The best bass preamp is so much more than just an EQ tweak. I once thought preamps were just fancy tone knobs, but I quickly recognized how they can open up your sound with harmonic richness, punch, and give you a steady output that makes the bass feel alive. Instead of sitting politely in the mix, it carried real weight and clarity, like plugging into a world-class studio rig.
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 |
 | Palmer Pocket Amp Bass | 88 | 275+ |
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
The beauty of a good bass guitar preamp is how much control and flexibility it gives you. Whether you’re recording straight into an interface, running a clean DI to the PA, or shaping your stage tone, a preamp lets you fine-tune your sound, add amp-like texture, and keep your rig compact. In fact, many players are discovering that the best bass preamp pedal can completely replace a bulky amp in certain setups.
For me, that’s what makes an electric bass preamp such a game-changer, it doesn’t just make your tone better, it makes your whole workflow easier. From taming room acoustics at a gig to dialing in mix-ready tracks at home, it’s one of those pieces of gear that quietly solves problems you didn’t even realize you had.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through the best options out there, breaking them down into categories, rackmount units, tabletop models, multi-switch pedals, and single-switch pedals, so you can find the one that fits your style, budget, and setup. Along the way, you’ll see the real pros and cons shared by players, plus some expert tips to help you lock in a preamp that works as hard as you do.
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.
We’re reader-supported. When you click product links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you.
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 Lee’s signature sound with exceptional tonal flexibility. It’s 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.
We’re reader-supported. When you click product links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you.
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
Palmer Pocket Amp Bass Preamp
The Palmer Pocket Amp Bass Preamp packs advanced tone-shaping features, flexible routing, and sturdy construction into an impressively small footprint, making it a practical tool for gigging, tracking, and silent practice. While its overdrive modes can be understated and low-level hiss may appear with heavy settings, its blend control, sweepable mids, and cabinet emulations deliver pro-grade versatility in a road-ready pedal.
Pros:
- Versatile Clean, Overdrive, and Fuzz modes
- 3-band EQ with sweepable mids and Blend control
- Flexible DI with pre/post switch and ground lift
- Headphone out, FX loop, and aux input
- Compact, rugged, and gig-ready design
- Slight hiss at higher gain levels
- Some controls feel subtle
- Jack layout can be awkward on pedalboards
We’re reader-supported. When you click product links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you.
The Palmer Pocket Amp Bass is one of those rare preamp pedals that packs serious pro-level tone and flexibility into a compact, stompbox-sized enclosure. From my perspective as an audio engineer and bassist, this pedal stands out thanks to its thoughtful design and surprisingly rich features for its size. Whether tracking quietly at home or dropping straight into a rig or front of house, it does the job with polish and personality.
Right away, I gravitated toward the three-mode switch—Clean, Overdrive, and Fuzz—which gives instant flavor without hunting through menus. The Drive and Saturation knobs respond musically, especially in the Overdrive mode; it’s not just distortion, but a hint of tape-like compression that adds depth without losing low-end clarity. The 3-band EQ, including a sweepable mid control, is finely tuned for bass frequencies—you can dial everything from vinyl-warm thump to crunchy slap clarity. And the blend control is a smart addition for mixing your dry signal back in, preserving tight definition even when pushing the pedal.
What I really appreciate is the combination of modern conveniences: vintage and modern cabinet simulations, FX loop, headphone output for silent practice, and a pre/post-effect switchable XLR DI with ground-lift switch. It’s rare to see that level of routing flexibility in a pedal this size. And let’s not forget the pad switch for active/passive basses and the rugged die-cast aluminum build—this one feels roadworthy from the first touch.
Compared to many competitors in this price bracket, the Pocket Amp Bass outperforms by delivering studio-grade tonality and features that usually cost far more. It’s a flexible Swiss Army knife that covers stage, studio, and couch practice without compromise. A few folks mention it’s not totally silent, but honestly, in a mix or live context, that fizz barely registers, and it’s a small trade-off for everything else it offers.
- Preamp: Clean, Overdrive, and Fuzz modes with Vintage / Modern / Flat cab simulation
- Controls: Drive, Saturate, Bass, Mid Level, Mid Frequency, Treble, Blend, Volume, Mode, Pad, Mute, Pre/Post DI
- EQ: 3-band EQ with semi-parametric mid (frequency sweep)
- Effects: Cab simulation (Vintage, Modern, Flat), Blend for dry signal, FX Loop
- DI Function: Balanced XLR DI output with pre/post switch and ground lift
- Input: 1 x 1/4″ (bass input with pad), 1 x 1/8″ (aux in)
- Output: 1 x 1/4″ (amp out), 1 x 1/4″ (thru), 1 x 1/8″ (headphone), 1 x XLR (DI out)
- Power: 9–12V DC adapter or 9V battery
- Dimensions: 3.9″ x 3.9″ x 2.1″ (100 × 100 × 55 mm)
- Weight: 0.79 lbs. (0.36 kg)
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. It’s 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
We’re reader-supported. When you click product links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you.
