In this article we’re going to be discussing the best bass EQ pedals that exist in October 2023.
Although often neglected, bass equalizer pedals are actually one of the most important tools for every bass player. If you’ve ever played on stage with other band members, you know how hard is to cut through the mix with an instrument such as bass, which is all about low frequencies. EQ pedals are of great help in these situations. Of course, these pedals are also a great tone shaping tool, whether you’re searching for your perfect tone or you just need to deal with unpleasant frequencies, feedback etc.
In this buyers guide we’re going to be discussing the best EQ pedals for bass.
What Is A Bass EQ Pedal?
A bass EQ pedal allows you to manipulate frequencies in a certain range. The base layout is pretty much the same as in the case of EQ pedals for electric guitars with the main difference in the frequency range that they cover. In this case, controls are usually dedicated to lower frequencies, though many pedals can work equally well for both basses and electric guitars.
So, a typical bass EQ pedal would come with several knobs or sliders. Each of these sliders manipulates a certain frequency and it can boost or cut it. In that way, you can accentuate certain frequencies of your instrument and get the desired sound. Also, most pedals feature a silent circuit and true bypass, so your original tone remains intact.
However, modern EQ pedals often come with extra features, so it’s not a rare thing to see a pedal that besides EQ function also works as a distortion pedal, or even as a pre-amp. Bass pedals can be quite complex but many players prefer a simpler design. So, the market is full of various products. Which one would work best for you – that largely depends on your preferences.
Best Bass EQ Pedals & Processors
1. Boss GEB-7
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Boss has been famous for making some of the best equalizer pedals in the business and that includes bass guitar pedals as well. This specific unit is one of the company’s most popular products of this type. The pedal features a 7-band graphic eq, so even the biggest tone purists can do detailed tweaks and calibrate their sound perfectly.
What’s important to know is that the GEB-7 is designed for bass guitars on purpose (unlike the boss GE-7), so the equalizer covers the specific frequency range of this instrument, which goes all away down’ to 50Hz. Also, each band can be boosted or cut by 15dB, so you probably get a picture of the pedal’s flexibility. The same is with the level control, so the unit can be used as a great boost or cut pedal. Many acoustic guitar players also use this pedal successfully, as it allows them to accent the bottom end of their instrument.
Typically for Boss, the build quality is excellent, with their traditional boss enclosure. You may count on a typical housing design, which is pretty much bullet-proof and which will serve you for decades. The pedal works either on batteries or an AC adapter, while the company gives a pretty generous 5-year warranty.
Who Should Buy This Pedal?
This is one of the most versatile bass EQ pedals on the market, so it’s hard to recommend it to a specific group. On the other hand, its excellent build quality makes it a perfect choice for everyone who needs a super-reliable on-stage tool. Overall, a great EQ pedal for serious bassists.
2. Aguilar Tone Hammer
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Although it’s not primarily an EQ pedal, the Aguilar Tone Hammer gives players the opportunity to deal with all kinds of tone issues. It is a pre-amp pedal that also features a super-clean DI box that works as a great recording tool and is equally great as a stage workhorse.
It features typical pre-amp features, including distortion, which works great. Also, it features a so-called Adaptive Gain Shaping circuitry (AGS), which allows you to dial pretty much everything from vintage overdrive to modern high-gain distortion. There are four EQ knobs in total and they cover the frequency range that is typical for bass guitars. Besides typical Bass, Mid and Treble knobs, there is also the additional Mid Level control, which allows additional manipulation with middle frequencies.
Despite the impressive level of functionality, this pedal still comes in a pretty compact package, so it can fit any pedalboard. We also like its sturdy design, which promises years of successful exploitation. The pedal runs on an 18V power supply, which is sold separately. Alternatively, you can use a couple of 9V batteries.
Who Should Buy This Pedal?
This is a professional pre-amp bass pedal that goes way beyond EQ unit and the fact that it’s used by so many big names, such as John Patitucci, Adam Clayton and Paul Turner speaks for itself. Whether you plan to use it just as an EQ pedal, or as a whole package, you won’t go wrong with this one.
