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Radial Tonebone Bassbone V2 Bass Guitar Preamp Pedal

Versatile and feature-packed, this preamp is the last one you'll ever need to buy. Use the 2 channels to sculpt unique tones suited for different basses.

Radial Tonebone Bassbone V2 Bass Guitar Preamp Pedal

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Radial Tonebone Bassbone Balanced XLR DI Pedal

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Radial Tonebone Bassbone Balanced XLR DI Pedal, Main
Radial Tonebone Bassbone Balanced XLR DI Pedal, Main
Bringing two basses to the gig? Plug both into the Bassbone -- it's a 2-channel DI, A/B switch, effects loop, and Boost pedal to feed your amp and the board.

The Radial Bassbone is an innovative multi-function tool for bassists that expands the tonal palette, adds versatility and expedites instrument changes during performance. The Bassbone features two instrument inputs with a footswitch selector for instant access to two basses on stage. Both channels feature independent level controls and EQ settings to contour each instrument for optimal compatibility with the bass amplifier settings. A combination power-booster and effects loop provides variable gain boost as well as on demand access to effects for soloing.

In addition to the main instrument output, the Bassbone integrates a separate tuner-out and a balanced low-impedance XLR output for the mixing console that acts like a DI. Designed to spur on the creative process, the Bassbone puts you in control of your sound with ease and confidence, opening the door to sounds and a more exhilarating musical experience. Includes 15V power supply.

Features

- Master control for 1 or 2 basses
- Balanced XLR DI output
- Boost and effects loop circuits
- Powerful EQ and contour controls
- Separate always-on tuner output

Bassbone Development

In order to fully understand the scope behind the Bassbone feature set, one must understand the challenges that bass players face. As the saying goes: "necessity is the mother of invention" and Bassbone delivers solutions to needs that are at once real and relevant.

Performing with two instruments in one amplifier

Today, with the collision of… read more so many musical genres, the performing bassist generally requires two instruments to meet the demand for tonal range. The choice of instruments will often include a passive vintage instrument like an old Fender P-Bass and the next generation five or six string active. Both instruments are at extreme odds with respect to tonal range and output level. The problem occurs when swapping instruments on stage; this necessitates amplifier settings to conform with each instrument's particular sound. So how do bassists address the problem? They don't. They have been forced to compromise. Until now.

The Radial Bassbone solves the problem by providing an individual channel for each instrument combined with a powerful EQ section that lets you override the amp's control settings, allowing you to dial-in the perfect sound for your instrument.

Getting two sounds with only one bass

When performing with one bass, the challenge comes down to achieving a greater palette of sounds to address the various musical styles required when playing covers or creating musical landscapes. This is partially addressed with two channel amplifiers, but playing with one bass still forces a compromise with respect to EQ control and limited access to boost settings for soloing - Bassbone solves both problems.

When only one bass is connected, the Bassbone converts to a two-channel controller with a foot-switch to toggle between channels. Channel-1 drives your amp directly with regular settings while Channel-2's ultra-powerful 3-band EQ lets you shape alternate sounds from thunderous deep bass to solo-cutting power mids. Bassbone also includes a power boost section that acts on either channel, giving you four completely different settings with one bass. Finally - real control when you play.

Bringing in effects and taking them out when not in use

Another major concern for bass players is bringing effect pedals in and out of the signal chain. Bass frequencies are the most powerful and demanding of any signal path. This is why bass amplifiers generally require two to four times more power than the accompanying guitar amplifier. The same law of physics also applies at the electronic circuit level. This forces circuit designers to make decisions such as compromising dynamic range versus noise, using higher quality parts versus saving money and so on. The problem with most 9-Volt effect pedals is that they do not have sufficient power handling to produce clean, solid bass. As these are typically not true-bypass designs, bass players are forced to compromise by keeping these effects in the signal chain even when not in use. This causes the signal to degrade and adds noise.

Bassbone comes to the rescue with a separate effect send-and-receive loop that can be activated with a simple foot switch. The effects loop can even be combined with the boost circuit, so cool effects such as flanging or chorus can be instantly kicked in for solos.

Performing with no amp at all

When performing in small 'coffeehouse' gigs, bringing an amplifier may be cumbersome. The bass is often plugged into a direct box and then fed directly into a mixer which feeds the house speakers and stage monitors. Although this set up can get you by, it just does not sound right. The problem is the mixer's EQ center frequencies are tailored for general purpose (ie microphones for voice, percussion and instruments) and as such, the bass player is unable to achieve a 'real' bass sound. Bassbone gives back control.

The Bassbone is essentially a 2-channel bass pre-amp with a built-in balanced XLR output for the mixer. This means that the EQ controls have been designed specifically for bass guitar frequencies so that you can get great sounds easily. This also means that you can connect the Bassbone to your mixer and have total control over your sound going through the PA. Because the XLR out is post-effect, all changes such as channel selection, EQ, boost and effects are all sent to the mixer. It's like having your own personal sound engineer.

