Typically, bassists want enhance, too, like when that bass-solo interlude from Sade’s “Clean Operator” comes alongside and it’s time to get busy.

This up to date model of Xotic’s Bass BB brings improved tone-shaping options with a wide range of achieve buildings and as much as 30dB enhance; Variable Achieve, Treble, Quantity, and Bass controls grant gamers a preventing likelihood at low-end superiority. The pedal can run on the identical 9-volt DC adapter as earlier than (AC will fry it), however this time an 18-volt possibility yields cleaner headroom and improved dynamic response; the brand new top-end jack placement is a pleasant contact.

Operating between a Fender Precision and a Gallien-Krueger Neo IV 2×12 combo, straight from the field, an enormous Dr. Jekyll/Mr. Hyde persona shift was noticeable because of a beefier vary of achieve (or no achieve) and a number of other EQ choices. Tweaking the Achieve and Quantity controls produced the whole lot from kingly cleans to grinding grit – all filth and no fuzz. From Motown to aggro to Sure single-note frequencies advanced right into a bountiful buffet of bass badassery.

As an overdrive, the brand new BB doesn’t compromise agency low-end or articulation. In all, it’s an extremely musical pedal that may add presence and definition to enhance any bass rig. The white knobs are a pleasant new contact for visibility, and it’s the right dimension for any pedalboard.

This text initially appeared in VG’s December 2023 situation. All copyrights are by the writer and Classic Guitar journal. Unauthorized replication or use is strictly prohibited.