In this article we’ll be discussing the best EQ pedals for bass in 2021.
However, before talking about specific products, we’re going to briefly touch on what exactly a bass eq unit is, and how it works.
So, let’s get to it!
What Is A Bass EQ Pedal?
Bass EQ Pedals are processors that help adjust the amplitude (volume) of an bass audio signal at specific frequencies.
These specific frequencies are determined by the user, and depending on the settings will help either amplify or suppress a frequency spectrum.
Bass EQ pedals are more often used within a live performance environment, particularly useful for musicians who want to take control of their overall bass sound, who may not have access to the venue’s FOH system or have EQ functionality built-in to their amplifier.
EQ pedals for bass guitar are generally not used within a recording studio, since equalisation will be taken care of by the studio desk and outbound rack-mountable EQ processors, which usually provide very high quality EQ.
What Does A Bass Equalizer Pedal Do?
As we’ve previously discussed, a bass equalizer pedal will help accentuate or reduce the amplitude of specific frequencies that the user specifies on the interface.
Bass EQ Processors will usually provide the user with the ability to make frequency adjustments from around 50hz/100hz on the low end to 10,000hz (10Khz).
Although some might think that it’s only important to have access to low-end frequency adjustment, it’s also important to be able to reduce enharmonic frequencies that resonate above the core frequencies that are being played by the bass guitar, often causing harmonic distortion.
Bass EQ Pedals are more commonly used alongside other bass effects pedals, such as a bass compressor pedal or a bass octave pedal.
The question of where should an bass eq processor be placed within the signal path? arises, and we think it should be placed towards the end, helping control the overall post-effect frequency output.
Now to talk about the specific pedals featured in this list… We’ve arranged them in price ascending order.
So without further ado, what are the best bass EQ pedals of 2020?
Best Vocal Effects Pedals Of 2020
CALINE USA, CP-24 10-BAND EQ EQUALIZER
Features
- 10 Band EQ processor with True Bypass
- Durable aluminium metal construction
- 11 bright LEDs for toggle positioning (especially useful for dark stage environments)
- Large frequency reduction capability
Technical Specifications
- Gain Change : +12db : -12db
- Frequency Bands : 31.25hz, 62.5hz, 125hz, 250hz, 500hz, 1khz, 2khz, 4khz, 8khz, 16khz
- Weight : 0.75 pounds
- Dimensions : 6.0 x 5.5 x 5.5 inches
- Power : 9V DC power adapter required (sold separately)
For this price range, the Caline CP-24 is a bargain! The amazon reviews are great, although we’re not sure if this processor will stand the test of time like other pedals i.e Boss or MXR. However, for the price there really isn’t too much to lose.
For a demonstration of the processor, take a look at the video demonstration below:
TOMSLINE AEB-3 ANALOG BASS EQ PEDAL
Features
- 5-Band EQ processor with True Bypass
- Highly portable stomp-box pedal / Extremely light
- Very large frequency reduction capability
Technical Specifications
- Gain Change : +18db : -18db
- Frequency Bands : 62.5hz, 125hz, 500hz, 1khz, 4khz
- Weight : 0.31 pounds
- Dimensions : 4.0 x 2.0 x 2.0 inches
- Power : 9V DC Battery (not included)
This device provides a very large 18+- db of gain change; However similar to the other inexpensive bass pedals, it does not provide frequency spectrum options above 4khz, which is vulnerable to higher frequencies leaking in the mix (for a number of reasons), causing slight distortion and hissing.
For the price, this is certainly a great device to use, and being so portable and light.
For a demonstration of how the Tomsline AEB-3 sounds, take a look at the video below:
Rowin mini Equalize Pedal for Bass
Features
- 5 Band EQ processor with True Bypass Circuitry and master level control
- Smallest Bass graphic equalizer pedal in the world
- Durable zinc alloy metal construction
- The most affordable option on our list
Technical Specifications
- Gain Change : +18db : -18db
- Frequency Bands : 62.5Hz, 125Hz, 500Hz, 1KHz, 4KHz
- Weight : 0.60 pounds
- Dimensions : 3.75 x 1.5 x 1.4 inches
- Power : 9V DC power adapter required (sold separately)
The least expensive bass EQ pedal on our list, the Rowin Mini Bass Equalizer bills itself as the smallest bass graphic equalizer pedal in the world. Because of its small size combined with a decent gain (db) change, it’s certainly a processor to consider. Our only criticism is that the frequency bands are somewhat sparse, missing out some upper harmonic frequencies (around 6khz)… Ultimately, this pedal may not clean your overall mix like other featured processors would.
