Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 6 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
4.5 (13)
$189.99
zZounds
4.0 (2)
$189.99
Thomann
4.9 (34)
$166.00 $165.00 $1.00 · All time low
Gear4Music
£165.00

Price History

Based on price data from 6 merchants for "Darkglass Electronics Tone Capsule". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

Product Name: Darkglass Electronics Tone Capsule

Product Category: Musical Instruments > Instrument Accessories > Guitar & Bass Accessories > Parts

Unleash the full sonic potential of your bass guitar with the Darkglass Electronics Tone Capsule. This unique onboard bass preamp is designed to amplify your instrument's natural character, while also expanding its tonal capabilities. Unlike traditional Treble control systems, the Tone Capsule offers Bass/Mid/High-Mid tone shaping, each with a +/-12dB range, providing you with unprecedented control over your sound. The Bass control is centered at 70Hz, giving your low-end notes a robust and powerful presence. Meanwhile, the Mid control is set at 500Hz, perfect for producing a growling midrange punch. The High-Mid control is set at 2.8kHz, allowing you to enhance clarity and articulation without introducing noise or unwanted highs. The result is a versatile preamp system that gives you the ability to craft your ideal bass sound with precision and ease.

Key Features:

  • Active preamp system designed specifically for electric bass guitar
  • Provides tone-shaping opportunities with a 3-band EQ (Bass 70Hz, Mid 500Hz, High-mid 2.8kHz)
  • High-mid control enhances presence and articulation without boosting unwanted noise or highs
  • Offers a +/-12dB range on all tone controls
  • Can operate with one or two 9-volt batteries (not included) for either 9-volt or 18-volt operation
  • Includes potentiometer for easy control adjustments

Owner's manual

Darkglass Electronics Tone Capsule User Manual

Product specs

Type Onboard Preamp
Instrument Bass
Active/Passive Active (9V / 18V)
Features Bass, Mid, Hi Mid controls

FAQs

What are the main controls on the Darkglass Tone Capsule preamp?

The Darkglass Tone Capsule features three main controls: Bass, Mid, and Hi Mid. These controls allow you to shape your bass tone with precision, focusing on enhancing low, mid, and high-mid frequencies.

Can the Darkglass Tone Capsule be powered with both 9V and 18V?

Yes, the Darkglass Tone Capsule can be powered with either 9V or 18V. Using 18V provides increased headroom, which can be beneficial for maintaining clarity at higher output levels.

Is the Darkglass Tone Capsule suitable for passive bass guitars?

The Darkglass Tone Capsule is designed for active use, meaning it requires a power source. It can be installed in both passive and active bass guitars, but the bass will need to be modified to accommodate the preamp's active circuitry.

What is the tonal impact of the Darkglass Tone Capsule on a bass guitar?

The Darkglass Tone Capsule enhances the tonal range of a bass guitar by providing detailed control over bass, mid, and high-mid frequencies. This allows for a wide variety of tonal adjustments, making it ideal for players seeking a versatile sound palette.

Does installing the Darkglass Tone Capsule require professional help?

While the Darkglass Tone Capsule can be installed by someone with experience in guitar electronics, it is recommended to seek professional help to ensure proper installation and optimal performance.

Darkglass Electronics

Darkglass Electronics

Tone Capsule Demo

Video thumbnail for Tone Capsule Demo by Darkglass Electronics

Tone Capsule Demo

Darkglass Electronics

Darkglass Electronics

Video thumbnail for Charvel San Dimas Preamp Swap - Installing the Darkglass Tone Capsule - LowEndLobster Fresh Look by LowEndLobster

Charvel San Dimas Preamp Swap - Installing the Darkglass Tone Capsule - LowEndLobster Fresh Look

LowEndLobster

LowEndLobster

Video thumbnail for Darkglass Electronics Tone Capsule  - onboard bass preamp demo by Alberto Rigoni

Darkglass Electronics Tone Capsule - onboard bass preamp demo

Alberto Rigoni

Alberto Rigoni

Video thumbnail for Darkglass Electronics Tone Capsule (onboard bass preamp) Demo by Alberto Rigoni

