A MOSFET bass overdrive and preamp
The pedal's core is a MOSFET drive circuit, a topology Electro-Harmonix also used in the original Battalion, aimed specifically at bass players34. A Blend knob sets the ratio between the clean signal and the distorted signal, so the low end of the bass can be kept intact while dirt is layered on top1. Guitar World's reviewer found the range wide, describing the sound as going "from a lean overdrive effect to full-blown squalls of distortion, the Nano packs amighty punch"5.
"From a lean overdrive effect to full-blown squalls of distortion, the Nano packs amighty punch."
The full control set is Volume, Drive, Blend and Tone, plus the three-band EQ and the EQ Position switch3.
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| VOL knob | Sets master output level of the pedal1 |
| DRIVE knob | Sets the amount of MOSFET drive1 |
| BLEND knob | Sets the ratio between clean signal and distorted signal1 |
| TONE knob | Cuts high frequencies from the distortion as the knob is turned down1 |
| BASS knob | Boost or cut low end1 |
| MID switch | Up: 9dB boost around 500Hz; down: 9dB cut around 500Hz1 |
| EQ POSITION switch | Determines where the EQ falls in the signal path1 |
| Bypass footswitch & LED | Toggles effect on and bypass; LED lights when engaged1 |
The three-band EQ includes Treble (boost/cut above 1kHz) and Bass (boost/cut below 200Hz) controls, plus a Mid switch providing a 9dB boost or cut at 500Hz1.
EQ position: Distortion, Input and Dry modes
The EQ Position switch is the feature that sets the Nano Battalion apart from most bass overdrives. It is a three-way switch that determines where the EQ falls in the pedal's signal path, with three modes13:
- Distortion mode: the EQ comes after the distorted signal and has a powerful effect on its timbre, while the clean signal is not affected13.
- Input mode: the EQ comes first in the signal path, affecting both the clean and distorted signals. Boosting frequencies in this mode can drive the distortion to a more saturated state1.
- Dry mode: the EQ affects the clean signal, but not the distorted signal1.
In practice, Input mode lets the EQ push the drive harder, Distortion mode shapes the dirt without touching the clean path, and Dry mode sculpts the clean side while the distortion stays as set. Premier Guitar's reviewer called the EQ placement switch one of the pedal's pros6.
Connections and power
The input is a 1/4 inch jack that takes a bass or the output of another effects unit via a standard TS cable1. The single 1/4 inch output jack is doing double duty: with a TS cable it outputs an unbalanced signal, and with a TRS cable it outputs a balanced signal that can go directly into a mixing console or recording interface1. There is no XLR output, which Premier Guitar listed among the pedal's cons6.
To get a balanced signal out of the Nano Battalion, use a TRS cable in the 1/4 inch output jack. A standard TS cable gives an unbalanced signal1.
Power comes from a 9.6VDC-200mA adapter, which is included, and the pedal draws 45mA1.
What reviewers said
Premier Guitar reviewed the Nano Battalion in 2021, noting that it "manages to get much of the company's original Battalion preamp/DI into a standard-sized pedal enclosure"6. The reviewer found a busy control panel that was still user-friendly, listing "nice price, small footprint, impressive drive, EQ placement switch" as pros and "no XLR out" as the con6. On the drive itself:
"I appreciated its smooth, natural-sounding character, clarity, and intuitive interplay with the EQ."
Guitar World's review called it "a small but mighty overdrive" and cited great value among the reasons to buy5. Premier Guitar listed a street price of $117 at the time of its review6, and MusicRadar reported the pedal available at $117 when it launched in December 20182.
Related pages
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Questions
Does the Nano Battalion have an XLR output?
No. The only output is a 1/4 inch jack. With a TS cable it outputs an unbalanced signal, and with a TRS cable it outputs a balanced signal that can go directly into a mixing console or recording interface. Premier Guitar listed the lack of an XLR out among the pedal's cons.
Can the Nano Battalion send a balanced signal to a mixer?
Yes. Plugging a TRS cable into the 1/4 inch output jack makes the pedal output a balanced signal that can go directly into a mixing console or recording interface, according to Electro-Harmonix. With a standard TS cable the same jack outputs an unbalanced signal.
Is the Nano Battalion true bypass?
No. Electro-Harmonix lists the Nano Battalion's bypass type as buffered bypass. Pressing the footswitch toggles between effect on and bypass mode, and an LED illuminates when the effect is engaged.
What is the difference between the Battalion and the Nano Battalion?
The Nano Battalion is a smaller version of Electro-Harmonix's original Battalion preamp/DI, released in 2017 with a four-band EQ, compressor, noise gate and DI output. Premier Guitar noted the Nano Battalion gets much of the original Battalion preamp/DI into a standard-sized pedal enclosure, in a mono format without the XLR DI.
Is the Nano Battalion analog?
Yes. Electro-Harmonix lists the Nano Battalion's circuit as analog, and describes its all-analog circuitry as providing an array of bass tones in a sturdy, compact package. The drive section is a MOSFET circuit.
Sources (6)
- Nano Battalion, Electro-Harmonix
- Electro-Harmonix unveils Sovtek Deluxe Big Muff Pi, Flatiron Fuzz and Nano Battalion pedals, MusicRadar, 2018-12-03
- NAMM 2019: Electro-Harmonix debuts the Flatiron Fuzz, Nano Battalion, Guitar.com, 2018-12-18
- Electro Harmonix: Sovtek Deluxe Big Muff Pi, Nano Battalion and Flatiron Fuzz, gearnews.com, 2018-12-01
- Electro-Harmonix Sovtek Deluxe Big Muff Pi and Nano Battalion Bass Preamp review, Guitar World, 2020-04-14
- Quick Hit: Electro-Harmonix Nano Battalion Review, Premier Guitar, 2019-04-07
