Bass – Pedalboard Essentials

JamHQ | Table of Contents

This list features pedalboard essentials for bassists — the core pedals that shape your live tone, refine your studio sound, and give your playing character and control. Whether you play funk, metal, jazz, or indie, these tools are the foundation of a reliable, expressive bass rig. Each pedal below is selected for its practical value, sound quality, and wide genre compatibility.

Essential Pedals for Every Bassist

Boss TU-3 Chromatic Tuner

The Boss TU-3 Chromatic Tuner is a rugged, road-tested pedal tuner trusted by musicians across genres. Known for its precision, durability, and ease of use, the TU-3 builds on the legacy of the iconic TU-2 with enhanced features for today’s performing and recording musicians.

Precision Tuning with Clear Display

21-Segment LED Meter
The TU-3’s bright, easy-to-read LED meter offers precise visual feedback, making onstage or dark-room tuning fast and reliable.
High-Precision Chromatic Mode
Accurate to ±1 cent, it supports tuning for all instruments, including guitars, basses (up to 6-string basses), and other chromatic instruments.
Accu-Pitch Sign Function
This visual cue confirms when tuning is complete, eliminating guesswork and speeding up the tuning process.

Performance-Ready Features

Stream/Center Modes
Choose from two display styles—streaming for real-time pitch movement, or center mode for traditional pitch indication.
Flat Tuning Up to Six Semitones
Supports drop tunings with flat mode options, ideal for rock and metal players who regularly tune down.
Guitar/Bass Modes
Offers separate tuning modes tailored to the standard tunings and string numbers of electric guitars and basses.

Rugged, Stage-Ready Build

Tank-Tough Construction
Built with Boss’s renowned pedal housing, the TU-3 is made to withstand years of heavy gigging and touring.
Buffered Bypass
Maintains signal integrity through your pedalboard, even when the tuner is not engaged.
Mute Function for Silent Tuning
When activated, the TU-3 mutes your signal so you can tune silently on stage or between takes in the studio.

Power Distribution

Daisy Chain Capability
The TU-3 includes a 9V DC output jack that can power other pedals, making it a hub for your pedalboard’s power supply.
Power Supply Compatibility
It can run on a standard 9V battery or a Boss PSA power adapter, offering flexibility in studio or live setups.

Summary

The Boss TU-3 Chromatic Tuner is more than just a tuner—it’s a reliable tool that meets the demands of both professional and aspiring musicians. Whether you’re in the studio, on the road, or at home practicing, the TU-3 delivers fast, accurate tuning in a bombproof enclosure with versatile functionality. It's a must-have pedalboard staple for any serious player.

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MXR M87 Bass Compressor

The MXR M87 Bass Compressor is a studio-grade, transparent compressor pedal designed specifically for bassists who demand control, clarity, and punch without sacrificing low-end fidelity. With its compact form and intuitive interface, the M87 delivers precision compression on stage or in the studio while preserving the natural character of your instrument.

Transparent, Studio-Quality Compression

CLEAN Signal Retention
The M87 maintains your bass’s tone integrity while smoothing out volume inconsistencies, adding polish and professional tightness to your playing.
Low-End Clarity
Engineered specifically for bass, the M87 handles low frequencies without distortion or loss of dynamics.

Complete Control with Five Knobs

Output – Controls the overall volume of the compressed signal.
Sensitivity – Adjusts how much signal hits the compressor; ideal for tailoring response to different playing styles.
Attack – Controls how fast compression engages after the signal exceeds the threshold.
Release – Determines how long compression continues after the signal falls below the threshold.
Ratio – Allows for subtle to aggressive compression settings, from 4:1 to 20:1.

Visual Feedback via Gain Reduction Meter

Ten-LED Gain Reduction Meter
Provides real-time visual feedback on how much compression is being applied, helping you dial in your tone with confidence and precision.

