tonebx
☰
BrandsPlayersGuidesNewsAll pedal typesComparisons

Pedals › Bass

Daring Audio Phat Beam
Illustration, not a photograph. Details may differ from the real product.
Daring Audio

Daring Audio Phat Beam

BassAnalog
Key facts
TypeCompressor pedal for bass guitar1
CircuitPure analog VCA compressor1
FeaturesBlend feature, side-chain option1
ControlsCompression knob, Shape knob, Fast/Slow switch2

The Daring Audio Phat Beam is a compressor pedal for bass guitar. Daring Audio describes it as "a natural sounding pure analog VCA compressor, with a blend feature and a unique side-chain option," the side-chain aimed at providing "sounds previously only achievable in recording studio setups."1 It works like other compressor pedals, evening out a bass signal, but with a control layout that departs from the usual attack, release, and threshold arrangement.1

What it does

The Phat Beam compresses the bass signal using an analog VCA (voltage-controlled amplifier) circuit, the component at the heart of many studio compressors. Daring Audio's stated aim was a compressor that sounds natural while adding a blend feature, which lets a player mix compressed and uncompressed signal, and a side-chain option, which changes what the compressor listens to.1

Controls

The pedal keeps its front panel small. No Treble's Kevin Johnson described the layout when the pedal debuted:

"A single knob adjusts the compression, taking out the need to change attack, release, and threshold controls as is common on most compressors."2
  • Compression knob: a single knob adjusts the compression, replacing the attack, release, and threshold controls common on most compressors2
  • Fast/Slow switch: changes the time constants, so the compressor can respond quickly or more slowly2
  • Shape knob: gives control over the frequencies that trigger the compressor2

The Shape knob and side-chain option work together: rather than the compressor reacting to the full bass signal, the player can shape which frequencies set off the compression.2

Background

Daring Audio describes the Phat Beam as "a natural sounding pure analog VCA compressor, with a blend feature and a unique side-chain option," making it a compressor pedal designed for bass guitar.1 Its control layout is deliberately simple: a single knob adjusts the compression, taking out the need to change attack, release, and threshold controls as is common on most compressors.2 There is still a Fast/Slow switch to change time constants, and the Shape knob gives control over the frequencies that trigger the compressor.2

Videos

Daring Audio Phat Beam Compressor & Limiter knob turning demo
DaringAudio
Daring Audio Phat Beam Demo by Trip Wamsley HD HQ
DaringAudio
Daring Audio Phat Beam Compressor / Limiter (VCA = off, drum loop) z5
DaringAudio
Sources (2)
  1. Daring Audio Launches With Line of Bass Effect Pedals, Premier Guitar, 2011-01-06
  2. Daring Audio Debuts with Bass Effects Pedal Line, No Treble, 2011-02-17