4 PEDALS EVERY BASSIST SHOULD HAVE

Stompboxes For The Bass

No matter the number of strings, or the register, on your instrument—nor whether you pick with your fingers, or a plectrum—you can instantly add a smorgasbord of sonic variety to your rig just by adding a handful of pedals into the signal chain between your instrument and your amp (or DI).

If you or any bass players you know need some aural inspiration made especially for the lower end of the frequency spectrum, we picked out four of our favorite bass pedals that we think are must-haves for any bassist—all of which are currently in stock (or soon-to-be replenished) in the BASSment at Chicago Music Exchange!

SHOP BASS EFFECT PEDAL ARRIVALS

Tech 21 SansAmp Bass Driver DI

Looking to dial up big vintage tube tones, bright modern slap sounds, gnarly distortions, and everything in between? Much more than just a direct box, the Tech 21 SansAmp Bass Driver DI features three different outputs to let you drive power amps, recording desks, and PA mixers—or, just use it to enhance the sound of your rig! While the core of the SansAmp Bass Driver and all of its tones remain true to its original design, for 5- and 6-string bassists, the latest version of the SansAmp Bass Driver DI comes equipped with an added switch to let users adjust the bass frequency and extend into those lower registers, plus an added mid-range control with a switch to adjust its frequency.

Tech 21 SansAmp Bass Driver DI v2 Effects and Pedals / Bass Pedals
Tech 21 SansAmp Bass Driver DI v2 Effects and Pedals / Bass Pedals
Tech 21 SansAmp Bass Driver DI v2 Effects and Pedals / Bass Pedals
Tech 21 SansAmp Bass Driver DI v2 Effects and Pedals / Bass Pedals

Tech 21 SansAmp Bass Driver DI v2

$249.00
Tech 21 SansAmp Bass Driver DI v2

Much more than just a direct box, the SansAmp Bass Driver DI is capable of dialing up big vintage tube tones, bright modern slap sounds, gnarly distortions, and all in between. Three different outputs to drive power amps, recording desks, PA mixers, or simply enhance your current rig. Controls include Presence for definition and upper harmonic content; Blend to combine the proportion of direct signal and SansAmp circuitry; and active EQ specifically tuned for bass with 12dB of cut or boost.

VERSION 2 
With the popularity of 5- and 6-string basses going beyond fad status and becoming mainstream, we added a switch to adjust the bass frequency to extend into those lower registers. We also added a mid-range control and a switch to adjust its frequency. The core of the SansAmp Bass Driver and all of its tones remain true to its original design.

Manufacturer: Sans Amp
Type: DI Box
Controls: Level,Blend,Treble,Presence,Drive,Mid,Bass
Dimensions: 4.75" x 3.75" x 2.0"
Weight:14 oz.
Power Source: Phantom power operable, or uses optional DC power supply, Tech 21 Model #DC4-A, or 9V alkaline battery (not included).
True Bypass: Yes
Inputs: One
Outputs: Two, Parallel and none
Extras: XLR Out
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Damnation Audio MOSFET Bass Distortion

The Damnation Audio MOSFET Bass Distortion—or MBD for short—is the long-awaited follow-up to our original MBD-1 and MBD2 bass distortion pedals but with a few enhancements, including a boost footswitch with a boost control providing over 30dB of additional gain, plus a newly designed contoured clean blend.

Damnation Audio Mosfet Bass Distortion V3 Pedal Effects and Pedals / Distortion
Damnation Audio Mosfet Bass Distortion V3 Pedal Effects and Pedals / Distortion
Damnation Audio Mosfet Bass Distortion V3 Pedal Effects and Pedals / Distortion
Damnation Audio Mosfet Bass Distortion V3 Pedal Effects and Pedals / Distortion

Damnation Audio Mosfet Bass Distortion V3 Pedal

$249.00

The Damnation Audio MOSFET Bass Distortion, simply referred to as the MBD, is the long awaited follow up to our original MBD-1 and MBD2 bass distortion pedals. The heart of the MBD is the same bass-loving distortion as the original, but with a few enhancements customers have longed for.

Those enhancements include a boost footswitch with a boost control providing over 30dB of additional gain and the inclusion of our newly designed contoured clean blend.