Built for the Road

Pedalboard-Friendly Design
Compact and durable, the M87 fits easily into any setup and can handle the rigors of touring.
True Bypass Switching
Ensures that your tone remains pure when the pedal is disengaged.
Power Options
Runs on a standard 9V battery or external 9V DC power supply (not included).

Ideal For:

Session and live bassists needing precise dynamics control
Slap, funk, fingerstyle, and pick players alike
Musicians who want studio-quality compression in a pedalboard format

Summary

The MXR M87 Bass Compressor combines versatile, transparent compression with precision control and visual metering—all in a road-tough, compact pedal. Whether you're looking to tame peaks, fatten your tone, or bring consistency to your groove, the M87 is a trusted, pro-grade solution that keeps your bass playing tight and expressive.

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Darkglass Hyper Luminal Compressor

The Darkglass Hyper Luminal Compressor is a groundbreaking bass compressor pedal that fuses the warmth and character of classic analog compression with the precision and flexibility of digital control. Designed specifically for bassists, this hybrid pedal delivers the tactile feel of analog circuitry alongside digitally modeled compression styles that can be customized via Darkglass Suite software.

Hybrid Compression: Analog Feel, Digital Brain

Analog Signal Path
The core audio signal remains fully analog for maximum warmth and clarity, ensuring your tone is never compromised.
Digital Side-Chain Control
Compression behavior is governed by a digital side-chain, allowing detailed emulation of iconic compressor circuits without altering your direct sound.

Three Legendary Compression Modes

Switch between three modeled compression styles:

BUS – Emulates the SSL bus compressor: tight, glue-like response, perfect for punch and cohesion.
FET – Inspired by the classic 1176: fast attack, aggressive and articulate.
SYM – Based on Darkglass's own Super Symmetry compressor: smooth, transparent, and musical.

Each mode gives a distinct flavor, making the pedal highly adaptable for any genre or playing style.

Intuitive Controls

Blend – Mixes the dry and compressed signals, preserving attack and dynamics.
Time – Adjusts both attack and release parameters simultaneously, simplifying control over compression behavior.
Level – Sets the overall output volume.
Compression – Controls the amount of compression applied.

Touch-Sensitive Interface

Capacitive Touch Buttons
Sleek and modern, the buttons let you switch compression models instantly and silently, even mid-performance.

Expandable with Darkglass Suite

USB Connectivity
Connect to the Darkglass Suite software to fine-tune compression parameters, adjust side-chain behavior, and save presets.

Built for Stage and Studio

Compact, Road-Ready Housing
Rugged metal enclosure built to withstand touring conditions.
True Bypass and Low Noise
Maintains clean signal integrity when disengaged and operates silently when active.
Versatile Power Options
Runs on a standard 9V DC power supply (not included).

Ideal For:

Bassists seeking studio-grade compression with analog warmth
Players who want multiple compression voicings in a single pedal
Professionals looking to integrate digital flexibility into analog rigs

Summary

The Darkglass Hyper Luminal Compressor sets a new standard for bass compression. It merges the best of vintage analog circuits with modern digital control to give you flexible, responsive, and musical compression in a beautifully designed pedal. Whether you’re on stage, in the studio, or in the practice room, the Hyper Luminal delivers consistent, high-fidelity compression tailored to your exact needs.

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Preamp / DI Box

Tech 21 SansAmp Bass Driver DI v2

The Tech 21 SansAmp Bass Driver DI V2 is a legendary and versatile preamp pedal designed for bassists seeking classic tube amp tones, studio-grade direct injection, and comprehensive tone-shaping tools in one rugged unit. An upgrade to the iconic original, the V2 version adds more features and flexibility while retaining the rich warmth and dynamic response that made the SansAmp name famous.

Key Features

Analog Tube Amp Emulation

Provides the depth, drive, and harmonic complexity of a miked-up tube amplifier.
Delivers authentic vintage, modern, and aggressive tones without the weight or maintenance of an actual amp.

