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Average Price: $190

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$70

$201+

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Description

Dive into the sonic exploration with the Electro-Harmonix Enigma, a bass envelope filter that pushes the boundaries of your bass guitar's tone. From subtle sweeps to funky quacks, the Enigma invites you to sculpt your sound with unparalleled precision. Whether you're adding a touch of warmth or aiming for aggressive growls, its intuitive controls and added analog distortion footswitch unlock a spectrum of possibilities. Perfect for the bassist who seeks to stand out, the Enigma is your ticket to distinctiveness in a pedalboard-friendly package.

Key Features:

  • Analog distortion footswitch for adding character and grit.
  • Comprehensive control over your tone with Blend, Filter Mode, Attack, Decay, Start, Stop, and Q (Resonance).
  • Sensitivity adjustment to tailor the pedal's response to your playing dynamics.
  • Bypass footswitch for seamless integration into any setup.

Product specs

Brand Electro-Harmonix
Model Enigma: Q Balls Envelope Filter For Bass
Finish Green
Year 2009 - 2022
Categories Bass Effect Pedals, Filter and Wah Pedals

FAQs

Is the Electro-Harmonix Enigma suitable for both bass and guitar?

The Electro-Harmonix Enigma is specifically designed for bass guitars, optimizing its envelope filter effects to complement the lower frequencies of bass instruments.

What type of power supply does the Electro-Harmonix Enigma require?

The Electro-Harmonix Enigma requires a standard 9V DC power supply, which is typical for many pedalboards and ensures compatibility with most setups.

How does the Electro-Harmonix Enigma differ from other envelope filters?

The Enigma offers unique features like a switchable analog distortion circuit and extensive filter controls, providing bass players with a wide range of tonal possibilities beyond typical envelope filters.

Can the Electro-Harmonix Enigma be used in live performance settings?

Yes, the Enigma is well-suited for live performances, offering robust controls and a durable build that can handle the demands of gigging bassists.

Does the Electro-Harmonix Enigma work well with active bass pickups?

The Enigma is compatible with both passive and active bass pickups, allowing for versatile use across different bass guitar setups.

EHX

EHX

Electro-Harmonix Enigma Envelope Filter for Bass (Demo by Jack Conte)

Video thumbnail for Electro-Harmonix Enigma Envelope Filter for Bass (Demo by Jack Conte) by EHX

Electro-Harmonix Enigma Envelope Filter for Bass (Demo by Jack Conte)

EHX

EHX

Video thumbnail for Electro-Harmonix Enigma: Q Balls For Bass: More Balls Than This Headline Has Colons by gearwire

Electro-Harmonix Enigma: Q Balls For Bass: More Balls Than This Headline Has Colons

gearwire

gearwire

Video thumbnail for ELECTRO HARMONIX Enigma Q Balls by session

ELECTRO HARMONIX Enigma Q Balls

session

session

Video thumbnail for EHX Electro Harmonix Enigma Q Balls on Drums - stompbox pedal demo review by iamMANOLIS

EHX Electro Harmonix Enigma Q Balls on Drums - stompbox pedal demo review

iamMANOLIS

iamMANOLIS

Video thumbnail for Electro-Harmonix Enigma: Q Balls Bass Demo by The Bass Channel

Electro-Harmonix Enigma: Q Balls Bass Demo

The Bass Channel

The Bass Channel

Reviews

PROS

  • Versatile sound options, from practical to experimental

  • Durable build quality

  • Capable of creating unique synth bass sounds

  • Effective across a wide range of frequencies

  • Can also function as a fuzz pedal

  • Precise control over effects with sensitivity to playing dynamics

CONS

  • Steep learning curve for optimal use

  • Large footprint on pedalboard

  • Some features may be unnecessary for basic needs

  • Internal adjustment required for Distortion Gain / Trim

  • May need additional equipment (e.g., limiter, preamp) for best performance

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Electro-Harmonix Enigma.

Features and functionality

  • The Enigma Qballs for bass requires a 9.6V 200mA DC adapter, but a standard 9V supply may work as it's typically not voltage-sensitive.

    Source
  • The Enigma is more versatile than the MXR envelope filter but requires frequent adjustments, even in stable conditions, which some users find cumbersome.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • The original adapter is crucial for optimal performance, yet some users successfully use generic 9V power supplies with other EHX pedals like the Big Muff and POG2.

    Source

User experience

  • Despite the manufacturer's warning, owners report using non-standard adapters without issues, highlighting a potential flexibility in power requirements.

    Source
  • Owners note the Enigma's sound can be unstable, with environmental factors like weather affecting its performance, necessitating regular recalibration.

    Source
  • It's observed that EHX pedals, including the Enigma, often don't pair well with other brands like Boss or MXR, leading some users to stick exclusively to EHX setups.

    Source

Comparisons

  • One owner switched to an MXR envelope filter for its reliable 'set and forget' nature, despite the Enigma's broader tonal capabilities.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Electro-Harmonix Enigma Q-Balls Review: Bass Filter - Premier Guitar

premierguitar.com

The Electro-Harmonix Enigma: Q-Balls Bass Envelope Filter combines the best of the Q-Tron and Bass Balls for a funk powerhouse. With its sturdy build and extensive tweakability, this pedal offers a versatile range of sounds, from greasy funk to synth-like tones. The Enigma impresses with its noise-free operation, a rarity among its vintage counterparts, making it ideal for studio use. However, users should be cautious of potential speaker damage when pushing extreme settings. Overall, this pedal is a dream for funk enthusiasts seeking to enhance their sound with rich, dynamic textures.

positive

4.5 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 2 Ratings

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Bootsy Collins uses Electro-Harmonix Enigma

Bootsy Collins

Singer, Bassist

Funkadelic

...
Verified via YouTube

Featured in this November 15, 2011 video at 3:35.

See how Jack Conte uses Electro-Harmonix Enigma

Jack Conte

Guitarist, Music Producer

Scary Pockets

...
Verified via YouTube

Jack Conte did an official video to demonstrate the Electro-Harmonix Enigma Q-Balls For Bass.

See how Felipe Ilabaca uses Electro-Harmonix Enigma

Felipe Ilabaca

Singer, Bassist

Chancho en Piedra

...
Verified via Google

In a photo of Felipe Ilabaca's pedalboard, the Electro-Harmonix Enigma is visible, highlighting his use of this bass effects pedal.

See how Ashley Dzerigian uses Electro-Harmonix Enigma

Ashley Dzerigian

Bassist

Great Northern

...
Verified via Photo

Ashley Dzerigian showcases her evolving pedalboard on Instagram, highlighting the addition of the Electro-Harmonix Enigma bass effects pedal.

See how Philippe Bussonnet uses Electro-Harmonix Enigma

Philippe Bussonnet

Bassist

Magma

...
Verified via Photo

As seen on Nicolas Folmer's Twitter account: https://twitter.com/NicolasFolmer/status/1328743622964088834

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 Electro-Harmonix Enigma, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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2 alternative and related items for Electro-Harmonix Enigma, curated by the Equipboard community.

Electro-Harmonix Q-Tron

 

Vintage or Discontinued similar sound
Electro-Harmonix Bassballs Nano Envelope Filter

$72.00 - $85.30

cheaper alternative

An entirely different envelope filter, with the same onboard distortion as the Enigma.

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Gear Guides

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    Gear IQ 37552