 

CONTROLS

  • Gain: Controls the amount of gain in the distortion channel.
  • Level: Controls the output level of the distortion channel.
  • Tone: Tilt-style tone control for the distortion channel centered around 600Hz.
  • Boost: Adds additional boosted signal into gain stages. Does not affect the clean blend circuitry.
  • Clean: Controls output level of parallel contoured clean channel.
  • Depth: Controls the amount of low end injected into the distortion channel. Depth settings below 12:00 will tighten up the distortion to retain clarity with drop-tuned basses without sacrificing low end. Higher depth settings will thicken up bright basses and add mass to standard-tuned instruments.


Power

Use only 9VDC 2.1mm center negative (boss-style) power adapters. Isolated pedal specific power supplies are highly recommended. Damnation Audio pedals are designed for maximum headroom and ideal performance with a 9V supply. Going above 9VDC may damage your pedal and void any warranties. Damnation Audio pedals do not accept 9V batteries.

In the interest of continuous improvement, all specifications are subject to change without notice.

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MXR M82B Bass Envelope Filter

The MXR M82 Bass Envelope Filter delivers classic, analog, envelope filter sounds in an easy-to-use and compact pedal designed specifically for bass. Separate Dry and Effect controls let you dial in the perfect mix of affected and direct signals, so you can bring the funk without losing the low end. Now available in 'Blackout' finish!

MXR M82B Bass Envelope Filter Blackout Effects and Pedals / Bass Pedals
MXR M82B Bass Envelope Filter Blackout Effects and Pedals / Bass Pedals
MXR M82B Bass Envelope Filter Blackout Effects and Pedals / Bass Pedals
MXR M82B Bass Envelope Filter Blackout Effects and Pedals / Bass Pedals

MXR M82B Bass Envelope Filter Blackout

$169.99

With high-quality bass effects built from the ground up specifically for bass players, MXR Bass Innovations is the world’s bestselling line of bass pedals. To celebrate its 15th anniversary, we’re releasing a limited edition set of the line’s two most popular stompboxes—the MXR Bass Compressor and the MXR Bass Envelope Filter. Dressed in a stealth finish, these Blackout Series pedals feature a matte black housing with gloss black text and a bright yellow LED. Same great tone and durability with a classy new look that will hold down the look and tone of any pedalboard.

  • Celebrating the 15th anniversary of the world’s bestselling bass pedal line
  • Two most popular MXR bass pedals dressed in a matte black stealth finish with gloss black text and a bright yellow LED
  • The MXR Bass Compressor captures all the functionality of an iconic studio compressor in pedal form
  • The MXR Bass Envelope Filter delivers classic analog envelope filter sounds while retaining your low end
  • Limited Edition Global Availability: 1500 each

 

The Bass Envelope Filter delivers classic, analog, envelope filter sounds in an easy-to-use and compact pedal designed specifically for bass. Separate Dry and Effect controls let you dial in the perfect mix of effected and direct signals, so you can bring the funk without losing the low end. Its wide range of filter tones can be shaped with the Decay and Q controls, and a simple twist of the Sensitivity knob can tailor the pedal for your attack- as well as adjust for passive or active basses. The Bass Envelope Filter's power supply circuitry is designed to withstand over-voltage or polarity mishaps, and its true-bypass switching preserves your tone in bypass mode. It's all packaged in a durable, lightweight, Phase 90-size aluminum housing for the ultimate in portability and pedalboard space-saving dimensions.

Power: Dunlop ECB003 AC Adapter or Single 9 volt battery

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Diamond Pedals Bass Comp/EQ Pedal

The Damnation Audio MOSFET Bass Distortion—or MBD for short—is the long-awaited follow-up to our original MBD-1 and MBD2 bass distortion pedals but with a few enhancements, including a boost footswitch with a boost control providing over 30dB of additional gain, plus a newly designed contoured clean blend.

Diamond Pedals Bass Comp/EQ Pedal Effects and Pedals / Bass Pedals
Diamond Pedals Bass Comp/EQ Pedal Effects and Pedals / Bass Pedals
Diamond Pedals Bass Comp/EQ Pedal Effects and Pedals / Bass Pedals
Diamond Pedals Bass Comp/EQ Pedal Effects and Pedals / Bass Pedals

Diamond Pedals Bass Comp/EQ Pedal

$239.00

There’s something truly magical about finding the compression sweet-spot on bass. Enter the Diamond Bass COMP/EQ. This bad-boy will go on your board, and never come off. This next-gen compressor maintains the classic circuit architecture while increasing range and functionality. The new EQ section allows you to sculpt your tone in the same box that squashes it (that’s a good thing). Furthermore, the tilt switch allows you to go from the signature ultra-snappy Diamond comp style all the way to softer transparent compression.  