Expanded EQ Controls

Bass, Treble, Presence, Drive – Standard tone-shaping parameters to sculpt your sound.
Mid Control + Frequency Sweep – New to V2, this lets you cut or boost mids and choose the exact center frequency (500 Hz–1.2 kHz) for tailored midrange response.
Blend Control – Mixes your clean signal with the SansAmp processed tone, retaining attack and clarity while adding warmth and grit.

Versatile Output Options

XLR DI Output – Send a balanced signal directly to the mixing console or audio interface for studio or live performance.
¼" Output – Connect to an amp or speaker cabinet.
Parallel Output – Bypasses the SansAmp circuitry entirely, perfect for clean DI routing.

Flexible Voicing

Fat Vintage Tube Sound – Emulates SVT-style punch and warmth.
Modern Slap and Pop – Tight lows and sparkling highs for clean, scooped tones.
Overdriven Rock Grit – Adds crunch, edge, and power for pick-heavy or aggressive playing.

Road-Ready and Studio-Perfect

Durable Metal Enclosure – Compact and rugged enough for live gigs.
Silent Switching & Buffered Bypass – No pops or clicks when engaging.
Runs on Phantom Power or 9V Battery – Flexible powering options for any setup.

Ideal For:

Bassists looking for an all-in-one DI, preamp, and tone shaper
Studio musicians needing direct tone without miking an amp
Gigging players seeking consistent sound on backline gear
Players using pedalboards who want amp-like tone at the front of their signal chain

Summary

The Tech 21 SansAmp Bass Driver DI V2 is a must-have tool for bassists at every level. It brings analog warmth, modern flexibility, and professional-grade DI capabilities into a single, gig-friendly box. With expanded EQ control, blend functionality, and pristine output options, it’s equally at home on stage or in the studio — a true Swiss Army knife for bass tone.

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Darkglass Vintage Ultra v2

The Darkglass Vintage Ultra v2 is a high-end bass preamp, overdrive, and cabinet simulation pedal that blends vintage warmth with modern precision. Built for professional bassists seeking deep tonal sculpting, versatile distortion, and gig-ready DI and cab sim features, the Ultra v2 is a flagship in the Darkglass lineup. It's designed not just to shape tone, but to define it — both in the studio and on stage.

Key Features

Analog Preamp with Dual Distortion Circuits

Vintage Microtubes Engine – Delivers warm, natural, tube-like overdrive.
Two Voicing Modes:
- B3K – Aggressive and punchy with modern grit.
- Vintage – Smooth, rounded saturation for classic rock and Motown-style tone.

4-Band Active EQ with Ultra-Precise Control

Bass, Low Mids, High Mids, Treble – Full-range EQ sculpting tailored for bass.
Selectable Mid Frequencies – Choose from three frequency centers (Low Mids: 250, 500, 1kHz / High Mids: 750Hz, 1.5kHz, 3kHz) to adapt to your playing style and gear.

Blend and Level Controls

Blend – Mixes clean and distorted signals for added clarity and articulation.
Level – Controls the overall output volume of the pedal.

Built-In Cab Simulation (v2 Upgrade)

Impulse Response (IR) Loader – Load your favorite cabinet IRs via USB.
Dedicated Cab Sim Output – Send a fully processed, cab-simulated signal directly to the front of house or your audio interface.
XLR DI Output – Balanced output for clean and clear signal transmission.
Headphone Output – Practice silently with the same high-end tone.

USB and Software Integration

Darkglass Suite – A companion app for loading IRs, adjusting internal settings, and updating firmware.
USB Connectivity – For easy IR management and direct audio recording.

Construction & Design

Sleek, Brushed Aluminum Enclosure – A premium build that reflects its boutique-level performance.
Compact Footprint – Pedalboard-friendly and road-tough.
Silent Footswitches – For clean on/off transitions with no signal artifacts.

