Multi-Effects: Pedals to transform your bass playing
5 bass pedals to wet your appetite for new sounds
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Multi-Effects pedals are a great way to access new tones and effects. Transforming your sound, here are 5 offerings that you could use.
In this article:
Multi-Effects for Bass Guitarists
Typically, when we think of multi-effects pedals, electric guitarists seem to take centre stage. However, did you know that there are plenty of multi-effects stomp boxes out there for us bass players?
Having an outright compressor or octave pedal will undoubtedly give you a better overall sound as that one respective pedal has just one job. Despite this, crafting a bespoke pedal board is both time and money consuming.
Therefore, multi-effects pedals are a great option, as they allow players to experiment with the weird and wonderful universe of musical effects. Distinguishing your drives from distortions, let’s check out a couple of examples.
Zoom B1 Four Bass Multi Effect
Firstly, we’ve got the most budget friendly option in our list. Although this Zoom pedal is the cheapest here, it still has 9 amp simulations and 64 internal effects!
In addition to the vast array of digital effects, of which five can be used simultaneously, we’ve got a 30 second looper in CD like quality. When you’re not making custom backing tracks with the looper, you can enjoy the Guitar Lab software for creating your own custom patches.
Hardware includes nice and chunky switch buttons, 3-band EQ and a 6.3mm audio jack to mention a few. Ideal for jamming, there’s up to 18 hours of battery life when using x4 AA batteries. You can also plug in at the mains with the typical 9 V DC power cable.
- More from Zoom
Valeton Dapper Bass Effect Strip
Another outright Bass multi-effects pedal here. With a simplistic rugged design, this pedal is ideal for those unfamiliar with digital effects.
Billed as a six in one pedal, players benefit from the use of Chorus, Octaver, Bass Amp simulator, Dirty Q, Boost Compressor and a tuner! Everything you need to transform your bass playing. This is a cost effective way to experiment with these tried and tested effects.
The aluminium casing houses a balanced DI Output for if you need to take this on stage. Complete with an included power supply and LED lights, it’s a complete package beginner bassists.
- More from Valeton
Boss GX-100
Working our way up in terms of price means we also gain some cool technology. Here, we’ve got a multi–effects pedal with authentic tube amp sounds. Also, with Boss’ AIRD technology for a realistic response.
With an impressive 23 amp types and over 150 Boss effects, you won’t exactly be short of new sounds. And once you’ve dialled in a sound that you like, you can be confident in the 200 memory locations. Oh, and we’ve got an LCD touchscreen.
This pedal also gives you access to the versatile Boss Tone Studio, whereby you can customise virtually anything and everything within this pedal. Moreover, we’ve got a ground lift switch, MIDI adapter and balanced L&R outputs for live use. It’s a proper piece of kit, which is reflected in the 3.5kg weight.
- More from Boss
tc Electronic Plethora X5
Next up, we’re looking at this clean cut, futuristic looking bass multi-effects pedal from tc Electronic. With switchable speaker cab simulation.
With a clear display and easy to use control buttons, we’ve got access to the TonePrint app, allowing you to import sounds and other pedalboards. Some of these effects include:
- Flashback 2 Delay
- Hypergravity Compressor
- Shaker Vibrato
This petit package houses a customisable effects chain with 127 presets. Moreover, there’s a tap function for time sensitive effects and MASH technology which turns all 5 footswitches into expression pedals. The bass multi-effects for the thinking man?
- More from tc Electronic
Boss GT-1000
Finally, we’ve got this big daddy GT-1000 from Boss. Suitable for both guitar and bass, we’ve got 10 footswitches with what looks like endless tonal possibilities.
Headline stats are naturally impressive at this price point. We’re a long way from being budget friendly here. Similar to the GX-100, we’ve got the ability to use Boss tone studio and AIRD technology. There’s 32 bit processing power, which will result in sweet sounds and smooth day-day operation.
The high-resolution display houses a built in tuner, with 6 assignable switches. We’ve got an XLR sub output and Bluetooth connectivity. Ideal for stage use or bedroom jamming.
Multi-Effects: Let the jamming commence!
Overall, bass multi-effects pedals are a great way to get into using various digital effects. With the technologies now available, your sound really can be your sound.
What are your go to effects and pedals?
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4 responses to “Multi-Effects: Pedals to transform your bass playing”
LIne 6 POD Express Bass. Zoom MS-60B+.
Great to see the Zoom B1, but can’t believe you didn’t include the Zoom B6. Best bass multi-effects unit as I’m concerned & built specifically for bass. Tons of effects, fully configurable signal chain, multiple DI options, all analog I/O section and a built-in A/B switch to be able to quickly switch between 2 basses (i.e. fretted & fretless or electric & acoustic). It’s honestly a fantastic unit & sounds incredible!
Recycled articles? You missed the BOSS ME-90B and the new Zoom, let alone the HX Stomp, new Tech21 products, etc. This seems like an article from 2021.
The Line 6 Pod is the OG!