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MXR Bass Overdrive - nice, but ... nah.

FretNoMore

FretNoMore

* Cooking with GAS *
Jan 25, 2002
10,408
14,035
67
The frozen north
#1
Just got it but don't like it much unfortunately ... of course it depends on what you're going for, but as I'm looking for a bare minimum of breakup and little change in tone this is not for me. This pedal is not clean with "Clean" on max and "Drive" on minimum. MXR mentions that the clean signal has a preset EQ, but they don't say it's also distorted even at the minimum setting, so not actually clean, and it's too much for the subtle breakup I want. It's also not quite transparent; to me it sounds a bit muffled - not to be confused with "warm" or "dark" in my opinion. I think this pedal will work great if you're looking for medium drive or more, but don't buy it if you want barely audible dirt and a transparent tone.
 
#4
My main bass is active/passive (J Retro preamp) and the overdrive is actually more pronounced in passive mode, probably because the passive sound is more midrangy. None of my other pedals distort with the bass in active mode, so I wouldn't think that is a problem.
 
#5
FretNoMore said:
My main bass is active/passive (J Retro preamp) and the overdrive is actually more pronounced in passive mode, probably because the passive sound is more midrangy. None of my other pedals distort with the bass in active mode, so I wouldn't think that is a problem.
Click to expand...

Gotcha. I have had issues with Dunlop pedals in particular, which is why I asked. I am glad I saw your thread, though.
 
#6
I recommend looking at a Darkglass Microtubes B3K or B7K pedal. They're expensive, but oh-so versatile when it comes to tuning in the amount of edge you want.
I have tried so many pedals, and all but the B3K go right to massive, fake fuzz sound the moment you tap them.
 
#7
I have the vintage and the B7K, but from what it sounds like you are looking for a tube woks blue tube might fit the bill.

Also, the Vintage micro tubes and B7K are both fantastic. Kicked by Blue Tube off my board.
 
#8
Worldeeeter said:
I recommend looking at a Darkglass Microtubes B3K or B7K pedal. They're expensive, but oh-so versatile when it comes to tuning in the amount of edge you want.
I have tried so many pedals, and all but the B3K go right to massive, fake fuzz sound the moment you tap them.
Click to expand...

+1
 
#10
I do not disagree with your assessment. I like this pedal for the reasons you dislike it.
Reading what you looking for makes me think you want something like an Xotic RC Booster or a TC Electronic Spark. When on full gain they both generate a small amount of distortion, just a hair of dirt. I am assuming the RC booster is the most transparent of the two but I have yet to test them side by side.
 
#11
Thanks guys for your suggestions, I'll look into them. I do have a few other overdrives, I bought the MXR on a whim because someone described it as dark and Pork Loin-ish, something I think I can use, but it didn't quite fit either that description or transparent. My favourite at the moment is the Wampler Euphoria. That pedal is so far closest to the sound I have pictured in my head; some impossible mix between the Euphoria and maybe the Catalinbread SFT. :)
 
#13
Yes, I've read your reviews - thanks for this incredible resource - and I'm sorely tempted. I'm not too keen on another pedal of that size though. I wonder if it's possible to get it in a smaller enclosure, maybe I'll send them an email and ask.
 
#19
FretNoMore said:
Thanks guys for your suggestions, I'll look into them. I do have a few other overdrives, I bought the MXR on a whim because someone described it as dark and Pork Loin-ish, something I think I can use, but it didn't quite fit either that description or transparent. My favourite at the moment is the Wampler Euphoria. That pedal is so far closest to the sound I have pictured in my head; some impossible mix between the Euphoria and maybe the Catalinbread SFT. :)
Click to expand...

If you like the Wampler Euphoria, what you want is the Creation Audio Holy Fire. It's an Euphoria ++; I had both pedals and still own the Holy Fire.
 

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