Warwick Gnome Transistor basversterker

Warwick Gnome — Pocket-Sized 200 W Class D Bass Amp Head

The Gnome bass amplifier head delivers 200 watts of Class D solid-state power in a chassis weighing under 1 kg. This pocket-sized head combines a 3-band EQ, balanced XLR DI output, and silent-practice headphone jack in one rugged enclosure. For working bassists who want full-range tone without hauling a heavy amp rack, this model is the right choice.

What Sets the Gnome Apart in the Compact Amp Category

What stands out about this amp head is its 10 Mohm input impedance — which preserves every nuance of passive and active pickups — paired with a post-EQ balanced XLR DI output and rear-mounted ground lift switch. The Class D circuitry keeps the unit cool and lightweight while delivering the punch and warmth reviewers describe as natural and tube-like. Flush-mounted countersunk screws eliminate the protruding plastic parts that often break on competing mini heads.

Class D Power That Punches Above Its Weight

Output reaches 200 W at 4 ohms and 130 W at 8 ohms from a solid-state Class D circuit — enough to drive a 4 ohm bass cabinet on a club stage. A dual-colored input LED gives early warning when the gain stage starts to clip.

• Power Output: 200 W @ 4 ohms / 130 W @ 8 ohms — drives a wide range of bass cabinets from a single small chassis
• Amplifier Class: Class D solid-state — cool-running, lightweight, and reliable for touring
• Input impedance exceeds 10 Mohms, allowing players to connect passive and active bass pickups directly without using a pad.

3-Band EQ with ±15 dB Range for Full Tonal Control

The front-panel 3-band EQ gives ±15 dB of cut or boost per band across Bass, Middle, and Treble. Reviewers note the EQ bands interact naturally — boosting the lows brings the mids down for a sub-heavy voicing, while pushing the mids softens the high end. A Gain knob sets the input stage, and a Master knob controls overall volume.

• EQ Bands: Bass, Middle, Treble — ±15 dB cut/boost per band for full tonal range
• Front-panel layout puts Gain, Bass, Middle, Treble, and Master all within reach — no menu diving during a gig.
• Input Metering: Dual-colored LED — flickers red at the edge of clipping so the player can dial back the gain

DI Output, Headphone Jack, and Pedalboard Mounting

The balanced XLR DI output sits post-EQ, meaning the signal sent to a front-of-house mixer or audio interface already carries the player's tone shaping. A rear-panel ground lift switch eliminates hum from ground loops in dodgy-mains venues. The 6.35 mm headphone output on the front panel mutes the speaker out automatically for silent practice.

• DI Output: Balanced XLR post-EQ with ground lift — sends a finished tone to the PA or recording interface
• Headphone Output: 6.35 mm (1/4") front-panel jack — silent practice without disturbing the household
• Speaker Output: 6.35 mm (1/4") rear-panel jack — pairs with any 4 ohm or 8 ohm bass cabinet
• Optional RockBoard QuickMount Type D plate lets the head sit flush on a pedalboard for a tidy fly rig.

Who Should Buy This Pocket Bass Amp Head

This amp head is the right choice for gigging bassists, session players, and home recordists who need a reliable unit that disappears into a gig bag but still delivers full-range tone on stage. Players who split their time between live shows and studio sessions will appreciate the post-EQ XLR DI for direct recording, while apartment dwellers get a built-in headphone jack for late-night practice. The 0.96 kg weight makes it ideal for bassists who travel light.

Warwick Amplification — German Engineering for Bass Players

Warwick has built basses, strings, and amplification at its Markneukirchen facility in Germany for decades, and the Gnome series extends that bass-first philosophy into the amp category. The line was developed to give discerning musicians and seasoned professionals a transparent, noise-free amp head in an ultra-portable, lightweight design at an accessible price point.