Looking to level up your bass tone? With the best bass preamp, you can shape your sound with precision, adding amp-like textures, boosting clarity, and even simplifying your rig by skipping the need for a bulky bass amp.
Rackmount | Rackmount Product Image | Product Title | *GEARANK | **Sources | Check Prices |
 | 97 | 300+ | |||
 | 89 | 125+ |
Table / Amp Top | Table / Amp Top Product Image | Product Title | *GEARANK | **Sources | Check Prices |
 | 91 | 45+ |
Multiswitch Pedals | Multiswitch Pedals Product Image | Product Title | *GEARANK | **Sources | Check Prices |
 | 95 | 625+ | |||
 | 93 | 500+ | |||
 | 93 | 550+ |
Standard Pedals | Standard Pedals Product Image | Product Title | *GEARANK | **Sources | Check Prices |
 | 97 | 225+ | |||
 | 93 | 300+ | |||
 | 93 | 175+ | |||
 | 93 | 100+ |
*Gearank = Rating score out of 100.
**Sources = Number of gear owner and user opinions analyzed for these product Gearank Ratings.
Research Process: How Gearank Works
Whether you’re gigging, recording, or just jamming at home, a bass preamp is an essential tool for achieving your signature sound.
A good bass preamp doesnโt just enhance your tone. It also adds flexibility to your setup. And it lets you fine-tune EQ, connect directly to a PA system, and even emulate high-end amp tones in a compact, portable package.
For bassists looking to streamline their gear while maintaining a professional sound, this can be a game-changer. Plus, itโs a great way to tackle tone-shaping challenges when working with different styles, genres, or setups.
Our selection of the best bass preamps is thoroughly researched and unbiased, leveraging the Gearank algorithm to reflect real market feedback and bassist preferences. We’ve divided our recommendations into popular categories: rackmount units, tabletop models, multi-switch pedals, and single-switch pedals. This way, you can find the perfect fit for your needs.
Dive in to discover the standout features of each preamp, the pros and cons shared by real users, and expert tips to help you pick the one thatโs right for you.
Best Bass Preamp – Rackmount
Tech 21 SansAmp RBI
The SansAmp RBI provides a wide range of tones, from vintage warmth to modern punch. Its rackmount design makes it easy to integrate into live and studio setups, with DI functionality adding even more flexibility.
Pros:
- Natural tube emulation that exceeds expectations.
- Responsive EQ section
- Consistent performance over years of regular use.
- Durable and well-constructed.
- Highly regarded by many professional touring bassists.
- Absence of a ground lift feature.
- Limited grit from the drive section.
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The SansAmp RBI Bass Preamp is a modern version of Tech 21’s pioneering amplifier sound emulation system, first introduced in 1989.
It retains the original formula while incorporating modern improvements. The interface is straightforward, with knobs for adjusting the preamp and EQ sections.
It features dedicated knobs for bass, mid, and treble frequencies. Another knob for adjusting the drive or gain setting of the unit’s tube preamp emulation. Additionally, there are controls for blending and overall level.
Designed in a rackmount form factor, it offers extended input and output options, making it easy to integrate into existing racks.
This makes Tech 21’s SansAmp the best bass tube preamp, and a preferred choice. Its reliability, makes it an invaluable equipment, especially for regular gigging in different venues.
- Preamp: SansAmp Preamp
- Controls: Drive, Blend, XLR, LEVEL, Active Switch, Mix 50/50 Switch, XLR Output Level Switch
- EQ: Presence, Treble, Mid, Bass
- DI Function: Via XLR Balanced Out
- Frequency Response: 10Hz – 20kHz
- Input: 1 x 1/4″, 1 x 1/4″ Instrument/line, 1 x 1/4″ Effects loop Return, 1x 1/4″ Footswitch
- Output: 2 x 1/4″, 2 x XLR, 1 x 1/4″ Effects Loop Send, 1 x 1/4″ Footswitch
- Power: Built-in Power Supply
- Dimensions: 1.5″ x 19″ x 5.25″
- Weight: 5 lbs
Tech 21 SansAmp GED-2112 Geddy Lee Signature
This dual-channel rackmount preamp captures Geddy Leeโs signature sound with exceptional tonal flexibility. Itโs a great choice for fans of modern, precise bass tones both on stage and in the studio.
