The Xotic BBP-MB is a bass preamp pedal that takes the BB Preamp circuit and adds a dedicated mid-boost control. Xotic's manual describes it as taking "the renowned BB-preamp to the next level," adding more aggressive bite to the sound with up to +12dB of mid-treble boost1. It sits in the BB family alongside the Xotic BB Preamp, the BB Preamp v 1.5 and the BBP-COMP, and belongs to the wider field of preamp pedals and bass pedals.
What it does
The BBP-MB is built around the BB Preamp, a boost and preamp design Xotic has made in several forms. What sets the BBP-MB apart is the mid-boost control: Xotic's manual describes it as "adding more aggressive 'bite' to your sound and up to +12dB of mid-treble boost"1. The manual also notes that with the mid control set at 9 o'clock, the pedal covers the tones of the standard BB Preamp, so the extra control can be dialed back to familiar BB territory1.
Beyond the mid control, the pedal carries the treble and bass controls of the BB design. Xotic's manual gives the treble and bass control range as 90Hz to 10kHz, 15dB to -15dB, with 1.5kHz and 500Hz points1. A gain control knob shapes the drive into the preamp1.
Controls
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Gain | Gain control knob for the preamp's drive1 |
| Treble | Part of the treble and bass range of 90Hz to 10kHz, 15dB to -15dB1 |
| Bass | Part of the treble and bass range, with a 500Hz point1 |
| Mid boost | Up to +12dB of mid-treble boost; at 9 o'clock it matches the standard BB Preamp1 |
Power and battery
The BBP-MB runs on 9VDC with a power consumption of 15mA (max)1. The DC jack is 2.1mm x 5.5mm with negative center, and Xotic's manual specifies negative tips, with a regulated adapter recommended1. Adapters the manual names as compatible include the Boss PSA, Ibanez AC109, Dunlop Brick, Voodoo Labs and 1-spot1.
The pedal also takes one 9VDC (006P) battery, with approximately 40 hours of continuous use from an alkaline battery1. The manual advises unplugging the output jack when the pedal is not in use for a longer battery life1.
The BBP-MB draws 15mA (max) according to its manual1, which is more than the 6mA Xotic lists for the standard BB Preamp2 and the Bass BB Preamp V1.53. Check the current draw budget when sharing a daisy-chain supply with other pedals.
Connections and impedance
The BBP-MB has an input jack with a nominal input of -20dB and an output jack1. Its input impedance is 1M ohm and its output impedance is 2K ohm, figures from Xotic's manual1. Switching is true bypass, so the preamp circuit is out of the signal path when the pedal is off1.
Relationship to the BB Preamp
The BBP-MB is a variant of the BB Preamp, and Xotic's manual presents it as the BB circuit taken further with the mid-boost control1. The standard BB Preamp is listed by Xotic at 9VDC with 6mA power consumption2, and the current V1.5 versions of the BB Preamp and the Bass BB Preamp keep the 9VDC/6mA figure with true bypass switching3. The BB Preamp V1.5 can be used with an optional AC adaptor or a 9V battery4. Players who want the BB sound without the mid control have those versions; the BBP-MB is the one in the family with the dedicated mid-boost.
Videos
The Official Xotic Guitars and Effects Channel
Prymaxe
Questions
Does the Xotic BBP-MB run on a battery?
Yes. The BBP-MB takes one 9VDC (006P) battery, and Xotic's manual lists roughly 40 hours of continuous use with an alkaline battery. To preserve battery life, the manual advises unplugging the output jack when the pedal is not in use. It can also be powered from a 9V DC adapter with a negative center pin.
How long does a battery last in the BBP-MB?
Xotic's manual gives approximately 40 hours of continuous use with an alkaline battery. The manual also notes that unplugging the output jack when the pedal is not in use gives a longer battery life.
Is the Xotic BBP-MB true bypass?
Yes. Xotic's manual specifies True Bypass Switching, so when the pedal is off, the signal passes through without the preamp circuit in the path.
What is the BBP-MB power polarity?
The BBP-MB uses a 2.1mm x 5.5mm DC jack at 9VDC with negative center. Xotic's manual specifies negative tips and recommends a regulated adapter. Compatible adapters named in the manual include the Boss PSA, Ibanez AC109, Dunlop Brick, Voodoo Labs and 1-spot.
How much mid boost does the BBP-MB give?
Xotic's manual describes the mid-boost control as adding up to +12dB of mid-treble boost, bringing more aggressive bite to the sound. The manual also states that with the mid control set at 9 o'clock, the pedal covers the tones of the standard BB Preamp.
Is the BBP-MB a bass or guitar pedal?
The BBP-MB is a bass preamp pedal. It is a variant of Xotic's BB Preamp, built for bass players who want the BB circuit with an added mid-boost control.
Sources (4)
- Sparker 全容, Xotic Effects USA, 2023
- BB Preamp, Xotic California
- Bass BB Preamp V1.5, Xotic, 2025-10-01
- BB Preamp V1.5, Xotic, 2025-10-01
