What it does
The BB Preamp MB works as a boost and overdrive in one box. Its five controls cover gain, midrange, treble, bass and overall level, with the Mid Boost knob being the Custom Shop's addition over the stock BB Preamp1.
The circuit's background matters to players who know the pedalboard shorthand. Karlsson is clear that the BB Preamp is not Blues Breaker derived, but rather Tube Screamer derived with an extra gain stage and better EQ1. In practice that places it among overdrive-flavored boosts rather than the transparent clean-boost style of pedals like the EP Booster.
What reviewers said
Karlsson's verdict on the pedal was warm:
"it really sounds superb. It'a proper Harmonic Overdrive with a really gorgeous texture and has similar dynamics to the"
He compared its overall sound and dynamics to the Boss BD-2, describing it as a proper harmonic overdrive with gorgeous texture1.
Buying one today
Because the pedal is discontinued, the second-hand market is the route. Karlsson noted paying $192 for an Excellent condition second-hand example1. Players after a current Xotic compact boost or drive can look instead to the pedals Xotic still sells, such as the RC Booster V2 and Soul Driven OD, or the larger EP-Pro Preamp Boost & Volume.
Videos
ProGuitarShopDemos
Prymaxe
Xotic Video
Sources (1)
- Guitar Pedal X, Guitar Pedal X, 2023-05-17