Pros:
- Geddy Lee’s signature dirty and clean tone.
- Versatile EQ settings.
- Sounds great with various amps, PA systems, monitors, and headphones.
- Surprisingly versatile for a signature preamp
- No blend output option for the two channels.
- No footswitch option for changing between Drive and Deep channels.
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Rush bassist Geddy Lee collaborated with Tech 21 to create a rackmount preamp unit that captures his renowned tone.
The Geddy Lee Signature SansAmp GED-2112 features two distinct preamp voicings. The Drive voicing is based on the SansAmp RPM with an artist-approved EQ curve.
The Deep voicing is tailored to offer enhanced low frequencies with adjustable saturation. This provides a wide range of tones, from clean to tube amp-like grit.
This preamp unit offers versatile DI-out options with XLR and 1/4″ ports for each of the two preamp voicings.
It includes an effects loop for seamless integration with other rack processors and pedals. Additional features comprise a tuner out, blend control, and dual inputs.
This is a no-brainer for fans of Rush or Geddy Lee. It can also be a good preamp if you regard sonic versatility as an important factor.
- Preamp: SansAmp Drive and Deep Preamp
- Controls: Drive, Level1, Saturation, Level 2, On/Off
- EQ: Mid, Mid Shift, Blend, Bass, Treble
- DI Function: 2 XLR Balanced Out
- Frequency Response: 10Hz – 20kHz
- Input: 2 x 1/4″, 1 x 1/4″ Return
- Output: 2 x XLR (Deep, Drive), 2 x 1/4″ (Deep, Drive), 1 x 1/4″ (Thru), 1 x 1/4″ (Tuner Out), 1 x 1/4″ (Send)
- Power: Standard IEC AC cable
- Dimensions: 1.75″ x 19″ x 5.25″
- Weight: 5 lbs
Best Bass Preamp – Table / Amp Top
DSM Humboldt Electronics Simplifier Bass Station
The Simplifier combines amp simulation, tone shaping, and DI functionality in a portable design, perfect for streamlined rigs
Pros:
- Multiple cabinet tones and speaker color options.
- 3-band EQ with mid-control and switchable frequencies.
- Parallel signal paths with a low-pass filter and dual FX loops.
- Easy to transport and robust build.
- High-quality headphone sound for practice.
- Small controls.
- Less tube warmth.
- No power supply.
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The DSM & Humboldt Simplifier Bass Station is a versatile bass preamp that is ideal for direct recording or live use. It features a bass preamp with gain and level and a 3-band EQ with semi-parametric mid-control.
In addition, it has a parallel signal routing system with a selectable low-pass filter and dual FX loops. This offers a wide range of tonal flexibility.
The unit also includes an analog cabinet simulation based on DSM Noisemakerโs Omnicabsim. With these cab sims, you’re provided with various cabinet tone options
The preamp stage is modeled after the Ampeg SVT, known for its distinctive sound and articulation. However, it might not fully satisfy your need for a warm tube-amp-like response.
The cabinet simulation offers three settings. It has a closed-back 8×10 for tight lows, a vented 1×15 for warm mids and thick lows, and a vented 4×10 for a wider range response.
The speaker color switch (Warm, Bright, or Modern) simulates different speaker materials and geometries. Meanwhile, the Resonance and Mic position controls let you fine-tune high-end brightness and low-end resonance.
It offers a flexible EQ and switchable midrange frequencies. This allows for tight and clear tones at most gain settings, with higher gains giving the characteristic growl of an Ampeg SVT.
But these controls can be quite complex, and they can be easily moved accidentally. Its knobs are also small, making adjustments more tricky.
Despite its small size, the Simplifier Bass Station is robust and reliable. It’s a convenient alternative to larger setups. This makes it suitable for both live performances and studio recordings.
The unit is well-built and includes a quality headphone amp, making it a practical solution for various playing situations. If you’re looking for a compact yet powerful bass preamp and DI solution, this could be a good choice.
