The Sadowsky SPB-2 is a bass preamp stompbox that hosts just the EQ section of its counterpart, the SPB-1. Sadowsky launched the SPB-1 and SPB-2 together in March 2020, bringing its instrument preamp electronics into pedal form. Both units can be used as an EQ boost or a DI box, which makes the SPB-2 a straightforward way to add treble and bass shaping, and a clean line to the front of house, from a pedalboard.1
Controls, power and connections
The SPB-2 keeps things simple: a Volume control plus Treble and Bass controls, with status LEDs showing when the pedal is engaged. The in/out jacks are mono, so it carries a single signal path rather than stereo channels.1
Power comes from a 9V battery or an optional 9V DC adapter, so it will run on a battery if you would rather not add a supply to your board.1
The SPB-2 and Sadowsky's preamp line
The SPB-2 sits alongside the SPB-1: where that pedal carries the fuller feature set, the SPB-2 hosts just the EQ section of its counterpart. It adds status LEDs and true bypass switching, and is available for $219.90. Players looking at the wider category will find the SPB-2 among preamp pedals, and it sits naturally with other bass pedals.1
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Questions
Is the Sadowsky SPB-2 true bypass?
Yes. Guitar World's announcement of the SPB-2 lists true bypass switching among the pedal's features, alongside status LEDs. That means the pedal's circuit is taken out of the signal path when it is off, so your bass's signal passes through untouched until you engage the preamp.
Can the Sadowsky SPB-2 run on a 9V battery?
Yes. According to Guitar World, both the SPB-1 and SPB-2 are powered via 9V battery operation or an optional 9V DC adapter, so a battery works if you would rather not add a power supply to your board.
Is the Sadowsky SPB-2 mono or stereo?
The SPB-2 is mono. Guitar World describes it as having mono in/out jacks, so it carries a single signal path in and out rather than separate left and right channels.
What is the difference between the Sadowsky SPB-1 and SPB-2?
The two pedals came out together in 2020. The SPB-2 hosts just the EQ section of its counterpart, the SPB-1, so it focuses on volume, treble and bass shaping. Both can be used as an EQ boost or a DI box.
Does the SPB-2 include a power adapter?
No. Guitar World's announcement describes the 9V DC adapter as optional, meaning the pedal runs on a 9V battery out of the box and an adapter is a separate purchase.
Sources (1)
- Get classic Sadowsky bass tone in a pedal with the company's new preamp stompboxes, Guitar World, 2020-03-02
