Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 8 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
4.5 (11)
$219.99 $209.99 $10.00
Guitar Center
5.0 (3)
$219.99
Amazon
4.4 (106)
$209.99
Reverb
5.0 (12)
$142.05 New
$121.92 Used
Musician's Friend
4.0 (39)
$219.99
Thomann
4.7 (60)
$166.00
Gear4Music
£154.00

Average Price: $189

Standard/Professional

$70

$201+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 5 merchants for "Boss BB-1X Bass Driver preamplifier". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

Elevate your bass tones with the Boss BB-1X Bass Driver, a premium stompbox that goes beyond the standard compact bass pedal. Designed to enhance and refine your sound, the BB-1X functions as a preamp, capturing the essence and subtle nuances of your bass, amp, and playing style. It emphasizes all their best characteristics without colorizing or drastically altering your sound.

Incorporating BOSS' latest MDP technology, the BB-1X delivers a wide range of superior sounds, from natural clean tones to heavy distortion. It adapts and responds to any playing style or register, preserving the high definition and dynamics reflected in the finest details of your sound. The BB-1X's natural-sounding distortion never muffles your low end, providing a clear sonic outline to enhance your sound.

With its Low, High, and Drive knobs, you have an extremely wide range of sound creation. These controls not only shape the frequencies but also change the characteristics of the tone. The Blend knob offers exceptional adjustability to dial in the perfect balance for your personal tone.

Also featured is a specially tuned Line Out jack, providing a newly crafted and enhanced direct sound for reaching larger audiences through a PA system. The "1X" in the BB-1X's name represents the pedal's premium look, sound, and feel. Whether you're defining your standard tone or spicing up your sound for soloing, the BB-1X Bass Driver is a must-have for every modern bassist.

Key Features:

  • Incorporates BOSS' latest MDP technology
  • Functions as a preamp and DI, enhancing and refining your entire sound
  • Delivers a wide range of superior sounds, from natural clean tones to heavy distortion
  • Low, High, and Drive knobs offer a wide range of sound creation
  • Blend knob allows for exceptional adjustability to dial in the perfect balance
  • Line Out jack provides a newly crafted and enhanced direct sound for reaching larger audiences through a PA system
  • Premium look, sound, and feel represented by the "1X" in the BB-1X's name

Owner's manual

Boss BB-1X Bass Driver preamplifier User Manual

Product specs

Pedal Type Overdrive
Inputs 1 x 1/4"
Outputs 2 x 1/4"
Power Source 9V DC power supply (sold separately)
Batteries 1 x 9V
Height 2.375"
Width 2.875"
Depth 5.125"
Weight 0.99 lbs,

FAQs

What type of overdrive does the Boss BB-1X Bass Driver provide?

The Boss BB-1X Bass Driver offers a transparent overdrive that enhances your bass tone without losing low-end frequencies, making it suitable for a wide range of musical styles.

Can the Boss BB-1X Bass Driver be used with active basses?

Yes, the Boss BB-1X Bass Driver is designed to work well with both active and passive basses, maintaining clarity and punch in your sound.

Does the Boss BB-1X Bass Driver have a direct output for recording?

Yes, the Boss BB-1X features two outputs, including a line-level output that can be used for direct recording or sending a clean signal to a mixing board.

What power options are available for the Boss BB-1X Bass Driver?

The Boss BB-1X can be powered by a 9V DC power supply (not included) or a 9V battery, providing flexibility for both stage and studio use.

Is the Boss BB-1X Bass Driver suitable for live performances?

Yes, the Boss BB-1X Bass Driver is built for live use with its sturdy construction and versatile outputs, making it an excellent choice for gigging bassists.

PMTVUK

PMTVUK

Boss BB-1X Bass Driver Full Pedal Demo

Video thumbnail for Boss BB-1X Bass Driver Full Pedal Demo by PMTVUK

Boss BB-1X Bass Driver Full Pedal Demo

PMTVUK

PMTVUK

Video thumbnail for 5 Bass Overdrives to Rule Them All! by Andertons Music Co

5 Bass Overdrives to Rule Them All!

Andertons Music Co

Andertons Music Co

Video thumbnail for NAMM 2015 Archive - BOSS BB-1X Bass Driver by Andertons Music Co

