Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 2 stores. Prices updated .

Average Price: $300

High-end/Boutique

$70

$201+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Description

Unleash the power of your bass with the Darkglass Electronics Microtubes B7K Analog Bass PreAmp. This versatile beast is engineered with a unique hybrid JFET/CMOS gain circuit design, delivering the warmth of vintage bass tube amps. Its four-band EQ provides granular control over both low and high mids. With the addition of boost/attack switches, you can not only increase volume but also control bite and treble. From the iconic Ampeg to the classic Plexi overdriven sounds, the B7K offers a wide palette of tones while also offering enough tweakability to create your own unique sound. An indispensable addition to your rig, the B7K stands up to the demand for quality and versatility.

Key Features:

  • Hybrid JFET/CMOS gain circuit design
  • Four-band EQ with detailed control over low and high mids
  • Boost/attack switches for volume control and bite/treble adjustment
  • Able to emulate classic bass overdriven sounds from Ampegs to Plexis
  • Ample tweakability for creating unique sound

Product specs

Brand Darkglass Electronics
Model Microtubes B7K Analog Bass Preamp
Finish Black, Black with Beast Graphic, Silver with Joker Graphic
Year 2010s
Made In Finland
Categories Bass Effect Pedals, Preamps

FAQs

What type of sound can I expect from the Darkglass Microtubes B7K Preamp?

The Darkglass Microtubes B7K Preamp is known for delivering a versatile range of tones, from clean and transparent to aggressive and overdriven. It excels in enhancing the low-end punch and clarity, making it ideal for modern rock and metal bass tones.

How does the Darkglass Microtubes B7K handle different bass guitars?

The B7K is designed to work well with a variety of bass guitars, providing consistent tone shaping and overdrive capabilities. Its EQ and drive controls allow for customization to suit different basses and playing styles.

Can the Darkglass Microtubes B7K be used as a standalone DI?

Yes, the Darkglass Microtubes B7K can function as a standalone DI, making it suitable for both live performances and studio recordings. It features a balanced output for direct connection to mixers or audio interfaces.

Is the Darkglass Microtubes B7K suitable for slap bass techniques?

The B7K is well-suited for slap bass, thanks to its ability to maintain clarity and definition even with aggressive playing. Its EQ controls help accentuate the percussive elements of slap bass, enhancing the overall sound.

Does the Darkglass Microtubes B7K require a specific power supply?

The Darkglass Microtubes B7K requires a standard 9V DC power supply, with a center-negative plug. It is recommended to use a high-quality power supply to ensure optimal performance and noise-free operation.

MrExcane

MrExcane

Darkglass Electronics Microtubes B7K Bass Overdrive - BASS Demo

Video thumbnail for Darkglass Electronics Microtubes B7K Bass Overdrive - BASS Demo by MrExcane

Darkglass Electronics Microtubes B7K Bass Overdrive - BASS Demo

MrExcane

MrExcane

Video thumbnail for Does It Groove - Darkglass Microtubes B7K by Rob Chapman

Does It Groove - Darkglass Microtubes B7K

Rob Chapman

Rob Chapman

Video thumbnail for Darkglass Microtubes B7K Analog Bass Preamp - DEMO by Victor Hugo Targino

Darkglass Microtubes B7K Analog Bass Preamp - DEMO

Victor Hugo Targino

Victor Hugo Targino

Video thumbnail for Microtubes B7K Bass Preamp/DI demo by Will Davies by Darkglass Electronics

Microtubes B7K Bass Preamp/DI demo by Will Davies

Darkglass Electronics

Darkglass Electronics

Reviews

PROS

  • Shapes sound with versatile grind options without losing low-end

  • Extra outputs enhance signal chain and studio possibilities

  • Capable of bypassing the amp, ideal for home studios

  • Delivers a range of tones from clean to full distortion while maintaining clarity

  • 4-band EQ and blendable drive circuit for precise tone shaping

  • Retains fundamental signal and adds natural-sounding overdrive

  • Versatile for both subtle warmth and aggressive distortion

  • Useful for both live and studio settings, across genres

  • Can be paired with other pedals for enhanced tone

CONS

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Darkglass Electronics Microtubes B7K Analog Bass PreAmp.

Features and functionality

  • The B7K Ultra's switchable midrange frequency options allow for tailored tonal shaping, making it a standout feature for rock and metal bassists.

    Source
  • The B7K's EQ is noted for its ability to fix scoop issues from distortion, offering more tonal control compared to the VMT.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The EQ/preamp of the B7K is favored for tone sculpting and light drive, with users often boosting mids for a more cutting gain that punches through mixes.

