assembled from components selected for the road. It's not an accessory, it's a long-term partner.

Under the bonnet, a block of six KT88 power tubes generates 300 watts of sonic authority. The preamp, with its quintet of tubes including an ECC83 and an ECC99, structures bass of a rare density. You can feel the grain, the warmth that envelops each note without obscuring the attack. The High and Low inputs adapt to the virulence of your pickups.

The controls section focuses on efficiency. Bass, Midrange, Treble: deceptively simple. The Deep, Mid Shift and Bright knobs modulate texture in depth. Deep adds weight without mud, Bright makes the slap sparkle. Mid Shift shifts the midrange core to lock you into the mix.

In any situation, the CTM 300 shows its versatility. Its tube DI output, with dedicated transformer, delivers an immediately rich studio signal. The effects loop fits seamlessly into your chain. The bias-adjustable VU meter keeps you in control of your electronic health.

From touring backlines to recording booths, this head makes its presence felt. It's perfect for full rock lines, jazz-funk grooves that need definition, or heavier atmospheres where weight counts. It's an inspiring machine, with no digital interface.