Staying in tune

Just like effects pedals, tuners can cause havoc, robbing your sound of dynamics and tone, even though one cannot argue the tremendous benefits of having a tuner plugged for on-the-fly adjustments. Until Bassbone, you were either in tune or being tuned out.

The Bassbone's 'always on' tuner output has been optimized to accentuate the fundamental frequency. This reduces 'needle wobble' making tuning faster and easier. For silent tuning, the Bassbone's power booster can also be set to zero to act like a mute. This way, with a single foot action, the main output can be turned off while tuning.

Taking control of your bass

Whether you are playing in the studio or performing live, being in total control of your instrument is a critical factor in achieving a better performance. Bassbone was developed to address the real needs of bass players and to provide them with a tool that is at once flexible and practical, while opening the door to a greater array of sounds and textures. Ultimately, the Bassbone helps to spur the creative process of making music. read less

Specifications

Input impedance: 470kOhm at input jack
Switching: Heavy duty mechanical switches
LED Indicators: Large 3 mm OD ultra-bright light emitting diodes
Boost Level: 0dB to +12dB

3 band EQ on input 2:
+/- 12dB @ 75 Hz
+/- 10dB @ 470 Hz
+/- 16dB @ 5.6 kHz

Shape 1 on input 1:
+4.5 dB @ 110 Hz
-5.1 dB @ 650 Hz
+2.7 dB @ 4.3 kHz

Shape 2 on the input 1:
+3.7 dB @ 75 Hz
-6.3 dB @ 350 Hz
+11 dB @ 5.6kHz

Output impedence: 10K Ohm
Balanced Output impedence: 600 Ohms
Ground lift: Lifts ground at output 2
Construction: 14 guage steel, baked enamel finish
Power Supply: 15VDC 400mA, center pole positive

For support or warranty questions, please contact the manufacturer:
Phone: 604-942-1001
Smart Sheet

Reviewers gave this product an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars. (14 ratings)
Submitted December 11, 2005 by a customer from yahoo.com

"The best possible item for the multi-bass player"

Overall: 5 out of 5 stars
(see rating details)
This review has been selected by our experts as particularly helpful.
One thing to note is that this product is NOT for the bassist looking for 2 sets of programmable EQ's prior to going into their amp. Only channel 2 has overiding EQ-settings; channel one is clean. Channel 1 does have some "tone shapping circuits" that sound similar to contour and presence switches I've seen/heard on some amps. I've not played around with them too much, as I love the output of my Sadowsky already. So if you are looking for 2 adjustable EQ's, look elsewhere....Although I really can't think of any similar product other than some possible (shudder) guitar direct boxes. Overall, I love this thing. It's exactly what I'm looking for, and has served me very well. It's probably my favorite part of my gear at this time, more for it's simplicity and elegance than anything else.

Sound
Extremely transparent profile; I use 2 bases on stage, an active fretted with superb onboard electronics, and a passive fretless no-brand which is a dream to play, but tends to sound thin and nasally without extensive EQ. I got tired of switching cords and frantic EQ changes in-between tunes, and decided to take a chance on this item. I'm very glad I did. The active instrument sounds almost exactly the same. There is some very slight signal degredation, but it's minor. The fretless, placed in the EQ-equiped line 2 input, sounds like a new instrument; deep warm tones, thick and sweet, with lots of fretless mmwwwhhhaah. It didn't take too long… read more to find my tone at all. Onstage, the basses now sound very simmilar in terms of overall volume and tone; However, each instrumnent's color still shines through nicely. Audience and band members have all commented on the sound.

Features
The boost switch on the bassbone works quite well; it's available to both inputs, and provides a nice boost for solo's and for emphasis on desired song segments. I've really been able to get the crowd out onto the dance floor by punching in a little extra gain at the start of a few funky dance tunes. A nice clean boost, no distortion. The unit includes a power cord; Like most DI boxes, it can't be run off batteries. The ground level out is nice for eliminating hum; I appreciate the theoretical ability to use the unit in a small club via the PA, but I like the feel of my sound behind me, rather than in the monitors, so probably won't use this too often. The tuner out is nice; again, no more cord dancing; also really nice to be able to check if I'm in tune on the fly, mid set/mid song.

Quality
Solid steel constuction. Hard rubber pots. recessed switches. Enclosed inputs/outputs. Feel free to play football with this thing. I would have prefered some little rubber feet on the bottom, to protect against scratches on the back, but this is minor.

Value
A little expensive, but you get what you pay for; a solid product, that does what it is advertised to do.

Manufacturer Support
Never any problems over the last 2 months of heaby gigging and practice.

The Wow Factor
Looks nice, well engineered, works well.

Musical Background:
Active Muisician

Musical Style:
Blues, Rock, Dance, Jazz read less
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No longer available at zZounds