The Providence Bass FX Console BFX-1 is a bass switcher with an onboard preamp, a Vitalizer B and a D.I. Out, introduced by the Japanese company Providence in May 20171. At its heart it is essentially a set of four effects loops designed from the ground up for bass players, so a bassist can keep drive, filter, octave and pitch or other pedals permanently hooked up and bring them in and out with footswitches rather than re-patching1.
Loops and Program mode
The onboard loops consist of three series loops, letting you chain effects in order, and one separate loop1. Beyond switching individual loops on and off, the BFX-1 can store combinations: you can program four combinations of the four loops, with instant recall and no delay, all via the Program mode1.
- Three series loops: chain effects in a chosen order
- One separate loop: for effects placed outside the main chain
- Program mode: four stored combinations of the four loops, recalled instantly1
Preamp, Vitalizer B and DI out
The preamp section carries a 4-band EQ with Vitalizer incorporated, laid out with mini pots in a row for easy access to all parameters1. Elsewhere in the unit, a buffer circuit employs the Vitalizer B to minimize tonal degradation from switching and patch wiring in the system2.
The DI Out is on XLR and is balanced, which allows you to record a more complex effects pedal setup as well1. For a player running several pedals into a recording interface or a front-of-house desk, that gives a direct feed from the console itself.
Availability and reception
At release, the BFX-1 was available at select retailers and could also be purchased directly from EMG Pickups at www.emgpickups.com, with free shipping to customers in the USA2. The listed price was an RRP of USD 4991.
Writing about the unit when it was announced, gearnews.com's reviewer saw a clear audience for it1:
"I can see this being perfect for gigging and touring players, but also a really handy utility box/switcher for session"
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Questions
How many effects loops does the Providence BFX-1 have?
The BFX-1 has four programmable effects loops: three series loops, which let you chain effects in a set order, and one separate loop. Providence designed the set of loops from the ground up for bass players, and the loops can be combined into four programmable presets recalled instantly through Program mode.
Does the Providence BFX-1 have a DI output?
Yes. The BFX-1 has a DI Out on a balanced XLR connector. Gearnews noted that this allows a player to record a more complex effects pedal setup, with the balanced output feeding the recording chain directly from the console.
What does the Vitalizer B do in the BFX-1?
According to Providence's press release, a buffer circuit in the BFX-1 employs the Vitalizer B to minimize tonal degradation from switching and patch wiring in the system. The Vitalizer is also incorporated into the bass preamp section alongside the 4-band EQ.
How big is the Providence Bass FX Console BFX-1?
Providence's press release describes the BFX-1 as a compact unit measuring 290 mm wide by 70 mm deep, housing the four loops, the preamp and the effect power in that footprint.
Can the BFX-1 recall loop presets?
Yes. In Program mode you can program four combinations of the four loops, and the BFX-1 recalls them instantly with no delay, according to gearnews.com's report on the unit.
Sources (2)
- Providence BFX-1 pedal switching solution for active bass players, gearnews.com, 2017-05-24
- Providence Releases the Bass FX Console BFX-1, Premier Guitar, 2017-05-23