Pricing and availability
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Average Price: $350
High-end/Boutique
$70
$201+
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Price History
Based on price data from 5 merchants for "Darkglass Electronics Microtubes X7 Bass Preamp". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
Darkglass Electronics Microtubes X7 Bass Preamp Pedal
Unleash the power of your bass guitar with the Darkglass Electronics Microtubes X7 Bass Preamp Pedal. This versatile bass preamp pedal offers a rich and full sound, perfect for musicians who crave aggressive and punchy tones. The secret to its dynamic range lies in the unique dual-filter design. Before driving your tone, the Microtubes X7 splits your signal into two, feeding it through two variable filters. This allows you to shape your sound, creating a unique drive tone that combines just the right amount of boom and bite.
With the 4-band graphic EQ, you can tweak your midrange character to perfection, ensuring your bass holds its own in any mix. A variety of routing options, including a direct output and parallel output, offer flexibility for both stage and studio use.
This pedal doesn't just distort your bass signal, it enhances it, providing a powerful, tight, and defined tone for any bass guitar.
Key Features:
- Bass preamp and overdrive pedal with a full, aggressive sound
- Split signal into 2 variable filters for tone shaping
- Lowpass-filtered signal remains clean for maximum punch and fundamental impact
- Highpass-filtered signal goes to the drive circuit for adding harmonic saturation
- Level controls for high and low filters allow you to create your ideal sonic combination
- 4-band graphic EQ with high- and low-shelving bands, 500Hz band, 1kHz band, and master level control
- Direct output and parallel output for flexible routing options
- Suitable for stage and studio use
Owner's manual
Darkglass Electronics Microtubes X7 Bass Preamp User ManualProduct specs
| Type | Bass Preamp with Overdrive |
| Form Factor | Pedal |
| EQ | 4-band EQ, Lowpass, Highpass |
| Inputs | 1 x 1/4" (instrument) |
| Outputs | 1 x 1/4" (main out), 1 x 1/4" (parallel out), 1 x XLR (direct out) |
| Power Source | 9V DC power supply (sold separately) |
| Power Usage | 70mA |
| Height | 1.81" |
| Width | 3.7" |
| Depth | 4.7" |
| Weight | 0.7 lbs. |
FAQs
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What kind of tones can I expect from the Darkglass Microtubes X7 for bass?
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The Darkglass Microtubes X7 offers a wide range of tones, from clean and punchy to aggressive and distorted, thanks to its versatile 4-band EQ and overdrive capabilities. It's particularly suited for modern rock and metal genres where a distinct, powerful bass presence is desired.
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Is the Darkglass Microtubes X7 suitable for live performances?
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Yes, the Darkglass Microtubes X7 is ideal for live performances, offering robust output options, including a direct XLR out for easy DI to a PA system, ensuring your bass tone is clear and powerful on stage.
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Does the Darkglass Microtubes X7 require a specific power supply?
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The Darkglass Microtubes X7 requires a 9V DC power supply with a minimum of 70mA. It's important to use a compatible power source to ensure optimal performance and avoid damage to the pedal.
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Can the Darkglass Microtubes X7 be used with other effects pedals?
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Absolutely, the Darkglass Microtubes X7 integrates well with other effects pedals, allowing for a wide range of tonal possibilities. Its parallel output can be used to split the signal, offering flexibility in pedalboard setups.
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What are the main connectivity options on the Darkglass Microtubes X7?
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The Darkglass Microtubes X7 features multiple connectivity options, including a 1/4" instrument input, a 1/4" main output, a 1/4" parallel output, and an XLR direct output, providing versatile routing options for both live and studio applications.
Videos
The Bass Channel
Darkglass Microtubes X7 Bass Demo
Reviews
PROS
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Quality build and sound, ideal for modern metal
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Clean signal blending with HPF, LPF, and EQ for versatile tones
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Excels in both live and studio settings
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Great for achieving huge clean lows and searing high end
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Retains big low end better than other overdrive options
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Replaces multiple pedals: EQ, compressor, chorus, and distortion
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Sharp and precise 12dB per octave EQ cut off rates
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Innovative distortion pedal allowing fine-tuned distortion EQ
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Works well with various bass pickups and setups
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Encourages experimenting with tonal possibilities
CONS
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May require a noise gate (decimate) to tame noise
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Not suited for those seeking vintage or fuzzed-out sounds
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Distortion character leans heavily towards modern metal
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Can be pricey compared to other pedals
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Learning curve; easy to dial in overly scooped or muffled sounds
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Darkglass Electronics Microtubes X7 Bass Preamp.
Features and functionality
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Owners report that the Low Level and Low Comp knobs on the distortion channel may intermittently stop working, affecting overall sound control.
