Mildest Distortion Pedal

[Sternodox]

Don't get me wrong, I love distorto bass but that's not what I'm looking for. I want just a hint of distortion like when you're just approaching the zone on an SVT or something, except I have an Ampeg RB 12. Will be playing 5-string and 4-string fretless. Recommendations?

 

[Killing Floor]

An overdrive.

or better yet a boost so you can push your input gain without directly adding dirt.
Sex Drive is what I use for that. But there is not a best.

 

[AEVAREX]

I've been reading/U-tubing about the TC Electronic Spark Booster to achieve edge of breakup/overdrive territory. I already own 2 other TC pedals that have permanent residence on my board. Sorry I have no direct experiences to share using it, but I hope to change that soon. Just need to save a bit more $ to get me there.

 

[Haricary]

How about a Fat Phuk?

 

[Haricary]

Broughton Scorpion dialed in low would work too my friend.

 

[Sternodox]

I have an MXR Bass Fuzz that I like but is not what I'm looking for. Maybe "tubelike" is a more appropriate description. I played an SVT through a Carvan stack for years with no pedals. I guess my ears keep wanting that sound. My back sure doesn't though!

 

[johnk_10]

IMO, the spark booster is very good at low OD.

 

[AEVAREX]

IMO, the spark booster is very good at low OD.

I'm hoping the spark plays well with my darkglass AO.

 

[bassbrad]

EHX Hot Tubes, Fuzzrocious Li'l Fella and the Source Audio Aftershock are go to solutions.

 

[_One//Man//Mutiny_]

Damnation MBD1 can do it, and all the way up to fuzz territory! I run mine really low just a little bit of hair, I love it!

 

[Pyrrho Epoche]

I have an RB-115 and these work well.

Darkglass overdrive B3K is pretty mild, if you want it to be.


Might want to check this out too. I really dig mine:

The Microtubes Vintage is our tribute to some of the most legendary sounds in rock history. It provides warm tube-like tones with a natural dynamic response that echoes the organic compression of old tube amps and reel-to-reel tape machines.
Type
Stompbox
Effects
Distortion, Overdrive
Brand
Darkglass

 

[james condino]

A Voodoo Sparkle drive that allows you to blend the gain channel with a clean.

 

[Justin Keoni]

Saturn VI is worth a look

 

[Kubicki Fan]

How about a Fat Phuk?

The one thing better than a Fat Phuk is a Fat Phuk for phree.

 

[Deleted member 271037]

If you don't mind a slightly dark tone the EBS Valvedrive might be worth a try. It turns to mush if you crank the gain too much, but at the edge of breakup, and slightly past, it sounds great. It can get slightly dark/muddy if the rest of your setup is leaning towards a dark/warm tone, but it's a great pedal for adding a bit of warmth and tube-vibe to a sterile sounding amp. Of course it won't give you the "heft" of a real tube amp with output tubes and transformers, but unlike most "toob" pedals it actually has a nice tube driven breakup.

 

[lark_z]

Four knob TC Spark - under $100
Joyo American - Under $50

 

[el murdoque]

A dirty boost or overdrive seems to be what you're looking for.
There are so many choices, it's really hard to make a good suggestion. Off the top of my head, I'd suggest looking at:
Spaceman Saturn VI
Audio Kitchen Fake Plastic Trees
Jad Freer Capo
Sushi Box FX Underground Accelerator
Fairfield Barbershop
Hudson Broadcast
Damnation Audio MBD
Broughton SV-Pre
Xotic BB Bass Preamp
BJFe Blueberry (or variants)
EBS Valve Drive DI
AMT Bricks O-Bass
JPTR FX Jive
Nobels ODR-1 (or the bass variant, anything but the mini)
Wampler Belle
Wampler Pantheon
SS/BS Mini
NSA Piggy

....those are a few of those that I own or owned and liked enough to recommend them to fellow bass players.
They all work great as lower gain overdrive pedals for bass, no matter how they are labeled/marketed.

 

[40Hz]

I think your best bet for that would be what’s sometimes referred to as an “edge” overdrive.

The TC Spark Booster should get you what you’re looking for.

 

[RevOgre]

Kasleder Jellyfish is my personal favorite

 

[ThinCrappyTone2]

I went on a similar mission and ended up really liking the Genzler 4 on the floor for this type of thing. It has really useful controls for dialing in just the right amount of dirt and fine tuning the response. The ability to high/low pass is really cool too.