The Origin Effects DCX Bass Studio is a bass preamp pedal. Guitar World's buying guide describes it as technically a preamp, inspired by the legendary Universal Audio 610 unit, the tube preamp design that shaped countless classic recordings1. In practice that means it sits on a bass pedalboard to shape tone and add gain, in the territory of preamp pedals and overdrive pedals for bass.
Controls and modes
The pedal carries six controls: Level, Drive, Low Frequency, High Frequency, a Mode switch and a Voice switch1.
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Level | Output level |
| Drive | Amount of gain |
| Low Frequency | Low EQ band |
| High Frequency | High EQ band |
| Mode switch | Selects EQ or OD mode |
| Voice switch | Shapes the high end |
The Mode switch is the heart of the pedal. Guitar World describes two ways of working: an EQ mode, where the pedal serves as a more tonally neutral, lower gain pedal, and an OD mode, where things can get a little more extreme1. The Voice switch gives more control over the high end frequencies and, in the guide's words, ensures that you never get a harsh or fizzy sound even when the gain is set high1.
Power
The DCX Bass Studio runs on 9V DC and draws 90 mA1. That is within reach of most pedalboard power supplies, but it rules out a battery, and a daisy chain shared with several high-draw pedals may not hold up.
What reviewers said
Guitar World's guide, written by Connor Godfrey and Richard Blenkinsop, praised the pedal's construction while flagging its cost1.
"the build quality is absolutely second to none - definitely one of the best bass effects pedals out there."
The same guide notes the pedal is on the pricier side1. Players weighing it against other Origin Effects bass gear may also want to look at the Origin Effects Cali76 Compact Bass, a compressor, or the Origin Effects DCX Bass Tone Shaper & Drive, a related preamp and drive design.
Videos
Origin Effects
Origin Effects
Origin Effects
Sources (1)
- Best bass effects pedals: best pedals for every style, Guitar World, 2021-12-20
