Feature Overview - Ampeg Portaflex PF-800 800W Bass Head

The PF-800 delivers the superior performance of Ampeg's Portaflex Series bass heads in an ultra-compact 800-watt design perfect for power-hungry bassists that demand uncompromising tone. The ideal head to drive a pair of Portaflex cabs, the PF-800 has exceptional headroom and can handle its own on stage, offering the flexibility and features needed for venues large and small. Classic hi/lo boosts and 5-position midrange control offer a wide choice of tone and onboard compression delivers tighter, cleaner tone at higher volumes. It attaches right to the flip-top lid of the PF-115HE or PF-210HE cabs and is perfect for the ported PF-410HLF and PF-115LF extension cabs.

[NobeeOneKenobi]

I'm sold, this head is amazing. The versatility is incredible and highly portable. I'm getting one! 

[MelodyAlmroth]

This amp good and make sound big. Small and cute but make good boom boom come out.

[wildonekj]

this is the very best bass sound i've ever heard smooth yet very strong bass volume very nice Ampeg

[larryholcomb]

I think I have the same problem Mr Warrior had. I bought the PF500 bundle with the 115HE cab. I was playing a Tobias bass with passive electronics. I had it for less than a week and it made a loud pop sound and stopped working. I was playing it with the gain at about 4 and the master volume at about 5. It sounded great and none of the warning lights came on. I've done some research and this seems to be a common issue. I hope my replacement doesn't blow as well. I love this amp.

[TheRecode]

Ampeg is the best amps forever for me. I absolutely love them. Also big thanks for a great review.

[TheBassfresh]

nice demo, luv mine, not so much the sealed cabs...i use it w/ an old b15 shelf ported w/ a jbl d140

[chrisbentley]

I just bought one these heads... I only have a 15" cab so far... and this is a monster of a amp! That threshold light for the compression scared the shit out of me tho. Blinky yellow lights are usually a cautionary sign.... not this time! 🤘🏼

[duncanwhitfield]

Got myself a PF-500 and PF-115HE as a downsizing exercise and to say that I'm less than impressed with the reliability of the head would be an understatement of biblical proportions!!
The PF-500 developed the "fault light virus" and began cutting out within 3 months of purchase!  I was offered a brand new replacement unit by the UK retailer or an "cost difference" upgrade to the PF-800... I opted for the upgrade.  It sounded immense for 3 weeks until it popped and died... no warning light or anything else for that matter!!  I adore the tone of these things so I'm waiting for a replacement PF-800 right now but it's three strikes and you're out as far as I'm concerned. If the new one goes the same way as the last two 

[ag]

@Mr.Warrior68, Larry H., ampegtv. i've had my PF-500 for about a year. gain5, comp.4, bass5, mid(minus side), mid2-5, treb5, output7. I've also experienced this but w/different speakers. I'll get different results. 1 is w/a EA vl-110 8ohms.& a EA vl-208 8ohms. Those are my speakers. On ocassion I use them w/a Peavey TX410, that is in bad shape. If I drive the Peavey the problem will happen. I believe if the load is unstable, the amp will become intermittent.

[jacobjohnford]

Just pre-ordered the 800 from Musician's Friend and they hooked me up with 15% off. I got this beast for $509.99!!!! Running it through a mid 90's HLF-410. Can't wait to dial in the tone and lay down some grooves.

[muriloninja]

Why oh why did Ampeg not put the "porta" into the Portaflex 4x10 Cab? I picked up a PA-800 and PF-410, sounds great and of course is loud. Only down side is no "porta" : (

[XPI-sk]

I hope this isn't a dumb question because I just got this along with the pf410hlf cabinet.

The cab says 8 ohms and 800w rms power.

Does this mean I could get the full 800w out of the head and the speaker could handle it?

[ndl]

Hi Dino, i just got the PF-500!!!.
I think that maybe will be a good idea if u can explain us, how to use the correct back of the PF-500 (e.j, POST EQ, OdB -40dB and GND, LIFT), how is the best option performance??, theres a lot of videos showing the front of the Ampeg PF, but nothing explain this practice examples the Back of the PF.

Thanks in advance and regards from Argentina

Nicolás

[jdbize]

I’m an ampeg
User but I need more. Thinking about going markbass or Aguilar bit theyre too expensive, can I get an 800 with 2x10
And 1/15 configuration, or do I have to carry
A
4x10 to an upstairs gig

[matthewbeckwith]

How well do these heads get along with effects pedals?

[nbm]

I am not keen on the diamond tolex covered PF-410HLF cabinet.  Can I pair the Portaflex PF-800 amplifier (400 watts @ 8 ohms) with an SVT-410HE cabinet (500 watts @ 8 ohms which has speakon connection) without fear of blowing the speakers ?

[steventessier]

hey Dino, is this head compatible with the svt-410HLF 4x10 cabinet ?

[FrederickRoulhac]

Why do may Ameg pf800, Ultra hi cuts off everything I hit high note , or slap my string the hold head shut down.

[GenX_Dave]

question....is it a bad thing when the "thesh" light flickers or comes on constant when playing heavily?

[europa]

Portaflex fault light, and fan wont function hence, amppeg head wont work? Barely been used

Any tips?