The LHZ HL-1 HAZard LAMPS is a bass preamp pedal from LHZ that puts the tonal voice of the LHZ preamp into a pedal format1. Its purpose is specific: it gives a passive bass the same active EQ control as a Spector with a HazLabs preamp in it1.
What it is for
Bass Gear Magazine's Freddy Villano, reviewing the pedal in January 2026, writes that it "is intended for players with passive basses who want the same punch and power as a USA Spector bass with an internal HazLabs preamp"1. In other words, a player with a passive instrument can dial in the active EQ character that Spector players get from the preamp built into their bass, without changing instruments.
The review's accompanying video demonstrates the comparison directly, switching between a dimed Spector and a flat EQ passive bass running through the pedal1. On what that achieves, Villano writes that the output levels and EQ will be the same as the Spector, and that the HAZard LAMPS "will provide the same subtle harmonic overtones and slight sense of compression when played aggressively"1.
Controls and presets
The pedal's tone controls are Bass and Treble, each offering +/- 15dB of cut or boost1. It also carries 20 onboard presets1.
Power, connections and size
The HL-1 runs on 9 V DC at 20 mA nominal and accepts up to 18 V DC at 20 mA1. Input and output are both ¼" mono jacks1. The enclosure is a 152B style, so it sits comfortably on a bass pedalboard alongside overdrive, compressor or EQ pedals1.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Power (nominal) | 9 V DC @ 20 mA1 |
| Power (maximum) | 18 V DC @ 20 mA1 |
| Input | ¼" mono1 |
| Output | ¼" mono1 |
| Enclosure | 152B style1 |
| Dimensions (L x W x H) | 122 mm × 67 mm × 39.6 mm1 |
| Weight | 160 g1 |
| List price | $199.99 (as of 21 January 2026)1 |
The pedal lists 18 V DC as its maximum supply. Bass Gear Magazine gives 9 V DC @ 20 mA as the nominal figure and 18 V DC @ 20 mA as the maximum1.
What reviewers said
Bass Gear Magazine's review, by Freddy Villano, dated 21 January 2026, is the published account of this pedal. Its verdict on the concept:
"The HAZard LAMPS pedal gives a passive bass the same active EQ control as a Spector with a HazLabs preamp in it"
Videos
LHZ Preamps
Bass Gear Magazine
The Bass Channel
Questions
What is the LHZ HL-1 HAZard LAMPS designed to do?
It is intended for players with passive basses who want the same punch and power as a USA Spector bass with an internal HazLabs preamp. According to Bass Gear Magazine's Freddy Villano, the pedal gives a passive bass the same active EQ control as a Spector with a HazLabs preamp in it, including the same subtle harmonic overtones and a slight sense of compression when played aggressively.
How many presets does the HL-1 have?
The HL-1 HAZard LAMPS carries 20 onboard presets, as listed in Bass Gear Magazine's review of the pedal.
What voltage does the HL-1 HAZard LAMPS use?
The pedal runs on 9 V DC at 20 mA nominal, and accepts 18 V DC at 20 mA as a maximum. Bass Gear Magazine lists both figures in its specifications table.
Can the HL-1 be used with an active bass?
The pedal is aimed at passive basses: it is intended for players with passive instruments who want the active EQ character of a Spector with an internal HazLabs preamp. The review does not describe use with an active bass.
How much can the HL-1 cut or boost?
The EQ offers plus or minus 15 dB of cut or boost, according to Bass Gear Magazine's review.
How big is the HL-1 pedal?
It measures 122 mm by 67 mm by 39.6 mm (L x W x H) and weighs 160 g, in a 152B-style enclosure.
Sources (1)
- LHZ HL-1 HAZard LAMPS Bass Pedal, Bass Gear Magazine, 2026-01-21