3. MXR Ten Band EQ
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The MXR Ten Band EQ is one of the most versatile EQ pedals on the market. The reason is pretty obvious, as it covers an impressive frequency range that goes from 31.6Hz to 16kHz, which makes it great for both guitars and bass guitars. As the name suggests, this pedal features 10 EQ bands and each can be boosted or cut by 10dB.
Although extremely flexible, the pedal is super-easy to use. Other than EQ bands, there are only two more knobs, Gain and Volume, which allow you to use this pedal as a great boost or cut tool. Also, players will highly appreciate the pedal’s on-stage flexibility, as it features a true bypass switch, along with two outputs. The latter means that you can feed two amps at the same time.
In terms of build quality, this 10-band eq pedal features heavy-duty aluminum housing, which feels extremely sturdy and promises years of successful exploitation. Another thing we should mention is that an 18V adapter is included in the price. Finally, it’s worth mentioning that Gain and Volume sliders feature LED indicators, which is very extremely useful, considering that lighting isn’t always all that great when you’re on stage.
Who Should Buy This Pedal?
This impressive pedal would be a fantastic tool for professionals. Still, it could be a fantastic addition to your pedalboard, even if you’re just an amateur, especially if you play both bass and electric guitar, and you’re looking for a quality eq with 10 bands of frequency gain/suppression.
4. Rowin Bass Equalizer
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Many bass players don’t like overdesigned pedals with too many controls and features. If you are one of those players who want nothing more than a simple EQ pedal, this is a great product for you. It is super-compact, super-easy to use and super-affordable. At the same time, the pedal doesn’t lack any feature that’s important for a pedal of this type and the level of flexibility is actually more than decent.
This tiny pedal will fit any pedalboard but at the same time, it will offer pretty decent flexibility, considering that it features a 5-band equalizer that covers everything between 62.5Hz and 4kHz, which is a typical range for a bass guitar. Each slider can cut or boost for 18dB. There is also an additional Volume knob, while the pedal also features a true bypass.
The build quality is pretty good, especially if we consider that this is a very affordable pedal. It is capable enough to satisfy high-demanding players and simple enough to work as a great tool for non-to-experienced players. The pedal runs on a typical 9V DC adapter, which is sold separately.
Who Should Buy This Pedal?
Considering the price tag, this pedal is perfect for beginners. However, we think it’s capable enough to satisfy a vast majority of bass players, so it should actually be the first choice for everyone with a limited budget. Also, its tiny dimensions make it a fantastic choice for players with pedalboards where every square inch is precious.
5. MXR Six Band EQ
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Besides the Ten Band EQ, MXR also has a simpler Six Band EQ pedal, which is great for those players who like to keep things simple. As the name suggests, this pedal features six EQ bands and that’s pretty much everything you get in terms of controls. Still, that doesn’t mean that this pedal lacks capability, no matter if you’re searching for the perfect tone, or you just want to use it to eliminate certain frequencies and deal with feedback.
This pedal covers a frequency range between 100Hz and 3.2kHz, which makes it suitable for both guitars and basses. Also, each band offers a pretty impressive 18dB cut and boost. Each band features an LED indicator, so you may count on perfect visibility in dark venues. The pedal also features a true bypass and super-low circuit, which means that your tone won’t be affected in any way.
Another thing we like about this pedal is its sturdy aluminum housing, which feels very durable. We are pretty sure this pedal will serve you well for a long time. Unlike the bigger Ten Band EQ that uses an 18V power supply, this pedal requires a smaller 9V DC adapter (sold separately).
Who Should Buy This Pedal?
The MXR Six Band EQ is a perfect pedal for bass players who like to keep things simple but don’t want compromises in terms of functionality. This pedal can deal with all kinds of unwanted noise, but it can be a great tone-shaping tool as well. A great professional-grade piece of gear.
6. Darkglass Electronics MXU Mictrotubes
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It’s not easy to describe this pedal in a few words, because it has so many things to offer. Although formally a bass distortion pedal, this unit actually packs three pedals and offers not just a distortion effect, but also a compressor and equalizer. This is a premium product, which may look expensive but offers so many things in return.