Ideal Use Cases

Studio Recording – Get album-quality bass tone without a mic’d amp.
Live Performance – Send your signature sound directly to the PA with consistent, powerful output.
Practice & Rehearsal – Use the headphone out and cab sim for late-night sessions or travel setups.
Session Work – Switch between vintage warmth and modern aggression with ease.

Summary

The Darkglass Vintage Ultra v2 is a sonic powerhouse — offering analog warmth, precision EQ, authentic overdrive, and modern tech like impulse responses and DI cab sims. Whether you're laying down studio tracks or commanding the stage, it’s a complete tone solution in a single, elegant pedal. For bassists seeking depth, flexibility, and professional-grade sound, the Ultra v2 is one of the most comprehensive tools available today.

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Overdrive / Distortion

Electro-Harmonix Bass Big Muff Pi

The Electro-Harmonix Bass Big Muff Pi is a legendary fuzz/distortion pedal tailored specifically for bass players. Drawing its heritage from the iconic Big Muff Pi lineage, this version is carefully tuned to retain low-end presence while delivering thick, saturated distortion — making it a favorite among rock, metal, and experimental bassists who need both power and clarity.

Key Features

Classic Muff Fuzz Voicing

Delivers the signature Big Muff sound — rich, creamy, and harmonically complex — optimized for bass frequencies.
Based on the classic Green Russian and NYC Big Muff circuits with modifications that preserve low-end response.

Three-Way Toggle Switch

Norm (Normal) – Full-range Big Muff distortion with boosted bass response.
Bass Boost – Adds additional low-end thump and fatness, ideal for aggressive genres.
Dry – Blends the clean signal with the distorted tone, maintaining clarity and articulation in the low end.

Tone, Sustain, and Volume Controls

Tone – Shapes the frequency curve, from warm and round to cutting and edgy.
Sustain – Controls the amount of fuzz and sustain, from subtle grind to infinite feedback-style distortion.
Volume – Adjusts the overall output to match your amp or board setup.

Built for Bass Players

Low-End Retention – Unlike many guitar-oriented distortion pedals, the Bass Big Muff preserves the foundational low frequencies of your tone.
Blend-Friendly – Works well with wet/dry setups, loopers, or parallel signal chains.
Solid-State Design – Reliable, consistent performance night after night.

Construction & Design

Sturdy Metal Enclosure – Road-ready and built to withstand gig abuse.
Compact Footprint – Fits easily on most pedalboards.
True Bypass – Preserves your core tone when the effect is off.

Ideal Use Cases

Rock & Alternative – Cut through the mix with fuzz that’s rich and saturated but never thin.
Metal & Doom – Deliver huge walls of distortion that hold up under low tunings and extended-range basses.
Experimental & Shoegaze – Create textures and soundscapes with layers of harmonic fuzz.

Summary

The Electro-Harmonix Bass Big Muff Pi is a staple in the world of bass distortion. Affordable, durable, and incredibly satisfying to play, it’s a go-to choice for bassists seeking that iconic Big Muff fuzz with the body and weight bass requires. Whether you're anchoring a heavy riff or creating a fuzzy lead tone, the Bass Big Muff Pi provides the grit and growl that defines countless classic and modern records.

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Darkglass B3K V2

The Darkglass Microtubes B3K V2 is a modern classic among bass overdrive pedals, celebrated for its aggressive growl, versatility, and clarity. Designed for bassists who want to add grit and punch without sacrificing low-end definition, the B3K V2 combines Darkglass’s signature distortion character with added tonal flexibility in this updated version.

Key Features

Punchy and Transparent Overdrive

The B3K V2 delivers mid-forward overdrive with articulate note separation, ideal for both modern and vintage styles.
Engineered to retain the natural character of your bass, while injecting it with powerful harmonic richness.

Drive and Blend Controls

Drive – Adjusts the intensity of the overdrive, from subtle warmth to aggressive grit.
Blend – Mixes your clean signal with the distorted tone, allowing full preservation of your low-end punch and dynamics.