- Preamp: Ampeg SVT ยฎ
- Controls: Mic Position, Resonance, Speaker Color, Cab Sim, Preamp Blend, Cab Sim Belnd, Volume Gain, 3 Band EQ with Mid Frequency Selector
- EQ: 3-band EQ, Mid Switch
- Effects: 3 x Cabinets, 3 x Speaker colors, Mic position control
- DI Function: XLR Balanced Out
- Input: 1 x 1/4″ (passive/active), 1 x XLR (DI parallel), 1 x 1/8″ (aux)
- Output: 1 x 1/4″ (out/thru), 1 x XLR (DI out)
- Power: 9-12V DC (80mA) power supply (not includedy)
- Dimensions: 2.16″ x 4.53″ x 2.55″
- Weight: 0.94 lbs.
Best Bass Preamp Pedals -Multiswitch Pedals
Here, we take a closer look at bass preamps in the larger multiswitch pedal format. These multiswitch preamp pedals provide greater control over the resulting sound. They also expanded functionality compared to their smaller counterparts.
Tech 21 SansAmp Bass Driver DI V2 Preamp Pedal
The Bass Driver V2 delivers studio-quality tones with enhanced EQ controls and flexible tone shaping. Itโs a versatile tool for bassists who want rich sound in a compact, reliable pedal.
Pros:
- Phenomenal sound.
- Great tone-shaping ability.
- Live and studio-quality bass tones.
- Slightly deep learning curve
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The Tech 21 SansAmp Bass Driver stands out due to its wide range of control knobs, especially considering its compact size.
This means you have more options to adjust your sound compared to most preamp pedals. The majority of the knobs are focused on providing precise EQ control, including presence, treble, mid, and bass.
Additionally, it includes a built-in drive control for adding bass-friendly distortion as needed. To make it easier to integrate into your live or recording setup, it also offers three output options.
The Tech 21 SansAmp Bass Driver DI V2 is highly recommended if you’re looking to color or tweak the sound of your bass.
- Preamp: SansAmp Bass Preamp
- Controls: Level, Blend, Treble, Presence, Drive, Mid, Mid Freq Switch, Bass, Bass Freq Switch, Phantom & Ground Lift Switch, -20dB Pad
- DI Function: XLR Balanced Out
- Input: 1 x 1/4″
- Output: 1 x 1/4″, 1 x XLR, 1 x 1/4″ (thru)
- Power: 9V DC Power Supply or Phantom Power
- Dimensions: 2″ x 4.75″ x 3.75″
- Weight: 0.875 lbs
Ampeg SCR-DI Bass Preamp DI Pedal
This pedal delivers the iconic Ampeg sound with a built-in overdrive and flexible DI output for live or studio settings.
Pros:
- Considered a good portable alternative to an Ampeg SVT amp.
- Solid construction built.
- Preamp and EQ offer a wide range of tones.
- Overdrive circuit is versatile and comparable to standalone pedal options.
- Works well with pickups of both active and passive basses.
- Short battery life.
- Adding Pre/Post EQ DI out would be great.
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The SCR-DI combines preamp, overdrive, and DI box functions in a single stompbox. It features a preamp section that captures the low-end sound of popular Ampeg SVT bass amps.
What sets this preamp apart are the Ultra Lo and Ultra Hi switches. These switches allow you to emphasize high notes or boost the low end for a powerful sound.
Additionally, this pedal includes Ampeg’s Scrambler overdrive effect, customized for bass guitars, with its own footswitch and controls. Lastly, the SCR-DI offers wet and dry output, aux-in, and DI-out connections.
Overall, you want Ampeg SCR-DI if you want Ampeg SVT tones that fit in your gig bag. It is a great all-around preamp, DI, and overdrive pedal to add to your tool kit.
- Preamp: Legacy Amper preamp and Tone Stack Circuit
- Controls: Volume,Aux Level Ground Lift, Drive, Blend
- EQ: Treble, Mid, Bass, Ultra Lo Switch, Ultra Hi switch
- Other Features: Built-in Scrambler Overdrive
- DI Function: XLR/Line Out
- Input: 2 x 1/4″, 1 x 1/8″
- Output: 1 x XLR, 1 x 1/4″ (Line), 1 x 1/4″ (Thru), 1 x 1/8″ (Headphones)
- Power: Optional Power Adapter or 9V Battery
- Dimensions: 2.2″ x 7.6″ x 4.3″
- Weight: 2.6 lbs
Tech 21 SansAmp Programmable Bass Driver DI Preamp Pedal
This pedal offers three programmable presets for instant tone switching, making it ideal for live performances. It provides reliable tone shaping with the ease of switching on the fly.