Considering its 3-in-1 design, this pedal isn’t overly confusing. Besides a 7-band equalizer, it also comes with six knobs and three footswitches. With knobs, you can control a lot of different things. The Low Comp knob allows you to control low-end compression, while the Low Level knob allows you to manipulate the low-pass signal. The Low Pass knob is great for mid frequencies, while the High Pass controls distorted high-pass signals. Of course, the High Drive knob controls the level of distortion, while the High Pass knob is a perfect tool if you need crystal-clean tones.
The back side of the pedal comes with a couple of very useful additional features, such as an XLR out, which allows you to go directly to a preamp, PA, microphone etc. Also, there is a headphones out, as well as a built-in cab simulator, as well as many other very useful features that make this pedal extremely versatile and super-functional.
Who Should Buy This Pedal?
It’s quite obvious that this premium pedal is designed for tone purists who are always on a quest for finding their perfect tone. It is an impressive studio tool, and the fact that it packs three pedals into one housing makes it an amazing addition to everyone’s pedalboard.
Our Number One Choice
The Boss GEB-7 is our No.1 choice for many reasons. First of all, we are talking about a pretty capable, yet easy-to-use pedal, which covers a pretty impressive frequency range. It works great not just for bass guitars, but also for electric and acoustic guitars. Also, Boss has an excellent reputation for making durable and super reliable pedals. Such a well-rounded design makes it a great choice for an extremely wide range of musicians and what’s particularly great is that all these things come at a pretty competitive price. Overall, this is considered one of the best equalizer pedals for bass.
Buy On AmazonOur Premium Choice
The Darkglass Electronics MXU Mictroubes is our premium choice. This high-quality pedal offers excellent EQ characteristics but that isn’t its only strength. This product packs several more things, such as distortion and a compressor. Still, the main reason why this pedal works great is a full load of additional controls that allow players to manipulate a wide range of frequencies in such an impressive way. This is a genuine high-end product that easily meets the demands of every tone purist.
Best Value For Money
Considering the amount features that come at a pretty competitive price tag, it’s quite obvious why we consider this pedal an excellent value for money. It comes with with a massive 10-band graphic eq that covers an impressive frequency range. Also, you may count on gain control, a silent circuit and a true bypass. To expand the pedal’s on-stage flexibility, the manufacturer even added a second output, so the pedal can feed two amps simultaneously. Ultimately another great eq pedal, especially for those searching for the best budget eq pedals for bass.
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That concludes this full buyers guide on the best bass EQ pedals. Feel free to leave a comment if you have any questions regarding the products you have seen in this article. Check out our other bass buyer guides such as the best Bass Synth Pedals.
Here at Guitar Effects Pedalz we also provide full reviews of the best online guitar services so you can learn guitar online with our Guitar Tricks Review.
FAQ: Best Bass EQ Pedals
What is an EQ pedal?
An EQ pedal, short for equalizer pedal, is a device used to shape the tonal characteristics of an audio signal. It allows you to boost or cut specific frequencies to enhance or modify the sound of your bass guitar or any other instrument.
What are the different types of EQ pedals?
There are two main types of EQ pedals: graphic EQ and parametric EQ.
- Graphic EQ: A graphic equalizer pedal typically features multiple frequency bands, often sliders or knobs, that allow you to independently adjust the level of each band. This type of EQ pedal is great for quickly sculpting your tone with precision. There are different equalization when it comes to EQ processors, one of the most popular is a 10-band eq, as it covers a wide frequency spectrum.
- Parametric EQ: A parametric EQ pedal offers more control over the frequency range and shaping of your tone. It allows you to select a specific frequency band and adjust parameters such as frequency, bandwidth (Q), and gain. Parametric EQ pedals are often favored by more advanced users looking for precise tonal adjustments.
What are the advantages of using an EQ pedal for bass?
Using an EQ pedal for your bass guitar can provide several benefits:
- Tonal shaping: An EQ pedal enables you to fine-tune your bass sound by boosting or cutting specific frequencies, allowing you to create a more balanced and defined tone.
