The Ashdown FS-Bass Ometer is a tuner pedal designed specifically for bass guitar. Ashdown says it was "developed in response to requests for a tuner specifically designed for bass", delivering pitch-perfect tuning in a gig-ready package1. It sits alongside the company's other bass pedals, such as the Ashdown Pro-DI and the Ashdown Dr Green TuneUp, and fits the broader field of tuner pedals.
Tuning specs and display
The FS-Bass Ometer reads pitch to within ±1 cent, and it detects notes across a frequency range of A0 (27.5 Hz) to C8 (4186 Hz), which covers everything from a five-string bass's low B up past the top of the guitar range1. The front panel carries Calib and Note indicators1.
Ashdown puts particular emphasis on the display. The maker says "the BassOmeter display is clear and easy to read, whatever the conditions", meaning it stays readable both in sunlight and in dark stage conditions1.
The pedal's construction and features, as Ashdown lists them:
- Metal casing with premium controls and switches1
- Recessed knobs and kickguards to protect the screen1
- Calib and Note indicators on the front panel1
- True bypass switching1
Power and connections
The pedal runs from a DC 9V adaptor, which is not included, drawing a maximum of 80 mA at 9V DC, connected via a DC Adaptor jack1.
There is no battery option: Ashdown lists only a DC 9V adaptor as the power supply, and the adaptor is not included in the box1.
Connections are a single INPUT and a single OUTPUT1. On switching, Ashdown states:
"Ashdown Pedals feature genuine 'true bypass' switching for zero-colouration of your input signal when the pedal isn't in use."
So when the tuner is off, your bass's signal passes through untouched1.
Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Tuning precision | ±1 cent1 |
| Detection range | A0 (27.5 Hz) to C8 (4186 Hz)1 |
| Bypass | True bypass1 |
| Power supply | DC 9V adaptor, not included1 |
| Current draw | Max. 80 mA1 |
| Indicators | Calib, Note1 |
| Dimensions | 120 (W) x 95 (D) x 56 (H) mm1 |
| Weight | 420 g / 0.94 lbs1 |
Where it came from
The Bass Ometer carries the Ashdown name on a pedal aimed squarely at bass players, and its specification reflects that: a single INPUT and OUTPUT connector, a current draw of max. 80 mA at DC 9 V, dimensions of 120 (W) x 95 (D) x 56 (H) mm (4.72” x 3.74” x 2.2”), and a weight of 420g / 0.94lbs1.
Questions
Does the Ashdown FS-Bass Ometer run on a battery?
No. Ashdown specifies a DC 9V adaptor as the power supply, and the adaptor is not included with the pedal. There is no battery option listed on the maker's product page, so plan to have a 9V DC supply on your board before you take it to a gig.
Is the FS-Bass Ometer true bypass?
Yes. Ashdown says its pedals feature genuine true bypass switching, which the maker describes as zero colouration of your input signal when the pedal is not in use. That means your bass's signal passes straight through when the tuner is bypassed.
Is a power adapter included with the FS-Bass Ometer?
No. Ashdown lists the power supply as a DC 9V adaptor, not included. The pedal draws a maximum of 80 mA at 9V DC, so a standard 9V supply with enough headroom will run it.
How accurate is the Ashdown FS-Bass Ometer?
Ashdown specifies tuning precision of plus or minus 1 cent. A cent is one hundredth of a semitone, so the tuner reads pitch to within a very small margin of the target note.
What range of notes does the FS-Bass Ometer detect?
The maker gives a frequency range of A0 at 27.5 Hz to C8 at 4186 Hz. That covers the lowest note on a five-string bass and well beyond the top of the guitar range, so it handles low B strings without trouble.
Sources (1)
- FS-Bass Ometer, Ashdown Engineering
