The Rocktron Utopia B300 is a bass multi-effects floor processor, which Rocktron markets in its Utopia B Series of "Professional Guitar Systems" aimed at bass players. It combines four channels of tone shaping with effects, a built-in expression pedal and 128 user programmable presets in one floor unit, so a bassist can cover preamp-style tone shaping and effects from a single box rather than a board of individual bass pedals.1
At its core are four channels Rocktron names DEEP, NORM, BRITE and DIST, each backed by a 4-band EQ, with what the maker calls "full bandwidth effects" on top.2 The DIST channel covers drive territory that players would otherwise reach for separate overdrive or distortion pedals, while the EQ section handles the shaping a dedicated preamp or equalization pedal would do.
Channels, presets and control
The four channels give the B300 its basic architecture: DEEP, NORM, BRITE and DIST, each programmable and stored within the preset system.1 With 128 user programmable presets, every location is writable, so the unit can hold a full set's worth of sounds and recall them from the floor.1 Rocktron's product page demonstrates the presets in sound samples 1 through 12 played by Pascal Mulot.1
The built-in expression pedal is part of the chassis, and Rocktron adds an "extra External Expression controller pedal port" for connecting a second expression pedal.1 The front panel is built around what Rocktron describes as an easy-to-read Cool Blue LCD Display.2
Inputs, outputs and recording
The jack layout covers practice, stage and studio use:
| Jack | Type |
|---|---|
| Input | 1/4" mono, 1M Ohm input impedance2 |
| Outputs | 1/4" Left and Right, stereo2 |
| Headphone | 1/8" stereo, load impedance 32 Ohm min.2 |
| Aux input | 1/8" stereo2 |
| MIDI | MIDI in and MIDI out/thru1 |
| Expression | External expression controller pedal port1 |
For recording, Rocktron states the B300 "includes USB audio recording and playback connectivity," so it can pass audio to and from a computer over USB.1 The stereo 1/4-inch outputs feed an amp rig or a mixer in stereo, and the aux input plus headphone jack make it usable as a silent practice rig with a track playing alongside.2
Signal levels are specified as a maximum input of 0 dBu and a maximum output level of +4 dBu.2
Power, weight and build
Power is the one specification that shapes how the B300 fits into a rig: it requires 9VAC at 2.9A minimum.2
The B300 runs on 9 volts AC, not the 9V DC center-negative standard used by most pedalboard power supplies. It needs its own AC adapter and cannot be run from a typical DC daisy chain or isolated DC output.2
The chassis reflects the current draw. Rocktron describes a "rugged professional grade chassis and expression pedal made from metal," and the unit weighs 8.5lbs (3.85kg).2 Its footprint is 20 1/4" wide by 9" deep, with height depending on the expression pedal position: 3 1/4" tall with the toe down, 4 7/8" tall with the toe up (510mm x 228mm x 83mm or 124mm).2
Where it sits in the Utopia range
Rocktron's Utopia B Series shares some common hardware: the maker describes the series as featuring an easy-to-read Cool Blue LCD Display, and the B300 pairs that display with a rugged professional grade chassis and expression pedal made from metal.2 Within the series as presented by the maker, the B300 carries the four-channel architecture and the full jack set described above, including a ¼" mono input jack and a port for an external expression controller pedal.12
Videos
RocktronUSA
Questions
How many presets does the Rocktron Utopia B300 have?
The B300 includes 128 total user programmable presets, according to Rocktron's product page. That means every one of the 128 locations can be overwritten with your own settings, so you can store sounds for different basses, songs or venues and recall them from the floorboard during a set.
Does the Utopia B300 have MIDI?
Yes. Rocktron lists MIDI in and MIDI out/thru on the Utopia B300. With MIDI in, the processor can receive program changes and control messages from another device, and the out/thru jack passes MIDI data along to further gear in a chain.
Can the Utopia B300 record over USB?
Rocktron says the B300 includes USB audio recording and playback connectivity. That lets the processor pass audio to a computer for recording and play audio back through it, so it can sit between your bass and your recording software.
What power supply does the Utopia B300 use?
The Utopia B300 requires 9VAC at 2.9A minimum, per Rocktron's specifications. Because it runs on alternating current rather than the 9V DC that most pedal supplies deliver, it needs its own dedicated power adapter rather than a standard pedalboard power supply output.
How much does the Rocktron Utopia B300 weigh?
Rocktron lists the weight as 8.5lbs, or 3.85kg. That is the weight of a metal chassis floor unit with a built-in expression pedal, so it is heavier than a single effects pedal but built to sit still underfoot on stage.
Does the Utopia B300 have a headphone output?
Yes. The B300 has a 1/8-inch stereo headphone jack with a minimum load impedance of 32 ohms, according to Rocktron. There is also a 1/8-inch stereo aux input, so you can feed in a track and play along through headphones.
Sources (2)
- Rocktron, Rocktron (www.rocktron.com), 2024-09-24
- Utopia B300 Bass Floor Processor, Rocktron, 2024-08-28
