Source Audio ZIO Analog Bass Preamp + DI

US A tonal shape shifter for bass players 10/01/24

Source Audio has introduced the ZIO Analog Bass Preamp + DI, an all-analog pedal. A spokesperson told us, "We are super excited about this tonal shape shifter for the bass players. It is an ultra-low noise, preamp and DI with a simple yet powerful set of equalization, gain, and tone coloring controls. It sounds great both in front of your amp or as a direct box with its balanced XLR output." Here's more details direct from Source Audio...

The Bass ZIO features a perfectly executed and intuitive set of EQ and filter controls that offer an array of tonal options. When used in tandem, the BASS and FOCUS knobs offer tremendous depth and power. The BASS knob provides a substantial low-end boost at around 100Hz, while also gently reducing muddy low-mids to retain clarity. The FOCUS knob sweeps the cut-off point of a high-pass filter to tame excessive sub-bass frequencies, creating extra headroom for a concise and punchy bass tone. The TREBLE knob boosts or cuts the highs to either enhance articulation without adding harshness, or smooth attack transients for a softer sound. The OUTPUT knob offers up to +16db of overall boost above unity gain or up to -6db of cut.

ZIO also features a dynamic pair of beneficial tone coloring options in the GRIT and SCOOP toggles. The GRIT toggle captures the magic of transformer-style breakup, the tone that occurs when a vintage tube amp gets pushed into overdrive. Adjust the amount of grit with a "set-it-and-forget-it" GAIN control located on the side of the pedal. Activating the SCOOP toggle triggers a low-mid cut to remove "mud" frequencies, a gentle presence boost in the upper midrange, and a natural-sounding high pass filter, to reduce low frequency rumble. This clarity and articulation enhancing effect is based on a time-honored studio setting known as the "Pultec Trick," a specific sound created with vintage Pultec EQP-1A studio rack units, used by studio engineers from the 1950s right through today.

The pedal also includes three outputs that can be used individually or simultaneously. The ¼" OUTPUT jack connects to an amplifier or pedalboard. The DIRECT OUT is a balanced XLR output with a ground LIFT switch. The XLR output brings amplifier character when connected directly to a mixer or audio interface for recording or live sound applications. The HEADPHONE jack features a high dynamic range, low-noise amplifier that is capable of driving low impedance studio headphones.

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