Pricing and availability
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Average Price: $81
Standard/Professional
$70
$201+
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Price History
Based on price data from 1 merchant for "Harley Benton Custom Line Bass DI-Expander". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 7, 2026.
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Description
Unleash the full potential of your bass with the Harley Benton Custom Line Bass DI-Expander. This dynamic pedal is more than just a preamp; it’s a comprehensive toolkit for bassists who demand precision and versatility. Crafted to perfection, it features an active DI with an onboard compressor, allowing you to sculpt your sound with pinpoint accuracy. Whether you're on stage or in the studio, you’ll appreciate the true bypass design that maintains your tone integrity when the pedal is not in use.
The Custom Line Bass DI-Expander is equipped with a robust range of controls including Gain, Bass, Middle, Freq, Treble, Blend, and Volume, providing a wide spectrum of tonal possibilities. The addition of a Comp and Threshold DI Switch with Ground/Lift capabilities ensures that your sound remains clean and noise-free. This pedal is designed to adapt to any situation with its input switch (0dB / -10dB), multiple connectivity options including jack input, thru jack input, line in, jack output, headphone output, and balanced DI output via XLR.
Power it up with a 9V battery or an external power supply, and you’re ready to set the stage ablaze. The Harley Benton Custom Line Bass DI-Expander is your go-to pedal for a versatile, reliable, and high-quality bass performance.
Key Features:
- Active bass preamp / DI pedal with compressor
- True bypass for uncolored sound
- Comprehensive control set: Gain, Bass, Middle, Freq, Treble, Blend, Volume, Comp, Threshold DI Switch
- Input switch: (0dB / -10dB)
- Connectivity: jack input, thru jack input, line in, jack output, headphone output, balanced DI output via XLR
- Power supply options: 9V battery or 9V power supply unit (not included)
Owner's manual
Harley Benton Custom Line Bass DI-Expander User ManualProduct specs
| Available since | June 2017 |
| Effect Types | Preamp |
| Design | Floor Effects Pedal |
| Headphone Output | 1 |
| Direct Out | 1 |
FAQs
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What is the primary function of the Harley Benton Custom Line Bass DI-Expander?
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The Harley Benton Custom Line Bass DI-Expander serves as a preamp and DI box for bass guitars, offering tone shaping and direct output capabilities for live performance and recording.
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Does the Harley Benton Custom Line Bass DI-Expander have a headphone output?
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Yes, the Harley Benton Custom Line Bass DI-Expander includes a headphone output, allowing for direct monitoring during practice or silent sessions.
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Can the Harley Benton Custom Line Bass DI-Expander be used in a live performance setting?
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Absolutely, the Harley Benton Custom Line Bass DI-Expander is designed for both live and studio use, providing a direct output for connecting to PA systems or recording equipment.
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What type of effect does the Harley Benton Custom Line Bass DI-Expander provide?
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The Harley Benton Custom Line Bass DI-Expander functions primarily as a preamp, enhancing and shaping the bass guitar's tone before it reaches an amplifier or recording interface.
Videos
BassTheWorld.com
Harley Benton BASS Preamp Test!
Reviews
PROS
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Affordable, offering good value for money
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In-built equalizer with parametric mids enhances tone shaping
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Features a basic, yet effective compressor
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Balanced output appreciated by sound engineers for easy setup
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Headphone and player inputs facilitate quiet practice
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Durable metal casing survives drops and impacts
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Can simultaneously record multiple tracks, offering versatility in recording
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Intuitive controls and EQ make tone adjustment straightforward
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Acts as a functional DI box for XLR output conversion
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Can be used without an amplifier, directly into PA systems for live performances
CONS
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Compressor's tone quality may not satisfy all users
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The blend controller is deemed unnecessary by some bass players
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Requires a screwdriver for battery replacement, which can be inconvenient
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Power draw from batteries is high, necessitating frequent replacements or an optional DC adapter
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Gain clipping for distortion not recommended, limiting overdrive options
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Harley Benton Custom Line Bass DI-Expander.
Features and functionality
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The Harley Benton Custom Line Bass DI-Expander includes both a headphone out and an aux line in, making it versatile for silent practice.
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Unlike some alternatives, the Electro Harmonix Battalion lacks an aux input, potentially limiting its practice applications.
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The Harley Benton Custom Line Bass DI-Expander is praised for having an effective built-in compressor, which is often highlighted as a key feature by users.
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Comparisons
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The Ampeg SCR-DI is noted for its fantastic sound, aligning with users who prefer Ampeg's tonal characteristics.
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The EBS Microbass 3 is described as both transparent and characterful, offering versatility that might appeal to players seeking varied tonal options.
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Users often compare the Harley Benton DI-Expander favorably to more expensive DI options, noting its competitive performance in live settings.
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Use cases and applications
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It's been noted that the DI-Expander's headphone output is highly valued for silent practice, particularly in small apartment settings.
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Mods and upgrades
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Some owners suggest pairing the DI-Expander with a Caline Wine Cellar for enhanced tonal versatility without significant additional cost.
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4.0 out of 5
Based on 1 Review and 1 Rating
135
Great practice and DI pedal
This was a good one stop shop for improving my practice and recording game. I still use one on my pedal board in case I need to reduce a frequency for feedback. As a DI box it is great, I think I'd be happier if the volume and gain could boost the signal, instead I need to be wary that I'm not clipping through this pedal before my signal gets to the house/PA, so I'm taking a star here.
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 Harley Benton Custom Line Bass DI-Expander, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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