NAMM 2015 Archive - BOSS BB-1X Bass Driver

Andertons Music Co

Andertons Music Co

Video thumbnail for Boss BB-1X Bass Driver Demo by The Bass Channel

Boss BB-1X Bass Driver Demo

The Bass Channel

The Bass Channel

Video thumbnail for BOSS BB-1X Bass Driver featuring Will Lee by BOSSchannel

BOSS BB-1X Bass Driver featuring Will Lee

BOSSchannel

BOSSchannel

Video thumbnail for NAMM 2015: Boss BB-1x Bass Driver - Boss BB-1x Bass Driver Demo review at GAK by GAK

NAMM 2015: Boss BB-1x Bass Driver - Boss BB-1x Bass Driver Demo review at GAK

GAK

GAK

Video thumbnail for Boss BB-1X Bass Driver - Review & Demo by PMTVUK

Boss BB-1X Bass Driver - Review & Demo

PMTVUK

PMTVUK

Video thumbnail for BOSS BB-1X Bass Driver Pedal Demo by Sweetwater Sound by Sweetwater

BOSS BB-1X Bass Driver Pedal Demo by Sweetwater Sound

Sweetwater

Sweetwater

Video thumbnail for BOSS - BB-1X Bass Driver by Bass Stuff

BOSS - BB-1X Bass Driver

Bass Stuff

Bass Stuff

Video thumbnail for BOSS BB-1X Bass Driver Pedal - Sweetwater at Winter NAMM 2015 by Sweetwater

BOSS BB-1X Bass Driver Pedal - Sweetwater at Winter NAMM 2015

Sweetwater

Sweetwater

Video thumbnail for Boss BB-1X Bass Driver Effect Pedal - Review & Demo by cheers.com.au

Boss BB-1X Bass Driver Effect Pedal - Review & Demo

cheers.com.au

cheers.com.au

Reviews

PROS

  • Enhances tone without losing low end

  • Versatile overdrive/distortion tones

  • Adds harmonic content to bass sound

  • Fine-tunable effect, volume, and distortion levels

  • Can serve as a pre-amp

  • Durable, reliable over years of use

  • Maintains natural bass tone without over-saturation

  • Works well in a variety of music genres

  • Supports dynamic play, adjusting to string attack

CONS

  • No XLR output

  • High price point for some users

  • Chrome surface makes knob settings hard to see

  • Line output can introduce noise in certain setups

  • Drive might be considered weak for those seeking heavier distortion

  • Blending feature doesn't fully bypass effected sound

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Boss BB-1X Bass Driver preamplifier.

Comparisons

  • BB-1X offers a grainy, metallic, defined overdrive compared to the fuzz-like, wooly character of the ODB-3, which resembles a Big Muff with a blend control.

    Source
  • Despite lacking an XLR output like some competitors, the BB-1X is favored for its exceptional drive quality at lower settings.

    Source
  • Users find the high gain tone less desirable alone but effective in a mix, highlighting its mix-friendly nature.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The BB-1X is noted for its excellent recording performance using the line out, which features a cab sim effect that enhances mix integration.

    Source
  • Users find the BB-1X versatile across different settings, enhancing sound consistency regardless of the drive level.

    Source
  • With blend at 9:00 and drive between 10:00-11:00, the pedal is favored as an "almost always on" option for low-to-mid gain settings.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • BB-1X provides a distinct preamp sound with a defined character, differing significantly from the more aggressive, 'hot' overdrive of a Sansamp BDDI.

    Source
  • The BB-1X's TRS output is a balanced mono out, allowing the use of a TRS to XLR adapter for more flexible connectivity.

    Source
  • TRS DI output requires a converter cable due to lack of XLR, but is still considered effective for mix integration.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners of the BB-1X express strong satisfaction with its versatile sound capabilities, highlighting its unique tonal quality as a key advantage.

    Source
  • Owners appreciate the BB-1X for maintaining subtle breakup and crunch in the low end without making higher notes fizzy, even at varying dynamic ranges.

    Source
  • The BB-1X can enhance modulation effects by adding subtle saturation and sweetness when used with low gain settings.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Boss BB-1X Bass Drive

guitarinteractivemagazine.com

The Boss BB-1X Bass Driver stands out as a versatile tool for bassists seeking varied distortion tones, boasting a simple yet effective design. Its dual concentric controls allow for seamless blending of clean and distorted sounds, crucial for maintaining bass presence. The pedal's EQ section offers control over both low and high frequencies, enhancing tonal flexibility. While its balanced line-out with amp simulation is a standout feature, the lack of an XLR output might deter some. Overall, the BB-1X is a solid choice for those looking for both subtle warmth and aggressive drive, backed by Boss's reliable construction and warranty.

positive
Add

4.5 out of 5

Based on 3 Reviews and 16 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
graciebass

Great Tone, not enough distortion

A great pedal that gives some great tone, and the level/blend function is great for getting it just right. However, the Drive feels a bit weak, even when turned up to full. To get enough distortion, had to pair with another pedal

xlosvs

Great pedal, wish there was a stronger distortion.

