Recommendations for a clean and transparent boost pedal?

[Mr. Business]

Any recommendations for a clean and transparent boost pedal? I know the tc spark gets a TON of love around here, but I have tried the 4 knob twice and the mini once. I sense some coloration in both and can definitely hear the difference when it’s removed from the equation. So what boost will give me the exact same signal, only louder? No tonal enhancement, just more gain/volume. Mxr micro amp?

 

[dedpool1052]

I liked the Jackson Audi Amp Mode boost I had.
It acted as a buffer at minimum, then boost as you went up.
I don't think it really colored the sound.

 

[Killing Floor]

The best boost made by humans is Durham Sex Drive.

 

[Mark06]

I like my MXR MC401 Boost/Line Driver

 

[Mr. Business]

I like my MXR MC401 Boost/Line Driver

That looks like a solid choice. I’ll have to check that out.

 

[thebandcircle]

Pettyjohn Lift MK1 is my favorite.

 

[Stranger Danger]

Turn the gain up on the amp and back off the volume on the bass. Then turn up the volume on the bass. Instant boost pedal

 

[HelpImaRock]

I like the Micro Amp. I also like the BOSS LS-2.

 

[akukulich]

I like the Xotic EP Booster.

 

[bigswifty1]

Turn the gain up on the amp and back off the volume on the bass. Then turn up the volume on the bass. Instant boost pedal

This might not work so well on basses which have a very non-linear volume knob (pre-EBMM Stingray, I'm looking at you) or basses where rolling off the volume causes drastic tone roll offs.

Also, playing with the volume backed off a little, then turning to full on for a boost in the middle of a song can be disruptive if your hands are busy. My band is super attentive to volume levels and balance, and when you roll the volume back off after your boost it can be hard to get it back *exactly* where you had it.

I notice the OP has already discounted the TC Spark. I use a Spark mini and I can hear some colouration, but not enough to put me off it. That's just me. I'll be interested to see where the OP lands with this question.

Mike

 

[Rolling Thunder]

EHX LPB-1

 

[crapusername]

Mxr micro amp

 

[Stranger Danger]

This might not work so well on basses which have a very non-linear volume knob (pre-EBMM Stingray, I'm looking at you) or basses where rolling off the volume causes drastic tone roll offs.

Also, playing with the volume backed off a little, then turning to full on for a boost in the middle of a song can be disruptive if your hands are busy. My band is super attentive to volume levels and balance, and when you roll the volume back off after your boost it can be hard to get it back *exactly* where you had it.

I notice the OP has already discounted the TC Spark. I use a Spark mini and I can hear some colouration, but not enough to put me off it. That's just me. I'll be interested to see where the OP lands with this question.

Mike

My point was, the solution that TB folks (myself included at times) is to buy something rather than look for the solution that is already present. If you have crappy volume pots that might be something worth looking at

 

[Laurent]

I have tried a dozen or so, and I find most color your sound in some way.
My favorite has long been out of production but it pops up used frequently.
It's the Bajo Mos from Homebrew Electronics or HBE.

 

[Pacodelivery]

I also think the boss ls2 is a remarkably good boost, and it has just so many other things it can do as well.

 

[HolmeBass]

Any recommendations for a clean and transparent boost pedal? I know the tc spark gets a TON of love around here, but I have tried the 4 knob twice and the mini once. I sense some coloration in both and can definitely hear the difference when it’s removed from the equation. So what boost will give me the exact same signal, only louder? No tonal enhancement, just more gain/volume. Mxr micro amp?

MXR Micro Amp is what I use. It adds some barely noticeable coloration, but I mean barely noticeable.

The Zvex Super Hard On was completely uncolored and has a massive amount of gain on tap, but was very expensive, especially for a clean boost.

 

[HolmeBass]

I like the Xotic EP Booster.

This can hardly be described as uncolored though! It adds a ton of character. Great sound, but definite coloration.

 

[HolmeBass]

My point was, the solution that TB folks (myself included at times) is to buy something rather than look for the solution that is already present. If you have crappy volume pots that might be something worth looking at

If your bass has a V V setup this becomes intractable.

 

[logdrum]

Source Audio EQ2. Create a preset that does not have any EQ but only gaim boost. And if the boost brings up frequencies that are not good to you, you can EQ them away.

Also SushiBox More or the Underground in EQ bypass mode

 

[ComeHomeShane]

In my experience with the following MXR pedals... (might not be the same for everyone)

I use the MXR M81 preamp because I like to be able to shape my boost. It's super clean. Recording you might notice the tiniest bit of coloration, but live, no way.

A friend uses the MXR282 Dynacomp bass cause he likes to get slappy during his solos, but doesn't slap during his regular play. So being able to compress his booster signal differently is ideal.

the Mxr133 micro amp will add transparent gain. This is the one I see used the most.

the mxr 281 thump will color the most out of these 4. I like to use it when I want my passive basses to sound active, but will also work well as a boost. Basic EQ controls.