The Damnation Audio Retro Bass Distortion is a bass guitar distortion pedal from Damnation Audio founder Jeffrey Davis, built as a small-batch, period-accurate reissue of an original unnamed 1979 bass distortion design. Damnation Audio describes it as the maker's first bass guitar distortion pedal, and says of its character: "It distorts the low end vintagely for lack of a better word." The maker also sums up its appeal as "more electrons equal more mojo."1
A vintage-style bass distortion
The Retro Bass Distortion occupies a particular place in the Damnation Audio line. The maker calls it "the foundational device that lead to the MBD and is inferior in every way except one," positioning it as the origin point of the MBD family of bass distortions rather than a replacement for it. Players interested in the later circuits can compare it with the Damnation Audio MBD, the MBD-1 MOSFET Bass Distortion, the MBD2 MOSFET Bass Distortion 2 and the MBD 10th Anniversary.1
The pedal was released as a limited run. Damnation Audio describes it as a small batch, and the maker explains the limited quantity plainly: "This is a limited run as they are a pain in the ass to build."1
The Retro Bass Distortion was listed as sold out on the Damnation Audio product page as of 26 October 2026. As a limited, small-batch build, it may not return to regular availability.1
The controls
The controls are described by the maker as they were in 1979, keeping the original layout of the period design.1
| Control | Function |
|---|---|
| GAIN | Gain |
| LEVEL | Level |
| TONE | Tone |
| OUT | Out jack (output) |
That three-knob layout, gain into level and tone, is the standard shape of a distortion pedal, so the Retro will feel familiar to anyone who has used a distortion pedal on bass. What sets it apart from the rest of the Damnation Audio range, such as the Curmudgeon 2 or the Dirtmixer, is the deliberately vintage approach to distorting the low end.1
Power: 9V DC only
Power is the one specification a player must get right with this pedal. Damnation Audio is explicit: "Use only 9VDC 2.1mm center negative (boss-style) power adapters." The maker adds that "Going above 9VDC may damage your pedal and void any warranties," so any higher-voltage output on a pedalboard supply is off the table for this unit. Damnation Audio also notes its pedals are "designed for maximum headroom and ideal performance with a 9V supply," and recommends isolated, pedal-specific power supplies.1
- Voltage: 9VDC only1
- Connector: 2.1mm center negative (boss-style)1
- Battery: Battery option fitted; unplug from the IN jack when not in use to preserve battery life1
- Supply recommendation: Isolated, pedal-specific power supplies highly recommended1
Damnation Audio explains the reasoning behind the 9V-only design: "Damnation Audio pedals are designed for maximum headroom and ideal performance with a 9V supply." In other words, the circuit is voiced around a 9V rail, and raising the voltage is not a mod the maker supports.1
Because the pedal has a battery option, unplugging the input cable when not in use preserves the battery. The input jack is what switches the battery out of circuit on pedals of this type.1
Manuals for the pedal are available as a download from the maker.1
Questions
Does the Damnation Audio Retro Bass Distortion take a battery?
Yes. The pedal has a battery option, and Damnation Audio advises unplugging the cable from the IN jack when the pedal is not in use to preserve battery life. It can also run on a 9VDC 2.1mm center negative, boss-style power adapter, and the maker recommends isolated, pedal-specific power supplies.
Who designed the Damnation Audio Retro Bass Distortion?
Damnation Audio founder Jeffrey Davis designed the Retro Bass Distortion. It is described as the first bass guitar distortion pedal from the maker, built as a period-accurate small-batch reissue of an original 1979 design.
Is the Retro Bass Distortion still available?
The pedal was listed as sold out on the Damnation Audio product page as of October 2026. It was a limited run, which the maker attributed to the difficulty of building them, so availability depends on whether further small batches are produced.
What is the MBD that the Retro Bass Distortion is based on?
The MBD is a later Damnation Audio bass distortion. The Retro Bass Distortion is the foundational device that led to the MBD, and the maker describes the Retro as inferior in every way except one. Damnation Audio has since offered the MBD in several forms, including the MBD-1, MBD2 and an MBD 10th Anniversary edition.
Sources (1)
- RETRO BASS DISTORTION, Damnation Audio