Tone-Shaping Versatility

Tone Control – Offers high-frequency roll-off to shape the brightness and presence of the distortion.
Level Control – Sets the overall output volume.

V2-Specific Upgrades

Mid Boost Switch – Adds selectable 6dB boost at 300Hz (for thicker low-mids) or 1kHz (for added presence), giving more control over how the drive sits in a mix.
Grunt Switch – Selects the amount of low-frequency content to saturate before the gain stage, allowing for a deeper or tighter distortion tone.

Construction & Design

Compact, Rugged Enclosure – Built to withstand life on the road or in the studio.
True Bypass – Ensures your clean tone remains uncolored when the pedal is off.
Premium Aesthetics – Matte black finish with brushed metal accents, proudly displaying the modern Darkglass design ethos.

Ideal Use Cases

Modern Metal & Djent – Tight, punchy distortion that cuts through dense mixes while preserving sub frequencies.
Hard Rock & Punk – Raw, gritty tone that adds urgency and edge without sounding brittle.
Session & Studio Work – Its blend control and EQ flexibility make it perfect for dialing in just the right amount of character.

Summary

The Darkglass Microtubes B3K V2 is a professional-grade overdrive pedal that brings together bite, body, and clarity in a way few bass drives can. With its wide range of tones, compact form factor, and exceptional build quality, it’s a must-have tool for any bassist seeking powerful, modern overdrive that doesn’t compromise on clarity or low-end. Whether you want a touch of grit or full-blown distortion, the B3K V2 delivers with precision and punch.

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Modulation / Character Effects

Boss CEB-3 Bass Chorus

The Boss CEB-3 Bass Chorus is a dedicated chorus pedal designed specifically to enhance the depth and spatial dimension of bass tones without compromising low-end clarity. Known for its rich modulation and tailored frequency response, the CEB-3 brings shimmering movement and subtle complexity to your bass sound, whether you're playing live or recording.

Purpose-Built for Bass

Low-Frequency Retention
Unlike guitar-oriented chorus pedals, the CEB-3 preserves the essential low-end frequencies that define your bass tone, keeping your sound full and punchy even when modulation is engaged.
Frequency Crossover Control
A unique feature that lets you define which part of your signal receives the chorus effect—ensuring that only the upper harmonics are modulated while the fundamental bass frequencies stay clean and focused.

Intuitive Controls

Effect Level – Adjusts the intensity of the chorus effect in the output signal.
Low Filter – Controls how much low-end is affected by the chorus, essential for keeping the bottom end tight.
Rate – Sets the speed of the modulation.
Depth – Determines the intensity and width of the chorus sweep.

Classic BOSS Durability and Design

Tank-Like Construction
Built to withstand years of stage use with BOSS’s legendary rugged casing and stomp-ready footswitch.
Compact and Pedalboard-Friendly
Fits easily into any standard pedal setup without crowding your space.
Power Options
Runs on a 9V battery or standard BOSS-style 9V DC adapter.

Ideal For:

Bassists seeking spatial depth and shimmer
Players in funk, fusion, pop, and ambient genres
Live performers and recording artists who want dynamic modulation with solid low-end

Summary

The Boss CEB-3 Bass Chorus is a staple for bassists who want to add lush, swirling textures to their tone while maintaining the foundational low-end. With its tailored EQ, precise modulation controls, and road-tested reliability, the CEB-3 is a versatile chorus solution designed to enhance, not overwhelm, your bass voice.

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MXR Bass Envelope Filter

The MXR Bass Envelope Filter (M82) is a dynamic, funk-inspired effects pedal designed to deliver rich, responsive filter sweeps based on the strength of your playing. Known for its expressive, analog tone and bass-friendly design, the M82 offers precise control over your envelope-driven sound, making it a go-to pedal for funk, fusion, jam, and experimental bass players.

Key Features

Tailored for Bass

Designed specifically to preserve the low-end while allowing the filter sweep to cut through with clarity.
Responsive to your playing dynamics, ensuring the effect reacts naturally to your touch.

