Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $249

High-end/Boutique

$70

$201+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

Experience the essence of Mesa/Boogie's legendary sound with the Mesa/Boogie Bass DI Preamp, a compact powerhouse that brings the formidable tone of the Subway D-800 directly to your pedalboard. Designed for bassists who demand versatile sound-shaping capabilities, this pedal-sized DI box offers an active 4-band EQ that lets you effortlessly sculpt your sound. Whether you’re aiming for a round, full-bodied tone or prefer the distinct character of a vintage scoop, the Voicing control and Deep switch provide ample options for tonal exploration.

Tailored for both passive and active pickups, the Mesa/Boogie Bass DI Preamp ensures seamless integration into any rig, thanks to its switchable input settings. The pedal's balanced XLR output is armed with Pre/Post, Line/Mic, and Ground-lift switches, offering flexibility to drive any power amplifier. Whether you're on stage or in the studio, this preamp is engineered to adapt, operating smoothly on both AC and battery power—automatically switching to battery if necessary.

Crafted with Mesa/Boogie’s renowned attention to detail and quality, the Subway Bass DI Preamp is more than just a tool; it's a gateway to the signature Mesa sound cherished by iconic musicians. Compact yet powerful, it’s the ultimate solution for bassists seeking professional-grade tone in a portable package.

Key Features:

  • Subway D-800 amp tone in a pedal-sized DI box
  • Active 4-band EQ for extensive sound shaping
  • Voicing control for flat to vintage-scooped tones
  • Deep switch for enhanced low-end
  • Switchable input settings for passive and active pickups
  • Balanced XLR output with Pre/Post, Line/Mic, and Ground-lift switches
  • Operates on AC or battery power, with automatic switching

Product specs

Brand Mesa Boogie
Model Subway Bass DI/Preamp
Finish Black
Year 2010s
Categories Bass Effect Pedals

FAQs

What kind of EQ options does the Mesa/Boogie Bass DI Preamp offer?

The Mesa/Boogie Bass DI Preamp features a fully active 4-band EQ with +/- 12dB of adjustment for Bass, Low-Mid, High-Mid, and Treble. Additionally, it includes a Deep Switch for enhanced low-end control.

Is the Mesa/Boogie Bass DI Preamp suitable for both active and passive basses?

Yes, the Mesa/Boogie Bass DI Preamp includes an Active/Passive switch, making it compatible with both active and passive bass guitars.

How does the Variable Voicing feature work on the Mesa/Boogie Bass DI Preamp?

The Variable Voicing control allows you to adjust from a flat response to a vintage scoop, providing flexibility in shaping your bass tone to fit different musical styles.

Can the Mesa/Boogie Bass DI Preamp be used for live performances?

Absolutely, the Mesa/Boogie Bass DI Preamp is designed for both live and studio use, offering robust tone-shaping capabilities and a durable build suitable for gigging musicians.

Does the Mesa/Boogie Bass DI Preamp include a master volume control?

Yes, it features a Master Volume control, allowing you to adjust the overall output level to suit your performance or recording needs.

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Reviews

PROS

  • Crystal clear clean sound enhances bass tone quality

  • Easy to dial in desired sound quickly

  • Versatile tone control for precise sound customization

  • Quality construction with high-end tonal characteristics

  • Effective with both high-end and budget guitars

CONS

  • Lacks an on/off switch, limiting convenience

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Mesa/Boogie Bass DI Preamp.

Features and functionality

  • The voicing knob on the Mesa/Boogie Subway Bass DI Preamp has a complex frequency response, with shifting frequencies rather than fixed settings.

    Source
  • The Mesa/Boogie Bass DI can be used with a power amp, making it versatile for small venues or jamming when a PA isn't available.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Users highlight the Mesa tone's versatility, comparable to the Carbine series, and integrate it predominantly into pedalboard setups for consistent sound coloring.

    Source
  • The preamp is favored for clean EQ when going direct to PA, aligning with a variety of music styles like R&B and indie.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners express satisfaction with direct engagement from Mesa's designer on community forums, adding value to the ownership experience.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The EBS Micro Bass is noted for its transparency, making it a suitable choice for those seeking just EQ without a tonal signature.

    Source
  • The Aguilar Tone Hammer has a practical EQ/boost/DI section but older models have a lip design issue with right-angled plugs, which has been resolved in newer versions.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Peter Spinazola uses Mesa/Boogie Bass DI Preamp

Peter Spinazola

Bassist

Fit for an Autopsy

...
Verified via Photo

Pete often uses a mesa subway bass di in his bass setup

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

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