The Bullhead 3K represents the pinnacle of our design ethos to create powerful, intuitive, flexible tools to help bassists achieve their creative and sonic goals. We wanted to offer players an amp with unparalleled power, headroom and dynamic range, and a completely revolutionary approach to signal routing and input/output flexibility. The result is a unique and groundbreaking bass head that meets the needs of the most discerning and imaginative professional players. In addition to the remarkable clarity, warmth, and fidelity of the Bullhead 3K’s award-winning Mike Pope-designed preamplifier and 4-band switchable EQ, the 3K’s dual Pascal power amplifiers deliver an unrivaled payload of wattage and precision that is musical, crystal clear, and effortlessly fast.
BULLHEAD 3K
Why the Bullhead 3K?
The Bullhead 3K offers a unique design of 2 independent power modules that are 1700w RMS each via 2 Pascal L-Pro2S power amps… We took that number down to 1500w × 2 to safely land at the Bullhead 3K name.
A common limitation with some Class D amps is a minimum-recommended load of 4 Ohms. In its simplest setup the Bullhead 3K feeds your input into both power modules allowing you to access both to feed your onstage cabinets. One advantage of having 2 power modules available is the ability to run 2 cabs at 4 Ohms each (one off each module) or multiple cabs at 8 Ohms each. Once we landed on the idea of including access to two power modules, we had even more possibilities open up for how the player can use the amp. We commonly have players with 2 rigs on stage, one for key bass and one for electric bass. With the Bullhead 3K, that same player can run his electric bass through the BH3K front end and into one of the internal 1500w power modules and to his stage cabs. Additionally, he can run his keys rig into the rear amplifier 2 input and access the second power module for his keys stage rig, with each input also having a dedicated XLR output. This same thinking could work for a clean/dirty set up or a modern vintage setup by inserting your favorite tube preamp into amplifier 2 or any 2 channel type of configuration you can come up with. TECH NOTE: The ring on the input jack of the Amplifier 2 input on the back acts like a switch. When a cable is inserted, the internal switching separates the second power module from the front input and allows it to run independently.
While the idea of 2 independent cabinets set up on stage sounds like fun and works for a lot of players, there are times when 2 cabs on stage simply does not make sense. For players wanting to utilize the 2 channel options mentioned above but wanting it to all go to one cabinet, we have an amplifier 2 ON/OFF toggle switch on the front of the amp. If you turn the amplifier 2 toggle switch to OFF, then the rear input will sum with the front input and put it all through the single 1500w power module and into one cabinet. Now you can have your bass and keys through a single cabinet and still have independent volume controls and XLR for each.
Is the Bullhead 3K overkill for most people? Maybe, but when you experience the versatility of having access to 2 independent power modules and the effortless response of the added headroom, it may just be the solution you were looking for. And if not, we proudly offer our Bullhead Mini500, Bullhead .5K and Bullhead 1K to meet your needs.
$2,499.00
Dual Inputs and Outputs
The 3K’s front and rear inputs feed the dual amplifiers in several intuitive and flexible ways, depending on how you intend to use the amp. They offer two independent or linkable power channels, each delivering 1500w x2 at 8 ohms (2500w at x2 4 ohms). They can be easily configured to run two completely independent rigs side by side or sum the front input to both amplifiers.
The 3K’s front input (Input 1) feeds the iconic Mike Pope-designed Trickfish preamp, which includes our 4-band switchable EQ. The rear input (Input 2) features a separate Gain and Master Volume on the top right of the front panel. With the “Amp 2” switch engaged, Output 2 becomes independent of Output 1, effectively creating two high-powered bass amps in one.