The title says it all. It was brilliant, just wish for a more grittier distortion.

james_daniel_cooper

Incredible pedal, perfect bass tone

Allows you to have an unrivaled bass tone as you can drive it as far as you want without losing any of the lo

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Calum Hood uses Boss BB-1X Bass Driver preamplifier

Calum Hood

Singer, Guitarist

5 Seconds Of Summer

...
Verified via YouTube

I was looking to see whats pedals he uses and found this in EQUIPBOARD and and saw that he uses the same pedal i do the BB-1X Bass Driver (BLUE) you can see the pedal next to the boss chromatic tuner (White) minute 8:45

See how Nicole Row uses Boss BB-1X Bass Driver preamplifier

Nicole Row

Singer, Bassist

Panic! at the Disco

...
Verified via YouTube

In this video at 5:06, you can see her pedal board with the Boss Bass Driver next to the TU-3

See how David J uses Boss BB-1X Bass Driver preamplifier

David J

Bassist

Bauhaus

...
Verified via Photo

In this Instagram post of his 2023 pedalboard, you can see that he added a Boss BB-1X

See how Rimi Nishimoto uses Boss BB-1X Bass Driver preamplifier

Rimi Nishimoto

Singer, Bassist

Poppin'Party

...
Verified via Twitter

Rimi Nishimoto uses the Boss BB-1X Bass Driver, as mentioned in her Twitter update about preparations for the "No Girl No Cry" tour.

See how Will Lee uses Boss BB-1X Bass Driver preamplifier

Will Lee

Singer, Bassist

The Manhattan Transfer

...
Verified via bass-pedals.com

Listed under "WILL’S CURRENT FAVORITES".

See how Anna Sentina uses Boss BB-1X Bass Driver preamplifier

Anna Sentina

Bassist

...
Verified via YouTube

That's a video of her at NAMM 2015 trying the BOSS BB-1X Bass Driver.

See how Ed Nash uses Boss BB-1X Bass Driver preamplifier

Ed Nash

Bassist

Bombay Bicycle Club

...
Verified via Flickr

In this photo, which was taken during Bombay Bicycle Club's performance at the Casbah in 2012, Nash's pedalboard can be seen. One of the pedals visible is the Boss BB-1X Bass Driver.

See how Tony "The Demolition Man" Dolan uses Boss BB-1X Bass Driver preamplifier

Tony "The Demolition Man" Dolan

Singer, Bassist

Venom

...
Verified via Lordsofmetal

In an interview featured in Lords of Metal ezine, Tony "The Demolition Man" Dolan discusses his gear, including the Boss BB-1X Bass Driver.

See how Celso Pixinga uses Boss BB-1X Bass Driver preamplifier

Celso Pixinga

Bassist

...
Verified via YouTube

In these video Civilso Pixinga demonstrates further features of the Boss BB-1 video p, all video sharing his setup and various features the You EVerything, the, dump, real, setup, and Boss BB-1X video, CelAnti-Monitor, has, confirmed, bb- and- music gear publication, including: 55.

See how George Pajon, Jr. uses Boss BB-1X Bass Driver preamplifier

George Pajon, Jr.

Guitarist, Music Producer

Black Eyed Peas

...
Verified via Premier Guitar

In a rig rundown featured by Premier Guitar and authored by Tzvi Gluckin, it is confirmed that guitarist and music producer George Pajon, Jr. uses the Boss BB-1X Bass Driver preamplifier.

See how Jakob Tvilling Pless uses Boss BB-1X Bass Driver preamplifier

Jakob Tvilling Pless

Bassist

Iceage

...
Verified via Twitter

Photo taken at the Astoria in Vancouver, BC, Canada. June 12 2018

See how Ashkan Karimi uses Boss BB-1X Bass Driver preamplifier

Ashkan Karimi

Bassist, Composer

...
Verified via Photo

In this Instagram Photo, Ashkan Shared his new BB-1X Bass Driver.

Album Usage

The Boss BB-1X Bass Driver preamplifier has been featured on the following albums:

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Boss BB-1X Bass Driver preamplifier, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Community setups

Show yours
A

aaron_harmeling

Gear IQ 76

I

igor_blaszczyk

Gear IQ 96

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