MusicRadar Verdict
Far more useful than you can imagine - well worth the cost.
Pros
- +
Valve-driven tones sound great. True bypass. Noise-free operation.
Cons
- -
A little pricey.
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In this clean and precise digital world, bass players are reminded constantly of just how clinical the sound of their instrument has become, particularly when being forced into using a DI into a PA or studios desks.
"Background noise-free and with true bypass, this is quite simply a great performance-enhancing tool"
But, as its name suggests, this EBS unit offers a valve-driven preamp along with an XLR balanced output, plus padding and ground lift switches as required by any good DI box.
With input volume, master gain and a three-band EQ with a choice of vintage or normal bias, this is ideal for adding some tonal boost, colour and drive to your sound at the kick of a switch.
Sounds
It's all about a single preamp valve (ECC83/12AX7) adding fully controllable tonal colour and distortion to your bass sound, whether you use it as a DI box or as an effects pedal.
Ultra-smooth in operation, it fattens your bass tone from cool and sophisticated, or if pushed harder it's Cream-era Jack Bruce. The user manual's classic rock, vintage overdrive and crunch setting examples neatly describe what sounds can be achieved.
Background noise-free and with true bypass, this is quite simply a great performance-enhancing tool that all bass players will surely appreciate.
While there's nothing wrong with a good clean bass tone, there are times when it can lack body, and that's when a little dirt can add some excitement. With the usual robust EBS build quality, this is a great pedal to own.