    Source
  • The B7K Ultra excels in live settings; users recommend maximizing low and high mids to create a powerful presence in a jam room.

    Source
  • The B7K is suitable for hard rock, delivering a distinctive growl that complements aggressive playing styles.

    Source
  • Owners find the B7K's versatility extends beyond metal, suitable for genres requiring clean tone shaping or mild saturation like jazz and classic rock.

    Source
  • The B7K Ultra can replace an amp's preamp section, with users plugging directly into the effects return for a purer tone.

    Source
  • It's highlighted that the B7K Ultra is not just a metal-centric pedal, but also effective for clean genres, showcasing its broad applicability.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners note that the blend control is highly effective, allowing natural bass tones to mix with the pedal's effects without losing low end.

    Source
  • The VMT Deluxe is recommended for its comprehensive tone controls and integrated DI, beneficial for versatile playstyles across genres.

    Source
  • After owning the B7K Ultra for six months, users report its impressive range of tones, making it a staple despite having other reliable pedals.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Some users prefer the B7K Ultra over the B7K for its additional drive toggle, making mid-song adjustments more feasible.

    Source
  • The B7K is praised for its aggressive mid-range grind, particularly suited for heavy metal, contrasting with the VMT's vintage-voiced preamp ideal for funk and jazz tones.

    Source
  • Owners who tried both Darkglass and SansAmp note that the B7K Ultra offers more tonal versatility with its EQ compared to Tech21 models.

    Source
  • Some owners mention the B7K Ultra's specific distortion character as a "flavor of dirt" that fits their sound needs better than competitors.

    Source
Add

5.0 out of 5

Based on 6 Reviews and 38 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
dimas_agung

The tone what i need

This pedal is amazing, This pedal can make a low tone for My bass

Roles:
Genres:
cody_linder

The Pinnacle of Overdrive Pedals

If there was ever one pedal that I would never be without on my signal chain, this would definitely be it!

I've been using this pedal for about a year now and the tone I get from it is unparalleled to any pedal I've ever heard or played through. It respects the fundamental signal coming from your bass while adding a natural-sounding overdrive to the signal, giving a natural, non-synthetic sounding tone without sucking out the low frequencies. It's also rather versatile; you can be subtle with it and dial the drive back to get a warmer, more vintage-style tone. Or you can crank the drive to deliver a brutal assault of grinding distortion that modern rock and metal bassists tend to crave.

Lately I've been recording with the pedal's parallel output so I get a track of the sound of the B7K along with a clean DI track, and the recording sounds amazing. Worth a try, and you cannot even tell they're separate tracks, as the two separate tracks are synonymous with each other.

Either way, I highly recommend this pedal if you're looking for a top-of-the-line modern bass tone that you will be hard-pressed to find anywhere else. It's worth the money.

bennohoundsuk

a great recomendation.

A friend let me borrow his when I was gigging with my band at the time, he gave me a quick tutorial then away I went and apparently I had quite school boy face on me once I heard the distortion at full volume, that was certainly a night to remember, I like to use it along side the Sansamp and together they make a handsome tone!

Roles:
Genres:
thomasgrell

Grind Box Of The Gods!!

This is a pedal that has done wonderful things for both my live and studio tone. Its a great pedal to add a lovely subtle 'glassy' overtone to your bass, or full on distortion. It retains all your original tone and allows you to add the distortion on top. Its super for nearly any genre, and if the B7K is too modern for you, the Vintage Microtubes might be more your speed. I'm never getting rid of this pedal. Ever.

markkacandabass

Favorite all-around overdrive

I primarily use the B7K for fingerstyle passages. All around great OD.

jasper16

The must have Preamp

If you play bass get this preamp , no question

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Misha Mansoor uses Darkglass Electronics Microtubes B7K Analog Bass PreAmp

Misha Mansoor

Guitarist, Drummer

Periphery

...
Verified via Darkglass

"I am a big fan of gritty and distorted bass tones, but with all the other pedals that I have tried that you have to compromise low end fundamental to achieve well defined grit. The B7K is the first that manages to excel at both, and that's why it is my go-to studio pedal!"

See how Rex Brown uses Darkglass Electronics Microtubes B7K Analog Bass PreAmp

Rex Brown

Bassist

Pantera

...
Verified via Photo

A deleted user-uploaded photo showed Rex Brown's live rack setup, featuring the Darkglass Electronics Microtubes B7K Analog Bass PreAmp.

See how Adam Nolly Getgood uses Darkglass Electronics Microtubes B7K Analog Bass PreAmp

Adam Nolly Getgood

Guitarist, Bassist

Periphery

...
Verified via YouTube

Nolly talks about this pedal ("My absolute favourite boost pedal for bass") at 6 minutes and 28 seconds into the 'Gear Rundown - Nolly of Periphery - Live Rig 2013' video.

