The ISP Technologies Beta Bass DSP is a floor-controlled bass guitar system: a fully programmable digital bass preamp, studio-quality effects processing and a built-in full-function precision bass tuner in one unit. ISP describes its preamp section as delivering "more tone shaping and flexibility than any bass processor available," and says the unit "allows the bassist to create the best tone possible with incredible flexibility"1.
Despite the DSP in the name, this is not an amp modeler. ISP states directly: "This is not a modeling processor," and lists amp modeling as No1. It is a digital preamp and effects processor built around tone shaping for bass, sitting alongside the maker's other DSP floor units such as the Theta X DSP and THETA MSX DSP1.
Effects and tone shaping
The effects set covers the main categories a bass player works with. ISP lists Wah, Envelope Follower, Compressor, Phaser, Flanger, Chorus, Pitch Shift, Delay and Reverb as the unit's effect types1. In practice that spans dynamics control (a compressor and an envelope follower for filter-style movement), modulation in the form of phaser, flanger and chorus, pitch shifting, and time-based delay and reverb, with the wah handled alongside. The preamp itself is the programmable core of the unit, and the built-in tuner means the Beta Bass DSP can anchor a whole bass rig from the floor1.
Inputs, outputs and jacks
The rear panel is built for both stage and studio use, with a dedicated instrument input, external audio input, headphone output and three jacks for volume and expression control1.
| Connection | Type | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Instrument input | 1 x 1/4" | Bass input1 |
| External audio input | 1/8" | Auxiliary audio in1 |
| Stage outputs | 2 x 1/4" | Feeding an amplifier1 |
| Direct outputs | 2 x XLR | Balanced feeds to a console or interface1 |
| Headphones | 1 x 1/8" | Silent practice1 |
| Other I/O | 3 x 1/4" | Volume, expression, expression switch1 |
| MIDI | In, Out | Integration with other MIDI gear1 |
The two XLR direct outputs are worth noting for working players: they allow a balanced signal to go straight to the front-of-house or a recording input while the 1/4-inch stage outputs feed a bass amp, so the unit can serve both destinations at once1. The three 1/4-inch control jacks accept a volume pedal and expression pedals, including one with a switch, which is how the floor control of the system is extended1.
Power, size and weight
The Beta Bass DSP runs from a 9V AC power supply, which is included with the unit1. RockBoard's PedalPedia lists the current draw at 1000mA2.
The unit draws 1000mA and uses a 9V AC supply, not the 9V DC center-negative standard most pedalboard power supplies provide. Use the included supply or a power source that matches its requirements12.
Physically it is a wide floor unit weighing 6.5 lbs1. It runs on the included 9V AC power supply, which supplies a current draw of 1000mA2. That footprint and power setup reflect its role as a complete bass system rather than a single-effect pedal: ISP Technologies describes it as a digital preamp, not a modeling processor1.
Reception
ISP's product page points to a review on TalkBass.com, the bass player forum, for readers who want players' impressions of the unit in use2.
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Questions
Does the ISP Beta Bass DSP model amps?
No. ISP Technologies states plainly that the Beta Bass DSP is not a modeling processor, and lists amp modeling as No. It is a fully programmable digital bass preamp with effects processing and a built-in tuner, aimed at tone shaping rather than reproducing specific amplifiers.
What effects does the Beta Bass DSP include?
The unit covers Wah, Envelope Follower, Compressor, Phaser, Flanger, Chorus, Pitch Shift, Delay and Reverb, according to ISP Technologies' product page. That range spans dynamics, modulation, pitch and time-based effects, all within the same floor unit.
Does the Beta Bass DSP have MIDI?
Yes. The Beta Bass DSP has MIDI In and MIDI Out, so it can be controlled from or send messages to other MIDI-equipped gear on a pedalboard.
Does the Beta Bass DSP have XLR outputs?
Yes. Alongside two 1/4-inch stage outputs, the unit has two XLR direct outputs, which lets a player send a balanced signal straight to a mixing console or recording interface while also feeding an amplifier on stage.
How big and heavy is the Beta Bass DSP?
ISP Technologies lists the unit at 6.5 lbs, with a height of 4 inches, a width of 17 inches and a depth of 7 inches. It is a wide floor unit rather than a compact single pedal.
Sources (2)
- ISP Technologies, ISP Technologies
- Beta Bass DSP by ISP Technologies, RockBoard PedalPedia, 2026
