The Nemphasis Pro Series 02 Oxygen Bass Preamp is an analog bass preamp pedal, officially launched at NAMM 2016 and available to buy at the time of the announcement, with a UK RRP of £18912. It combines a three-band EQ, a solo-lifting Mode footswitch, a balanced XLR DI output and a ground lift switch in a cast aluminum casing12.
Controls and what they do
The front panel centers on a 3-band EQ section covering Bass, Middle and Treble, which Guitar.com reports has been described by the media as one of the most effective and sensitive of its kind1. Alongside it sit a Gain Control rotary and an Input Level rotary, the latter described as critical to balance the input level from passive or active bass guitars, so the pedal accepts either kind of instrument1. MusicRadar likewise notes that the gain control and input level cater for passive and active basses2.
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Bass / Middle / Treble | Three-band EQ section1 |
| Gain Control | Sets the amount of gain1 |
| Input Level | Balances the input from passive or active basses1 |
| Mode footswitch | Lifts EQ and volume for solos and highlighted runs2 |
| Ground Lift switch | Eradicates unwanted earth loops if they occur1 |
The Mode footswitch is the pedal's signature feature. Guitar.com describes it as lighting from green to red and offering "a lift in all tonal departments including the bass guitar's original character, with a subtle increase in volume for bass solos or for highlighting bass runs in the mix"1. MusicRadar summarizes it as lifting the pedal's EQ and volume for solos and highlighting noteworthy runs2.
DI out and noise
A 3-pin XLR socket offers a balanced DI out, meaning the Oxygen can feed a front-of-house desk or recording interface directly as well as a bass amp1. MusicRadar confirms the XLR output delivers a balanced DI out too2. For players dealing with hum from earth loops on stage, there is a Ground Lift switch to eradicate unwanted earth loops if they occur1. Guitar.com also describes the Pro Series 02 Oxygen Bass Preamp as super quiet in operation1.
Power
The unit can be powered by an external 9V DC supply1, and MusicRadar adds that it can be powered by standard 9V power supplies2.
Nemphasis also announced a second version, the regular 02 Oxygen Bass Preamp, alongside the Pro Series model at NAMM 201612.
Background and designer
Nemphasis positions itself as a maker of high quality, analog effects for guitar and bass at realistic prices1. The Pro Series 02 Oxygen Bass Preamp was designed by Matteo Bresciani, and was officially launched at NAMM 20161. On sound, Guitar.com's coverage states that the Pro Series Preamp delivers extreme flexibility and tonal overlapping with outstanding clarity, outshining many EQ systems installed within some bass amplifiers1. For context on where a preamp sits among other tone-shaping tools, see Preamp Pedals and Equalization Pedals.
Videos
Bassline Music Shop
Marco Sassetti
Bassline Music Shop
Questions
What power supply does the Nemphasis Oxygen need?
The Pro Series 02 Oxygen runs on an external 9V DC supply. Guitar.com notes it can be powered by an external 9V supply, and MusicRadar describes it as working with standard 9V power supplies, so a typical pedalboard supply should cover it. No current draw figure or battery option is given in the published coverage.
Does the Oxygen preamp have a DI output?
Yes. The pedal has a 3-pin XLR socket that offers a balanced DI output, which lets you send a signal straight to a mixing desk or audio interface as well as, or instead of, an amplifier on stage.
What does the Mode footswitch do on the Oxygen?
The footswitch labelled Mode lights from green to red and lifts the pedal's EQ and volume across the board, including the bass's original character, with a subtle increase in volume. Nemphasis positions it for bass solos or for highlighting bass runs in the mix.
Who designed the Nemphasis Oxygen?
According to Guitar.com, the Pro Series 02 Oxygen Bass Preamp was designed by Matteo Bresciani. It was officially launched at NAMM 2016.
Does the Oxygen work with active and passive basses?
Yes. The pedal pairs a Gain Control rotary with an Input Level rotary that Guitar.com calls critical for balancing the input level from passive or active bass guitars, so players of either type of instrument can set a healthy signal into the preamp.
Sources (2)
- News: Nemphasis has announced two new bass preamp pedals, Guitar.com, 2016-02-26
- Nemphasis breathes new life into bass preamps with O2 Oxygen pedals, MusicRadar, 2016-02-24