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.
We’re reader-supported. When you click product links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you.
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.
We’re reader-supported. When you click product links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you.
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 SansAmp’s 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 SansAmp’s 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.
We’re reader-supported. When you click product links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you.
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.
We’re reader-supported. When you click product links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you.
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
We’re reader-supported. When you click product links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you.
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 you’re after subtle warmth or a growling drive, the Vintage Microtubes pedal offers a dynamic response that makes your playing feel alive. It’s 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 it’s 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 pedal’s 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 1/4″
- Output: 1 x 1/4″
- Power: 9V DC power supply (sold separately)
- Dimensions: 2.95″ x 4.37″ x 1.77″
- 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.
We’re reader-supported. When you click product links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you.
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 1/4” 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
One of the first things I look at in a bass preamp is how it handles tone coloration. In many ways, a preamp can work like a saturator, adding warmth, grit, and harmonic depth that makes your bass sound fuller. Some units lean toward that vintage tube-style character that a lot of bassists love, while others keep things clean and transparent. Neither is better or worse, it just depends on what inspires you when you play.
Most preamps will let you dial in the amount of coloration through a gain or drive knob, and some go further by adding blend or mix controls so you can decide how much of your clean tone you want to keep. A cool trick is to run your preamp straight into the power amp section of your bass rig to completely change its voicing. And while it’s tempting to rely only on specs and reviews, remember that tone is personal, what sounds “amazing” to one player might not work for another, and a lot of that comes down to the artists and records that shaped your ears.
You’ll notice that many modern bass preamps also build in overdrive or distortion capabilities, turning them into all-in-one tone machines. Units like the SansAmp Bass Driver DI V2, Walrus Audio Badwater, Microtube X7, EBS Microbass 3, Darkglass Alpha Omicron, and Markbass Vintage Pre are great examples.
EQ and Sound Shaping
Beyond coloration, most preamps give you some form of EQ control. Some keep it simple with Bass and Treble adjustments, while others go deep with a full bass EQ section, complete with sweepable mids. The extra flexibility can be a lifesaver when you’re trying to cut through a dense mix or tame problem frequencies in a tricky room. That said, I’ve also seen players get lost turning knobs instead of just locking in a groove, so my advice is to use the controls to serve your playing, not the other way around.
Passive or Active Electronics
Most bass preamps are designed with traditional passive pickups in mind. They’ll still work fine with active instruments, but stacking an onboard preamp with an external electric bass preamp can sometimes produce results you weren’t expecting. In most cases, I recommend bypassing or deactivating the active electronics on your bass unless your pedal specifically accounts for them.
Input / Output Options
This is where a preamp really becomes the Swiss Army knife of a bass rig. Almost all portable units double as a DI box, giving you at least one balanced XLR or quarter-inch line out so you can go straight to a PA or recording console. From there, features vary: some pedals let you send a dry signal to your amp while running a processed tone to front of house, others let you plug in two basses, and a few even include effects loops, aux inputs, or headphone outs. I always recommend thinking about your actual use case before buying, do you want simple plug-and-play, or do you need routing options for a bigger setup?
Form Factor
Most bass preamps today come in pedal format, which makes sense since it keeps them easy to drop onto your board and operate with your foot. Pedal size can matter more than you think if you’re already juggling multiple stompboxes. Rackmount bass preamps still exist, and in fact, a couple made it into our recommended list. They’re great if you’ve already got a rack setup or a tech who can tweak things for you mid-show. For me, and for most working bass players I know, the pedal format wins every time for portability and convenience.
Power Supply / Battery
Finally, don’t overlook power. Bass preamp pedals usually run on a dedicated supply, but not all of them ship with one included, so it’s worth checking before you buy. Some can also run on batteries, which can be handy in the studio since they’re quieter, but they do burn through them faster than your average pedal. Personally, I stick with power supplies for gigs and leave batteries as a backup option.
Best Bass Preamp Selection Methodology
The first edition was published in March 2017. This current edition was published in August 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
Best Delay Pedal: Make Your Guitar Sound Huge and Alive
Best Overdrive and Distortion Pedals for Killer Tone
The Ultimate Guide to the Best Noise Gate Pedal
Best Delay Reverb Pedal for Gig-Ready Ambient Magic
Best Guitar Tuners for Easy, Reliable Tuning
The Best Chorus Pedal to Add Richness to Your Tone in 2025
Comments:
10 responses
-
We have removed the Tech 21 SansAmp Character VT Bass Deluxe from the recommended list above due to it being discontinued.
-
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:
-
We have removed an option due to being discontinued but you can still read our analysis of it: RMI Basswitch IQ.
-
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.
-
-
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:
-
-
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.
-
-
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.
-
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.
-
More Bass Gear
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.
Leave a Reply