The best way I can think to explain my thoughts on this little pedal preamp/DI is to go through the signal chain/knobs one at a time.
Gain- It's just an input trim. Does what it should, whether that's simply adjusting for the output of different basses or as a way to provide a little more control over when/how the compressor kicks in.
Compressor- One knob, all variables change together. Never gets super squished, even all the way up. More of a utility than an overt effect. I'm okay with that, because unless you've got a much steadier right hand than me, we ALL sound better with some comp. Surprisingly, this is actually the most subtle of all the controls.
Bass EQ- They claim 15db of cut or boost and I believe them. Small changes make a huge difference. Very, very easy to fart out.
Bass boost switch- Ugh. It's like a single button that simulates not knowing how to set your Bass EQ knob. Whether DI'd into a recording interface or running before an amp, I haven't found a use for this.
Mid EQ- Low-mid by default, high mids with the "mid shift" button engaged. I like a barky bass, so this is probably the most useful knob for my ears.
Treble EQ- Seems voiced a bit higher than I find useful. Lots of hiss, if you're stupid about it. One of my basses tends to be a bright, and this can tame it, but honestly, so does the Tone knob on the bass itself. In fact, the Tone knob does it a bit better.
Enhance- Incredibly heavy handed. Can make even the thumpiest old-school bass into something approximating modern hi-fi. For the most part, it seems like a control designed to give you a sound you'll love playing solo and that will get completely lost in a mix. Really not a sound I'm interested in.
Master- Output level. Duh.
Verdict: Not for me. I really wanted to like this thing. I fully expected to. But every time I'd dial in a sound that I dug -- usually using very mild settings -- I'd hit the bypass switch to compare it with the uneffected signal and realize I liked THAT sound better. It feels like a box best used to completely change the sound of a bass you hate, rather than to enhance the sound of one you love.
Gain- It's just an input trim. Does what it should, whether that's simply adjusting for the output of different basses or as a way to provide a little more control over when/how the compressor kicks in.
Compressor- One knob, all variables change together. Never gets super squished, even all the way up. More of a utility than an overt effect. I'm okay with that, because unless you've got a much steadier right hand than me, we ALL sound better with some comp. Surprisingly, this is actually the most subtle of all the controls.
Bass EQ- They claim 15db of cut or boost and I believe them. Small changes make a huge difference. Very, very easy to fart out.
Bass boost switch- Ugh. It's like a single button that simulates not knowing how to set your Bass EQ knob. Whether DI'd into a recording interface or running before an amp, I haven't found a use for this.
Mid EQ- Low-mid by default, high mids with the "mid shift" button engaged. I like a barky bass, so this is probably the most useful knob for my ears.
Treble EQ- Seems voiced a bit higher than I find useful. Lots of hiss, if you're stupid about it. One of my basses tends to be a bright, and this can tame it, but honestly, so does the Tone knob on the bass itself. In fact, the Tone knob does it a bit better.
Enhance- Incredibly heavy handed. Can make even the thumpiest old-school bass into something approximating modern hi-fi. For the most part, it seems like a control designed to give you a sound you'll love playing solo and that will get completely lost in a mix. Really not a sound I'm interested in.
Master- Output level. Duh.
Verdict: Not for me. I really wanted to like this thing. I fully expected to. But every time I'd dial in a sound that I dug -- usually using very mild settings -- I'd hit the bypass switch to compare it with the uneffected signal and realize I liked THAT sound better. It feels like a box best used to completely change the sound of a bass you hate, rather than to enhance the sound of one you love.
: I call it the "get lost in the mix knob".
