Xotic Effects releases Bass BB Preamp V1.5 with 9V/18V operation
August 21, 2023 · 3 sources
Xotic Effects released the Bass BB Preamp V1.5, a revised version of its bass boost and overdrive pedal, on 21 August 20231. The pedal is available now1.
The V1.5 keeps the four-knob layout of Volume, Gain, Bass and Treble2. Xotic says each of the two broadly overlapping EQs offers 15dB of boost or cut, and that the gain knob runs from clean boost to overdriven distortion3. The maker describes the pedal as adding presence from subtle break-up to smooth distortion while keeping low-end definition, with up to 30dB+ boost32. It uses true bypass switching32.
The changes are in power and hardware. The DC jack has moved to the top of the pedal, which Xotic says makes positioning easier on crowded pedalboards2, and the pedal can run from 9 to 18 volts DC from an external supply2. MusicRadar reports that at 9V the signal compresses more readily as the gain rises, and at 18V it stays more open with more headroom and a slightly different dynamic response1. A 9V battery can also power it312. The enclosure now has white "top hat" style knobs for visibility on stage12.
"The Xotic “Voltage Doubler” is a step-up converter that takes 9 volts DC and boosts it to an output voltage of 15 or 18 VDC (max current draw 80mA)."
Xotic lists the following specifications3:
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Dimensions (W/D/H) | 4.39" x 2.38" x 1.98" (110mm x 60mm x 50mm) |
| Weight | 0.6 lbs. (270g) |
| Bypass | True Bypass Switching |
| Power Consumption | 9VDC/8mA or 18V/11mA |
| Battery Type | 9VDC (006P) x 1 |
| AC Adapter (Optional) | 9VDC-18VDC (Regulated Only) |
| Input Impedance | 1M ohm (min) |
| Output Impedance | 10k ohm |
| Nominal Input Signal Level | -20dB (100mVrms) |
The pedal sits in Xotic's preamp pedals range.