Pros:
- Highly rated for enhancing overall sound quality.
- Like having multiple amps and cabinets.
- Works well with various bass brands, from Fender to Ibanez.
- Lacks control over mid-frequencies.
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The SansAmp Programmable Bass Driver DI (PBDI) is designed for musicians who need to adjust their sound between songs or even mid-song.
It retains SansAmpโs well-received all-analog preamp circuitry. It also adds a digital component to manage the controls.
It allows you to conveniently store and recall settings in real-time. This gives you the benefits of both analog sound quality and digital preset switching in a single package.
The SansAmp PBDI allows you to switch settings as you please. Whether you need to add more power to certain parts of a song or switch to a more overdriven tone for your next song.
Other features include a dedicated XLR DI output, phantom power, ground switch, XLR out pad, and a boost switch for the 1/4″ output.
Although it’s described as a 3-channel preamp, it’s actually a single-channel preamp. But, it has the ability to switch between 3 presets via 3 dedicated footswitches.
So, if you want the analog tone and feel of SansAmpโs preamp, consider getting the Tech 21 SansAmp PBDI. On top of that, it provides flexibility via preset switching.
- Preamp: SansAmp Bass Preamp
- Controls: Drive, Blend, Level
- EQ: Treble, Bass, Presence
- DI Function: XLR Out
- Input: 1 x 1/4″
- Output: 1 x 1/4″, 1 x XLR
- Power: Optional Power Supply, 9V Battery, Phantom Power
- Dimensions: 7.25″ x 5″ x 2″
- Weight: 2 lbs
Best Bass Preamp Pedals – Standard Form Factor
Here, we will explore good bass preamp pedals in a compact form factor. They’re all designed for simple single footswitch operation to save space and cost.
Darkglass Alpha Omega Preamp/OD Bass Pedal
The Alpha Omega delivers rich, modern overdrive with precise EQ controls for endless tone shaping. Its dynamic response works great for both aggressive and clean bass tones.
Pros:
- Impressive sound quality.
- Ability to blend clean and overdriven signals
- Appreciated for the coloration it adds to the tone.
- Overdrive is particularly well received.
- Clean settings tend to be inadequate.
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The Darkglass Electronics Alpha Omega is a preamp overdrive DI box. It has growl and bite switches that allow you to saturate low and high frequencies, respectively.
At its core is the same preamp tone as its namesake amp, but this one comes in a compact single switch form factor. It features a blend knob for more control in adjusting the ratio between a clean and overdriven tone.
Additionally, it allows for parallel output processing and has a DI out, offering plenty of features for its size.
The Darkglass Alpha Omega continues to be the highest-rated single-footswitch bass amp pedal. Get it if you want nothing less than what the market deems to be the best preamp pedal.
- Preamp: Darkglass Alpha and Omega
- Controls: Blend, Level, Dry, Mod, Mid, Bass, Treble, Growl, Bite
- DI Function: Yes
- Input: 1 x 1/4″
- Output: 2 x 1/4″ (OuT, Parallel out), 1 x XLR (Direct Out)
- Power: 9V DC power supply (Sold Separately)
- Dimensions: 4.2″ x 4.7″ x 2″
- Weight: 1.1 lbs
MXR M81 Bass Preamp DI Pedal
The M81 offers transparent tone shaping with a built-in DI, ideal for bassists seeking flexibility without added coloration. Its compact design makes it perfect for portable rigs.
Pros:
- Excellent transparent sound.
- Versatile EQ.
- Easy to find the sweet spot
- Lacks tube-like growl and warmth.
- Super-bright LED can be annoying on dark stages.
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The MXR M81 is a bass guitar preamp pedal with an equalizer and DI functionality, all packed inside a regular-sized stompbox.