High Pass/Low Pass Filters
On the top left of the front panel, you will find the 3K’s defeatable, variable High Pass and Low Pass filters for Output 1 (or for both outputs when they are summed from Input 1). When engaged, they provide a steep 24dB per octave cut, below (HPF) or above (LPF) the frequencies you desire. This allows complete control over the total “width” of the 3K’s frequency range. The High Pass can be set to tame the low end anywhere between 38Hz and 310Hz, while the Low Pass can be set to reduce treble content starting at 15kHz, all the way down to 330Hz. These precise filters allow you to tailor the incredibly wide and full range bandwidth of the 3k, to pocket your sound in whatever sonic region you desire, while keeping the overall tone or character of your sound completely intact.
Front Panel Features
Input
This jack can be used to connect an instrument via a standard 1/4″ mono cable
Input Attenuator
A switchable input attenuator offers 0dB or -10dB settings, accommodating both high-output active and lower-output passive instruments
High Pass Filter
Eliminate unwanted bass frequencies using a steep 24dB/octave filter, adjustable from 38Hz to 3kHz
Low Pass Filter
Soften piercing highs with a customizable 24dB/octave filter, tunable from 330Hz to 15kHz
Bass Cut/Boost with Frequency Select
Shape your low-end with a ±12dB shelving control, featuring a selectable starting point of either 40Hz or 80Hz
Low Mid Cut/Boost with Frequency Select
Fine-tune your low-midrange with a ±12dB bell-shaped EQ, centered at either 330Hz or 473Hz
Hi Mid Cut/Boost with Frequency Select
Adjust your high-midrange using a ±12dB bell-shaped EQ, centered at either 1kHz or 1.8kHz
Treble Cut/Boost with Frequency Select button
Tailor the high frequencies using a ±12dB treble shelf EQ, with starting points at either 4kHz or 8kHz
Master Volume
Controls the overall volume of main amplifier output
Amplifier Mute
Mutes the signal to the amplifier
Amplifier 2 Gain & Master Volume
Controls the gain and master volume output for amplifier 2. Turning the switch to the “ON” position routes the signal of the rear amplifier 2 input to the amplifier 2 speaker output
Power Output x 2 (for each Pascal L-Pro2S power amp)
4 Ohms: 2500W Peak 1700W RMS @ 1% THD
8 Ohms: 1500W Peak 1060W RMS @ 1% THD
*RACK EARS INCLUDED
Rear Panel Features
AC Mains Input Connector
Attach supplied IEC power cable firmly into socket. Universal mains for 100V-240V operation
Speaker Output Main
Connect a speaker cable here for use of the main (amplifier 1) output. This Speakon combo jack allows for either Speakon or ¼” speaker cable operation
Speaker Output Amplifier 2
Connect a speaker cable here for use of the amplifier 2 output. This Speakon combo jack allows for either Speakon or ¼” speaker cable operation
Amplifier 2 Input with Phase Selector
This jack can be used to connect an external source via a standard 1/4″ mono cable. Connecting a source with the AMPLIFER 2 switch off will be mixed with the front input signal. With the switch to the amplifier 2 set to ON, the signal will be routed to the second power amp
Amplifier 2 Direct Out with Ground Lift
Connect a balanced XLR cable to send the direct signal of amplifier 2 to a mixer, interface, or other input source. This DI also features a dedicated ground lift selector
Aux Input
The Line In jack accepts a signal from a laptop, phone, MP3 player, or other input source. Connect headphones for silent practicing with the volume controlled by the master volume on the front of the amp
Tuner Output
This jack can be used to connect an tuner via a standard 1/4″ mono cable
EFX Loop
SEND jack routes the signal TO the destination device. The RETURN jack returns the signal FROM the destination device. The series/parallel switch changes the EFX Loop from parallel operation to serial operation. The EFX loop also has a dedicated ground lift to eliminate unwanted hum
Main Direct Out
Connect a balanced XLR cable to send the direct signal to a mixer, interface, or other input source. This DI also features a dedicated pre/post EQ selector and ground lift selector
Size & Weight
(H x W x D in.) 5 x 17 x 13, (H x W x D cm) 12.7 x 43.18 x 33.02
12.89 lbs, 5.85 kg
3 rack spaces
3 Space Amp Rack
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