Xotic Effects Bass BB Preamp

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$192.00 to $219.00 Price Tier: Standard

4.5 (7)

2 Critic Reviews

All time low price

Find out who is using Xotic Effects Bass BB

1 community setup

2 wishlisted

13 saved

Page last updated Jul 03, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 3 stores. Prices updated July 2, 2026.

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Reviews

Price

$219.00 $199.00 $20.00 · All time low

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5.0 (13)

$219.00 1 available New

$105.26 2 available Used

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4.8 (5)

$194.00 $192.00 $2.00 · All time low

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Average Price: $179

Standard/Professional

$70

$201+

Price Tier

In the Bass Effects Pedals category, Xotic Effects Bass BB Preamp is priced in the upper end of the Standard/Professional range. This is quality gear at a fair price point, suitable for beginners, hobbyists, and pros alike.

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 2 merchants for "Xotic Effects Bass BB Preamp". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

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Introducing the Xotic Effects Bass BB Preamp, a little powerhouse of versatility that brings a new level of control to bass players. This compact pedal packs a punch, offering everything from a clean, subtle boost to an overdriven distortion that can take your sound to the next level. The genius of this pedal lies in its two overlapping EQs, allowing for precision tonal shaping with up to 15dB of boost or cut. Experience the perfect blend of clarity and compression, ensuring that each note stands out while maintaining a smooth overall sound.

Key Features:

Distortion booster in a compact package
Offers a wide tonal range, from clean boost to overdriven distortion
Provides individual note clarity with a hint of compression
Two overlapping EQs for precise tonal shaping
Up to 15dB of boost or cut for enhanced sound modification

Product specs

Brand	Xotic
Model	Bass BB Preamp
Finish	Black
Year	2013
Made In	United States
Categories	Overdrive and Boost Pedals, Preamps

FAQs

What type of tone can I expect from the Xotic Effects Bass BB Preamp?: The Xotic Effects Bass BB Preamp provides a transparent boost with powerful overdrive capabilities, allowing you to retain your bass's natural tone while adding warmth and sustain.
Does the Xotic Effects Bass BB Preamp work well with active pickups?: Yes, the Bass BB Preamp is designed to work effectively with both active and passive pickups, offering versatile tone shaping and boosting options.
What are the EQ controls on the Xotic Effects Bass BB Preamp?: The Bass BB Preamp features an active 2-band EQ, allowing you to adjust bass and treble frequencies to shape your sound precisely.
Is the Xotic Effects Bass BB Preamp suitable for live performances?: Yes, the Bass BB Preamp is well-suited for live performances, providing consistent tone enhancement and dynamic control, making it ideal for gigging bassists.
Can the Xotic Effects Bass BB Preamp be used with a guitar?: While designed for bass, the Bass BB Preamp can also be used with electric guitars, offering similar tonal benefits and flexibility.

Videos

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Juanka Trujillo

Xotic Bass BB Preamp Tested on BASS

Juanka Trujillo

All About the Bass - Bass Muff & Mad Professor Blueberry Drive & Xotic BB Bass Preamp

Andertons Music Co

Interview with Ric Fierabracci Bass RC Booster and Bass BB Preamp,Nov 2008

Xotic Video

Steve Millhouse with Xotic Bass RC Booster and Bass BB Preamp

Xotic Video

Sean O'Bryan Smith with Xotic Effects Bass BB Preamp

Xotic Video

Xotic Bass BB Preamp [ Test Sound ]

Aon Panitmiller

Xotic Bass BB Preamp

JAM's Factory 1996

Reviews

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PROS

Optional 18v operation allows for more headroom
Great as a clean boost and fantastic distortion/drive
EQ is effective for shaping drive tones
Useful for recording direct
Sensible to playing dynamics
Smaller size compared to some alternatives
Versatile, suitable for punk and power-pop genres
Maintains great low end sound

CONS

Slight High Pass Filtering may limit low-end response
Middle settings of the EQ not neutral for some units

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Xotic Effects Bass BB Preamp.

Use cases and applications

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The Wampler Plexi Drive is noted for its versatility, stacking well with other drives while holding its own as a standalone low drive pedal.
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The BB Preamp is praised for its versatility, effectively working with a range of setups including Strat with EP Booster and HS Tele directly into the pedal.
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The BB Preamp MB variant includes a mid control, making it suitable for pushing amps from distorted to 80s metal territory.
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The Vertex SSS offers unique features for clean to slight breakup tones, including a clean knob that blends a compressed signal for added sustain.
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The Greer Lightspeed is highlighted for its ability to enhance any guitar's sound and perform exceptionally well in a band mix context.
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The pedal excels with single-coil pickups, maintaining dynamics better than humbuckers for lead guitar work with higher gain settings.
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Features and functionality

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It's noted that the gain increase beyond noon primarily adds compression rather than additional gain, requiring careful adjustment for desired drive.
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Owners note the BB Preamp provides a uniform boost across all frequencies with its flat EQ, maintaining the instrument's original profile.
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The BB Preamp's distortion is notably compressed, especially when the gain is increased past 9 o'clock, requiring careful dialing to find the sweet spot.
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Build quality

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The pedal's slick red case and robust build quality receive positive feedback from owners, contributing to its overall appeal.
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Comparisons

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Some users compare the EHX Crayon to the BB Preamp, citing it as a game changer and always-on pedal for similar tonal characteristics.
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The Oneder Old Blue v2 is praised for delivering exceptional light crunch tones into a clean amp, distinguishing it from other pedals in similar roles.
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The Tone City Kaffir Lime and Caline Orange Burst are mentioned as effective clones of the BB Preamp, offering similar sound characteristics.
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The TC Spark is considered a close alternative to the BB Preamp for some users, providing similar tonal qualities.
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User experience

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Users highlight the pedal's active EQ section for its ability to adjust low and high end frequencies on the fly, especially useful in psychedelic music contexts.
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Users find changing the overdrive pedal order, such as placing a Tube Screamer before the BB Preamp, introduces more overdrive without altering the tone significantly.
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Some owners experience noticeable white noise, which can be a dealbreaker if quiet operation is a priority.
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Value and pricing

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Purchasing the BB Preamp used for around $100 is highlighted as a great value, offering smooth tones and a satisfying low-end growl.
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Critic Reviews

🎸 🎛 Xotic Bass BB Preamp - Unbiased Sound Review

tonepedia.com

The Xotic Effects Bass BB Preamp offers bassists robust tone-shaping abilities with its straightforward design and four control knobs. It excels in providing a significant boost and customizing output to complement your instrument and musical context. However, its high price point is a notable downside, especially when compared to more affordable alternatives like the MXR Thump or DemonFX Microtube. While effective, the premium may not justify the cost for all, making it a choice worth considering but not without reservations.

neutral

Full Review

Xotic Effects ups the headroom as it gives its Bass BB Preamp pedal the V1.5 treatment | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

The Xotic Effects Bass BB Preamp V1.5 is a solid upgrade for bassists, adding useful features like the option to run at 9V or 18V for varied dynamic response. The pedal offers 15dB boost and cut on Treble and Bass, providing powerful tone shaping. While the cosmetic updates and power connection repositioning are minor, the enhanced headroom and versatile gain settings make it a standout choice for adding grit or a clean boost to your sound. However, it might not suit those seeking a fuzzier tone. Overall, a worthwhile investment for its $180 price.

positive

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4.5 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 7 Ratings

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