Analog Filter Circuitry

Warm, organic-sounding filter effects thanks to its all-analog signal path.
Classic envelope sweep reminiscent of vintage synth-style filters, but built for modern bass needs.

Control Layout

Dry – Blends in your clean, unaffected signal. Ideal for maintaining definition and punch.
Effect – Controls the level of the wet, filtered signal.
Decay – Adjusts how quickly the envelope closes after a note is played, shaping the "fall" of the sweep.
Q – Determines the intensity and sharpness of the filter peak (more Q = more quack).
Sensitivity – Sets how much the effect responds to your playing dynamics.

These five controls offer exceptional flexibility for shaping subtle filter enhancement or full-on synthy funk.

Construction and Usability

Compact and Rugged
MXR's signature durable metal housing ensures the pedal is built to last in both studio and gig settings.
True Bypass
Maintains your signal integrity when the pedal is off.
Power
Operates on a 9V battery or standard 9V DC power adapter (center-negative).

Sound and Application

Funk & Jam Band Magic
The M82 delivers the classic “auto-wah” or “quack” sounds essential to funk, slap bass, and fusion grooves.
Dynamic Playability
Sensitive to how hard or soft you play—dig in for wild sweeps or lighten up for subtle movement.
Versatile Use
Works beautifully with both fingerstyle and slap techniques, and can be paired with octave pedals or dirt for synth-style tones.

Summary

The MXR Bass Envelope Filter is a highly musical and versatile pedal that brings vintage funk tones into a modern, road-ready package. Its intuitive layout and tonal flexibility make it a favorite among bassists seeking dynamic, expressive filter effects that respond to their touch while retaining the essential thump of their low end. Whether you're laying down grooves in a funk band or adding texture to an experimental set, the M82 delivers.

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Utility / Other Essentials

Radial StageBug SB-2 Passive DI

The Radial StageBug SB-2 is a compact, road-ready passive direct box designed specifically for instruments like electric bass, keyboards, and acoustic-electric guitars. Renowned for its simplicity, ruggedness, and clean signal translation, the SB-2 delivers professional-grade performance in a format that fits easily into any gig bag or pedalboard.

Overview

Passive Operation

Ideal for instruments with active electronics (e.g., basses with onboard preamps or keyboards).
No power required—completely plug-and-play.
Employs a custom Eclipse ET-DB3 transformer for clean signal conversion and superior noise rejection.

Compact and Portable

Ultra-small footprint (fits in your pocket or back of a pedalboard).
Rugged, 14-gauge steel construction resists damage in high-use or tour conditions.
Weighs less than a pound and easily stashes in your gear bag.

Connectivity and Controls

¼” Input & Thru
Plug your instrument into the input, and optionally use the Thru jack to pass the signal to an amplifier.
XLR Output
Balanced mic-level output for sending signal directly to a mixer, audio interface, or PA system.
-15dB Pad
Reduces hot input levels to prevent distortion—perfect for active basses and hot keyboards.
Ground Lift Switch
Helps eliminate hum and buzz caused by ground loops, especially in live settings.

Sound and Performance

Clean Signal Transfer
The SB-2 is transparent and consistent—ideal for maintaining your instrument’s natural tone.
Noise-Free Operation
The passive transformer design ensures excellent isolation, helping eliminate interference and hum.
Balanced & Reliable
Delivers a low-impedance signal that travels long distances without signal degradation.

Ideal Use Cases

Bass Players with Active Pickups
Easily connects your active bass to front-of-house or recording gear with no coloration.
Keyboardists
Tames hot keyboard outputs and converts them to mic level for consistent performance.
Live Performers and Engineers
A plug-and-play solution for onstage or in-studio signal routing—reliable, easy to set up, and problem-free.

