The Rocket Surgeon StarLifter is a bass preamp/DI pedal from Nordstrand Audio, released under Carey Nordstrand's Rocket Surgeon Effect Pedal Laboratory imprint, his series of bass and guitar effects1. Rocket Surgeon introduced it on 19 April 2019 with a contour switch, a 3-band EQ, a tuner out and a DI, at a $349 street price2. It is aimed at the working bassist who wants one box to shape tone, feed the front of house, and drive an amp: Nordstrand says the line out provides plenty of gain to make any amp or powered cabinet sweat3.
The pedal sits in a blue enclosure with a rugged build. Premier Guitar's reviewer found the extra mass instills confidence that it is a rugged pedal, though at 2 1/2 pounds it could make schlepping a pedalboard a bit more cumbersome4. Guitar World's reviewer agreed on the first impression: the Starlifter makes a formidable impression thanks to its considerable size and weight1.
Controls and connections
The StarLifter's tone shaping centers on two blocks. The first is Nordstrand's 3-way contour switch, which lays a timbral foundation before you touch the EQ4:
| Contour setting | Character |
|---|---|
| Modern | Scooped, with a bass and treble boost4 |
| Vintage | Punchy, mid-friendly4 |
| Disabled | Colorless, contour switched out4 |
The second is a 3-band EQ with a sweepable midrange control, announced at launch2. The launch materials describe the overall package as offering top notch sound quality with a simple accessible feature set with clear and easy to use controls2, a description RockBoard's product page repeats5.
On the output side, the pedal is built for a full live rig. Guitar World's reviewer detailed the connections: an XLR DI out with a ground lift and a -20dB pad as well as a pre-EQ option, a jack out for your amp or signal chain, and a tuner out1. The DI section operates like a standard studio DI, with the option to engage or bypass the EQ1. Nordstrand's own page adds that the tuner out allows connection to a tuner or for any other need requiring a parallel output, and remains active at all times3. The launch announcement also highlighted a mute switch and switchable input impedance for electric or upright bass as real work flexibility2.
Power: 12-15V AC
The StarLifter is an AC-powered pedal, which sets it apart from most pedals on a board. Nordstrand's page specifies a 12-15VAC power supply input jack, and instructs the user to connect the included 15VAC 300mA power supply there3. Premier Guitar's review confirms it runs on an included 12-15V AC adaptor4, and Guitar World lists a 15V AC power adaptor (included)1.
The StarLifter is not designed for battery power4, and its 15VAC requirement rules out standard pedalboard power supplies and daisy chains. It needs its own AC adaptor.
Nordstrand sells the power supply separately as a replacement or spare, in a US version and a European version, both with a 15VAC 300mA output, with overseas plug options available67.
What reviewers said
Premier Guitar's 2023 review put the StarLifter through live use on Nashville's Lower Broadway. The sound people at both clubs were impressed with StarLifter's DI, and remarked how its full and clean presentation required little adjustment4. On transparency, the reviewer found high transparency in the flat setting, with no significant difference in tone versus the B|Amp input, and concluded:
"In my experience, few preamps at this price achieve this level of transparency."
Premier Guitar reviewer, 20234
Guitar World's reviewer focused on the build, calling the sturdy pedal format and considerable size and weight a formidable first impression1. Bass Musician Magazine's August 2026 roundup of bass preamps and DI pedals echoed both points: build quality stood out, with a rugged chassis and smooth-feeling controls8.
Where it sits among preamp pedals
As a preamp pedal with a built-in DI, the StarLifter covers ground that a simple boost or EQ pedal does not: it shapes the core bass tone, feeds a mixing desk directly, and still drives an amp from its line out31. The switchable input impedance also means it serves upright bass players as well as electric1.
Videos
Premier Guitar
Nordstrand Audio
Nordstrand Audio
Questions
Does the Rocket Surgeon StarLifter run on a battery?
No. Premier Guitar's reviewer noted the StarLifter is not designed for battery power. It runs on an included AC power supply, with a 12-15VAC input jack on the pedal and a 15VAC 300mA supply in the box, so a battery was never part of the design.
Does the StarLifter come with a power supply?
Yes. The pedal's 12-15VAC input jack is meant for the included 15VAC 300mA power supply. Nordstrand Audio also sells the same supply separately in US and European versions as a replacement or spare, with overseas plug options available.
What are the contour switch settings on the StarLifter?
The 3-way contour switch has three settings. Modern is scooped, with a bass and treble boost. Vintage is punchy and mid-friendly. The third position disables the contour entirely for a colorless, flat response.
Does the StarLifter have a DI output and a tuner out?
Yes to both. The XLR DI out has a ground lift, a -20dB pad and a pre/post EQ option, and Guitar World describes the DI section as operating like a standard studio DI. There is also a tuner out that stays active at all times, plus a jack line out for an amp or signal chain.
How much does the Rocket Surgeon StarLifter cost?
The StarLifter carried a $349 street price when Rocket Surgeon introduced it in April 2019, and Premier Guitar's 2023 review still listed it at $349 street. Nordstrand Audio sells the replacement power supply separately in US and European versions.
Sources (8)
- Nordstrand Audio Starlifter review, Guitar World, 2022-01-20
- Starlifter Bass Preamp/DI Unveiled by Rocket Surgeon, Premier Guitar, 2019-04-19
- StarLifter Bass Preamp/DI, Nordstrand Audio
- Rocket Surgeon StarLifter Review, Premier Guitar, 2019-07-10
- Starlifter Bass Pre/DI by nordstrand audio, RockBoard PedalPedia, 2026
- Power Supply (US) for Starlifter, Nordstrand Audio
- Power Supply (European) for Starlifter, Nordstrand Audio
- Best Bass Preamps and DI Pedals We've Reviewed (So Far), Bass Musician Magazine, 2026-08-24