Darkglass Electronics Tone Capsule (onboard bass preamp) Demo

Alberto Rigoni

Alberto Rigoni

Video thumbnail for Darkglass Electronics Tone Capsule Unboxing + Demo 2020 (Scoundrel) by Scoundrel

Darkglass Electronics Tone Capsule Unboxing + Demo 2020 (Scoundrel)

Scoundrel

Scoundrel

Video thumbnail for Warwick + Darkglass Tone Capsule Combination by Tix Customs Ph

Warwick + Darkglass Tone Capsule Combination

Tix Customs Ph

Tix Customs Ph

Video thumbnail for Darkglass Tone Capsule Preamp by Baritone Cult

Darkglass Tone Capsule Preamp

Baritone Cult

Baritone Cult

Video thumbnail for Darkglass Tone Capsule 3 Band Preamp: What’s In The Box (A Close-Up Look) by Fat Bass Tone

Darkglass Tone Capsule 3 Band Preamp: What’s In The Box (A Close-Up Look)

Fat Bass Tone

Fat Bass Tone

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Darkglass Electronics Tone Capsule.

Features and functionality

  • The Tone Capsule only includes the board and three pots, lacking volume and blend controls.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Users suggest adding a concentric Noll 50k pot for bass and high-mid control.

    Source
  • Users recommend consulting a professional for converting a passive bass to active when adding the Tone Capsule, especially when incorporating multiple batteries.

    Source
  • One owner plans to pair the Tone Capsule with two Nordstrand pickups in a Modulus bass, indicating compatibility with high-end custom setups.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Contrast between the Tone Capsule and Seymour Duncan's complete wired package at the same price point.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The Tone Capsule pairs well with passive pickups on Dingwall basses, delivering exceptional sound.

    Source
  • The Tone Capsule has been successfully installed in Sterling by Music Man Stingray basses, where owners report positive experiences with the upgrade.

    Source

User experience

  • Installing the Tone Capsule improved sound on a bass with older passive PJ-style pickups.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Installing the Tone Capsule in a passive P-Bass requires adding a battery slot for the necessary 9V power supply.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 2 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
chrisdesign

The perfect preamp

The tone capsule saved my gig! The sound engineer refused to DI my Helix and insisted I run through a keyboard amp he mic’d up already. Short story shorter, I dialed in to a great tone with my tone capsule. The two mids and a bass are perfect, targeting the exact frequencies I need to modify on the fly. Also, the Q is wonderful. Cuts and boosts just sound right. I struggle to replicate them on a parametric EQ, and am thankful I have a tone capsule in my bass.

With these tones I can sculpt my sound really well, making my Thunderbird closer to a P-bass or Stingray. It will never be THE SAME, but it will be in close enough ball park for the audience not to care.

Genres:
From Gear Setup

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Alex Webster uses Darkglass Electronics Tone Capsule

Alex Webster

Bassist

Cannibal Corpse

...
Verified via YouTube

In this rig rundown Alex states that he uses the Darkglass Tone Capsule as the pre-amp in his bass.

See how Josh Gilbert uses Darkglass Electronics Tone Capsule

Josh Gilbert

Bassist

As I Lay Dying

...
Verified via YouTube

In the Premier Guitar's "Spiritbox Rig Rundown with Mike Stringer & Josh Gilbert" video, at the 41:20 mark, bassist Josh Gilbert demonstrates the use of the Darkglass Electronics Tone Capsule in his Charvel bass guitar.

See how Adam Swan uses Darkglass Electronics Tone Capsule

Adam Swan

Bassist

Monuments

...
Verified via Photo

Adam has a darkglass tone capusal in his mayones bass

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 Tone Capsule, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Community setups

Show yours
chrisdesign

chrisdesign

Gear IQ 4832

chrisdesign

chrisdesign

Gear IQ 4832

gravitron

gravitron

Gear IQ 127

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it’s the newer updated model, which sounds the same as far as i know

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