It’s designed to help you save both money and space, without sacrificing quality. Reviews have been overwhelmingly positive.
Despite its small size, it offers deep control over the EQ section. Its knobs are for adjusting the lows, mids, and high frequencies tailored for electric bass guitars.
It features a selectable midrange frequency control. But if you’re not into tone shaping, there’s a Pre/Post EQ switch that lets you bypass the EQ section.
The preamp section allows you to control the input and output levels. This gives you precise control over how much you want to drive the preamp section, independent of the output volume.
Finally, it features MXR’s “Constant Headroom Technology,” providing improved clarity at higher output levels.
For subtle enhancement and coloration, and for rounding off some of the rough edges of your bass tone, the MXRM81 Bass Preamp is highly recommended.
- Preamp: MXR Studio Quality Preamp
- Controls: Input, Output, Output, Ground Lift
- EQ: Bass, Mid, Treble, Mid Freq. 500, Pre/Post EQ
- DI Function: Switchable DI Out (Internal)
- Extra Features: Switchable Buffered/True Bypass, Buffered Bypass
- Input: 1 x 1/4″
- Output: 1 x 1/4″, 1 x XLR (DI Out)
- Power: Optional Power Supply or 9V Battery
- Dimensions: 4.5″ x 2.5″ x 4.5″
- Weight: 0.438 lbs
Darkglass Vintage Microtubes Bass Preamp Pedal
This pedal produces smooth, tube-like overdrive with a dynamic response that enhances classic bass tones. Its compact size makes it a great addition to any pedalboard.
Pros:
- Huge low end with some gnarly breakup
- Adds tube-crunch emulation and realism
- Versatile “era” knob covers a wide range of mid-scoops
- Slight bump in upper mids
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The Darkglass Vintage Microtubes is a bass preamp pedal that delivers warm, tube-like overdrive in a compact and stylish design. Inspired by the rich tones of vintage tube amps, this pedal excels at adding character and texture to your bass signal. Whether youโre after subtle warmth or a growling drive, the Vintage Microtubes pedal offers a dynamic response that makes your playing feel alive. Itโs a favorite among bassists who want to bring classic tones into modern setups without lugging around heavy equipment.
While this pedal is meant to reproduce vintage tones, it is surprisingly versatile. The Blend knob allows you to mix the clean and overdriven signals, while the Level and Drive controls let you fine-tune the intensity and output to match your needs. The Era knob is a particularly unique addition, enabling you to sweep between dark, vintage tones and more aggressive, modern overdrive. This flexibility makes it suitable for a wide range of genres, from jazz to rock and metal. Plus, its compact size and robust construction mean itโs easy to fit on a pedalboard and durable enough for regular gigging.
While its tone-shaping capabilities are impressive, it leans heavily into vintage-style sounds, which might not appeal to those seeking completely transparent or ultra-modern tones. Additionally, the pedalโs price point is on the higher side for a preamp, which could be a consideration for bassists on a tight budget.
Despite these minor drawbacks, the Darkglass Vintage Microtubes remains a fantastic choice for players who want to add warmth and character to their bass tone with a touch of vintage-inspired magic.
- Preamp: Darkglass Vintage Microtubes
- Controls: Blend, Era, Level, Drive
- DI Function: None
- Input: 1 x 1/4โณ
- Output: 1 x 1/4โณ
- Power: 9V DC power supply (sold separately)
- Dimensions: 2.95โณ x 4.37โณ x 1.77โณ
- Weight: 0.55 lbs
Darkglass Microtubes X7 Bass Preamp Pedal
The Microtubes X7 combines multiband distortion with flexible EQ controls, offering a tight, focused low-end and aggressive highs. Perfect for bassists seeking punchy, modern tones with exceptional clarity.
Pros:
- Versatile distortion, ranging from high gain to mild overdrive and fuzz.
- Comprehensive tone shaping controls.
- Small, practical for live and studio use.
- Robust build quality.
- Controls can be overwhelming at first.
- A bit pricy.
- Hard-to-see knobs in low light.
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The Darkglass Microtubes X7 Bass Preamp Pedal is designed to provide bassists with a wide array of distortion options.
