Xotic EP-Booster works great for me. Nice small form factor, too. No low end loss when you set the internal dip switch to "flat" EQ. (Which is the stock setting IIRC...)
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Boost Pedals.
- Thread starter G3Mitch
- Start date
I had an EHX LPB1 and felt like it colored the sound in a really bad way, especially at higher boosts. Maybe it was just a bad unit, since other people have had different experiences. I use a Markbass Super Booster now, which is phenomenal, but more money.
I think you should definitely check out EQ pedals too, like the GEB7 or one of the MXR pedals. They can give you a pretty flat boost if you want, or you can tweak your sound a little too. Like if you want to boost and cut through more, you can turn up the highs and upper mids.
I think you should definitely check out EQ pedals too, like the GEB7 or one of the MXR pedals. They can give you a pretty flat boost if you want, or you can tweak your sound a little too. Like if you want to boost and cut through more, you can turn up the highs and upper mids.
Here are the ones I've used:
Catalinbread Super Chili Picoso
Fulltone Fatboost v1
EHX LBP-1
Wren & Cuff Phat Phuk
Here's the one still on my board:
Wren & Cuff Phat Phuk
It's hands down the best boost for bass I've ever used. Awesome fatness added without muddiness. Plenty of headroom. The one I liked least is the Picoso.
Catalinbread Super Chili Picoso
Fulltone Fatboost v1
EHX LBP-1
Wren & Cuff Phat Phuk
Here's the one still on my board:
Wren & Cuff Phat Phuk
It's hands down the best boost for bass I've ever used. Awesome fatness added without muddiness. Plenty of headroom. The one I liked least is the Picoso.
The LPB-1 wasn't very transparent in my experience. There was a bit of a boost in treble/upper mids. That made it a good fit for me, but if you're looking for a clean boost, check out a SHO or clone of one.
i've got MXR CAE MC-401 & Lizard Legs Flying Dragon. both great clean boosts but a bit more $ than the LPB1.
thanks for all this feedback.
So far it sounds like the Wren and Cuff could be the best option..
But on the cheaper side.. maybe an EQ. I play with my low mids higher than anything else already ... and maybe another eq would be confusing things to much (amp EQ set pretty much flat, with low mids at 1 o'clock, and a VT Bass on top of that Bass/Mids 1.30, Treble 12.30)
For now I guess I could just use one of my dirt pedals and push the volume up, but that won't fit every situation, and I prefer using those for tonal changes. It does sound like boost pedals aren't as simple as just pushing your volume up, had no idea, so saving for a quality one might be the better option.
So far it sounds like the Wren and Cuff could be the best option..
But on the cheaper side.. maybe an EQ. I play with my low mids higher than anything else already ... and maybe another eq would be confusing things to much (amp EQ set pretty much flat, with low mids at 1 o'clock, and a VT Bass on top of that Bass/Mids 1.30, Treble 12.30)
For now I guess I could just use one of my dirt pedals and push the volume up, but that won't fit every situation, and I prefer using those for tonal changes. It does sound like boost pedals aren't as simple as just pushing your volume up, had no idea, so saving for a quality one might be the better option.
I tried a number of them, and the only one that absolutely didn't color/change the sound/tone of my bass was the ridiculously expensive ZVEX Super Hard On. The Phat Phuk colors the tone, my EP Booster does- any simple JFET or Germanium based boost circuit is going to. The trick is to find one that's tonal changes are minimal and pleasing to the ear. The EP Booster is that in spades- definitely worth a try. Although the Phat Phuk is probably also going to be very satisfying.
There's a graph floating around showing how the SHO affects your sound. It is VERY transparent. It's exactly as its advertised: your guitar, but more.
If cost is an issue, build or have someone build a SHO clone. There are dozens of schematics floating around for it, It's a ridiculously simple circuit, and you could build one for around $50. Be careful though- it might start a pedal building addiction
If cost is an issue, build or have someone build a SHO clone. There are dozens of schematics floating around for it, It's a ridiculously simple circuit, and you could build one for around $50. Be careful though- it might start a pedal building addiction
Hah yeah. I am curious to know how it all works. Maybe one day.
I have a guy here in NZ who does clones... I know for sure he does Zvex and Xotic clones. Might give him an email and see what boosters he can do.
I have a guy here in NZ who does clones... I know for sure he does Zvex and Xotic clones. Might give him an email and see what boosters he can do.
Fulltone Fatboost v3 & Wren & Cuff Phat Phuk B are both awesome. I have used both and the Fat Boost stayed only since it is cleaner but can get that grit like the Phat Phuk. If I played rock and other aggressive style exclusively I would have kept the Phat Phuk B but I didn't like how it sounded with my fretless.
I use an LPB-1, and like it just fine. Not really clean or linear after 10:00 or even 9:00, though. It works well with dirt pedals, or to overdrive a preamp, but I wouldn't use it for a completely clean boost in a simple bass-boost-amp setup. It just isn't as linear as the name suggests. True bypass and low price makes it a very nice addition to any players arsenal, IMO.
Martin
Martin
I was looking at gettin the lpb to run it right before my bass synth wah since it has no level control to compensate for the volume loss with it. Seems like it would be perfect for that after reading this thread.
