The Ultrawave Multiband Bass Processor is a pedal from Source Audio, released on March 22, 2021 alongside its guitar-oriented sibling, the Ultrawave Multiband Processor1. It is a multiband processor: rather than applying one effect to the whole signal, it splits the sound into frequency bands and treats each band separately, which is what sets it apart from a conventional distortion, compressor or EQ pedal2.
What it does
Source Audio's press release, quoted by Bass Gear Magazine, describes the approach: "Through the combination of band-splitting, exotic distortion curves, multi-band tremolo, compression, morphing, and flex". In practice that means effects that would normally color the entire signal can be applied to only the low, mid or high part of a bass tone, so a distorted top end can sit alongside a clean low end, for example. The company positions it as an open-ended tool: "the Ultrawave opens doors to a wide range of new sounds for guitar, bass, and synthesizer"1.
"Today is the day… We have finally released the Ultrawave Multiband Processor and Ultrawave Multiband Bass Processor."
Both pedals were released on March 22, 20211.
The pedals were designed by Source Audio's Chief Scientist, Bob Chidlaw2. The Ultrawave line sits in a maker catalog that also includes the Soundblox 2 MANTA Bass Filter, the AfterShock Bass Distortion and the ZIO Analog Bass Preamp + DI, and it belongs to the broader family of bass pedals and multi-effects pedals.
The related EQ2
Guitar World's reviewer Trevor Curwen also looked at the EQ2 Programmable EQ, a related Source Audio release that combines equalizer types in one box: "This is a combination graphic and parametric equalizer with 10 fully adjustable frequency bands." Its control layout runs "Encoder knob, Output, Select button, control input switch, Bypass footswitch," and Curwen noted that "There's also some shelving and high-pass options, noise gate, limiter and tuner"3. Players comparing multiband tone-shaping tools from the same maker will find the EQ2 covers detailed equalization, while the Ultrawave line extends the band-splitting idea into distortion, tremolo, compression and morphing23.
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Questions
What does the Source Audio Ultrawave Multiband Bass Processor do?
It is a multiband processor pedal: instead of applying one effect across the whole signal, it splits the sound into frequency bands and processes each band on its own. Source Audio says the combination of band-splitting, exotic distortion curves, multi-band tremolo, compression, morphing and flex opens doors to a wide range of new sounds for guitar, bass and synthesizer.
When did the Ultrawave Multiband Bass Processor come out?
Source Audio released the Ultrawave Multiband Processor and the Ultrawave Multiband Bass Processor together on March 22, 2021, according to the company's press release carried by Premier Guitar and Bass Gear Magazine. The pedals were designed by Source Audio's Chief Scientist Bob Chidlaw.
Sources (3)
- Source Audio Unveils the Ultrawave Multiband Processor, Premier Guitar, 2021-03-22
- The Ultrawave Multiband Processor & Ultrawave Multiband Bass Processor Have Arrived!!!, Bass Gear Magazine, 2021-03-18
- Source Audio EQ2 Ultrawave Multiband Processor review, Guitar World, 2021-11-12