Main Features  

  • Naturally smooth optical compression from a custom US-made Opto-Isolator 
  • Mid boost and cut  
  • Switchable Tilt EQ Fulcrum Frequency covering 250,500, & 900 Hz +|- 6dB  
  • Wide-ranging compression control and attack switch with LED indicator  
  • Top-mounted jacks and soft touch relay switching  
  • Burr Brown Integrated circuits  

What a buzzword “compression” is. But as soon as you slap one into your chain, you can never go back. Applicable in almost every situation, compression is the glue that keeps your tone tight and in the pocket. While the original Diamond Compressor was a formidable pedal, we can confidently say that this next-generation is the best version of the Diamond Compressor yet.  

We are serious when we say this pedal will always be on. Whether you’re looking for the snappiest compression to compliment your intricate funk leads, or soft transparent style compression to just add that perfect final touch to your tone, the Diamond Comp/EQ can do it all. So here’s how to use your new “always-on” pedal.  Place the Comp/EQ at the very beginning of your signal chain for a traditional compression effect or place it at the very end of the chain to act as a limiter. Need a boost? Place the Comp/EQ behind your drives and fuzzes to with the Comp set low to send your leads soaring! 

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SHOP BASS EFFECTS

Source Audio ZIO Analog Bass Preamp/DI Pedal Effects and Pedals / Bass Pedals
Source Audio ZIO Analog Bass Preamp/DI Pedal Effects and Pedals / Bass Pedals
Source Audio ZIO Analog Bass Preamp/DI Pedal Effects and Pedals / Bass Pedals

Source Audio ZIO Analog Bass Preamp/DI Pedal

$249.99
Darkglass Electronics Microtubes B7K Ultra V2 Bass Preamp Pedal w/ Aux In Effects and Pedals / Bass Pedals
Darkglass Electronics Microtubes B7K Ultra V2 Bass Preamp Pedal w/ Aux In Effects and Pedals / Bass Pedals
Darkglass Electronics Microtubes B7K Ultra V2 Bass Preamp Pedal w/ Aux In Effects and Pedals / Bass Pedals

Darkglass Electronics Microtubes B7K Ultra V2 Bass Preamp Pedal w/ Aux In

$367.00
Aguilar Chorusaurus V2 Bass Chorus Pedal Effects and Pedals / Bass Pedals
Aguilar Chorusaurus V2 Bass Chorus Pedal Effects and Pedals / Bass Pedals
Aguilar Chorusaurus V2 Bass Chorus Pedal Effects and Pedals / Bass Pedals

Aguilar Chorusaurus V2 Bass Chorus Pedal

$199.00
Tech 21 Frank Bello Street Driver 48 Signature SansAmp Bass Pre-Amp Pedal Effects and Pedals / Bass Pedals
Tech 21 Frank Bello Street Driver 48 Signature SansAmp Bass Pre-Amp Pedal Effects and Pedals / Bass Pedals
Tech 21 Frank Bello Street Driver 48 Signature SansAmp Bass Pre-Amp Pedal Effects and Pedals / Bass Pedals

Tech 21 Frank Bello Street Driver 48 Signature SansAmp Bass Pre-Amp Pedal

$249.00
Damnation Audio Spite Box Fuzz Pedal Black Effects and Pedals / Fuzz
Damnation Audio Spite Box Fuzz Pedal Black Effects and Pedals / Fuzz
Damnation Audio Spite Box Fuzz Pedal Black Effects and Pedals / Fuzz

Damnation Audio Spite Box Fuzz Pedal Black

$199.00
Damnation Audio Dirtfixer Bass Blender & EQ Pedal Effects and Pedals / Bass Pedals
Damnation Audio Dirtfixer Bass Blender & EQ Pedal Effects and Pedals / Bass Pedals
Damnation Audio Dirtfixer Bass Blender & EQ Pedal Effects and Pedals / Bass Pedals