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The Low Pass Filter knob is noted for potential functionality issues alongside other controls on the Microtubes X Ultra.
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The Microtubes X7 is noted for its wide gain range, from slightly gritty to gnarly distortion, but lacks cabinet emulation.
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User experience
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Some users experience a sudden volume loss over 5-7 seconds, which can temporarily resolve itself but may recur unpredictably.
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Darkglass customer support often requests a video demonstration of the issue for more efficient troubleshooting and resolution.
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Users with audio engineering knowledge find the complex adjustments manageable, though the pedal can initially feel overwhelming.
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Setup and maintenance
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Firmware updates via Darkglass Suite are a common troubleshooting step, though not always a definitive fix for functionality issues.
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Use cases and applications
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The pedal is praised for achieving a strong aggressive tone, suitable for recording purposes, despite its occasional technical issues.
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The pedal is favored for its transparent sound, making it a good partner to an amp rather than a complete replacement.
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While popular in metal, Darkglass products are versatile and also suit rock and other genres.
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Critic Reviews
5.0 out of 5
Based on 3 Reviews and 13 Ratings
Most useful bass drive I've ever played.
Having already owned a Darkglass OD, I took the plunge with this after finding it for almost half off on a clearance sale on a website going out of business, and man do I not regret it. Apart from having just a completely fantastic drive, it does the job it promises to do, to effectively give you studio quality sound by splitting your signal into clean compressed lows, and distorted highs. The graphic EQ and high and low pass filters are just cherries on top of the whole thing. You can do about any type of drive with this, without ever sacrificing low end.
104
EQing Distortion
An innovative distortion pedal. It's essentially a way to EQ Distortion. It's nice being able to get down and really fine tune your distortion to the sound you need. With the low and high-passes being able to go between grit, fuzz, or just some light distortion to highlight the punch the beef of the notes. Versatility is key for me and this pedal gives it.
Artist usage
Add artist
For years, Nolly has used the Darkglass B7K Ultra and B7K Ultra V2, however, more recently with the release of the new Darkglass Microtubes X and X7, Nolly has adapted these new types of distortion. Nolly can be seen with the X7 on his home studio desk while tracking the bass for Periphery 4, first recording a DI from his bass, then continuing to 're-amp' the bass through then X7.
Nolly talks about how he has had a consistant method of building his bass tone, yet he has achieved it in different ways. In the past Nolly has used the B7K and FabFilter Saturn to create his distortion tones, for Periphery 4, we'll hear the X7 - likely for the majority of the album.
In the YouTube video by Allforbass, Steve DiGiorgio discusses and demonstrates the Darkglass Electronics Microtubes X7 Bass Preamp Pedal, showcasing its features and his personal use of the gear.
In the "GEAR MASTERS" episode 304 by Digital Tour Bus, Tony Campos discusses and demonstrates his use of the Darkglass Electronics Microtubes X7 Bass Preamp Pedal from 5:00 to 8:00.
Thanks to Loren and Darkglass Electronics for these 2 new items on my pedalboard; The Microtube X7 and the Harmonic Booster !!! This formula is simple and effective with a big tone and bright while keeping the mids!!! 🔥🔥🔥 I strongly recommend these 2 items which facilitate playing in addition to the Super Symmetry Compressor that I had for 3 years now!👍👍👍
Kevin Otten uses the Darkglass Electronics Microtubes X7 Bass Preamp Pedal as a direct input to the front of house during live performances. Meanwhile, he employs a B7K for his amplifier setup. This setup is detailed in Perry Bean's "Rig Rundown: Knocked Loose" on Premier Guitar.
Olivier Pinard shared on Instagram that he received a Darkglass Electronics Microtubes X7 Bass Preamp Pedal, expressing excitement to use it in the studio for Cattle Decapitation's new album.
In an Instagram post, Jared Smith showcases his tour rig, featuring the Darkglass Electronics Microtubes X7 Bass Preamp Pedal, highlighting its integration into his setup.
Rimi Nishimoto discusses her use of the Darkglass Electronics Microtubes X7 Bass Preamp Pedal on Twitter, mentioning its role in her setup for the Tour No Girl No Cry.
In this reddit thread, someone attending a concert from Yussef Dayes with Rocco Palladino on bass got this photo of his pedalboard which includes the Darkglass Microtubes X7 Bass Preamp Pedal. https://www.reddit.com/r/basspedals/comments/z46q3d/rocco_palladinos_gig_board/
Album Usage
The Darkglass Electronics Microtubes X7 Bass Preamp 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 Darkglass Electronics Microtubes X7 Bass Preamp, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
Community setups
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