Summary

The Radial StageBug SB-2 is an elegant, no-fuss DI solution tailored to meet the demands of modern musicians and sound techs. It offers everything you need in a passive DI: reliability, compact form factor, great isolation, and zero sonic compromise. Whether you're running a keyboard rig, an active bass, or an acoustic-electric instrument, the SB-2 ensures your tone arrives at the board exactly as it should—clean, clear, and hum-free.

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OneSpot Power Supply

The Truetone OneSpot is a widely respected, ultra-compact 9V DC power supply designed to power a range of guitar and bass pedals with exceptional convenience and reliability. It's known for its versatility, noise-free operation, and ability to replace multiple bulky wall-wart adapters in a single, streamlined unit.

Key Features

Universal Compatibility

Delivers 9V DC at 1700mA, which is more than enough current to power up to 20 standard analog pedals.
Compatible with Boss, Ibanez, Electro-Harmonix, MXR, and most other popular brands using 2.1mm center-negative barrel jacks.
Can power both analog and digital pedals.

Compact and Lightweight

About the size of a standard phone charger, making it extremely travel-friendly.
No bulky transformer or wall-wart—it plugs straight into the wall and tucks easily under pedalboards.

Noise-Free Operation

Engineered with line-noise filtering to ensure quiet, hum-free power—even when powering a full board.
Provides regulated and filtered power, preventing voltage drops and protecting sensitive pedals.

Accessories and Expandability

Multi-Plug Daisy Chains

Commonly paired with a multi-plug daisy chain cable (usually included or available separately), allowing you to power multiple pedals from a single OneSpot.
Optional converters and adaptors are available to fit non-standard pedal jacks and voltages.

Voltage Compatibility

Works worldwide with input voltage from 100V to 240V AC, making it great for touring musicians.

Performance Benefits

Reliable and consistent power delivery for analog and digital effects.
No need for isolated power supplies in most basic setups, as OneSpot handles standard analog pedals and many digital ones cleanly.
Eliminates the hassle and clutter of multiple adapters, freeing up space on your power strip or pedalboard.

Ideal For

Guitarists and bassists with small to medium-sized pedalboards.
Budget-conscious musicians who want clean, dependable power without the high cost of isolated supplies.
Traveling players who need a lightweight, international power solution.

Summary

The OneSpot Power Supply is an industry-standard solution for powering multiple 9V pedals reliably and quietly. Its compact size, high current capacity, and universal compatibility make it a go-to choice for players looking to streamline their setup. Whether you're a beginner building your first board or a gigging musician needing a reliable power source, the OneSpot delivers dependable performance at a budget-friendly price.

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Optional but Highly Recommended

Source Audio C4 Synth

The Source Audio C4 Synth is a highly versatile and compact synthesizer pedal that brings powerful, modular-style synth capabilities to your bass or guitar rig. Despite its small footprint, it packs a massive sonic punch, offering both plug-and-play simplicity and deep customization for sound designers.

Key Features

Four-Voice Synth Engine

Offers four independent voices, each of which can be set to various waveforms (sine, square, saw, etc.) and pitch settings, enabling layered, harmonically rich tones.
Each voice can be independently mixed and modulated, allowing for monophonic and polyphonic textures.

Built-in Envelope Follower and Sequencer

Includes a responsive envelope follower with controls for attack and release.
Features an internal 16-step sequencer for creating rhythmic, arpeggiated synth lines.
Users can toggle between synth, sequencer, or hybrid modes for creative flexibility.

Intuitive Onboard Controls

Four top-panel knobs give access to basic parameters like volume, sensitivity, mix, and control (which can be assigned to various functions depending on the patch).
Easy access to rich synth tones right out of the box—no programming required to start.

Deep Editing with Neuro Desktop and Mobile App

Neuro Editor

The C4 Synth connects to the Neuro Editor via USB or mobile app, unlocking full modular synth-style editing.
Users can build patches with up to three oscillators, four LFOs, envelope controls, filters, sequencers, and more.
Supports MIDI CC control, assigning external MIDI messages to nearly any parameter.

