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MXR M80 or Hartke Bass Attack

Discussion in 'Effects [BG]' started by the low one, Nov 28, 2005.

  1. Nov 28, 2005 #1
    the low one

    the low one

    Feb 21, 2002
    UK
    I know the price of a new MXR M80 is twice as much as the Hartke Bass Attack but is it worth it? Secand hand M80's go for about the same money as a new Hartke.
    I like the idea of a seperate distortion channel on the M80. For 80% of gigs now I'm DI'd so which one would you buy.
     
  2. Nov 28, 2005 #2
    Roundwound

    Roundwound

    May 13, 2004
    Peoria, IL
    The tube emulator on the Hartke is by no means a distortion feature, it adds some overdrive and warmth as it is cranked. So if distortion would work best with your band, then invest in the M80. The Hartke is effective for adding depth to your sound, nice for old school rock and blues. I use mine all the time and makes for a nice DI box with some controls.
     
  3. Nov 28, 2005 #3
    TaySte_2000

    TaySte_2000

    Jun 23, 2001
    Houston, TX
    I DI out of the MXR all the time, never use the distortion on it really.

    Just because a feature is there doesn't mean you have to use it, have a look at the freq centres on the eq and see which one matches your preference.

    Cheers
     
  4. Nov 28, 2005 #4
    the low one

    the low one

    Feb 21, 2002
    UK
    Thanks guys, I should have said I use a P bass and a fretless Jazz and play in a standard guitar driven band setup.

    Also, looking at the manual on the Hartke web site it's not clear if the effected signal continues to the on stage amp as well as the PA. There is a pre/post switch for the XLR out but can you hear the effected signal on your amp too?

    I assume the MXR's effected signal goes to both PA and amp?
     
  5. Nov 28, 2005 #5
    Roundwound

    Roundwound

    May 13, 2004
    Peoria, IL
    The affected signal can go to both the PA and amp on the Hartke. That's where I keep it. I don't know about the MXR, though. When the pedal is bypassed (no shape or harmonics activated), you can still adjust the bass and treble on your incoming signal, as well as the level out.
     
  6. Nov 28, 2005 #6
    Masterbasser71

    Masterbasser71

    Jun 28, 2003
    San Francisco, California
    Go M-80! Awesome distortion sound provides the raunch and extra flava. The color switch on the clean channel makes passive basses sound active (it is a preamp). Then the DI out just sounds beautiful into a recording device or a PA system. If my amp were to break down during a gig (it won't), I'd just use this little badboy DI. Get yourself an MXR M-80 or get lost!
     
  7. Nov 29, 2005 #7
    the low one

    the low one

    Feb 21, 2002
    UK
    I take the hint ...... thanks :bag: