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MXR

collapse expand iconDescription

The MXR Bass Preamp combines a pristine bass preamp with a studio-quality Direct Out in a Phase 90-sized box, providing clear tone without hogging precious pedal board space. Use it to add a new voice to an old passive bass, sweeten up any amp, or put some special sauce on a particular song. Dial it in just the way you want it and send it straight to the house-pre or post-EQ-with the built-in Direct Out.

The Bass Preamp features separate INPUT and OUTPUT level controls and a 3-band EQ section with sweepable midrange-from 250hz to 1khz-for extensive tonal flexibility. It's all delivered super clean with high headroom thanks to our own Constant Headroom Technology, and you can use the PRE/POST EQ switch to set whether or not your Direct Out signal is affected by the Bass Preamp's EQ section. And of course, the Bass Preamp features a GROUND LIFT switch in case you encounter ground loop hum.

The Bass Preamp is factory preset to operate in ¼" out buffered bypass and Direct Out active. For players who only want to use the ¼" out, there are two internal switches that disable the Direct Out and ¼" out buffered bypass for true ¼" out bypass mode.
MXR M81 Bass Preamp

collapse expand iconFeatures

  • Separate INPUT & OUTPUT level controls
  • 3-band EQ section with sweepable midrange
  • Studio-quality Direct Out

collapse expand iconWarranty

All pedals - one year parts and labor warranty.

Featured Articles

collapse expand iconReviews

4.89

9 Reviews

100%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend

Filters
Best Uses
  1. Home Studio6
  2. Performances5
  3. Amateur Recording4
  4. Professional Recording4
  5. Outdoor Events / Games3
Describe Yourself
  1. Experienced5
  2. Professional Musician2
Pros
  1. Compact7
  2. Excellent Sound Quality7
  3. Versatile5
  4. Responsive4
  5. Good Selection Of Effects3

Reviewed by 9 customers

  • Yes I would buy again

    5

    Verified BuyerVerified Buyer

    submitted3 years ago

    byDean

    fromVirginia 24060

    Submitted as part of a sweepstakes

    In a live performance setting

  • Now that's what I'm talking about

    5

    submitted6 years ago

    byflyfish

    fromKC

    Bought a used one from Overland Park GC. Within 5 minutes I had found my sound for 2 different basses. This is a great addition if you play passive basses and want to provide some front end gain and equalization. The best bass preamp I've ever tried in a pedal. Buy it. You'll like it.

  • Great Product.

    5

    Verified BuyerVerified Buyer

    submitted9 years ago

    byTuffy

    fromSanta Fe, New Mexico

    Use for studio work

  • Tone Monster

    5

    Verified BuyerVerified Buyer

    submitted9 years ago

    byPat

    fromBeaumont Ca

    Adds a " thickening "..boost and keeps the integrity of your tone at both ends of the spectrum.., without sacrificing CLARITY. ! A mini console at your fingertips.Excellent!

  • Grate little pre amp

    5

    Verified BuyerVerified Buyer

    submitted9 years ago

    byJ Z

    fromSan Diego

    This is a great pre amp doesn't take up a lot of room on the pedal board. If you play a passive bass and your sound goes DI to the house great for that fat EQ. I use it before my sans amp. So my sound into the sans amp has great tone ( mids. And bottom) then I set sans amp to do what it does so I use the blend nob the sans amp to add some grit. Works great awesome tone for j bass and also p bass😎

  • Great little pedal

    5

    Verified BuyerVerified Buyer

    submitted10 years ago

    bySweet Greggo

    fromCarrollton, TX

    I run direct to board and use in ears. I got tired of lugging my amp head around just for the eq and DI function. I added this to my pedal board and immediately loved it. No discernible noise floor and the eq points are excellent. The bass is thick without being boomy - all fundamentals. The dual outs are nice too with an XLR with ground lift for DI function and a TRS to go straight to an amp. Good buy.

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collapse expand iconQ&A

Have a question about this product? Our expert Gear Advisers have the answers.

  • submitted10 months ago

    asked bySteve

    fromSacramento

    Does this preamp produce a loud hiss sound? A little is normal I understand but I had to return my Ampeg because it was loud

    Does this preamp produce a loud hiss sound? A little is normal I understand but I had to return my Ampeg because it was loud

    Open Reply - Gear-Support
    No, it doesn't. If you're getting a loud hissing sound, it's coming from something else. A unit like this will just make it louder.

  • submitted2 years ago

    asked byBudug59

    fromSimpsonville,sc.

    Does this Di noisy

    Does this Di noisy

    Open Reply - Gear-Support
    The Direct Out is dead quiet.

  • submitted2 years ago

    asked byArt

    fromWalnut Creek CA

    Does the MX81 use a 9V AC adapter?

    Does the MX81 use a 9V AC adapter?

    Open Reply - Gear-Adviser
    Yes