Damnation Audio Dirtfixer Bass Blender & EQ Pedal

$249.00
Damnation Audio Mosfet Bass Distortion V3 Pedal Effects and Pedals / Distortion
Damnation Audio Mosfet Bass Distortion V3 Pedal Effects and Pedals / Distortion
Damnation Audio Mosfet Bass Distortion V3 Pedal Effects and Pedals / Distortion

Damnation Audio Mosfet Bass Distortion V3 Pedal

$249.00
MXR M87B Bass Compressor Blackout Effects and Pedals / Bass Pedals
MXR M87B Bass Compressor Blackout Effects and Pedals / Bass Pedals
MXR M87B Bass Compressor Blackout Effects and Pedals / Bass Pedals

MXR M87B Bass Compressor Blackout

$199.99

Bass Bits

When you’ve got a full bass rig to lug around (plus a few new stompboxes on your pedalboard) it can be easy to lose sight of the littlest things. Make sure you’re all stocked up on all your bass supply needs when you shop for everything from picks to power supplies, patch cables, strings, and other accessories in CME’s BASSment!

SHOP PEDALBOARDS & POWER SUPPLIES

GigRig Time Lord
GigRig Time Lord
GigRig Time Lord

GigRig Time Lord

$50.00
GigRig Time Lord
GigRig Time Lord
GigRig Time Lord

GigRig Time Lord

$50.00
Pedaltrain NOVO 32 Pedalboard 5 Rails 32x14.5 w/Soft Case
Pedaltrain NOVO 32 Pedalboard 5 Rails 32x14.5 w/Soft Case
Pedaltrain NOVO 32 Pedalboard 5 Rails 32x14.5 w/Soft Case
Pedaltrain NOVO 32 Pedalboard 5 Rails 32x14.5 w/Soft Case
Pedaltrain NOVO 32 Pedalboard 5 Rails 32x14.5 w/Soft Case

Pedaltrain NOVO 32 Pedalboard 5 Rails 32x14.5 w/Soft Case

$179.00
MXR M242 Iso-Brick Pro Power Supply Effects and Pedals / Pedalboards and Power Supplies
MXR M242 Iso-Brick Pro Power Supply Effects and Pedals / Pedalboards and Power Supplies

MXR M242 Iso-Brick Pro Power Supply

$249.99
SHOP PEDALBOARDS & POWER SUPPLIES

SHOP PATCH CABLES

Lava Piston Solder-Free Pedalboard Kit Carolina Blue w/5' Cable & 12 Angle Plugs
Lava Piston Solder-Free Pedalboard Kit Carolina Blue w/5' Cable & 12 Angle Plugs
Lava Piston Solder-Free Pedalboard Kit Carolina Blue w/5' Cable & 12 Angle Plugs

Lava Piston Solder-Free Pedalboard Kit Carolina Blue w/5' Cable & 12 Angle Plugs

$111.59
Lava Piston Solder-Free Pedalboard Kit Red w/10' Cable & 10 Angle Plugs
Lava Piston Solder-Free Pedalboard Kit Red w/10' Cable & 10 Angle Plugs
Lava Piston Solder-Free Pedalboard Kit Red w/10' Cable & 10 Angle Plugs

Lava Piston Solder-Free Pedalboard Kit Red w/10' Cable & 10 Angle Plugs

$100.89
Lava Piston Solder-Free Pedalboard Kit White w/10' Cable & 10 Angle Plugs
Lava Piston Solder-Free Pedalboard Kit White w/10' Cable & 10 Angle Plugs
Lava Piston Solder-Free Pedalboard Kit White w/10' Cable & 10 Angle Plugs

Lava Piston Solder-Free Pedalboard Kit White w/10' Cable & 10 Angle Plugs

$100.89
Lava Piston Solder-Free Pedalboard Kit Orange w/5' Cable & 12 Angle Plugs Accessories / Cables
Lava Piston Solder-Free Pedalboard Kit Orange w/5' Cable & 12 Angle Plugs Accessories / Cables

Lava Piston Solder-Free Pedalboard Kit Orange w/5' Cable & 12 Angle Plugs

$111.59

Featured Videos

You know we’ve always got a steady flow of new arrivals, plus plenty of vintage and used options, so come see what’s bubbling in the BASSment when you shop online; or, head downstairs when you visit CME’s Lincoln Avenue showroom, located in Chicago’s Lakeview neighborhood.

And, if you want to branch out beyond our top four favorites, shop our complete collection of bass effects, and start building the rig that’s right for you!

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