Preset Sharing

Download and upload patches to the Neuro Community, where users share hundreds of custom tones ranging from vintage synth leads to robotic bass growls and glitchy textures.
Save up to 128 presets via MIDI, and access 6 user presets directly from the pedal (scrollable via footswitch or external controller).

Connectivity & Integration

Mono or stereo input/output for flexible routing.
USB port for computer editing and firmware updates.
Expression pedal, MIDI, and Neuro port inputs enable external control and integration into complex rigs.

Sound Capabilities

Fat analog-style synth tones, filter sweeps, arpeggiators, glitched stabs, Moog-style basslines, and robotic fuzzed-out leads.
Tracks fast and clean, with minimal latency, even on bass.
Blends clean and synth signals for layered hybrid tones.

Ideal For

Bassists and guitarists seeking a synth voice without a keyboard.
Sound designers who want deep editing, layering, and sequencing.
Players in funk, EDM, hip-hop, fusion, ambient, or experimental genres.
Pedalboard minimalists who want studio-grade synth tones in a single stompbox.

Summary

The Source Audio C4 Synth is a powerful and compact synth pedal that bridges the gap between analog-style synthesis and modern DSP flexibility. Whether you just want a few classic synth sounds or want to build complex patches from scratch, the C4 delivers unmatched control, creativity, and tone in a pedalboard-friendly format. It’s one of the most advanced and musical synth pedals available for guitar and bass players today.

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Boss SY-1 Synth Pedal

The Boss SY-1 is a compact and expressive guitar and bass synth pedal that delivers authentic polyphonic synth tones with zero latency, all without requiring a special pickup. Designed for players who want inspiring synth sounds without menu diving or programming, the SY-1 offers immediate access to a wide range of tones in a familiar stompbox format.

Overview

The SY-1 Synth Pedal transforms any guitar or bass into a powerful synthesizer—instantly. Built on Boss’s advanced DSP engine (derived from the flagship SY-300), it provides 121 synth sounds with intuitive controls, enabling musical exploration without complex editing or setup.

Key Features

121 Synth Sounds Built In

11 sound types with 11 variations each, including:
- Lead: rich mono synth tones great for solos
- Bass: deep and punchy synth bass lines
- Pad: sweeping ambient textures
- Str: strings and layered textures
- Bell, Organ, SFX, and more
All sounds are fully polyphonic, meaning chords track as accurately as single notes.

Plug-and-Play Simplicity

No special pickups or external devices required—just plug in your standard guitar or bass.
Easy-to-use interface:
- Tone/Rate: adjusts filter brightness or modulation speed
- Depth: controls intensity of the synth effect
- Effect: blends the synth tone with your dry signal
- Type/Variation: selects synth category and preset

Built for Expression

Hold function: lets you sustain a synth note or chord while playing over it
Expression pedal support for controlling pitch, filter, or other parameters in real-time
Send/Return loop lets you place other pedals (like reverb or delay) in the synth-only path

Performance & Tracking

Tracks fast and cleanly, even on complex chord voicings and fast solos
Zero latency means no lag between your picking and the synth response
Maintains full dynamic control, responding expressively to picking intensity

Compatibility & Use

Works equally well with electric guitars and basses
Perfect for live performances, songwriting, and ambient sound design
Integrates into any pedalboard thanks to its compact Boss standard enclosure

Ideal Use Cases

Guitarists or bassists wanting synth textures without keyboards
Players exploring ambient, funk, EDM, pop, or cinematic soundscapes
Musicians needing quick access to synth tones without patch programming or menu navigation

Summary

The Boss SY-1 Synth Pedal is one of the most user-friendly, plug-and-play synth pedals ever made for guitar and bass. With rich, expressive synth tones, a wide selection of presets, and no need for special gear, it’s a perfect tool for unlocking new creative possibilities—whether you’re jamming, performing live, or experimenting in the studio.

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