- Cut through the mix: By boosting the right frequencies, an EQ pedal can help your bass guitar stand out in a band mix, ensuring it’s audible and well-defined.
- Correcting room acoustics: EQ pedals can compensate for unfavorable room acoustics or equipment limitations, allowing you to achieve a more desirable sound in different environments.
- Versatility: With an EQ pedal, you can experiment with different EQ settings to match various musical styles, genres, or personal preferences.
How do I incorporate an EQ pedal into my signal chain?
The placement of an EQ pedal in your signal chain can affect its impact on your tone. Here’s a typical placement:
- Guitar/Bass: Start with your instrument connected directly to the EQ pedal.
- Overdrive/Distortion pedals: If you use any drive pedals, connect them after the EQ pedal. This allows you to shape the tone before it gets distorted.
- Modulation/Time-based effects: Connect modulation pedals like chorus or delay after the EQ pedal to retain the shaped tone throughout the effect.
- Amplifier: Finally, connect the output of the EQ pedal to your amplifier or audio interface.
Remember, the signal chain order can vary based on personal preference and desired effects. Experimentation is key!
How many EQ bands do I need in an EQ pedal?
The number of EQ bands required in an EQ pedal depends on your specific needs and preferences. While graphic EQ pedals often offer more bands (typically 7 to 10), some bass players prefer the simplicity of a 3-band EQ (bass, midrange, treble) for basic tone shaping.
For more detailed adjustments and tonal sculpting, higher-band count EQ pedals with additional frequency ranges can provide greater flexibility and precision.
What are some recommended EQ pedals for bass players?
While we cannot discuss specific pedals, there are several reputable brands known for producing high-quality bass EQ pedals. Look for pedals from well-known brands in the industry that offer a good balance of features, sound quality, and durability.
Consider exploring brands like MXR, EarthQuaker Devices, Boss, Source Audio, Hamstead Soundworks, and others to find a suitable EQ pedal for your bass guitar.
Can I use a guitar EQ pedal for my bass guitar?
Yes, it is generally possible to use a guitar EQ pedal for a bass guitar. However, it’s essential to choose a pedal that can handle the lower frequencies of a bass effectively. Some EQ pedals are specifically designed for bass, taking into account the unique frequency range and requirements of a bass guitar.
If using a guitar EQ pedal, ensure that it can accurately process the low-end frequencies without sacrificing clarity or introducing unwanted noise.
Should I consider using an expression pedal with my EQ pedal?
Using an expression pedal with an EQ pedal can offer additional control over your tone in real-time. It allows you to adjust specific EQ parameters dynamically, such as frequency, gain, or overall level, using foot control.
Adding an expression pedal to your EQ setup can enhance your performance by providing hands-free control over the tonal characteristics of your bass guitar.
Can I use an EQ pedal in an effects loop?
Yes, using an EQ pedal in an effects loop can be an effective way to shape your tone. Placing the EQ pedal in the effects loop allows you to adjust the frequency response of the signal after it has passed through the preamp section of your amplifier.
Experiment with different placement options to find the configuration that best suits your tonal preferences and the capabilities of your amplifier.
How do I optimize the settings on my EQ pedal?
Optimizing the settings on your EQ pedal is a personal process that depends on your instrument, playing style, and the sound you wish to achieve. Here are some general guidelines to get you started:
- Identify problematic frequencies: Listen for any frequencies that are too boomy, muddy, or harsh. Use the EQ pedal to cut or attenuate those frequencies to improve clarity.
- Enhance desired frequencies: If you want to add more presence or impact to certain frequencies, use the EQ pedal to boost them slightly.
- Experiment with different settings: Adjust the EQ bands systematically, starting with small adjustments, and listen to how they affect your tone. Take note of the changes and keep refining until you achieve the desired sound.
Remember, the settings may vary depending on your playing environment, musical genre, and personal taste. Take your time to explore and find the settings that work best for you.
These frequently asked questions should provide you with valuable information about bass EQ pedals, their benefits, and how to use them effectively. Remember to choose a pedal that suits your specific needs, experiment with different settings, and have fun shaping your bass sound!
Last update on 2023-10-02 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API