Take a listen to how the Rowin Mini Bass Equalizer sounds in the video demonstration below:
MXR M109S SIX BAND EQ EFFECTS PEDAL
FEATURES
- 6 Band EQ processor with True Bypass
- Durable, highly portable and lightweight aluminium metal construction
- 6 bright LEDs for toggle positioning (especially useful for dark stage environments)
- Upgraded upon previous version, now with noise-reduction circuitry
- Decent frequency reduction capability
Technical Specifications
- Gain Change : +18db : -18db
- Frequency Bands : 100hz, 200hz, 400hz, 800hz, 1.6khz, 3.2khz
- Weight : 0.5 pounds
- Dimensions : 5.5 x 4.5 x 2.5 inches
- Power : 9V DC power supply required
The MXR M109S is in the same series as the MXR M108S, and has the same high quality circuitry, however there are some key differences, with the M109S having a more limited frequency band spectrum, therefore limiting the amount of equalization that can be done on the sub-bass frequencies (<60hz) and enharmonic frequencies.
However, the M109S does provide higher db gain and reduction, with +-18db, the highest of any EQ pedal that we’ve featured.
Since we could not find an active video demonstration of the M109S, we have included the 10-band processor demonstration:
BOSS GEB-7 7-BAND BASS EQ PEDAL
Features
- 7-Band EQ processor – Designed specifically for Bass Guitar
- Wide frequency band spectrum
- Durable construction and firm stomp-box
Technical Specifications
- Gain Change : +15db : -15db
- Frequency Bands : 50hz, 120hz, 400hz, 500hz, 800hz, 4.5khz, 10khz
- Weight : 1.0 pounds
- Dimensions : 5.5 x 4.5 x 2.5 inches
- Power : 9V Battery
Considering this pedal is made by Boss, it’s already going to be good!
It’s highly portable, well-built and will be able to take a beating and still work (if you’re taking it on the road). The best ‘all-rounder’, especially for touring, considering its portable size, wide frequency band spectrum and the high level of gain boost/reduction which it can provide.
For a fantastic demonstration of the processor, take a look at the video demonstration below:
MXR M108S TEN BAND EQ PEDAL
Features
- 10 Band EQ processor with True Bypass
- Durable, but lightweight aluminium metal construction
- 12 bright LEDs for toggle positioning (especially useful for dark stage environments)
- Upgraded upon previous version, now with noise-reduction circuitry
- Extremely wide frequency band spectrum
- Decent frequency reduction capability
Technical Specifications
- Gain Change : +12db : -12db
- Frequency Bands : 31.25hz, 62.5hz, 125hz, 250hz, 500hz, 1khz, 2khz, 4khz, 8khz, 16khz
- Weight : 1.47 pounds
- Dimensions : 7.0 x 5.25 x 3.5 inches
- Power : 18V DC power supply required
The M108S really is a solid EQ processor for any bassist looking to cover all the frequency spectrums; Not only does it help control sub-bass frequencies below 60hz, but a wide range of enharmonic frequencies well up to 16khz…Now although a bass guitar’s harmonics only reach around 5khz, having the ability to suppress additional high background noise, due to a number of factors, is certainly an added bonus.
Not only that, but the 12db +- of gain addition/subtraction means that you really can boost or suppress certain frequencies well in the mix. Overall, a fantastic EQ processor!
For a demonstration of the processor, take a look at the video demonstration below:
Conclusion
Taking all factors into account, the best bass EQ pedal for the touring musician really falls between the Boss GEB-7 and the MXR M108S.
The Boss is clearly a lot smaller than the M108S, and because it’s built like a tank, you wont be worrying about it breaking anytime soon.
However, if size is not an issue, for the frequency spectrum upgrade, allowing you to really take more control of the overall mix, the MXR is a great challenger…
Either-way, you’ve picked a winner!