This bass guitar preamp pedal is noted for its bright, chunky tones and versatility. It allows precise control over the distortion circuits’ texture, definition, and size. This offers everything from high gain to subtle overdrive and aggressive fuzz tones.
It offers EQ capabilities for shaping their bass tones effectively, with low and high shelf controls, plus midrange shaping at 500 Hz and 1 kHz.
In terms of connectivity, the Microtubes X7 includes a 1/4โ output for amps or other effects pedals. It has a ground lift control to manage DI signal noise and a balanced XLR output for integration with PA systems, an audio interface, or studio consoles.
It features a parallel output for maintaining an unaffected signal path when needed.
Powered by a standard 9V DC adapter, its compact design makes it suitable for both live gigs and studio sessions.
Users appreciate the pedal’s ability to cover a broad spectrum of tones. Tones that range from aggressive metal distortions to cleaner, more refined sounds.
If you want a more saturated bass tone with lots of tone-shaping options, then the Darkglass Microtubes X7 should be high on your list.
- Preamp: Darkglass MicroTubes
- Controls: Low Comp, Low Level, High Level, High Drive
- EQ: 4-band EQ, Lowpass, Highpass
- DI Function:
- Frequency Response:
- Input: 1 x 1/4″ (instrument)
- Output: 1 x 1/4″ (main out), 1 x 1/4″ (parallel out), 1 x XLR (direct out)
- Power: 9V DC power supply (sold separately)
- Dimensions: 1.81″ x 3.7″ x 4.7″
- Weight: 0.7 lbs.
Things to Consider When Buying a Bass Preamp
Tone Coloration
Bass preamps are often used as a saturator, to improve sound, making them more like an effect that colors the sound. Most bassists prefer those that mimic the sound of old tube amps, but there are others who prefer clean and transparent.
Most Preamps let you adjust the level of sound coloration via the drive/gain knob, other preamps allow for more precise control via blend/mix knobs and other parameters. Note that aside from giving you direct to PA/Console tones, you can route your preamp to the poweramp section of your bass amplifier to give your amp a different voicing. While ratings provide a good representation of sound quality, your perception of sound quality will always be subjective, mainly dependent on the sound of the artists that you look up to.
We’ve included demo videos so you can have a better idea of the sound of each preamp. Some preamps, like the SansAmp Bass Driver DI V2, Walrus Audio Badwater, Microtube X7, Microbass 3, Darkglass Alpha Omicron, and Markbass Vintage Pre come with built-in overdrive or distortion effect.
EQ and Sound Shaping
In addition to coloration, most Preamps let you shape your sound via EQ knobs. Some provide basic Treble and Bass EQ, while others offer more precise control, complete with fully sweepable Mids. They work in conjunction with the preamp to give you more control over the resulting sound. While more knobs do mean more control, be careful not to end up obsessing over the controls instead of making good music.
Passive or Active Electronics
Most bass preamps are meant to work with traditional passive pickup-equipped bass guitars. They can also work with active pickup-equipped instruments, but the interaction of the active electronics within the instrument and the electric bass preamp may produce unexpected results. It is recommended to deactivate or bypass the active electronics of your bass guitar if you plan to use them with preamps unless your preamp has a specific option for active pickups.
Input / Output Options
Most, if not all, portable bass preamps come with DI box functionality, and this usually means having at least one balanced XLR or 1/4″ line level out. This straightforward option is best for basic use, but there are others that allow for more signal routing options – including the ability to plug in two bass guitars and/or send your dry signal out to a regular amplifier. Some even have a dedicated effects loop section, aux in, headphones out, and more. We have presented the input and output ports for each unit above so you can choose one that has the connections you need.
Form Factor
Unlike mic and guitar preamps that come in a wide variety of shapes, most of the top-rated preamps come in pedal format. This makes them easier to integrate into existing pedalboards and allows for some level of hands-free control. Pedal size is something that you need to seriously take into account when.
This edition sees two rack-mountable bass preamps making it into our recommended list, they are ideal if you already have rackmount gear setup, or if you have a trusted roadie/tech that can make sound adjustments for you. Rackmount units tend to have more connectivity and control options, but based on market data, they are not as popular as pedals for most bass players. In fact, as a bass player myself, I agree with most gigging guitarists who prefer the convenience of bass preamps.
