Is this new? Has anyone tried it yet?
B Factory Bass Preamp Overdrive Pedal with EQ Compression - SONICAKE
B Factory Bass Preamp Overdrive Pedal with EQ Compression - SONICAKE
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Sonicake B Factory Bass Preamp
- Thread starter Rooster009
- Start date
I would wager this a repackaging of the Hotone B Station since I’m pretty sure Hotone and Sonicake (and Valeton?) are the same company.
Definitely the same features.
Definitely the same features.
I just looked up the Hotone. Appears to have the same setup. Thanks
I did. And I’m loving it.
I didn’t tried a lot of preamp pedals, but this tiny wonder delivers the thickest tone I ever got.
I've been eyeing this one. Might have to get one just to play with it. My only wish is that it had a headphone out and aux in for practice as most of my live stuff is all ampless with in ears. Would let me hear exactly what I'm tweaking at home without the amp coloring it.
I know. That price is what is so tempting. Lol! A decent preamp and compression and overdrive in one box with a direct out? Yeah, really hard to say no.
Well, price dropped to 55 USD on AliExpress with free shipping so I just couldn't pass it up. Pulled the trigger and I should have it within 1-2 weeks.
Mine came today. Sounds fantastic. I have to say that the overdrive really doesn't give you any grit until you crank it. May have to hit it with a boost in front of it.
Either way, the overdrive adds a wonderful, round warmth to your sound. I've been messing with it at 12:00 on both drive and blend knobs. Kinda wish I could get that sound without the drive on so I could press the foot switch to kick up the drive but I really don't use overdrive or distortion much at all so I can get over it.
Either way, the overdrive adds a wonderful, round warmth to your sound. I've been messing with it at 12:00 on both drive and blend knobs. Kinda wish I could get that sound without the drive on so I could press the foot switch to kick up the drive but I really don't use overdrive or distortion much at all so I can get over it.
So, one thing that does bug me about this pedal. Since it's using electronic switching, it always powers on as disengaged. I'm finding it to be more of an always on type of thing so a bit annoying to have to click it on every time.
Figured I would crack this thing open. First of all, the board is COVERED in what looks like residual flux. Might have to try to clean that up as it can attract moisture and eventually cause corrosion.
Second impression, and I can't remember if this is advertised anywhere, the compressor looks like it's a true optical compressor. There's a big ol' photocoupler right next to the pot for the compressor. I'll try to get some gut shots while I'm in here.
Second impression, and I can't remember if this is advertised anywhere, the compressor looks like it's a true optical compressor. There's a big ol' photocoupler right next to the pot for the compressor. I'll try to get some gut shots while I'm in here.
I got one of these sent to me to do a video on.(I’ll share it if anyone wants to see).
i felt:
The EQ is great…simple, useable and effective. Nothing special but it does the job.
I really like the comp, I don’t use compression a lot and this one is also simple, effective and useable. It’s not a tweakers delight but even at high compression settings I found myself enjoying it as it didn’t clamp down too hard.
i didn’t really get on with the drive circuit as an overdrive (more on that in a minute)….. you get two controls: Mix and Gain and the drive sounds has big volume boost, big mid cut and big cut in the highs after about 4khz. Too dark and scooped for me.
the B Factory actually covers the ground I usually use the JHS Pulp n Peel AND the tech 21 VT Bass for as the overdrive’s high cut effectively makes it act like a cab sim….perfect for the low frequency loop of my pedalboard.
it won’t replace those two pedals but will go on my rehearsal board as a proxy
i felt:
The EQ is great…simple, useable and effective. Nothing special but it does the job.
I really like the comp, I don’t use compression a lot and this one is also simple, effective and useable. It’s not a tweakers delight but even at high compression settings I found myself enjoying it as it didn’t clamp down too hard.
i didn’t really get on with the drive circuit as an overdrive (more on that in a minute)….. you get two controls: Mix and Gain and the drive sounds has big volume boost, big mid cut and big cut in the highs after about 4khz. Too dark and scooped for me.
the B Factory actually covers the ground I usually use the JHS Pulp n Peel AND the tech 21 VT Bass for as the overdrive’s high cut effectively makes it act like a cab sim….perfect for the low frequency loop of my pedalboard.
it won’t replace those two pedals but will go on my rehearsal board as a proxy
I have the Valeton Dapper Bass and I get a little bit of a hiss that drives me crazy.
How is this Sonicake B-Factory as far as noise?
I’m debating if I should try this or bite the bullet on a Bass Fly Rig. I use compression and like being able to dial in EQ.
Whatever I do, I don’t want any more line noise. Haha
How is this Sonicake B-Factory as far as noise?
I’m debating if I should try this or bite the bullet on a Bass Fly Rig. I use compression and like being able to dial in EQ.
Whatever I do, I don’t want any more line noise. Haha
It's pretty dang quiet all by itself. It DOES amplify any line noise you already have coming into it like any other preamp would, though.
I ended up ordering the EHX Battalion. It just came today. I’ll update on how it works.
I was nervous buying another Sonicake product to replace the Sonicake product (Dapper) that I’m not happy with. We’ll see if I made a good decision.
I was nervous buying another Sonicake product to replace the Sonicake product (Dapper) that I’m not happy with. We’ll see if I made a good decision.
I bought one back in September. I just made a post about it. I like it. I really like the compressor and the drive section when engaged feels like a tube boost. I don't really play using distortion or grit and I like that it really doesn't go there but just adds a nice warm boost.
Update: The XLR out started to display a loud and overdriven signal that is unusable. So I used the 1/4" out to a passive DI. Tried using it again last week and no signal would pass through it. Dead in the water! I gave it to a friend who's going to try and revive it! So.....basically....quality is in question. It's a great pedal at a great price............when it worked.
Hmmm.............good question. I never asked the soundperson. It also could have damaged the unit.
