Recommendations for a clean and transparent boost pedal?

[themickster]

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?

Boss BB-1X is designed to be like that. Keep the overdrive down to 0.

 

[Bar Band Bassman]

EH LPB-1 (or 2). As simple as it gets. And cheap. I use it at almost every gig.

The Bar Band Bassman

 

[Stranger Danger]

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

Had to google that one!

Yeah it could mean an extra turn for sure

 

[Frank77]

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?

Yes, the MXR micro amp will do that.

 

[PhatBottomBass1]

Empress ParaEQ Deluxe Boost...

...and so much more!

 

[JRMK]

I like the Xotic EP Booster.

Great one but very colored. If OP feels mini spark is too colored then EP booster will definitely be even more so

 

[40Hz]

Mxr micro amp

^This.

 

[pbass2]

Great one but very colored. If OP feels mini spark is too colored then EP booster will definitely be even more so

The answer is the Xotic Bass Rc Booster. It was designed specifically to do what the OP wants. If you leave the Gain down and the EQ flat it is "transparent". And the new V2 is even better with the second gain stage. Most people who get one to use w passive basses realize it sounds so darn good on with just a little nudge of the gain knob it becomes an "always on" pedal, and now you can do that and still have the extra boost when you need it.

 

[groovaholic]

It really depends if your bass is passive or active.

IMO, a passive bass’ tone will be changed by anything that buffers the signal

Active basses have already done the buffering, so the tone change from a boost should be minimal.

 

[pbass2]

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

Yep--was designed to replicate the preamp stage of an old Echoplex, intended for guitar. Great sound, but far from transparent. I track guitar through one all the time--you can get all Jimmy Page with it.

 

[HolmeBass]

Had to google that one!

Yeah it could mean an extra turn for sure

If you are in the midst of playing, using even a single volume knob can be problematic. Turning two back down just enough after a part where you needed the “boost” is pretty much impossible without stopping. Unless there is a convenient whole note in the bassline.

 

[Mr. Business]

General consensus seems to be mxr. I might have a shootout between the mc401 and micro amp.

 

[mr80htz]

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?

This really is an impossible ask. Literally anything between your pickups and amp will alter your tone to some degree. That being said, it's not the sexiest pick, but a tc spark mini is incredible for a boost pedal. I bought one as it was cheap. Used in at a gig and the first time I stepped on it was with a slap part and oh my lord. I've never heard myself slap with such precision as I did with this pedal. It was perfect for solo boosting too. $50. Killer

 

[Mr. Business]

This really is an impossible ask. Literally anything between your pickups and amp will alter your tone to some degree. That being said, it's not the sexiest pick, but a tc spark mini is incredible for a boost pedal. I bought one as it was cheap. Used in at a gig and the first time I stepped on it was with a slap part and oh my lord. I've never heard myself slap with such precision as I did with this pedal. It was perfect for solo boosting too. $50. Killer

It might be impossible. If that’s the case, I would still like the one with the least amount of tone alteration. As said, I have tried both versions of the tc spark. They aren’t for me.

 

[mr80htz]

It might be impossible. If that’s the case, I would still like the one with the least amount of tone alteration. As said, I have tried both versions of the tc spark. They aren’t for me.

Fulltone Fat Boost 3 then. I don't read everyone's chime-ins It's an old school design. Class A mu amp. Has a treble roll off and a high pass filter to cut bass. It can cut and boost volume and is a very low drive as well. Jfet, 9-18 volt, hand made in America. Incredible pedal for not a bunch of cash. Yes, Mr. Fullerton is a questionable guy but he's out of business so a used pedal doesn't support him...if you care about all that.

 

[butterfingers1]

 

[lomo]

My bestest booster ever is a SushiboxFX More.

 

[Mr. Business]

My bestest booster ever is a SushiboxFX More.

Agreed. But with my tube amp, it’s a little too tubey. Works amazing with my solid states!