Power Supply / Battery
Bass guitar preamp pedals are powered by either a power supply or a battery. Power supplies are more convenient, just double-check if the pedal already comes with one because some manufacturers require you to buy them separately. Some of the bass preamps listed above are powered by batteries, and they are recommended for recording, because of their quiet operation. Just note that preamps tend to eat up batteries relatively quickly.
Best Bass Preamp Selection Methodology
The first edition was published in March 2017. This current edition was published in January 2025.
We sifted the market for preamps that are specifically designed for bass guitars, and like always, we limited our search to those that you can readily buy from major retailers in the USA. We did not include compact amp heads and best bass combo amp because while they do have preamplifier sections, they serve a different purpose, which is mainly to drive speaker cabinets.
For this edition, we ended up with 48 bass preamps on our short-list. We then gathered and analyzed the most recent reviews and ratings, which added up to over 6,900 sources.
All these data were then processed by the Gearank Algorithm to produce the rating scores out of 100 you see above. We used these scores to select and rank the top performers and market favorites, divided into four categories: Rackmount, Table / Amp Top, Multi-Switch and Regular Single-Switch Pedals. For more information about our methods, see How Gearank Works.
About the Author and Contributors
Here are the key people and sources involved in this guide’s production – click on linked names for information about their music industry backgrounds.
Lead Author & Researcher
Contributors
Jerome Arcon: Supplemental Writing and Research.
Alden Acosta: Product research.
Jason Horton: Editing and Illustrating.
Media / Image Credit
Main/Top Image: Produced by Gearank.com using photographs of the Darkglass Alpha Omega, Tech 21 SansAmp Bass Driver DI V2 and Tech 21 SansAmp RBI.
The videos have been embedded in accordance with YouTube’s Terms of Service.
The individual product images were sourced from websites, promotional materials or supporting documentation provided by their respective manufacturers.
More Best Bass Preamp Pedals and Rackmount For Amazing Tone 2025 Related Posts
Comments:
10 responses
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We have removed the Tech 21 SansAmp Character VT Bass Deluxe from the recommended list above due to it being discontinued.
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As a result of our July 2020 update, the following preamps came off our recommended list above, but you can still see our analysis of them:
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We have removed an option due to being discontinued but you can still read our analysis of it: RMI Basswitch IQ.
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Recently purchased the Tech 21 Sans Amp Geddy Lee Signature Bass pre to use in my rack to replace my Ampeg PF350 as I needed a rack mountable unit. What a disappointment. It basically is a Fuzz Face with very little to offer for getting a clean, driving bass tone. Once I found a clean setting, I tried to dial in some low end….nothing. None of the tone knobs made any notible change to the sound. Way too much $ for such a limited piece of equipment. I have an Ampeg SCR DI that I use in my home studio and it sounds great, however it does not lend itself for rack mounting. I ordered and received a 2u drawer and secured the SCR using foam materials and it works fine (also provides storage for other gear). I ordered a second SCR as backup and both units cost a few $ more than the Sans Amp alone. I also like Sweetwater, however they would not match Musician’s Friend price point. Still give them props.
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As part of our January 2019 update the following bass preamps came off our recommended list above but you can still read our analysis of them:
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It is on our short-list but hasn’t yet rated high enough for us to recommend it – you can see it’s ratings here.
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I’m interested in the AVID Eleven Rack as a bass preamp. I was wondering how the Eleven Rack would hold up as a live performance rig as compared to other bass preamps in this review. Given that it’s price has been cut in half ($350) makes it more competitive. Not too much information about this.
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I don’t think any of the Gearank.com team can advise you on this because we have only researched hardware systems and I’m pretty sure none of us have used a software setup for Bass.
Hopefully someone else will read this and provide their thoughts.
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Disclosure
Author & Contributors
Alexander Briones
I have been writing about and researching music gear for many years, all while serving as a music director at my local church. I engage in guitar playing and singer-songwriter stints, in addition to mentoring young musicians and teaching guitar and bass.
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