~MXR M-80 Bass Direct Box with Distortion~

Dfro86nap · #1 09-14-2009, 09:22 AM

What are your thoughts on this. I need something for distortion and to give a little boost to low mids for bottom end

I have a gl l 2000 tribute
ampeg svt pro
2 410 ampeg pr hlfs

stflbn · #2 09-14-2009, 09:25 AM

Great affordable box. Distortion tends to be more tube-screamer'ish in my opinion, but I only ever used it in subtle fashions.

bassvi · #3 09-14-2009, 09:42 AM

I really like mine, I use it more than my Sansamp BDDI. The distortion works great for what I do, can go from subtle to screaming. 3 band EQ, blend, and color switch preset are all nice. My first one turned up missing a few yearsa ago, I missed it so much I had to buy another one. I even used it as a pre for my upright a few times and got very pleasing results. Good pedal. Just be careful with the battery holder, it's the only thing plastic and cheap about the pedal. the little arms that hold the battery can break off really easily.

heb9_28 · #4 09-14-2009, 07:07 PM

I enjoy mine a LOT. I use it for subtle grit and a little boost. However, I have a exh steel leather bass expander at the end of my board and when I click that bad boy on it really opens up the distortion, giving it an almost synthy-fuzz effect. Very cool.

dmusic148 · #5 09-14-2009, 07:15 PM

I had one and didn't like it. The distortion was too radical- I just wanted some thickness, like a VT pedal(or so I'm told- haven't tried one yet).

scubaduba · #6 09-14-2009, 07:22 PM

I just got one and like it. My initial impression is good. I just wanted one to add a little "umph" and bit more growl. I'm not intending to use it for all out distortion. There are other pedals much better for that. But I like the blend controls for simple enhancements.

RickenBoogie · #7 09-14-2009, 07:24 PM

I like the pedal as a DI, even the pre, but not too fond of the distortion. Worth the price for any one of it's many features.

MNAirHead · #8 09-14-2009, 07:29 PM

I own about 10 DIs.. everything from $$$$$ to $.. this is the best buy out of all.. can be had in the $60 used range.

Britsie · #9 09-15-2009, 07:54 AM

For me, this is the only distortion on bass, that works in a band.

Eric! · #10 03-18-2010, 08:02 AM

One of my FAVORITE distortions I've ever played, the EQ is great, and the DI is awesome. LOVE mine!

shaolinwhat · #11 03-18-2010, 08:11 AM

I have been using one of these for an EQ and DI for a little over a year now, but was never that thrilled with the distortion. I actually started a new project where I'm using distortion a significant amount of the time, and found a setting on the m-80 that is exactly what I need for it. I was actually kind of disappointed with the bass big muff in this band setting, but the m-80 came through for me once again. Big fan.

shaolinwhat · #12 03-18-2010, 08:53 AM

oh and the built-in noise gate is a huge plus. in the past when i have gone for that super bright blended distortion sound, feedback has been a big hassle. not anymore.

Aram · #13 03-18-2010, 09:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shaolinwhat

I have been using one of these for an EQ and DI for a little over a year now, but was never that thrilled with the distortion. I actually started a new project where I'm using distortion a significant amount of the time, and found a setting on the m-80 that is exactly what I need for it. I was actually kind of disappointed with the bass big muff in this band setting, but the m-80 came through for me once again. Big fan.

Do you mind sharing that distortion setting? I feel like I'm almost there with mine, but it's hit-or-miss at gigs. It seems like you pretty much have to use a pick.

scubaduba · #14 03-18-2010, 12:04 PM

The M-80 is fabulous. I bought one used for about $65. Best investment for my bass playing I've made. I use it at church with every bass I play. Totally fattens out the sound and sends a stronger signal to the boards. I don't really use the distortion much at all but do use the color button. Works great for my setting. Add a little bass, mid, and treble and its perfect.

shaolinwhat · #15 03-18-2010, 02:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aram

Do you mind sharing that distortion setting? I feel like I'm almost there with mine, but it's hit-or-miss at gigs. It seems like you pretty much have to use a pick.

Here is what I'm working with:

Works great with my jazz bass

Aram · #16 03-18-2010, 04:13 PM

Nice thanks for posting the settings! This is very similar to how I set mine, but maybe I have a little less treble...I think boosting all freq's is the key with this unit. Also, as I mentioned, using a pick really tightens it up.

XXL · #17 03-18-2010, 05:24 PM

I find the Rex Brown setting in the manual works well for me while playing at gig volumes.

Laurent · #18 03-18-2010, 05:33 PM

It's my favorite DI and the tone shaping is fantastic.
Unlike a Tech 21 DI it does not color the sound.
Great distortion as well.
This box does everything well and it's build like a tank.
MXR products are great all around products which never reach the extremes but deliver great natural analogue sound.
Highly recommended!

lowfreq33 · #19 03-18-2010, 05:46 PM

I like it, but I'm not crazy about the distortion. It works ok for me if I want just a bit of grit, but I'd like to have a tone knob dedicated to just the distortion side. Sometimes the higher gain settings get a little too brittle for my tastes.

Otherwise it's a great pedal, I doubt I'll ever get rid of it.

BZadlo · #20 03-18-2010, 05:52 PM

Can the DI be used even when the pedal is not on? I wouldn't mind putting one of these after my effects and VT bass. Then, I'd send that signal to the board.