The API TranZformer LLX is a bass preamp pedal built around API's 2510 OpAmp and the company's signature output transformer. Released in January 2023, it reimagines the TranZformer series of guitar and bass pedals that API launched in 2017, in a smaller, more pedalboard-sized format1. Compared with the earlier Bass TranZformer LX, the LLX drops the compressor in favor of bass-specific options, including a variable overdrive circuit1.
The controls
The LLX features a bass-optimized three band EQ with center frequencies of 100Hz, 400Hz, and 2kHz1.
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Three band EQ | Bass-optimized, with center frequencies of 100Hz, 400Hz, and 2kHz1 |
| Treble control | Includes a switch to select either shelving (everything at 2k and above) or a peaking style EQ (at 2k, gently sloping off on both sides)1 |
| Overdrive mini toggle | Selects the variable overdrive circuit1 |
| Gain knob | In overdrive mode, adds distortion by overdriving the API 2510 input preamp stage1 |
| Output pad | 20dB pad, useful if going into a bass amp input, per API's literature1 |
The treble switch is the kind of detail bass players tend to care about: shelving affects everything at 2k and above, while the peaking setting works at 2k and gently slopes off on both sides, giving two different ways to add top end1.
Overdrive and running it into an amp
The LLX includes an overdrive circuit, selectable via a mini toggle switch. In overdrive mode, the gain knob adds distortion by overdriving the API 2510 input preamp stage, so the same knob that sets clean level shapes the drive character1. For players who want more drive options beyond a preamp, the site's pages on overdrive pedals and distortion pedals cover the dedicated versions of the effect.
The pedal also carries a 20dB output pad. API's literature states that this is useful if going into a bass amp input, which means the LLX can sit at the front of a rig and feed the amp directly without hot signals overwhelming the amp's input stage1.
Power
The LLX runs on 9 to 18 volts at 100 mA and is described as isolated multi-power supply friendly1. The 100 mA draw is worth noting when planning a daisy-chained supply, and the 9 to 18 volt range means it can run at higher headroom on supplies that offer it.
What reviewers said
Bass Musician Magazine's Jake Wolf reviewed the LLX in January 2023 and came away convinced it carries the company's studio character1:
"The LLX 100% captures the API sonic vibe, and really nails the classic sound I was expecting"1
He described that classic API sound as "quick and firm, slightly aggressive and crunchy but somehow still vintage-y/warm, and undeniably hi-fi," and called the overdrive circuit "fabulous"1.
Videos
Sweetwater
BASSED.
Sources (1)
- Review: API LLX Bass TranZformer Bass Pedal, Bass Musician Magazine, 2023-01-23