See how Tony Levin uses Darkglass Electronics Microtubes B7K Analog Bass PreAmp

Tony Levin

Bassist

King Crimson

...
Verified via reverb.com

Pictured in photo #4 of the referenced article.

See how Alex Webster uses Darkglass Electronics Microtubes B7K Analog Bass PreAmp

Alex Webster

Bassist

Cannibal Corpse

...
Verified via YouTube

At 0.36 "into a Darkglass microtubes B7K".

See how Alex Venturella uses Darkglass Electronics Microtubes B7K Analog Bass PreAmp

Alex Venturella

Guitarist, Bassist

Slipknot

...
Verified via Photo

In this photo taken directly from Alex Venturella's instagram, is a full view of Slipknot's newest bassist's pedal shelves. To the far left and far right is a Darkglass Microtubes B7K as well as the Darkglass Microtubes B3K.

See how Steve DiGiorgio uses Darkglass Electronics Microtubes B7K Analog Bass PreAmp

Steve DiGiorgio

Bassist

Death (Metal Band)

...
Verified via Twitter

In this photo from Steve's twitter post, a B7K and be seen in the bottom right corner

See how Kurt Ballou uses Darkglass Electronics Microtubes B7K Analog Bass PreAmp

Kurt Ballou

Guitarist, Music Producer

Converge

...
Verified via Photo

Kurt Ballou uses the Darkglass Electronics Microtubes B7K Analog Bass PreAmp, as indicated by an Instagram post from @godcitymusic captioned, "Rippin' some bass tracks with @nailstyranny @darkglasselectronics and @orangeamplifiers."

See how Clay Gober uses Darkglass Electronics Microtubes B7K Analog Bass PreAmp

Clay Gober

Bassist

Polyphia

...
Verified via YouTube

A visible yet blurry view of Clay's Darkglass B7K pedal appears around 1:20 of the video.

The pedal is also mentioned in Polyphia's AMA on Reddit's /r/progmetal subreddit as part of the answer regarding to the band's live setup. (Source: https://www.reddit.com/r/progmetal/comments/49we3j/when_this_post_is_30_minutes_polyphia_will_be/d0vfx1s)

See how Jeremy Davis uses Darkglass Electronics Microtubes B7K Analog Bass PreAmp

Jeremy Davis

Bassist

Paramore

...
Verified via YouTube

In this video from Paramore BR, the bassist of Paramore Jeremy David gives us a tour of his live gear. At this point in the video, he shows a selection of pedals on his rack shelf. In the back middle of this shelf is a Darkglass Electronics Microtubes B7K pedal.

See how Matt Kean uses Darkglass Electronics Microtubes B7K Analog Bass PreAmp

Matt Kean

Bassist

Bring Me The Horizon

...
Verified via YouTube

In the youtube video at 1:58 you can see Joey Black who is the guitar tech of bmth giving us a preview of the pedalboard that Matt Kean is using for his live rig. It's filmed during the Roskilde Festival 2016 and if you look at the bottom left corner you can see the darkglass preamp pedal.

See how Zack Merrick uses Darkglass Electronics Microtubes B7K Analog Bass PreAmp

Zack Merrick

Singer, Bassist

All Time Low

...
Verified via Photo

"And for the heavier stuff, Merrick goes direct into a Darkglass Electronics Microtubes B7K Analog Bass Preamp."

Album Usage

The Darkglass Electronics Microtubes B7K Analog Bass PreAmp has been featured on the following albums:

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Darkglass Electronics Microtubes B7K Analog Bass PreAmp, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Community setups

Show yours
aero_naut

aero_naut

Gear IQ 89

H

hopjumponetwo

Gear IQ 108

tdfaszy

tdfaszy

Gear IQ 72

4 alternative and related items for Darkglass Electronics Microtubes B7K Analog Bass PreAmp, curated by the Equipboard community.

Darkglass Electronics Microtubes B7K Ultra V2 Bass Preamp Pedal with Aux In

$415.00 - $499.99

high-end alternative

It’s the same pedal but more functions such as turning the distortion channel on and off

Darkglass Electronics Microtubes B3K V2 CMOS Bass Overdrive

$209.00 - $259.99

similar sound

Is the same drive circuit but less functions to tween your tone

Darkglass Electronics Microtubes B7K V2

$319.00 - $399.99

newer

The updated version of this pedal, overall pretty similar

More Darkglass Electronics Bass Effects Pedals

Accessories & Related Items

Gear Guides