The Providence Brick Drive BDI-1 is a bass preamp pedal with overdrive and a balanced DI output, built around the company's Vitalizer B input circuit. Providence introduced it in June 2016, and it carries a US street price of $259.001. It sits in the preamp and overdrive territory of a bass rig, giving a player clean and driven voices, a full EQ section and a direct feed to a desk in one box.
What it does
Providence describes the BDI-1 as providing "more power of expression with low noise," from carefully picked quality parts and a circuit structure specifically designed for bass1. The Vitalizer B circuit sits on the input section, and the maker says it delivers a more vivid and clear sound by tightening up the bottom end that tends to get blurred with most other processors and effects2.
The EQ section was designed based on the circuit from Providence's Dual Bass Station, covering Treble, Mid and Bass, with a Presence control added on top1. For output, the pedal is loaded with a balanced DI out, which Providence says gives more flexibility in both live and recording environments1.
Controls
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| CLEAN LEVEL | Level for the clean voice |
| DRIVE LEVEL | Level for the drive voice |
| MIX | Blend of clean and drive |
| DRIVE GAIN | Amount of drive |
| BASS | Low EQ |
| MID | Mid EQ |
| MID FREQ | Center frequency of the mid control |
| TREBLE | High EQ |
| PRESENCE | Added presence band from the Dual Bass Station-based EQ1 |
| BYPASS/MUTE MODE SW | Selects bypass or mute behavior2 |
| BYPASS/MUTE-OFF SW | Switch next to the mid-freq control that assigns bypass or muting duties to the left-side footswitch3 |
| CLEAN-DRIVE SW | Switches between clean and drive voices |
| GND LIFT SW | Lifts ground, useful against hum on the DI output |
Bypass and mute
A mini toggle switch selects the mode when the pedal is bypassed. In Bypass mode it delivers the direct sound that bypasses the Vitalizer B circuit. Mute mode is ideal when the player switches or tunes instruments, according to Providence2. A separate switch next to the mid-freq control assigns bypass or muting duties to the left-side footswitch3.
Power
The BDI-1 runs on DC 12V2. Power is supplied using the included 12V adapter, which is boosted internally to 21V to increase dynamics and headroom3.
The BDI-1 is powered by the included 12V adapter3.
What reviewers said
In a 2021 roundup of bass OD, DI and preamp pedals, Premier Guitar's reviewer listed the BDI-1's pros as a "Highly responsive and tweakable midrange. Versatile, with smart mixing options. Low learning curve."3
Videos
MrExcane
Mister SEHAT Himself
BassTheWorld.com
Questions
Does the Providence Brick Drive BDI-1 have a DI output?
Yes. The BDI-1 has an XLR-type DI output alongside its 1/4-inch input and output jacks and a VZ THRU jack. Providence describes the balanced output as adding flexibility in both live and recording environments, so a bassist can send a signal straight to a mixing desk or interface while still feeding an amp on stage.
What power supply does the BDI-1 use?
The BDI-1 runs on a 12V DC supply, and Providence includes an adapter with the pedal. Premier Guitar's review notes that the 12V input is boosted internally to 21V, which the company says increases dynamics and headroom.
What does the bypass/mute switch do on the BDI-1?
A mini toggle switch selects what the pedal does when it is bypassed. In Bypass mode it delivers the direct sound that bypasses the Vitalizer B circuit. In Mute mode it silences the output, which Providence says is ideal when switching or tuning instruments. A separate switch assigns bypass or muting duties to the left-side footswitch.
How much does the Providence Brick Drive BDI-1 weigh?
Providence lists the weight as approximately 380 grams, with dimensions of 125 mm deep by 97 mm wide by 50 mm high.
What is the Vitalizer B circuit?
The Vitalizer B is a circuit on the input section of the BDI-1. Providence says it delivers a more vivid and clear sound by tightening up the bottom end that tends to get blurred with most other processors and effects. In Bypass mode the pedal delivers direct sound that bypasses the Vitalizer B circuit.
Sources (3)
- Providence Releases the Brick Drive BDI-1, Premier Guitar, 2016-06-16
- PROVIDENCE, Providence, 2026
- Bass OD/DI/Preamp Pedal Roundup, Premier Guitar, 2017-05-08